October moviegoing doesn't have to mean spending two hours waiting for a masked killer to jump out of the darkness. Sometimes, a bathhouse full of spirits, a sorceress with a very strict employment policy, and the possibility of your parents turning into pigs are more than enough. Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away has all of that, but its greatest adventure belongs to a frightened little girl who has to find the courage to navigate a world that makes absolutely no sense to her.
Twenty-five years after its original release, the Studio Ghibli movie still makes getting lost in that world an irresistible proposition. Chihiro's journey takes her through rooms crowded with strange creatures and encounters with characters whose intentions aren't always easy to read, giving audiences plenty to absorb beyond the central rescue mission. It's also a movie that rewards a big screen, where the bathhouse's towering architecture and the details tucked into Miyazaki's spirit world have room to fill your field of vision.
A Five-Day Anniversary Celebration
GKIDS and Fathom Entertainment have announced that Spirited Away will return to theaters nationwide from October 17 through October 21 to celebrate its 25th anniversary. The five-day engagement will conclude Studio Ghibli Fest 2026, with screenings offered in both the English dub and the original Japanese with subtitles. Tickets are on sale now through GhibliFest.com, Fathom Entertainment, and participating theater box offices, giving fans a limited window to revisit the Academy Award-winning adventure.
When Can You See 'Spirited Away' in Theaters This October?
The announced schedule begins with an English-dubbed screening on Saturday, October 17, at 3 p.m., followed by two English-dubbed showings on Sunday, October 18, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Audiences who prefer the original Japanese performances can catch subtitled screenings on Monday, October 19, and Tuesday, October 20, both at 7 p.m., before the engagement closes with an English-dubbed showing on Wednesday, October 21, at 7 p.m. Theater participation is subject to change, so moviegoers should check their local listings for specific showtimes and availability before making plans.
There's also an extra reason to stay in your seat once Chihiro's adventure ends. Each screening will include a post-film clip from the "Nippon Television Special" bonus featurette, adding something beyond the feature itself to the anniversary celebration. The announcement doesn't specify which portion of the special will be shown, but it does confirm that the additional footage is part of the theatrical presentation.
Why 'Spirited Away' Still Matters
For newcomers, Spirited Away follows Chihiro after a stop during her family's move leads to her parents' mysterious transformation. Trapped in a spirit world ruled by Yubaba, she takes a job in a magical bathhouse while searching for a way to save them and return home. That premise gives Miyazaki room for both unsettling encounters and moments of extraordinary tenderness, with Chihiro's determination holding the sprawling fantasy together.
This anniversary screening is a perfect chance to experience the film on the big screen, especially if you've never seen it that way. And if you're looking for more anime to fill your October, check out our guide to October 2026 anime on Crunchyroll and Netflix. For those who prefer a different kind of Halloween scare, Sam returns for Trick 'r Treat's 30th anniversary with new shorts. And if you're in the mood for more classic horror, Trick 'r Treat returns to HBO Max this Halloween.
Don't miss this limited theatrical run—it's the final Studio Ghibli Fest engagement for Spirited Away, and it's a celebration you won't want to skip.
