It Is Best for Hayao Miyazaki to Never Make Sequels for Ghibli Films Because of an Important Lesson
- Ghibli films are perhaps the most aesthetically pleasing and well-rounded films in all of anime and movie history.
- But none of the Ghibli films have sequels tied to them, and this is perhaps a decision by Miyazaki himself.
- By choosing to not make sequels of his beloved stories, Miyazaki aims to teach a beautiful lesson about the essence of being able to let go of things.
Ghibli films have always excellently enchanted audiences with their spectacular sceneries, layered characters, and meaningful lessons. No other studio has been able to do this as well as the studio, which prefers to craft self-contained stories.
None of Miyazaki’s stories overstay their welcome in the form of sequels, and this choice to craft self-contained narratives with definite endings is crucial because it teaches us an important lesson.
Going full circle: It always ends
Whether it be Spirited Away or the relatively recent The Boy and the Heron, a Miyazaki film always mirrors the natural cycle of life. The protagonist embarks on a transformative journey, entering worlds and realms that are unknown to them.
They encounter several unknown beings, learn essential lessons, and grow as people. And when they reach the end of their path, they conclude their adventure and return home.
The protagonists always complete their journeys, and while they look back at them and carry the lessons they learned from them throughout their lives, they never try to return to the magical worlds. This trait of every Miyazaki story ensures that every story is unique, complete, and resonant.
The essence of life is that it goes on. No matter how many magical adventures you may have, you must return home at the end of the day.
This is why every Ghibli story protagonist feels alive. Being aware that their adventure cannot be relived, they enjoy it to the fullest. What is this, if not the perfect representation of life? An adventure that cannot be relived, but comes full circle nonetheless.
Ghibli’s emphasis on letting go
Ghibli’s stories do not get sequels, even when requested because they embrace the ideas of temporariness and letting things go. There is beauty in embracing a narrative in the grandest way possible and allowing it to disappear into the back of our minds like a dream.
The dream might have been enchanting, but if one refuses to let go of it, they will be unable to wake up. The bittersweet feeling left by Ghibli’s stories during their farewell is what makes them so unique.
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The stories teach us that every moment must be treasured and experienced to the fullest because they do not return once they are gone. Even when it seems like you may be able to enjoy it for a little longer, it is wise to see that once the moment is gone, it’s gone.
Just like Chihiro with her magical hair-tie, while one may be able to preserve certain aspects of the journey with them, reliving it is impossible.
This philosophy is at the center of every Ghibli story. By choosing to not extend his stories into unnecessary sequels, Miyazaki ensures that each film remains a unique, unrepeatable masterpiece. The reason why these adventures feel so special is because they end.
We believe that Miyazaki’s decision to avoid sequels in his work is a deliberate choice. By allowing the films to begin and end naturally, like life itself, Ghibli captures and reflects the very essence of what it means to be alive.
The purpose is to cherish every moment and the lesson is to never long for a quest that has been fulfilled. This is the true beauty of Miyazaki, which lets him craft such journeys.
