
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’s new beer glass is designed to force you to drink…water [Video]
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
This beautiful rural Japan river is a great alternative to touristy summer retreats [Photos]
Japanese convenience store food gets turned into hyper-realistic stationery you can peel open
Kumamoto earthquake may have created Japan’s newest hot spring inside flooded restaurant [Video]
Studio Ghibli releases new Kiki’s Delivery Service Jiji music box for anime fans
Are Japan’s room-temperature curry packets the boxed lunch heroes we’ve been looking for? [Taste test]
Beautiful Totoro bonsai figure needs no watering, makes soothing rain showers whenever you want
End of a manga era as Weekly Shonen Jump’s circulation drops under one million
Tokyo is getting a branch of famous Los Angeles hot dog chain Pink’s with Japan-exclusive items
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
Anime fan in Japan arrested for ordering and cancelling over 4.3 billion yen in anime merch
Starbucks Japan teams up with Traveler’s Company for new stationery and goods collection
Japanese vending machine sells freshly squeezed lemon juice with a futuristic light show
Kochia calling: Right now is a great off-season season to visit this beautiful Japanese park
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
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]
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
What Hayao Miyazaki’s Mei would look like if Studio Ghibli released My Neighbor Totoro in 3-D