Fan-made trailer for My Neighbor Totoro turns the magical family adventure into a frightfest.
Even though the disturbing rumors about the “real” story behind the famed Studio Ghibli movie My Neighbor Totoro have been put to rest, it hasn’t stopped fans from re-imagining the film in a totally different light.
While this isn’t the first time fans have shown off a genre-swap for this much-loved animation, this particular trailer, uploaded by YouTuber Nobu Film, demonstrates the kind of atmosphere and mood you can achieve with the right music and a few filters.
Hand-picking just the right scenes that could be misinterpreted by viewers, the trailer changes the narrative from two girls who encounter a mythical creature to one of a giant grey monster that has a hunger for supple human flesh…
Nobu hasn’t only changed this Studio Ghibli children’s classic into a terrifying thriller, but Spirited Away and Ponyo as well.
▼ Why we should listen to kids when they get a bad feeling about a place.
https://twitter.com/nobu_llllllllll/status/711148498788352000
▼ Ponyo really, really, really loves Sousuke.
https://twitter.com/nobu_llllllllll/status/711861166914469888
My Neighbor Totoro and the rest will stand the test of time as classics, but if Studio Ghibli had made these versions instead, we’d still be lined up around the block to watch them.
Source: Twitter/@nobu_llllllllll
Top Image: YouTube/北の打ち達のぶ
World of My Neighbor Totoro stunningly recreated in Minecraft
New, hand-sewn My Neighbor Totoro tote bags make perfect additions to your Ghibli collection
Show off your love for Ponyo and Totoro’s Catbus with these Studio Ghibli baseball jackets
Totoro wants to be your ears’ neighbor with adorable embroidered Ghibli earrings
10 best Studio Ghibli anime, as picked by Japanese fans– Different ages have different answers
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Tokaido Lumière Express: Stay overnight inside the Shinkansen from Osaka to Tokyo
McDonald’s Japan reveals exclusive new Tsukimi moon viewing collection for 2026
Nike x One Piece collection brings Devil Fruits to sneakers and streetwear in Japan
Data suggests increased bear sightings have led to a decrease in mountain climbers across Japan
Nephew of Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki serves up Totoro Shaved Ice in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan adds new Customisation Bar to stores, with free ways to hack your food and drink orders
Ministop brings bulked up Okinawan-style rice balls to mainland Japan for one week only
Dragon Ball Z theme park, financed by Saudi Arabia, to be built in France
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Studio Ghibli unveils new interactive stationery dioramas that bring anime movies to life on your desk
Anime fans can now wear a Seiko watch inspired by Japan’s One Piece Shinkansen
7-Eleven Japan brings back best-selling flat croissant that became a hit on social media
Studio Ghibli composer Jo Hisaishi just set three Guinness Records
Foreign hiker on Mt. Fuji loses consciousness and dies, becoming climbing season’s second fatality
We recommend not buying one pack of Japan’s new convenience store corn soup-flavor fried chicken
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
Tokyo’s newest viral dessert is like a Japanese parfait inside a bread bun [Taste test]
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japanese vending machine sells freshly squeezed lemon juice with a futuristic light show
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Watch “My Neighbor Totoro” short sequel “Mei and the Kittenbus” at Studio Ghibli’s theatre
Anime feast! Ghibli fan recreates 47 animated dishes in mouthwatering video
My fridge neighbor Totoro – Ghibli’s new line of magnets brings anime magic to your home【Pics】
Beautiful Ghibli glass tableware invites Totoro and Ponyo to lunch and tea time this summer【Pics】
My Neighbour Totoro storyboards reveal secrets behind the Ghibli anime movie
Official My Neighbor Totoro cookbook teaches you to make Satsuki’s bento and other Ghibli meshi
Perfect Mother’s Day gift: My Neighbor Totoro-inspired “corn gift set”
Trailer for Totoro character designer’s new movie is a sampler of Ghibli’s best themes 【Video】
Live-action My Neighbor Totoro stage play starts this fall, composer Joe Hisaishi producing【Vid】
Luxury Spanish leather designer Loewe releases limited edition My Neighbor Totoro collection
My Neighbor Totoro tie pins and neckties are ready to be presents for your father (or yourself)
Huge new Ghibli chopstick series means you’ll always have company with your meals【Pics】
Studio Ghibli’s anime legacy lives on in latest trailer for Totoro designer’s new film 【Video】
New My Neighbor Totoro fashion bags and wallets save best surprise for what’s on the inside【Pics】
My Neighbor Totoro fruit and vegetable shop series meets your daily nutritional needs for cute