Another masterpiece created by the legendary Japanese animation Studio Ghibli, Spirited Away is the first and only anime so far to win the prestigious Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Released in 2001 and directed by the renowned Hayao Miyazaki, the enchanting anime tells the story of Chihiro, a girl who stumbles upon a mysterious spirit realm while moving away, which is filled with spirits, witches, and enchantments. In this strange world, the girl must find the strength within herself to overcome challenges, rescue her parents, while also helping the citizens inside the realm.
Widely considered one of the best animated movies of all time, Spirited Away has been a permanent symbol of Japanese animation for over two decades. Multiple spinoffs and fan art followed, and fans are waiting for a sequel to come soon, or at least, a live-action reimagining of Chihiro and Haku’s magical dimension on the silver screen. There is no further information about a follow-up movie yet, but for now, we can enjoy these beautiful AI-generated arts, created by Beep Boop Arts, to see what the Spirited Away realm would look like in real life.
#1. The main protagonist, Chihiro, looks adorable in this piece of art.
Source: Beep Boop Art/Facebook
At first glance, we might have mistaken this little girl here for an existing young Japanese actress, as the AI has perfectly captured Chihiro’s appearance and expression from the animated sensation here. If Spirited Away ever gets a live-action remake, the main actress should look like this.
#2. Haku, on the other hand, looks prim and dignified.
Source: Beep Boop Art/Facebook
Of course, we can’t mention our mysterious yet charming Haku. In this picture, we can see our boy wearing a traditional male kimono for feudal Japan’s scholar, which makes him look way more intellectual and luxurious than the hot spring garb he dons in the movie. His hairstyle looks a tad bit different as well.
#3. Yubaba’s bathhouse is perfectly reimagined in this picture.
Source: Beep Boop Art/Facebook
Basked in the light of dawn, Yubaba’s bathhouse looks quite enormous and extravagant, with the design of feudal Japan’s architecture. The dark tone here also makes the bathhouse looks even more mysterious.
#4. And of course, the owner, Yubaba herself.
Source: Beep Boop Art/Facebook
The owner of the bathhouse is relatively well-captured here, with the iconic white hair, wrinkles, and the red mark on her forehead. The AI replaces her pipe with a cigarette, though, and her Western dress with more traditional attire.
#5. Chihiro’s parents are also included.
Source: Beep Boop Art/Facebook
Familiar? These two pigs are actually Chihiro’s parents, who got turned into the hooved herbivore at the start of the movie because of their greediness.
#6. Haku’s dragon transformation looks badass.
Source: Beep Boop Art/Facebook
Contrary to his frail dragon form in the anime, Haku looks absolutely terrifying in the AI recreation, but the details are spot on.
#7. No Face looks a bit different from the anime version, though.
Source: Beep Boop Art/Facebook
It’s like our favorite No Face has undergone a massive weight loss.
#8. Chihiro in her casual clothing.
Source: Beep Boop Art/Facebook
#9. No Face offering their money to Chihiro.
Source: Beep Boop Art/Facebook
#10. Some other monsters/yokai in the inn.
Source: Beep Boop Art/Facebook
#11. Some of them are straight-up terrifying.
Source: Beep Boop Art/Facebook
#12. “Master Haku! Yubaba wants to see you!”
Source: Beep Boop Art/Facebook
#13. The interior of the bathhouse.
Source: Beep Boop Art/Facebook
#14. The stairs look a bit creepy.
Source: Beep Boop Art/Facebook
#15. The engine room.
Source: Beep Boop Art/Facebook
#16. The train scene is beautifully recreated.
Source: Beep Boop Art/Facebook
#17. Zeniba’s house looks warm and cozy.
Source: Beep Boop Art/Facebook
#18. The secret tunnel to the spirit realm.
Source: Beep Boop Art/Facebook
What do you think of these AI-generated images? Did they perfectly reimagine the magical world of Spirited Away? Share your thoughts in the comment.