Studio Ghibli Films & Zelda Linked to Increased Happiness, Study Finds
LONDON - Fans of Studio Ghibli’s beloved animated films like Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away, and the video game The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, have a new reason to indulge: a recent study suggests both activities are linked to increased levels of happiness, serenity, and a sense of purpose.
Published in August 2025 by JMIR Serious Games and conducted by researchers at Imperial College London, the study observed the reactions of 500 students divided into four groups - those who played Breath of the Wild, those who regularly watched studio Ghibli films, those who engaged in both, and a control group who did neither. Participants completed a psychological questionnaire assessing their well-being.
The results indicated that both gamers and Ghibli fans reported feeling happier and more peaceful overall. Researchers attribute this to the way scenes of everyday life in the animated films – “playing in the countryside or sharing a meal with family” - and the immersive landscapes of The Legend of Zelda “awaken a universal desire for childish innocence and wonder” and allow individuals to “recharge their batteries mentally.”
This finding builds on previous research,including a study from Western University in collaboration with the Science and Industry Museum,which demonstrated the cognitive benefits of video games,including reduced risk of depression and anxiety,and improved memory and reasoning skills.
