The Ghibli AI Portrait Trend: Escaping into a Soft World of Stillness, Story, and Sentimentality

A serene moment in nature, capturing the tranquility of a character in contemplation amidst lush, green fields under a vast, cloud-filled sky, reminiscent of a classic Ghibli scene

There’s a certain kind of magic that can only be found in the hush between words, the slow swirl of a tea kettle, the way light dances on a wooden floor in the early morning. This is the world of the Ghibli trend—a digital love letter to quiet beauty, whimsical interiors, and the profound comfort of nostalgia. It’s not just aesthetic; it’s an emotion.

What Is the Ghibli Trend?

Inspired by the enchanting worlds of Studio Ghibli films—My Neighbour Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle—the Ghibli trend captures a deeply romantic, almost folkloric sensibility. But it goes beyond mere visuals. It’s not about recreating an exact frame from the films. It’s about embodying the essence—the slow pace, the lived-in interiors, the reverence for nature, and the quiet magic woven into everyday life.

A tense encounter unfolds between Chihiro and No-Face in the mystical world of Spirited Away; image credits: Sourced from Studio Ghibli

Across TikTok and Instagram, “Ghibli core” content is blooming like wildflowers. People are styling their homes with vintage crockery, dried flowers, handmade quilts, and low wooden tables. They’re brewing herbal tea, cooking meals in sun-drenched kitchens, painting by the window, or simply sitting still with their cats—framing life itself as a cinematic moment

Why Is Everyone Creating Ghibli Moments?

The resurgence of this aesthetic isn’t random—it’s emotionally charged. After years of fast content, digital overwhelm, and the performative pressure of productivity, there’s a collective craving for stillness and softness. The Ghibli trend offers a kind of visual therapy. It evokes a gentler world where time moves slower, emotions run deeper, and beauty hides in the mundane.

For some, it’s a form of escapism—a way to romanticise real life while healing their inner child. For others, it’s about reclaiming time, presence, and peace in a world obsessed with hustle. In essence, Ghibli aesthetics gives permission to be soft.

A cosy, Ghibli-inspired illustration of a girl delightfully sitting at a table with freshly made pizzas, capturing the warmth and charm of a bustling pizzeria

It also taps into nostalgia—especially for millennials and Gen Z who grew up watching Studio Ghibli films. These were not just cartoons; they were portals into worlds where nature was sacred, food was poetry, and kindness was power.

How the Ghibli Trend Began

The seeds of this aesthetic were planted years ago in fan art, moodboards, and ambient “Ghibli lo-fi” YouTube videos.

But in early 2024, it bloomed into a full-blown trend—largely thanks to TikTok creators who began sharing slow, cottagecore-style routines under the “Ghibli” tag. Cosy night routines, ambient ASMR of rain on windows, and meals styled as they belong in a Hayao Miyazaki film.

Outside a bustling bakery, characters from "From Up on Poppy Hill" engage with the lively atmosphere of 1960s Japan, capturing a moment of everyday charm; image credits: Sourced from Studio Ghibli

The Times of India’s piece on the trend highlights how it “marries a romanticised version of mundane life with the visual language of Studio Ghibli,” giving rise to a new genre of digital storytelling where aesthetics meet emotion.

The Rise of Ghibli AI Portraits: Why Everyone Is “Ghiblifying” Themselves

Just as the trend began reshaping real life, it soon merged with digital tools. Enter: Ghibli-fied portraits.

A serene AI-crafted portrait captures a woman photographing a stunning seaside sunset, with a village silhouette and vibrant skies in the background.

All over Instagram and TikTok, people are uploading selfies and using AI—often via ChatGPT-powered prompts or image-generation tools like Midjourney or DALL·E—to transform themselves into characters straight out of a Studio Ghibli film. Think glowing skin, melancholic eyes, dreamy backdrops, and that signature watercolor softness.

But why are people doing it?

Because it’s more than just art. It’s a way of seeing yourself through a gentler, dreamier lens. In a world of hyper-edited selfies and sharp lines, Ghiblified portraits feel tender. Emotional. Like a version of you that lives in a world where time slows down, you bake bread with your grandmother, or talk to spirits in the forest.

A serene moment unfolds as two figures sit closely on a rocky shore, gazing at the endless ocean under a sky dotted with fluffy clouds, evoking a sense of tranquility and companionship.

It’s identity escapism—but poetic. It allows you to romanticise your own existence, and see yourself as part of a softer narrative.

And people are noticing. As one Redditor mused, “It’s actually made me want to check out some Ghibli movies.” That’s the power of this trend—it’s inviting a new generation into worlds where emotions aren’t just felt, but animated.

Still, the conversation isn’t without critique. Another Reddit user voiced concerns: “People on Twitter are using AI to mass-produce slop content with Ghibli aesthetic. If you’re engaging in this, stop stealing from artists…” The concern is valid—when algorithms imitate artistry, where do we draw the ethical line?

This duality is part of what makes the Ghibli trend so compelling. It’s not just about what we create—it’s about what we value. And whether AI should be a tool of expression or a shortcut to sentiment.

How to Ghiblify Yourself Using AI

Ghiblifying yourself isn’t just about visuals—it’s about turning a piece of you into a soft, nostalgic scene straight out of a dream. Here’s how to do it using current AI tools:

A serene moment in the rain with Totoro and a young girl sharing an umbrella at a quiet bus stop; image credits: Sourced from Studio Ghibli

1. Choose Your ToolYou can use AI platforms like:

• Bing Image Creator (powered by DALL·E 3) – free & easy

• Midjourney (via Discord – subscription needed)

• Artbreeder or Fotor AI Art Generator

• Chat Gpt Plus Subscription (to access image generation)

  
  

2. Upload Your Photo (if allowed)Some tools like Bing or Fotor allow image uploads.If the tool supports it:

• Upload a clear portrait of yourself (natural light works best)

• Choose a “creative” or “artistic” style mode

  
  

3. Type Your PromptUse a poetic, dreamy prompt like:

“Transform this image into a Studio Ghibli-style illustration: soft watercolour effect, warm light, nature in the background, peaceful expression, whimsical atmosphere.”

Or if you're not uploading an image, just describe yourself in the prompt:

“A portrait of a brown-eyed girl with long hair, wearing a soft dress, sitting in a sunny garden—Studio Ghibli animation style, hand-drawn, nostalgic mood.”

4. Edit (Optional)If the image feels too digital or sharp:

• Add a soft blur using an app like Canva or VSCO

• Layer with a paper texture for a more hand-drawn look

  
  

5. Save and Share

Once you're happy, save your image and pair it with a Ghibli-style caption—something slow, sentimental, or softly magical.

How to Ghiblify Your Real Life

You don’t need a sprawling countryside or a film budget. The Ghibli vibe is about feeling—not perfection.

Here are a few ways to bring this aesthetic into your everyday world:

• Curate corners with mismatched cushions, lace tablecloths, or dried lavender in glass jars.

• Slow down your mornings—make a simple breakfast, journal by the window, and water your plants.

• Cook with intention—choose seasonal ingredients, and plate your food like a love letter.

• Take analog breaks—read, paint, write letters. Live in scenes, not scrolls.

• Embrace quiet joy—notice light patterns, textures, scents, and sounds.

The Ghibli trend is less about mimicking a look and more about cultivating a feeling. A soft resistance. A whisper of wonder. It reminds us that beauty can be quiet, slow, and entirely ours.