To this date, Spirited Away stands as one of the finest Studio Ghibli films. As an Oscar-winning movie, it reshaped the Japanese animation industry on the whole. Its blend of myth, fantasy, and adventure fits perfectly with its premise.

And like every Ghibli film, it is ridden with complexities and intricacies of its own. The spirit world wasn’t blanketed in magic and possibilities but rather an eye-opener of all sorts. Precisely why the film deserves its spin-off.

Chihiro and Haku in a still from the film | Credit: Studio Ghibli

While sequels and spin-offs are the next big thing, it is a hit-or-miss. This is true for most Hollywood films that completely miss the mark. The 2001 film, if done right, can address Chihiro’s life and journey beyond the spirit realm.

In retrospect, it also circles back to Ghibli’s spin-offs and adaptations of its notable opuses. From My Neighbor Totoro...