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
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
World of My Neighbor Totoro stunningly recreated in Minecraft
Watch “My Neighbor Totoro” short sequel “Mei and the Kittenbus” at Studio Ghibli’s theatre
10 best Studio Ghibli anime, as picked by Japanese fans– Different ages have different answers
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
7-Eleven Japan’s new baked-in-store sweet treat is only available in three parts of the country
Starbucks Japan closing only Shinkansen platform branch for popularity-triggered renovations
McDonald’s Japan adds new Hello Kitty and Pompompurin drinks to the menu for a limited time
A Kyoto factory vending machine sells gourmet mystery meals at bargain prices
Two food hacks take Japan’s convenience store fried chicken to amazing new sandwich heights
Free Wi-Fi is coming to Mt. Fuji this summer
Tokyo turns its phone booths into free Wi-Fi hotspots, and here’s how to use them
Oodles of noodles! Udon chain pays homage to all 47 prefectures of Japan with 47 dishes【Photos】
Is Tokyo’s ultra-expensive Satsuki sweet bean bread worth it?【Taste test】
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Tokyo’s best museum for foreign travelers finally reopens after being closed for four years
Pokémon lacquerware series expands for Year of the Horse with new handcrafted design[Video]
Tokyo subway and almost all Tokyo train lines now accepting credit card tap payments
Totoro Fund line of beautiful artwork and apparel lets you help the real-world Totoro Forest
Fading Tokyo – Searching for signs of the Showa era as local neighborhoods evolve[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Studio Ghibli adds new My Neighbour Totoro 2026 Corn Gift to its anime store for Mother’s Day
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Totoro wants to be your ears’ neighbor with adorable embroidered Ghibli earrings
My fridge neighbor Totoro – Ghibli’s new line of magnets brings anime magic to your home【Pics】
Anime feast! Ghibli fan recreates 47 animated dishes in mouthwatering video
My Neighbour Totoro storyboards reveal secrets behind the Ghibli anime movie
Perfect Mother’s Day gift: My Neighbor Totoro-inspired “corn gift set”
Official My Neighbor Totoro cookbook teaches you to make Satsuki’s bento and other Ghibli meshi
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】
Beautiful Ghibli glass tableware invites Totoro and Ponyo to lunch and tea time this summer【Pics】
My Neighbor Totoro tie pins and neckties are ready to be presents for your father (or yourself)
Luxury Spanish leather designer Loewe releases limited edition My Neighbor Totoro collection
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】
Catbus from My Neighbor Totoro comes to life with ingenious lasercut paper set from Studio Ghibli
Totoro and Catbus sukajan is two iconic Japanese looks blended by a U.S. fashion brand【Photos】