OpenAI’s latest image generator for ChatGPT has sparked a wave of AI-generated memes and artwork, inspired by the beloved Studio Ghibli style. Known for creating iconic films like Princess Mononoke and My Neighbor Totoro, Studio Ghibli’s signature art has captivated audiences for decades.
Now, social media is flooded with Ghibli-style portraits, as users experiment with AI-generated versions of their friends, family, and even public figures. Brands have also jumped on the trend, incorporating this whimsical aesthetic into their promotional content.
Since its release, the AI-generated Ghibli images have gone viral, featuring everything from The Lord of the Rings scenes to Elon Musk with Donald Trump, and even controversial recreations of historical events.
Even OpenAI CEO Sam Altman joined in, updating his X profile picture to a Ghibli-style image of himself. He humorously wrote:
“>be me >grind for a decade trying to help make superintelligence to cure cancer or whatever >mostly no one cares for first 7.5 years, then for 2.5 years everyone hates you for everything >wake up one day to hundreds of messages: ‘look i made you into a twink ghibli style haha.’”
>be me
— Sam Altman (@sama) March 26, 2025
>grind for a decade trying to help make superintelligence to cure cancer or whatever
>mostly no one cares for first 7.5 years, then for 2.5 years everyone hates you for everything
>wake up one day to hundreds of messages: "look i made you into a twink ghibli style haha"
What is Ghibli Art?
Ghibli art is the distinctive animation style of Studio Ghibli, a Japanese animation studio founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki. The studio is known for its hand-drawn animation, emotionally rich storytelling, and breathtaking visuals.
Key Features of Ghibli Art:
- Hand-Painted Backgrounds – Lush landscapes, detailed cities, and nature-rich environments.
- Soft, Dreamy Aesthetic – Warm, watercolor-like colors with intricate detailing.
- Expressive Characters – Large, emotional eyes and fluid movements.
- Fantasy & Realism Blend – Magical elements seamlessly woven into real-world settings.
- Attention to Small Details – From food scenes to tiny environmental movements, everything feels alive.
The term Ghibli comes from an Arabic word meaning “hot desert wind”, symbolizing the studio’s bold and groundbreaking approach to animation.
Why Is This Trend So Popular?
The global anime fandom, particularly in the U.S., has driven the popularity of Ghibli-style AI art. According to CNBC TV18, 72% of Americans watch anime daily, making them highly receptive to this trend. The ability of OpenAI’s image generator to instantly create stunning, Ghibli-style artwork has only fueled the excitement.
Initially, this feature was available for free, but due to overwhelming demand, OpenAI has restricted access to premium users. The latest ChatGPT model, GPT-4o, powers this tool, allowing for highly detailed images with minimal input, something previously impossible.
Miyazaki’s Criticism of AI Art
As the trend went viral, an old 2016 video of Hayao Miyazaki resurfaced, showing his strong disapproval of AI-generated art. During an AI demo, he stated:
“I would never wish to incorporate this technology into my work at all. I strongly feel that this is an insult to life itself.”
Illustrator Jayd “Chira” Ait-Kaci also criticized the trend on Bluesky, saying:
“The trend is especially insidious and malicious because of how outspokenly scathing Miyazaki has been toward the tech.”
“It’s always about contempt for artists, every time.”
Ghibli Art Prompts You Can Try
Want to create your own Ghibli-inspired artwork? Try these fun prompts:
- “Turn a cozy cottage into a dreamy Ghibli-style illustration.”
- “Design a Ghibli-style character from a real person.”
- “Draw a bustling, magical marketplace in Ghibli style.”
- “Imagine yourself as a Ghibli film character—what would you look like?”
As AI art continues to evolve, the debate over its impact on traditional animation remains strong. But one thing is clear—the internet can’t get enough of Ghibli-style AI magic!
