Close your eyes… (ok, maybe don’t close your eyes but pretend). Imagine you’re in your own comfortable space. No worries, no troubles, leave it all behind. What do you feel? Do you smell a crispy, warm pie? Do you hear a crackling fire? Do you feel the cold rain hit your skin? Are you in a field of flowers, admiring their beauty?
These are the feelings that Studio Ghibli specializes in bringing out for an audience. They are a Japanese anime film production company that has been releasing masterpieces for 40 years. Founded by three friends, Hayao Miyazaki (animator), Toshio Suzuki (producer), and Isao Takahata (writer), the company has garnered so much love from fans that it is opening a vast amusement park in Japan to celebrate the studio’s accomplishments.
It’s impressive how realistically they show humanity through an animated viewpoint. Their work ethic is likely a significant factor in their success, as they believe a high cost + a high risk = a high reward. This works for them, as they have acquired multiple Oscars.
Below is my list of the top 10 Studio Ghibli films. I hope to give you an idea of what the film is about (without spoiling too much), share my perspective, share some insight about the behind-the-scenes, and help you find a new favorite movie. Enjoy.
10. “Porco Rosso” and “Whisper of the Heart” (tie)
“Porco Rosso” (Dir. Hayao Miayazaki, 1992)
After a man gets turned into a pig in World War I, he teams up with a sassy young mechanic to remove a gang of sky pirates.
This film was initially intended to be a fun short film played on Japanese airlines. Still, as the war in Yugoslavia intensified, heavier themes and a longer runtime were added to make it a feature-length film.
It is an underrated and often overlooked gem in Studio Ghibli’s filmography (likely because a pig is flying a plane on the cover). It’s impressive how Miyazaki tackles his criticisms of war and can make it a valuable lesson suitable for any age without excessive force. It is one of the only Ghibli films with a male protagonist; the female characters are still written with love and care. DO NOT SKIP THIS MOVIE.
“Whisper of the Heart” (Dir. Yoshifumi Kondo, 1995)
This is a sweet story about a girl who keeps checking out the same library books as a boy, and she falls in love.
Studio Ghibli also released a spin-off called “The Cat Returns.” This film contains a cute iteration of John Denver’s “Take Me Home Country Road.”
This sweet film proves that Miyazaki cannot write anything short of greatness. It will make you feel incredibly lovesick.
9. The Boy and the Heron (Dir. Hayao Miyazaki, 2023)
After a young boy’s mother becomes a tragic casualty in World War II, he is left mentally tormented by an odd and obnoxious heron.
This is supposedly Miyazaki’s final film. International marketing for this film consisted of releasing their movies in theaters for a limited time and allowing more access to streaming services (most of the movies in this list are available on Max). “Entertainment Weekly” reported that despite the significant animation move towards CGI, most of this film is still hand-drawn (like most of their movies). This film is the most expensive ever produced in Japan and took over seven years to complete.
This film has top-tier animation and is jaw-droppingly gorgeous (as usual). The food looks delicious (as usual). This film focuses heavily on darker themes such as loss and grief. Rumors are that this will be Miyazaki’s final film, and if that is true, he could not have ended his career better. Find people you trust and treasure them. This film is another classic that will be viewed positively for years.
8. “Castle in the Sky” and “Only Yesterday” (tie)
“Castle in the Sky” (Dir. Hayao Miyazaki, 1986)
Two children run from the government in search of a mysterious castle.
This film is cited as a return to traditional animation in Japan and set a new industry standard. It was made with the equivalent of $8 million and is also Studio Ghibli’s official first release.
One of Mayazaki’s first films, it proves that he has had this magical touch for over 30 years. It is a fragile film that would have easily broken in somebody else’s hands.
“Only Yesterday” (Dir. Isao Takahatam, 1991)
This film covers a woman’s life and is a character study of her aspirations, whether or not she achieved those dreams, and how she copes with them.
Miyazaki intended initially to direct this film, but he convinced co-founder Takahata to take on the project instead. Eagle-eyed viewers may also notice a slight shift in animation regarding characters in this film. That is likely because they recorded the dialogue for this film before animating it. Typically, the animation is made first, and the voice actors work around the animation, but doing it the other way around gives the animators more time to make it look accurate.
Another underrated film in their filmography, this film is much deeper than it seems on the surface. It’s a slice-of-life film, and most viewers will want a slice of the food because, yet again, it looks delectable.
7. “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind” (Dir. Hayao Miyazaki, 1984)
As humanity is pushed to the very edge of the land, struggling to hold its ground against Mother Nature, their princess seeks peace.
The studio’s first (unofficial) film. Miyazaki had initially been working on the manga for three years before the film’s release. Many notable animators worked on this film, including Hideaki Annon, who later wrote and directed “Neon Genesis: Evangelion.” This film was made with a budget of only $1 million.
It’s a film that gets better with subsequent re-watches. It is so uniquely beautiful that it’s any fantasy lover’s dream.
6.”Howl’s Moving Castle” and “Kiki’s Delivery Service” (tie)
“Howl’s Moving Castle” (Dir. Hayao Miyazaki, 2004)
A young woman is cursed and turned into an older woman. A wizard fighting the government then swept her away.
Toei Animation initially rejected this film before Studio Ghibli picked it up. Over 1,400 drawings were made for it. “Howl’s Moving Castle” was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Picture.
It creates a world so beautiful and filled with wonder that most viewers will wish it was real. It does an excellent job of making viewers feel like a kid again. Miyazaki proves he is one of the most consistent creators of all time. Again, the women are written with care and concern; their roles are never haphazard.
“Kiki’s Delivery Service” (Dir. Hayao Miyazaki, 1989)
A young witch learns independence through a mailing service in a family tradition that has a 10-year-old go away for the summer.
Beautifully written and engaging characters. A unique and interesting perspective on growing up. This film is great if you are trying to relax because there’s no antagonist other than time. This film makes you want to live in this world and is so comforting. It would have been much cooler if I were a witch with a cool talking cat.
5. Princess Mononoke (Dir. Hayao Miyazaki, 1997)
A giant boar curses a young man, and he must find a cure. On his journey, he encounters a woman in the forest fighting an army of humans, trying to take over the forest.
Miyazaki originally started working on this during “Nausicaa,” making it over a decade since he was working on this film. Another title was considered for this film: “The Legend of Ashitaka,” which would have changed how this film would be viewed.
This film is highly immersive, vivid, and engaging.
4. “My Neighbor Totoro” (Dir. Hayao Miyazaki, 1988)
Two sisters realize that friendly forest spirits inhabit the forest surrounding their new house. The youngest runs away, so the older one hires the spirits to help her find her sister.
It is a film that does not have much of an antagonist, which makes this film such a joy to watch. This film was also only set initially to be an hour long.
I just remembered that free will existed when I re-watched this film. It’s another comfort food film.
3.”The Tale of the Princess Kaguya” (Dir. Isao Takahata, 2013)
A bamboo cutter finds a baby in a bamboo stalk, takes her in, and raises her, but she is part of an unbreakable prophecy.
It’s one of the most unique-looking films ever. It’s drawn with gorgeous, very faint, bright white strokes. The light colors are contrasted by dark, thick, almost pristine linework, making the whole screen pop. The sense of movement in the animation is awe-inspiring. It is all about appreciating the little things in life. The story is just as striking as its visuals. It’s another extremely underrated film in their filmography.
2. “Spirited Away” (Dir. Hayao Miyazaki, 2001)
After a young girl’s parents are turned into pigs and trapped in a mysterious world beyond reality, she must find a cure and a way out.
According to Miyazaki, this film was initially planned to be three hours long. Much of the setting was inspired by Edo-era Tokyo.
This film is a thrill ride. Imagine Alice in Wonderland but on drugs. It’s visually stunning. The story twists and turns (like a dragon). Its themes often get overlooked because the film can be overwhelming upon first watch. Don’t miss what it is trying to say about transitioning, comfort, safety, life, death, insanity, imagination, fantasy, reality, and trust. Please do not overlook how these themes are woven delicately within every aspect of the film, from the visuals to the story, the characters, and the setting. It’s a film that makes me look back at the often rotten characterizations of humanity in the Western films I grew up on and think: If only these were the things I was taught as a child.
1. “Grave of the Fireflies” (Dir. Isao Takahata, 1988)
After two siblings lose their parents to World War II, they’re left to fend for themselves with limited resources.
Preparing my research for this article was the first time I watched this film, and wow. It is now available on Netflix; do not miss out. It is a highly ambitious film. It feels like there is a weight on your chest while watching it. The most prevalent release of this tension is the gorgeous music. Expect to cry (maybe a few times). It is a very sobering film that speaks for itself.
Studio Ghibli has tapped into something extremely unique in art. Their themes and messages transcend culture shock and push Western viewers to think about things differently. I hope these films get more attention and will be passed on through generations. It would be interesting to see the difference in values of people raised on Studio Ghibli films vs. Disney films.
