Studio Ghibli’s enchanting animation style, known for its whimsical characters and breathtaking visuals, has found new life in the digital era. AI-generated “Ghiblified” portraits have taken social media by storm, captivating millions worldwide. From celebrities to politicians, people are sharing AI-transformed versions of themselves in the beloved studio’s signature aesthetic.
The sudden explosion of the “Ghiblified” portrait trend even caught the attention of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who humorously asked users to slow down, citing his team’s need for rest. But what sparked this viral phenomenon?
A key factor was Seattle-based software developer Grant Slatton, whose AI-generated Ghibli-style family portrait at the beach became an instant hit online. His playful tweet about sending AI-generated anime portraits to one’s spouse resonated with users, amassing 44,000 likes and an astonishing 46 million views, catapulting the trend into the mainstream.
While AI-generated Ghibli-style images existed prior to Slatton’s post, his viral tweet gave the trend unprecedented momentum. Following his post, social media saw a surge of users eager to transform their own photos into Ghibli-inspired art. Though Slatton did not create the AI tool himself, his tweet significantly contributed to the trend’s global reach.
As the trend gained traction, OpenAI responded by making its AI-powered image generation tool available to all ChatGPT users, including those on the free tier. Now, anyone can create a Ghibli-style portrait with ease:
AI-driven image editing has been around for some time, but recent advancements—such as ChatGPT’s enhanced image generation—have made these tools more accessible. Features that were once exclusive to paid users are now available to a broader audience, fueling the rapid expansion of the trend.
Additionally, other AI-powered platforms, such as xAI’s chatbot Grok 3, are gaining traction, offering users even more opportunities to experiment with Ghibli-inspired transformations.
For decades, Studio Ghibli has mesmerized audiences with masterpieces like Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Howl’s Moving Castle. Founded by animation legends Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, the studio’s distinctive hand-drawn artistry, soft color palettes, and imaginative worlds have inspired generations of artists. Now, thanks to AI, fans can personally experience Ghibli’s magic by transforming their own photos into stunning fantasy portraits reminiscent of Miyazaki’s beloved films.