I Binged All 22 Studio Ghibli Films And Came Up With This Definitive Ranking List
As somebody who is a lifelong anime junkie, it was hard for me to admit that I never saw Studio Ghibli's films in their entirety. But that all changed when I binged their entire catalog recently.
I was excited to view them through the lens of an adult with a better appreciation for anime — outside of the popular shonen subgenre. For those who aren't familiar with the shonen subgenre, it is an anime that is mainly aimed at a younger male audience and features a male protagonist. This genre delivers plenty of action and adventure — think Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, Yuyu Hakusho, and so much more.
The beautiful thing about Studio Ghibli films is that they actually covered a wide variety of subgenres of anime that people adore, while also focusing on having a strong female protagonist to lead the film, which is partly why the studio seems to be so revered.
Not to mention, they've got eye-catching animation and heart-tugging soundtracks that give Danny Elfman a run for his money. So without further ado, let's dive into my rankings of all the Studio Ghibli films!
In case you were wondering, all these movies are available on HBO Max for your enjoyment.
22.Tales From Earthsea (2006)
Like with any film studio, not every movie is going to be a home run. This one, unfortunately, won Japan's Bunshun Raspberry Award for "Worst Movie." That should say enough about this film.
21.Ocean Waves (1993)
If you're into high school love triangles and that sort of CW drama, this film might be up your alley.
20.My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999)
A family comedy set with vignettes to show different parts of the Yamada's life. The animation took some getting used to for me, and the overall theme was OK.
19.Pom Poko (1994)
A comedy-drama that pits shapeshifting racoons against the humans that are trying to take over their habitat. The ending was unexpected, to say the least.
18.Arrietty (2010)
This film gave me serious Ratatouille and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids vibes! Arrietty is a 6-inch "borrower" whose family borrows things from the "human beans" house — which happens to be right above their cozy, miniature, under-the-floorboard home! I just wish the ending wasn't so anti-climactic.
17.From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)
Just your average, "I might be related to the person I have feelings for" type of movie. Although, the drama that comes with this theme and how they navigate around that is what really makes it interesting.
16.The Cat Returns (2002)
A spinoff film from Whispers of the Heart, this film gives you just the right amount of animal whispering and adventure you might like. Especially if you're a cat lover!
15.When Marnie Was There (2011)
An interesting story about a young foster child, who after meeting a young girl named Marnie, discovers more and more about herself and where she is from.
14.Ponyo (2008)
Ponyo's journey to becoming human is one that will feel familiar, but visually, more modern than the The Little Mermaid we grew up with.
13.Whisper of the Heart (1995)
A nice coming-of-age story about a girl whose talents lead her to discover more about herself and her passions. It also includes a great rendition of "Take Me Home, Country Roads."
12.Howl's Moving Castle (2004)
This is a film filled with magic and wizardry, while somehow also capturing the underlying tones of director Hayao Miyazaki's disdain for the Iraq War. I'd say this was an interesting formula for diverse film production.
11.The Wind Rises (2013)
A beautiful drama set in the early 1900s that takes you on the journey of protagonist Jiro Horikoshi's life. Set in a time where designing planes was groundbreaking but also thrillingly dangerous. The perfect concoction for all the adrenaline junkies out there!
10.Only Yesterday (1991)
This movie does a great job of showing how the past and present have made Taeko Okajima the woman she is today. Filled with the complexities of becoming an adult and the regrets of the past, she questions whether or not she has taken the right path.
9.Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
A hauntingly beautiful movie about two siblings surviving after their home has been destroyed. It's a film that's not for the faint of heart. Have some tissues ready!
8.The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013)
A historical fantasy about a nymph who's discovered in a bamboo tree and groomed to be a princess. This film shows the tedious struggles of what it takes to be considered royalty amongst nobles and what happens when you're considered a mystical treasure.
7.Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)
A great family movie about a young witch's delivery company. This film is full of adventures, and you get to see the stakes of having a successful business.
6.Princess Mononoke (1997)
One of the more violent films out of the collection — it pushed the PG-13 line it was given. The dynamic between Ashitaka and San, who come from opposite worlds but find a bond that helps them fight evil, is nothing new. But it SURE is entertaining.
5.My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
This film not only succeeded in creating a wonderful story about two sisters coping with having an ill mother in the hospital, but also built an amazing fantasy element that introduces us to Studio Ghibli's mascot, Totoro.
4.Castle in the Sky (1986)
The first of Studio Ghibli films, this one delivers on so many levels. From the moment the film starts, you are thrown into the danger that young Sheeta and Pazu are facing. It's an adventure that reminded me a lot of watching Indiana Jones as a kid, minus the snakes.
3.Porco Rosso (1992)
Set in World War I, this film follows a fighter pilot bounty hunter who is on the run from the Italian government as well as the pirates he's been hunting down. I should mention, Porco is definitely a man pig, but that doesn't stop him from being a lady's man and overall badass.
2.Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
Technically, this film was done before Studio Ghibli was established, but this film was the catalyst for the studio, and I can see why. It has a strong heroine who tries to solve her society's problems without violence. Her world is filled with deadly insects and factions trying to gain control of a weapon that would give them ultimate power. This is a must-see.
1.Spirited Away (2001)
What can be said about this film that hasn't already been said? It won an Oscar for Best Animated Feature and also held the highest-grossing film record in Japan until 2020. Not only did Studio Ghibli deliver on the amazing animation that we've grown to love, but the Alice in Wonderland vibes that have Chihiro falling deeper into the spiritual realm keep you glued to the screen. I always heard this was the best film that Studio Ghibli ever released, and now I know why.
