After the fan reaction to the character in Japan, the studio chose to make him their mascot, and he is now as recognizable as Mickey Mouse or Spongebob Squarepants.
While this film may still fly under the radar of many fans, the titular character does not. After the fan reaction to the character in Japan, the studio chose to make him their mascot, and he is now as recognizable as Mickey Mouse or Spongebob Squarepants. The film follows two sisters who move to the country with their father so that they can be closer to their mom’s hospital. The youngest sister meets Totoro, a forest spirit, and he changes their lives forever. There are two different English versions of the film, but the 2005 Disney release is the one that most American fans have been exposed to. The film features the voice acting talents of Dakota Fanning, Elle Fanning, and Frank Welker.