Studio Ghibli films are known for their enchanting worlds, rich characters, and deeply emotional narratives that captivate audiences around the world. However, despite their critical acclaim and beloved status, many of these films’ plots feature questionable elements or lack clear explanations.

Of the unclear rules governing Kiki's magical abilities in Kiki's Delivery Service to the true nature of the Forest Spirit in Princess Mononoke, These elements are either puzzling or inconsistent. These ambiguous plot points leave viewers with lingering questions and a sense of incompleteness.

10 The nature of the Baron is unknown

In The cat returns, Baron Humbert von Gikkingen is a central figure whose exact nature and origin remain ambiguous. The Baron, an elegant anthropomorphic cat statue that comes to life, acts as Haru's guide and protector on her journey to the Cat Kingdom. However, the film never fully explains whether the Baron is a living being imbued with life through magic, a spirit, or merely a magical construct that animates under specific circumstances.

This ambiguity makes it difficult for viewers to understand the rules governing the Baron’s existence and the extent of his powers. Viewers are left uncertain whether his ability to come to life is an inherent characteristic of the statue or triggered by external magic. The Baron’s backstory and how he obtained his abilities also remain unexplored, leaving his character somewhat enigmatic. Perhaps this ambiguity serves to enhance the film’s fantastical elements; viewers are left to interpret this for themselves.

9 The forest spirit in Princess Mononoke is a mystical mystery

The Forest Spirit, also known as Shishigami, in Princess Mononoke plays a central role in the story, but his true nature and powers remain unknown. Shishigami is portrayed as a deity with the power to give and take life, transforming between a serene deer-like creature during the day and a towering, ethereal nightwalker at night. Despite his pivotal role, the film gives no clear explanation of exactly what the Forest Spirit is, his origins, or the full extent of his abilities.

This ambiguity makes it difficult to fully understand the Forest Spirit's significance in the world of the film. For example, the reasons behind its transformative nature and the specific process of its life-giving and life-taking powers are never detailed. This affects the coherence of the narrative and the audience's ability to understand the story's deeper themes.

8 The Witch's Curse Has No Purpose in Howl's Moving Castle

The Desert Witch curses Sophie, turning her into an old woman. The curse is a pivotal moment in the film, setting in motion Sophie's journey and interactions with Howl and his magical world—but the specific reason for the curse and the witch's overall motive are unclear.

The film suggests that the Desert Witch may have cursed Sophie out of jealousy or spite, possibly seeing her as a rival for Howl's affections or as an obstacle in her quest for power. But these motives are not explicitly stated or developed, leaving viewers to speculate about her true reasoning. This lack of clarity weakens the narrative's foundation, since a central conflict hinges on an unexplained action.

7 Nausicaa can somehow communicate with insects

Nausicaä's unique ability to communicate with the giant insects of the Toxic Jungle is a central aspect of her character and plot. She has a deep connection with the insects, especially the Ohmu, and can calm and interact with them in a way that no other character can. This ability sets her apart as a bridge between humans and the natural world, crucial to the film's themes of harmony and environmentalism. However, the audience is left with no idea where this ability comes from or how exactly it works.

This leaves a significant aspect of her character underexplored. Understanding why Nausicaä has this ability would add depth to her character and provide insight into the lore of the world. Without a clear explanation, her ability feels more like a convenient plot device than a fully integrated part of the story's universe.

6 The Wind Rises' conclusion blurs the line between fantasy and reality

The end of The wind rises is marked by a blending of Jiro's dream sequences with the harsh reality of his wife's illness, creating a narrative that blurs the line between reality and fantasy. This intertwining of dreams and reality is questionable because it complicates the viewer's understanding of the story's resolution and Jiro's character arc.

Throughout the film, Jiro's dreams serve as a source of inspiration and dialogue with his idol, Giovanni Caproni. However, as the story progresses, these dreams increasingly overlap with real-world events, especially as Jiro struggles with the deteriorating health of his wife, Naoko. The final vision may be symbolic, representing Jiro's internal reconciliation between his professional success and personal loss, or a literal, albeit fantastical, interpretation. The lack of clarity leaves viewers uncertain about the film's message and Jiro's ultimate fate.

5 Satsuki and Mei's mother's illness is never revealed.

In My Neighbor Totoro, Satsuki and Mei frequently embark on magical adventures to escape the reality of dealing with their mother, Yasuko's, illness. Throughout the film, it becomes clear that Yasuko is hospitalized in serious condition and her illness is a cause for concern for the family. However, the exact nature of her illness is never revealed.

While leaving an illness ambiguous is nothing new in anime, leaving it unspecific obscures the emotional stakes of the story in this case. Understanding the nature of Yasuko's illness would provide a clearer picture of the family's fears and the urgency of their situation. Though it could also be argued that the worry and stress the family feels over her illness is enough to indicate its severity.

4 Chihiro's parents didn't realize the magical world they were entering

Chihiro's parents' transformation into pigs is a key plot point that raises several questions due to its vague explanation. This transformation occurs after they recklessly consume food intended for spirits. However, it is unclear how the food triggered such a drastic change and why Chihiro's parents are oblivious to the magical nature of their surroundings.

Her parents' obliviousness contrasts sharply with Chihiro's immediate sense of unease. While the transformation serves as a catalyst for Chihiro's journey, this lack of awareness makes them seem extremely reckless and naive, and her transformation also comes across as a narrative convenience rather than a coherent plot development.

3 Ponyo's ability to become human is illogical

Ponyo's transformation from fish to human is initiated by her desire to be human and her exposure to human artifacts, but the exact process is never explained. The magic that enables her change is extravagant, involving powerful oceanic forces and her father's mysterious abilities, but the details of how these elements interact remain ambiguous.

Cure also fails to address the long-term consequences of Ponyo becoming human. The story leaves these aspects unexplored, making the magic seem arbitrary rather than a coherent system. This lack of logical consistency can be puzzling, as viewers are left without a clear understanding of the mechanics of the transformation or its implications.

2 The fate of the Tanukis in Pom Poko is not explained.

All over Pompom, the tanuki valiantly attempt to prevent the encroachment of human civilization into their habitat. Despite their best efforts, they are unable to stop the urban advance. The film ends on a poignant but ambiguous note; some tanuki live secretly in human society, disguising themselves as people, while others continue to live in their diminished natural spaces, attempting to preserve their traditional ways. However, the long-term viability of these solutions is not explored, leaving viewers to wonder about the true future of the tanuki.

By not revealing the tanuki's future, Pompom leaves its central conflict unresolved. The tanuki's struggle against urbanization is a metaphor for broader environmental and cultural issues, and the lack of a clear outcome dilutes the message, frustrating viewers who want closure.

1 Kiki's powers come out of nowhere

The titular Kiki, a young witch-in-training, loses the ability to fly and communicate with her cat, Jiji, during a period of self-doubt and depression. While it is clear that her powers are linked to her emotional state, the film gives no explanation as to how or why this connection works. There is no set of established rules that explain the extent of her powers, how they are maintained, or the specific reasons why they fail.

This lack of clarity leaves viewers confused about the nature of Kiki's abilities and the conditions necessary for them to work. For example, viewers are left unclear as to whether Kiki needs to undergo specific training or rituals to regain her powers, or whether it is purely a matter of psychological self-acceptance. Consequently, while the emotional connection is clear, the magical mechanics remain a vague and underdeveloped part of the story.