The Best Studio Ghibli Movies Will Unlock Your Childhood Memories
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Much like Japan's version of Walt Disney, director Hayao Miyazaki has brought delight to the hearts of children and moviegoers alike for decades. The 82-year-old filmmaker released a dozen films of his own through his animation studio, Studio Ghibli, including well-known titles such as Spirited Away, Kiki's Delivery Service, and My Neighbor Totoro. Featuring worlds of magic, fantasy, and futuristic industry, Miyazaki's films capture the wonder and awe of animation.
But even when audiences were taking in some of the best work the genre has to offer, they were also seeing themes about preserving nature, the effects of WWII in Japan, and finding balance. Some of the studio's non-Miyazaki films, such as Grave of the Fireflies by Isao Takahata, are also recognized as some of the most important war pictures of all time. While it would be too easy to simply put every Studio Ghibli film on this list, we've compiled the best eight to get you started on your journey. Sit back, relax, and find that kid in you again.
Castle in the Sky (1986)
One of Miyazaki's earliest films, Castle in the Sky, features many elements that the famed animator would perfect in later works. Including mystical castles, magical girls, and massive flying ships, Castle in the Sky is one of Ghibli's simplest—yet most important—stories.
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My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
There may be no bear/rabbit/forest spirit cuter than Totoro, Studio Ghibli's future mascot, and the subject of one of the animation studio's most beloved films. There's also a big, bus-shaped cat!
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Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
Studio Ghibli's darkest film, Isao Takahata's Grave of the Fireflies, may be the only film not directed by Hayao Miyazaki on this list. Its tale of two orphans who try to survive the final months of WWII has long been recognized as one of the greatest war movies ever made.
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Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)
Kiki's Deiivery Service tells the story of a teenage witch who sets off to make a name for herself in the big city. As her transitions into an adult life, her world becomes more disillusioned and her powers begin to fade. Will Kiki be able to regain her magic once again?
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Porco Rosso (1992)
Porco Rosso may be half-human/half-pig, but he's all heart. He's also the best pilot the world has ever seen—out to cure himself of his physical curse and rid the world of dangerous air pirates.
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Princess Mononoke (1997)
Set somewhere in 14th or 15th century Japan, Princess Mononoke is one of Miyazaki's most environmentalist films. The conflict is rooted between the Forest Spirit and nearby Iron Town, which is clear-cutting the woods to mine more minerals. As humans deal with corrupted gods and demons mixed into the struggle, the last prince of the Emishi tribe must figure out how to stop the bloodshed.
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Spirited Away (2001)
Unarguably Studio Ghibli's most celebrated film, Spirited Away rose to become the highest-grossing film in Japan and the first non-English-language film to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Following the story of a 10-year-old girl who loses her parents in an abandoned amusement park, the film plays much like a modern Alice in Wonderland, complete with Japanese folklore and fantasy.
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Howl's Moving Castle (2004)
Another masterpiece from Hayao Miyazaki, Howl's Moving Castle is a tour de force of magic, romance, fantasy, and fantastic inventions. When Sophie meets the legendary wizard, Howl, everything she thought she knew about the world is turned upside down. The English-dubbed voice cast also includes contributions from Christian Bale, Emily Mortimer, Billy Crystal, and Lauren Bacall.
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