Discover the Top 10 Studio Ghibli Anime Movies You Must Watch Now!

Studio Ghibli is a cherished animation studio by many, known for producing exceptional works of animated artistry. Established in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Toshio Suzuki, and Isao Takahata, the name “Ghibli” was chosen by Miyazaki as a tribute to his aviation enthusiasm, borrowed from the Italian desert exploration plane Caproni Ca.309’s nickname, symbolizing his ambition to bring fresh air into the anime industry. Today, the studio has an impressive collection of twenty-two films under its belt, four of which rank among Japan’s top ten highest-grossing feature films. In 2024, one of their latest productions even received an Oscar.

Enthusiasts across various regions highly commend Studio Ghibli’s productions, whether they’re anime enthusiasts or not. The studio stands out in the 2D animation field due to its vividly depicted worlds, vibrant characters, and captivating narratives. Not only do they have a museum in Mitaka, Tokyo, but also a theme park in Nagakute for fans who crave more. However, one might wonder which of Studio Ghibli’s films are the cream of the crop? We provide the answer.

10. My Neighbor Totoro

Tatsuo Kusakabe along with his daughters Satsuki and Mei are preparing to relocate to a rural house for proximity to their mother’s hospital. Upon moving, an elderly woman offers assistance and shares tales of potential spirits inhabiting the countryside, such as soot sprites – tiny, black, furry entities that dwell in home crevices. One day, while investigating their backyard, Mei stumbles upon a small, bunny-like creature and follows it into the woods where she encounters and bonds with the plushy woodland spirit, Totoro. Initially skeptical, Satsuki too eventually meets and befriends Totoro as they both explore their new surroundings together, experiencing adventures while settling into their new home.

Kicking things off with a classic emblematic of Studio Ghibli – “My Neighbor Totoro” – undeniably stands as a cornerstone of their collection. This heartwarming tale is set in the tranquil, 1950s Japanese countryside, where Satsuki and Mei reminisce about simpler times. In those days, children roamed freely, creating their own stories and embarking on exciting journeys. Contrasting starkly with today’s online bullies, this idyllic, rustic setting is inhabited by the sweetest, most endearing forest creature – Totoro.

9. Whisper of the Heart

14-year-old Shizuku Tsukishima, a student at junior high school who loves reading and composing stories, observes that the books she borrows from the library are frequently borrowed by a fellow literature enthusiast, Seiji Amasawa. Intrigued by this mystery reader, she follows a cat to an antique store where she encounters an intriguing cat statue named Baron with a heart-wrenching past. Upon meeting Seiji at the shop, their initial interaction is tense, but they gradually form a bond as Shizuku discovers that Seiji intends to become a luthier in the future. Feeling unsure about her writing abilities and uncertain of her own destiny, Shizuku becomes disheartened. However, with her growing friendship with Seiji and the inspiration from Baron, despite her doubts about her potential, Shizuku decides to pour her heart into her writing.

While Studio Ghibli’s most popular works are often attributed to Hayao Miyazaki, “Whisper of the Heart” stands out as a remarkable piece directed by Yoshifumi Kondō. This film offers a more realistic narrative, where the character Shizuku grapples with the universal dilemma: “What if I’m not good enough?” The story follows her journey of courage, taking bold steps to pursue her dreams. It teaches us that the importance lies in the effort we put into our aspirations, rather than whether we are ‘good enough.’ This idea resonates deeply, as demonstrated by Shizuku’s influence on the creation of Lofi Girl, a character based on her, from the ChilledCow YouTube channel by Dimitri Somoguy.

8. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

Following a devastating nuclear conflict named “The Seven Days of Flame,” which virtually annihilated life on Earth, a baffling biological phenomenon emerged, known as the Toxic Forest, characterized by its harmful spores and intimidating insects, consuming everything in its path. Far from the toxins and poisons the forest generates, there lies the Kingdom of Wind’s Shore, a coastal haven protected from the spores due to the ocean breezes. Despite this protection, Princess Nausicaä of the valley frequently explores the Toxic Forest to study its creatures and mechanisms. However, when an airship from a neighboring kingdom crash-lands in the valley, Nausicaä takes action to halt the ongoing battle against the forest and prevent another catastrophe similar to The Seven Days of Flame.

Although not officially produced by Studio Ghibli, having been made in 1984, “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” is often regarded as their first production because many of the previous studios and creators formed Studio Ghibli in 1985. This film, based on a seven-volume manga series by Hayao Miyazaki, adapts the first two volumes. It offers a grim portrayal of the classic man-versus-nature conflict.

7. The Cat Returns

When Haru Yoshioka, a high school student, rescues a cat from traffic, it turns out to be none other than Prince Lune of the Cat Kingdom. To express his gratitude, the King of Cats bestows numerous gifts upon Haru, even proposing marriage for her to Prince Lune, which she misunderstands as an acceptance. A strange voice then instructs her to seek aid from the Cat Bureau. Before she can ask for assistance, a horde of cats transports Haru to the Cat Kingdom, inadvertently taking Muta, a plump cat, and Baron, the head of the Cat Bureau, along with them. Toto, a crow who works at the Bureau, follows them in pursuit. Although forced to go against her will, Haru starts to appreciate life among the cats. However, as she becomes increasingly immersed in the feline utopia, she also loses touch with her human identity, gradually transforming into a cat herself. With her friends trying to save her, Haru must find the courage to save herself too.

Rather than me getting isekai’d by Truck-kun, Studio Ghibli surprises us all as they transport Haru to a world where cats reign supreme! Interestingly enough, this isn’t one of Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpieces; instead, it’s directed by the talented Hiroyuki Morita. Kudos to them for creating such a charming tale that not only competes with the best but also emerges victorious as a unique and captivating work, proudly standing on its own four feet – The Cat Returns!

6. Castle in the Sky

A young girl named Sheeta, abducted by the authorities, is imprisoned aboard an airship due to her crystal pendant that unlocks a legendary location. However, when a group of marauding pirates storm the vessel, she seizes the moment to escape. Crossing paths with a boy called Pazu, they resolve to find the mythical floating city, Laputa, on their own. As their bond strengthens, they unravel mysteries surrounding the ancient floating metropolis, evading both government operatives and pursuing pirates.

Discovering a fascinating, drifting castle shrouded in an unknown past, complete with automated sentinels from times long gone and intricate passages – who wouldn’t be enticed by such a location? The raw sense of exploration and adventure is evident in this beloved Studio Ghibli production. Adding a touch of steampunk charm, the airships, pirates, and age-old legends presented in Castle in the Sky will undoubtedly enrich your anime collection.

5. Ponyo

One time, when a playful goldfish ventures away from its home, young Sousuke discovers her trapped inside a bottle by the seashore and rescues her, getting a small cut in the process. The tiny fish tenderly licks his wound to help it heal. Recognizing that she’s unique, Sousuke names her Ponyo, takes his new companion home to his mom, Lisa. Concerned about her disappearance, the sorcerer Fujimoto hunts for and reclaims his daughter Brunhilde. However, the goldfish refuses to accept that name and instead prefers the one Sousuke gave her. Determined to reunite with her friend, she transforms herself to look like a human girl using Sousuke’s blood, leaving a trail of disrupted nature behind her. As their bond grows stronger, Sousuke, his mother Lisa, and Ponyo welcome her not only as a human but as part of the family.

In much the same way as Fujimoto abandoned his roots to share life with his cherished companion in a fresh abode, so did Ponyo echo this decision. True to Studio Ghibli’s enchanting style, they breathed new life into an age-old tale, crafting something entirely novel and captivating. Ponyo offers a heartwarmingly charming take on the classic Little Mermaid story.

4. Princess Mononoke

In a small village inhabited by the Emishi, a monstrous boar of demonic origin launches an attack. In an effort to protect his people, Ashitaka intervenes but is afflicted with a curse instead, granting him demonic abilities while also slowly claiming his life. To save himself and find a cure, the village elders advise him to journey westward. During this quest, he stumbles upon Tatara, the Iron Town, which finds itself in conflict between humans and the forest. The town’s expansion into the forest has angered not only its inhabitants and lesser spirits but also the gods and the Forest Spirit – the deity of life and death. As tensions rise between Lady Eboshi, the town leader, and San, a wolf princess, Ashitaka tries to bring peace to the warring factions while his curse continues to worsen.

The age-old struggle between man and nature remains a timeless narrative, becoming increasingly pertinent as we move forward in time. Studio Ghibli reimagines this theme with an enchanting mythological slant through Princess Mononoke. The film’s spiritual elements echo the principles of Shintoism, crafting a tale that explores the delicate balance between man and nature and leaves a lasting impact.

The classic story of people versus nature is still important today, and Studio Ghibli adds its own magical twist to it with Princess Mononoke. The spiritual aspects resemble those found in Shintoism, creating a story that examines the balance between man and nature and leaves an indelible mark.

3. Kiki’s Delivery Service

13-year-old Kiki is required as part of her training to spend a year living independently to become a fully qualified witch. With just her radio, pet cat Jiji, eagerness for adventure, and a positive outlook, she chooses to establish herself in the coastal town of Koriko. However, finding her niche in the busy city proves challenging until she encounters the proprietor of a bakery, Osono. Impressed by Kiki’s ability to fly, Osono proposes that Kiki stays with her in exchange for delivering goods for the bakery. Starting her own delivery service, although Kiki faces numerous challenges, she discovers contentment in her work and eventually grows to love the people of Koriko.

Despite Kiki’s eagerness to grow into a skilled witch, she acknowledges that she hasn’t fully grasped what this journey requires. It’s merely a rite of passage for witches to be recognized in their ancient culture. Losing her ability to fly is like watching all her efforts shatter, much like when she fell from her broomstick. The captivating setting and characters in “Kiki’s Delivery Service” are complemented by a profound message that resonates with viewers. When Kiki grapples with her inability to fly, Ursula offers advice that rings true for us all: when faced with difficulties, keep pushing forward.

Give up on the attempt for now… Avoid contemplating soaring high. In no time, you’ll be back in the air again… Each of us must discover our personal motivation, Kiki. It isn’t always simple.

2. Howl’s Moving Castle

In a turn of events, the humble milliner Sophie Hatter finds herself ensnared in a chase involving the notorious womanizer wizard Howl and a vengeful Witch of the Wasteland who casts a spell on Sophie, causing her to age rapidly. To escape this fate, she seeks refuge within the mobile fortress of Howl’s castle – a structure powered by a fire demon and supported by chicken legs, wandering the countryside. Gossip whispers that Howl steals the hearts of young women both figuratively and literally, yet Sophie, now an old lady, assumes she is beyond his romantic interests. After striking a bargain with Calcifer, the fire demon, to lift their respective curses, Sophie and the enigmatic wizard form a bond as tensions between neighboring kingdoms loom, potentially tearing them apart.

Stepping away slightly from the original novel by Diana Wynne Jones, Hayao Miyazaki’s interpretation of “Howl’s Moving Castle” remains nothing short of spellbinding. With captivating artistry, mesmerizing narrative, and heartfelt emotional connections, Studio Ghibli’s adaptation offers a breathtaking tribute to the source material. I feel truly enchanted every time I revisit this masterpiece!

1. Spirited Away

During their journey to their new abode, ten-year-old Chihiro Ogino feels less than thrilled about the relocation. After taking a misleading turn, they stumble upon what appears to be an ancient, deserted amusement park. Intrigued, they decide to investigate, and her parents find an open, unattended food stand filled with mouthwatering treats. However, when Chihiro ventures further, the area springs to life with eerie, otherworldly creatures. As her parents are transformed into pigs, the entrance, once a vast field, now resembles a colossal ocean, trapping Chihiro in the spirit realm. A boy named Haku intervenes and guides her through blending in by securing a job at the bathhouse for spirits. She encounters numerous peculiar yet captivating beings and must find the strength to recall her identity, learn from her adventures, and rescue her parents.

The top choice on this list might seem familiar in many Studio Ghibli rankings, but there’s a valid explanation. The team behind Hayao Miyazaki at Studio Ghibli truly excelled themselves with the creation of this enchanting animated masterpiece, receiving an impressive number of awards for it. Indeed, they richly deserve each one of them. With its captivating storyline and stunning artwork, Spirited Away has found a place in the hearts of both anime enthusiasts and non-anime fans, thus securing its position at the top.

2025-02-27 23:40