The most relatable Studio Ghibli heroines, according to new survey

There’s no mistaking that Studio Ghibli movies feature some of the most amazing female characters that we’ve ever seen in all of the entertainment industry. All of these heroines often display many stellar attributes that make them immensely relatable such as their perseverance, their self-confidence, their goal-oriented minds, and their empathetic nature.

We aren’t the only ones who adore just how revolutionary these characters are because, according to Sora News 24‘s survey, many found themselves having much in common with ten wonderful characters.

Coming in at number 10 through 5 of our most relatable Studio Ghibli list are:

• Marnie (When Marnie Was There)
• Haru (The Cat Returns)
• Tie: Sheeta (Castle in the Sky) and Arrietty (The Secret World of Arrietty)
• San (Princess Mononoke)

Though this list is pretty stacked as is, the remaining five characters on this list are sure to blow your mind. Read on to find out who they are and why many often see themselves in these characters.

Most relatable Studio Ghibli heroines

5. Sophie Hatter (Howl’s Moving Castle)

Coming in at the fifth spot is Sophie Hatter from the 2004 film Howl’s Moving Castle!

Fans everywhere admired how she found confidence in herself after previously being someone who cared too much about what others thought about who she is and what she does. Sophie proved that anyone can change any aspect of themselves at any time especially if it must be done for that person to become a new and improved version of themselves.

In addition to her journey to find her self-worth, many love how strong-willed she is, proving that she will go to great lengths to create a happy ending for herself and the person she cherishes.

4.  Shizuku Tsukishima (Whisper of the Heart) 

The 1995 Whisper of the Heart is one that still holds a special place in fans’ hearts as it reminds us of the beauty that can be seen in literature and love. The one protagonist that we can thank for this beautiful reminder is none other than our heroine, Shizuku Tsukishima.

Shizuki is often scatterbrained, but she is also creative, inspiring, and a hopeless romantic at heart. Though these are all very relatable traits, what many love about Shizuku is the fact that she stayed true to herself throughout the movie, which lets audiences everywhere know that you don’t have to throw away your innermost parts to be loved by someone. (Such a powerful message!)

Without a doubt, Shizuku most certainly deserved a spot on this list, however, there is probably one name that you’ve been patiently waiting to see for a while now. Read on to find out if the person you’re thinking about is up next.

3. Chihiro Ogino (Spirited Away)

We couldn’t possibly mention heroines without mentioning our favorite girl Chihiro whose childlike curiosity is certainly something that many aspire to have as well.

Our Spirited Away protagonist is one that many were first exposed to diving into the magical world of Studio Ghibli films and is also the character that left a lasting impression on audiences everywhere. One fan, in particular, had this to say about why they relate to Chihiro the most:

"I’ve thought that Chihiro had a lot in common with me—a lanky, fraidy-cat beanpole of a kid—ever since I first saw her in the movie theater on opening day. I really admire how she gained a dignified strength through her adventure, and practically became a different person."

If our heroine from the 2001 award-winning film came in at the number three spot, then that means the remaining two characters are truly forces to be reckoned with. Read on to find out just who they are.

2. Kiki (Kiki’s Delivery Service)

Our runner-up is none other than Kiki from Kiki’s Delivery Service who still inspires young girls everywhere to have faith in themselves and trust that they have the strength within to overcome anything that they need to.

Throughout the 1989 film, we saw our protagonist dust herself off time and time again after failing to achieve small goals that she set to get her magical powers back.

Additionally, though she was often treated as an outcast, she was able to trust that she was, indeed, special and deserving to be around those who treated her like she was special. Because of her self-love, she was able to give herself a happy ending.

We can go on and on about what makes Kiki so remarkable, but here’s what a fan believed was Kiki’s most relatable quality:

"I felt like the way she persevered through her first time out in the city, her first job, her first encounters with people, and how she strove to do her best even while getting her feelings hurt resonated a lot with my own life."

To this day, there are many things that we can learn from Kiki as well as the rest of the heroines on the list. In speaking of, here’s the girl who took the top spot for the most relatable Studio Ghibli heroines!

1. Satsuki Kusakabe (My Neighbor Totoro)

Coming in at our top spot is our heroine Satsuki Kusakabe, the big, dependable sister shown in the 1988 film My Neighbor Totoro!

In addition to her being an individual who is reliable and brave, many praised her for her ability to stay courageous even if she was deathly afraid of the unknown. She put aside her fear to be there for her little sister and this really struck a chord with one fan.

"When I went to see My Neighbor Totoro, my own mother was sick in the hospital. I really felt a kinship with Satsuki for being in the same situation as me. I also thought it was really admirable how she did everything to protect Mei, despite being afraid!"

Satsuki is just as amazing now as she was back then and we can’t wait to see how future generations admire this stellar character another 33 years from now.

Though Satsuki currently holds that top spot, we know that all of these heroines have a place in our hearts. That’s just how great of a job Studio Ghibli does at writing well-rounded, empowering, and fierce female characters who inspire us every day.

Which character do you relate to the most? Let free to let us know who’s just like you in the comments below!