Studio Ghibli has always been celebrated as a bastion of enchanting storytelling, breathtaking animation, and deeply emotional stories. From My Neighbor Totoro to Ponyo to Castle in the Sky, the studio’s films have enchanted audiences worldwide, creating timeless classics that blend magic, nature, and human connection in ways few other studios can match. Their hand-drawn animation style is a signature that brings warmth and charm to every frame, elevating even simple stories into unforgettable experiences. For decades, Ghibli’s work has been nearly universally loved and respected, except for one glaring exception.

That exception is Earwig and the Witch, the studio’s first and only fully 3D computer-animated feature film. While many fans eagerly anticipated a new Ghibli masterpiece, the result was a film that felt awkward, unpolished, and almost entirely lacking the magic that defines the studio’s legacy. It is arguably the weakest entry in their catalog, and for many, it does not just fall short, it actively disappoints. Critics and fans alike agree that Earwig and the Witch stands out as Ghibli’s least successful and most controversial film.

Ghibli’s Leap into 3D CGI Was Very Different from the Studio’s Signature Style

Why the Animation Style Feels So Off in Earwig and the Witch

One of the most noticeable aspects of Earwig and the Witch is its animation style. Studio Ghibli has been renowned for its meticulous hand-drawn artistry, which gives its films a distinct, organic feel. Each frame is rich with texture, color, and life. This care and quality of animation has been a major reason why Ghibli movies feel so immersive and comforting to fans.

Earwig and the Witch breaks from that tradition entirely by embracing 3D CGI animation. While many studios have successfully adapted to computer-generated visuals, this transition felt jarring and unrefined in Ghibli’s case. The characters appear stiff, and the environments lack the lush detail fans expect. The lifeless movement and artificial textures contribute to a mechanical vibe that clashes with Ghibli’s usually warm and enchanting tone. This stylistic choice alone alienated longtime fans who view hand-drawn animation as central to the studio’s identity.

Earwig and the Witch Had Weak Storytelling and Character Development

Why Earwig and the Witch Falls Flat Compared to Classic Ghibli

Beyond animation, the story and characters in Earwig and the Witch failed to interest even the most devoted fans in the way Ghibli’s previous films usually do. The plot, adapted from a novel by Diana Wynne Jones, introduces viewers to Earwig, a young orphan with magical powers living in a mysterious house with a witch and her familiar. While the premise sounds promising, the execution lacks emotional depth and coherence.

Unlike the nuanced, character-driven tales that Ghibli is famous for, Earwig and the Witch feels rushed and uneven.

Unlike the nuanced, character-driven tales that Ghibli is famous for, Earwig and the Witch feels rushed and uneven. The protagonist, Aya's, motivations are shallow, and relationships between characters do not develop in a meaningful way. There is little sense of wonder or empathy, and the story relies heavily on exposition rather than showing. The magical world, usually depicted with great imagination and heart, feels underwhelming and sterile. This weak storytelling prevents the film from capturing the audience’s imagination or emotional investment.

An Overall Disappointing Experience for Studio Ghibli Fans and Newcomers Alike

Earwig and the Witch was the Film That Let Down Studio Ghibli’s Legacy

For many longtime Ghibli fans, Earwig and the Witch feels like a betrayal of what made the studio great. It misses the magic, emotional richness, and visual artistry that have made their films beloved classics. Even casual viewers unfamiliar with Ghibli’s legacy might find Earwig and the Witch uninspiring and forgettable, as it doesn’t offer the immersive experience expected from a major animated feature.

While some fans appreciate the studio’s attempt to innovate with CGI, the poor execution overshadows any experimental ambition. The lack of warmth in the characters, the uninspired visuals, and the disted plot combine to make this film easily the weakest in the Ghibli library. For those who hold Ghibli movies close to their hearts, Earwig and the Witch remains a frustrating misstep and a reminder that even the most revered studios can falter.

Studio Ghibli’s films have always been synonymous with beauty, heart, and magic, except for Earwig and the Witch. This 3D CGI experiment, despite its potential, fails to live up to the studio’s proud legacy. It is a film that many would rather forget, marking a rare low point in Ghibli’s otherwise stunning body of work. If fans are looking to experience the true magic of Studio Ghibli, stick with the hand-drawn classics, because Earwig and the Witch is the one movie best left off the list.