Ever since its release in 2001, Studio Ghibli’sSpirited Awayhas long captivated audiences worldwide with its enchanting story, striking visuals, and iconic characters. In addition to these elements, part of what makes theHayaoMiyazakifilm stand out among the rest is itscollection of profound and thought-provoking quotes that continue to resonateover two decades following its premiere.
To celebrate this beautifully done and poignant movie that appeals to audiences of all ages, we revisit some of the most impactful lines from the beloved classic. These quotes not only encapsulate its narrative and the character’s essence, but they alsoreflect the deeper themes of memory, identity, growth, and human experiencethat run throughout its unforgettable storyline. Without further ado, these are the bestSpirited Awayquotes, ranked by their significance, lasting resonance, and greatness.
Spirited Away
10"There must be some mistake! None of these pigs are my parents!"
Said by the movie’s protagonist, when she discovers that her parents have been turned into pigs after entering the mysterious and magical world, thisSpirited Awayline is among the movie’s most memorable because it highlights the character’s shock and disbelief in the face of a surreal, disturbing moment — one that catches first-time viewers off-guard, too.
This is a pivotal scene in the film, becausenot only does it highlight Chihiro’s sense of helplessness, it also underscores themovie’s themes and symbolism, such as the loss of innocence and initial confrontation with a surreal and jaw-dropping world of mystery and intrigue, foreshadowing Chihiro’s journey and all the other dream-like events to come.
9“No-Face, if you even put one scratch on that girl, you’re in big trouble.”
Said by Lin as she stands up tothe iconic Ghibli antagonistNo-Face, this one quote highlights the character’s protective nature and her growing connection with Chihiro. Although she initially comes off as somewhat hardened and is reluctant to lend a helping hand, Lin reveals a softer side through her loyalty and care forSpirited Away’s protagonist.
While not as thought-provoking as some other scenes in the film, this is a beautiful line because of what it encapsulates — ittackles themes of friendship and loyalty, both very important in Studio Ghibli films, while emphasizing Lin’s character arc, even if she showcases her fearless nature from the beginning — and how she has grown to care for Chihiro and her safety.
8"Welcome the rich man, he’s hard for you to miss. His butt keeps getting bigger, so there’s plenty there to kiss!"
Said by Aniyaku after No-Face appears as a mysterious spirit offering gold to the bathhouse workers,this memorableSpirited Awayline is one of the movie’s most comical. The rhyming song serves as a playful welcome to the character, showcasing the workers' immediate reaction to the character’s unexpected wealth.
What’s so funny about this scene is how it resorts to exaggerated imagery to convey the workers' greed. The playful lyrics encapsulate their sudden shift of behavior — they see an opportunity to gain wealth and act accordingly. This, of course, makes for a funny but still satirical commentary on materialism and the dangers of excess, as workers become consumed by their desires.
7"The river’s name was the Kohaku river. I think that was you, and your real name is Kohaku River."
A strong and touching moment of connection between Chihiro and Haku, who has been revealed to be the Kohaku River spirit,this line marks a poignant turning point in their relationship, highlighting how the protagonist’s understanding of the world around her begins to sharpen.
This almost poetic moment of realization encapsulates Chihiro’s growing awareness of the spiritual realm she’s in, helping her move from confusion to understanding and highlighting the movie’s themes of identity and transformation. Although perhaps notthemost memorable of the bunch, this still makes for a poignant and undeniably beautiful scene that symbolizes the character’s growing understanding of herself, the world around her, and her spiritual journey.
6"I finally get a bouquet and it’s a goodbye present. That’s depressing."
A bittersweet moment at the beginning of this beautiful story,this quote reflects Chihiro’s feelings of sorrow and lossas she receives a beautiful bouquet from those she has left behind. This funny but heartfelt reflection serves as a reminder of her current situation, emphasizing how lonely she feels while also setting the stage for the development that will follow.
Spirited Awayis abreathtaking animated filmwith innocence at its core, capturing the purity of childhood and the complexities of growing up.This one line perfectly encapsulates Chihiro’s journey and growth, becoming a subtle but effective way of subtly foreshadowing the character’s emotional evolution. At the same time, it highlights the innocence she still holds.
5"You don’t remember your name?" “No, but for some reason I remember yours.”
This line takes place early in the film, shortly after a lonely and confused Chihiro enters the spirit world. Haku comforts the film’s overwhelmed protagonist during this powerful moment. When Chihiro asks Haku if he remembers his name, he tells him no, but, “for some reason,” he remembers hers. This suggests a deep bond between the two.
Identity is a huge theme inSpirited Away, and this line sets up the theme quite well. Remembering one’s name is tied to self-identity and freedom. And although the audience does not yet know that Haku is the Kohaku River spirit,this moment subtly hints at their powerful past connection. While a small exchange, thisSpirited Awaydialogue carries weight because it is a foreshadowing moment with deep emotional resonance.
4"Something you wouldn’t recognize. It’s called love."
Kamaji, the six-armed boiler man who operates the bathhouse’s boiler room inSpirited Away, is one of the most memorable characters in the treasured film. Despite his gruff demeanor, he quickly becomes a powerful ally to Chihiro, whom he calls “granddaughter.” He also happens to say one of the most memorable lines, which showcases his wisdom and kindness.
This is a great moment because it highlights Kamaji’s subtle character development — while he seemed grumpy and indifferent at the beginning, he reveals his warmth at this moment — at the same time, it also serves as a nod to Haku and Chihiro’s unbreakable bond, which the character acknowledges. Kamaji says it to Lin after she is shocked that he would be so generous,contrasting with the transactional nature of the bathhouse, where almost everything is done with an expectation of something in return.
3"If you completely forget, you’ll never find your way home."
Said during the same previously mentioned moment between Haku and Chihiro, the former warns the film’s protagonist about the dangers of forgetting her real name. Still adjusting to the spirit world, scared and confused about what’s happening, Chihiro listens carefully while Haku explains that Yubaba steals people’s names to control them, and if she forgets hers completely, she will be trapped forever.
This is a beautiful and poignant moment in the film because it highlights how Chihiro’s journey is about remembering, not just her name but who she is at her core: a kind, courageous, and determined little girl. In a way, it sets up the movie’s core theme, raises the stakes, and simultaneously deepens Haku’s character by highlighting his own tragic experience.
2"It will protect you. It’s made from the threads your friends wove together."
Near the end ofSpirited Away,when Chihiro comes to apologize for Haku’s actions, specifically for stealing Zeniba’s golden seal, Chihiro’s “granny” then gives her a gift — a hair tie created collaboratively by her friends in the spirit world, symbolizing the power of friendship and cooperation and consequently serving as a protective charm for the character.
This is a great quote because it encapsulates a central theme inSpirited Away, which is the importance of meaningful connectionsand how they can provide both strength and protection. It makes for a touching moment in this Studio Ghibli feature because it emphasizes the bonds its central character has formed during her stay in thevisually stunning spirit world, suggesting that these friendships will remain, in one way or another, in her life forever.
1"Once you meet someone, you never really forget them."
Zeniba’s reassuring line, said to Chihiro in the same scene near the end of the movie, is arguably the most memorable out of all quotes in the film, as it reflects on the power of relationships and implies that meaningful bonds transcend time and memory. The line is spoken during a conversation between the two when Chihiro is trying to remember her past.
Symbolizing memory, experience, and human connection, while also reflecting a deep truth about life — which is, even if we forget specific moments, the lessons, people, and emotions evoked stay with us — this Zeniba quote encapsulates the enduring nature of memories and connections, suggesting that even if we can’t immediately recall someone, the impact of meeting them remains with us. It speaks to the idea that our past is an integral part of who we are and will shape us forever, even when it seems forgotten. Naturally, Zeniba’s final words of wisdom before Chihiro’s departure are among the movie’s most memorable and heartwarming, being frequently cited thanks to the powerful way it resonates with audiences.
