23 Quotes from Studio Ghibli Films That Teach Us a Thing or Two About Love

It’s the sweetest (or most bitter, depending on where you are in life) time of the year. Some of us have planned dates, but a lot will be preaching and practicing self-love.

Whether you’re spending Valentine's Day alone or with a special someone, it’s never a bad idea to turn to Studio Ghibli films to remember what love feels and looks like. A bit of warning though: Ghibli men, who are famous for raising the bar on love, might just steal your or your partner’s heart if you’re not too careful.

One thing that makes the Japanese animation film studio special is how it tells stories that don’t only portray the romantic kind of love.

“I’ve become skeptical of the unwritten rule that just because a boy and girl appear in the same feature, a romance must ensue,"said Hayao Miyazaki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli. "Rather, I want to portray a slightly different relationship, one where the two mutually inspire each other to live; if I’m able to, then perhaps I’ll be closer to portraying a true expression of love.”

Here are 26 Ghibli quotes that teach us a thing or two about all kinds of love—platonic, romantic, or in whatever other form it may take.

 

1| “A heart’s a heavy burden.” -Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

2| “Once you’ve met someone you never really forget them.” -Spirited Away (2001)

3| “One thing you can always count on is that hearts change.” -Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

4| “Sometimes you have to fight for the things that are worth fighting for.” -The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)

5| “Just follow your heart, and keep smiling.” -Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)

6| "Well, they say that happy women make a happy village.” -Princess Mononoke (1997)

7| “The world cannot live without love.” -Castle in the Sky (1986)

 

If you’ve seen its most popular films, you’d agree that Studio Ghibli has mastered the art of saying I love you without saying those three words.

 

8| “Don’t worry. I’ll wait here till you’re done.” -Whisper of the Heart (1995)

9|  “I don’t care if you’re a monster.” -Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

10| “I asked the spring to bring you, to me.” -The Wind Rises (2013)

11| “My heart is stronger now that you’re in it.” -The Secret World Of Arrietty (2010)

12| “Sophie, you are beautiful.” -Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

13| “Totoro, I beg you, please protect Mei. She'll be lost, and probably scared. Please believe me, I'll be good for the rest of my life if I can just see her again.” -My Neighbor Totoro

14| “I’ll keep holding your hand. You should sleep.”- The Wind Rises (2013)

15| “I’ve finally found someone I want to protect. You.” -Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

16| “Now go and don’t look back.”  – Spirited Away (2001)

17| “I guess we stop feeling how we feel. We’ll just have to go back to being friends.” -From Up On Poppy Hill (2011)

18| “I will wait for you even if it takes a hundred years.” The Wind Rises (2013)

19| “When I saw you, I just wanted to find a way to protect you.” -The Secret World Of Arrietty (2010)

20| “I read all kinds of books so my name would be on the cards before yours.” -Whisper of the Heart (1995)

21| “I don’t need anything. Please stay home with me.” -Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

22| “I love Ponyo whether she’s a fish, a human, or something in between.” -Ponyo (2008)

23| “I know it’s too soon, but will you marry me?” -Whisper of the Heart (1995)