# Copycat Cartoon Movies 'Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea' Riffs From Little Mermaid By Christina Butty | Published 2009-07-22 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ponyo-on-the-cliff References: [animationmagazine.net](http://www.animationmagazine.net/article/8854) [Disney](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/annies-homegrown-x-the-little-mermaid) has teamed up with acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki to create the film Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea. This film has been a big hit overseas. Upon its debut in Japan, the film made roughly $17 million. While the critics also love Hayao Miyazaki's Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, they couldn’t help but draw comparisons between this film and the Disney classic [The Little Mermaid](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/disney-the-little-mermaid-collection). Overall, Hayao Miyazaki Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea is expected to be a hit in North America when it opens this summer. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.1/10 - Popularity: 42% | Activity: 42% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Copycat Cartoon Movies:** Opportunity for creating films that pay homage to beloved classics while adding a unique twist. - **Collaborations with Acclaimed Directors:** Opportunity to bring together the creative visions of different filmmakers to produce innovative and exciting movies. - **International Success of Anime Films:** Opportunity to tap into the global popularity of anime and create films that resonate with audiences worldwide. ### Who This Affects Most - **Film Production:** Opportunity for film production companies to capitalize on the trend of creating copycat movies and collaborate with acclaimed directors. - **Animation:** Opportunity for animators and studios to explore new avenues for storytelling by merging classic themes with anime-inspired visuals. - **Entertainment Distribution:** Opportunity for entertainment distribution companies to expand their reach and profit from the international success of anime films. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Anticipated Japanese Animated Films](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kimitachi-wa-da.md) - [Promotional Film Food Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/annies-homegrown-x-the-little-mermaid.md) - [Brush-Painted Cat Commercials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nisshin-seifun.md) - [Animated Series Stage Adaptations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stage-adaptation.md) - [Virtual Fantasy-Themed Oceans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/avatar-the-way-of-water.md) - [Crossover Adorable Short Films](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zen-grogu-and-dust-bunnies1.md) - [Film-Resembling Mermaid Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-mermaid-doll.md) - [Reimagined Film Brick-Form Shows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bricktoons.md) - [Kid-Friendly Movie Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ono-keiki-meal.md)