While you may not be familiar with the concept of Ghibli anime movies, you’ve likely come across some of these titles before. Here’s a list of the top 15 Best Studio Ghibli Movies compiled by Ghibli Merch Store to recommend to you.
1. Spirited Away
- IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
- Release Date: 07/20/2001
- Genre: Animation, Family, Adventure
- Runtime: 125 minutes
- Country: Japan
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Main Cast: Rumi Hiiragi, Miyu Irino, Mari Natsuki, Takeshi Naito, Yasuko Sawaguchi
This remarkable Ghibli animated film follows the journey of Chihiro Ogino, a 10-year-old girl who is moving to a new home with her family. Along the way, her father takes a wrong turn, and they are swept into a mysterious, spirit-filled world.
One evening, while her parents are dining at an empty restaurant, they are turned into pigs by the witch Yubaba. In order to save her parents, Chihiro must work as a servant in Yubaba’s public bathhouse. Fortunately, she encounters the river spirit Haku, who helps Chihiro return home and break the curse on her parents. This Ghibli movie is renowned for its meaningful story, touching the hearts of its audience.
2. The Wind Rises
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- Release Date: 07/20/2013
- Genre: Animation, Drama, Biography
- Runtime: 126 minutes
- Country: Japan
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Main Cast: Hideaki Anno, Miori Takimoto, Hidetoshi Nishijima, Masahiko Nishimura
The Wind Rises is centered around the life of Jiro Horikoshi, a renowned engineer, based on the real-life figure known for designing fighter planes used in World War II. Jiro harbors dreams of soaring high into the skies, often envisioning himself alongside Giovanni Caproni, a famous aircraft designer.
This Ghibli animated film beautifully depicts Jiro’s journey, not just in pursuit of his dreams, but also delving into poignant narratives of compassion and humanity. It paints a natural and exquisite portrait, rich with emotion and depth.
3. Grave Of The Fireflies
- IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
- Release Date: 04/16/1988
- Genre: Animation, Drama, War
- Runtime: 89 minutes
- Country: Japan
- Director: Isao Takahata
- Main Cast: Tsutomu Tatsumi, Ayano Shiraishi, Yoshiko Shinohara, Akemi Yamaguchi
Even if you’re not familiar with anime or Ghibli films, chances are you’ve heard of Grave Of The Fireflies. The film plunges viewers into the heartbreaking story of two siblings, Seita and Setsuko, orphaned after a fierce bombing raid by American planes on the city of Kobe. Their father is away serving in the Imperial Japanese Navy.
The siblings must fend for themselves amidst the harrowing famine in wartime Japan, enduring the callousness of relatives as they rely on each other for survival. Ultimately, when Seita returns with meager provisions, he discovers that his younger sister Setsuko has succumbed to starvation. Despite Seita’s best efforts, Setsuko cannot be ‘awakened’ anymore. Grave Of The Fireflies is a profoundly moving Ghibli animated film, depicting the depths of pain and loss that defy verbal expression.
4. Whisper of the Heart
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
- Release Year: 1995
- Runtime: 111 minutes
- Genre: Animation, Romance, Family
- Director: Yoshifumi Kondō
The main character in this Ghibli movie is Tsukishima Shizuku, a high school student who is passionate about reading books. However, every time she visits the library, she discovers that someone named Seiji Amasawa has borrowed the books she wants to read. This piques Shizuku’s curiosity about him.
One day, Shizuku accidentally encounters a chubby cat named Muta who behaves strangely human-like on the train. Curiosity leads her to follow the cat to an antique shop on a hill. There, she meets Seiji Amasawa again, and they both begin to share their passion for music. Whisper of the Heart is considered one of the best Ghibli animated films, with a gentle yet profound storyline that touches the hearts of its viewers.
5. Princess Mononoke
- IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
- Release Year: 1997
- Runtime: 134 minutes
- Genre: Anime, Adventure, Fantasy
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Princess Mononoke tells the story of Prince Ashitaka. To save his Emishi village from an attack by a demon, the prince becomes cursed. He is forced to leave his family and embark on a journey to the west to find a way to lift the curse. In the dense forest he ventures into, ancient mystical beings still exist from primordial times.
In his journey in the Ghibli animated film “Princess Mononoke”, he encounters Lady Eboshi, a determined woman scheming to exploit the forest. He also meets Princess Mononoke, the adopted daughter of the Great Forest Spirit, the Wolf God Moro. Alongside the forest spirits, the princess fights against human encroachment to protect her homeland. Ashitaka, drawn into this conflict, plays a crucial role in mediating the tense relationship between nature and humanity. Despite its release many years ago, this Ghibli anime is still beloved by many.
6. My Neighbor Totoro
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
- Release Date: 04/16/1988
- Genre: Animation, Family, Fantasy
- Runtime: 86 minutes
- Country: Japan
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Main Cast: Chika Sakamoto, Noriko Hidaka, Shigesato Itoi, Sumi Shimamoto, Hitoshi Takagi
The Ghibli anime opens with the Kusakabe sisters, Satsuki and Mei, along with their parents, moving to a tranquil and peaceful countryside. Despite rumors of the new house being haunted, the sisters aren’t scared; instead, they become curious about it.
One day, while playing in the nearby yard, Mei unexpectedly stumbles upon the hideout of the Forest Spirit. Here, she encounters a large creature resembling Totoro, a character from her favorite storybook. From that moment on, the delightful journey of the two sisters alongside Totoro officially begins. My Neighbor Totoro is one of the Studio Ghibli best movies, delivering a meaningful and profound family story.
7. From Up On Poppy Hill
- IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
- Release Date: 07/16/2011
- Genre: Animation, Family, Drama, Romance
- Runtime: 91 minutes
- Country: Japan
- Director: Goro Miyazaki
- Main Cast: Masami Nagasawa, Junichi Okada, Keiko Takeshita, Yuriko Ishida
From Up On Poppy Hill follows the story of Umi Matsuzaki, a 16-year-old high school student who, despite her busy schedule, always raises signal flags and prays for the safe voyages of passing ships. One day, as the Tokyo Olympics draw near, the city decides to demolish some old buildings, including the clubhouse at Umi’s school.
In response, Umi joins a campaign by a group of students to protect these buildings. Here, she meets Shun Kazama, and they begin to develop feelings for each other. However, their lives become complicated when they uncover a surprising secret, suspecting that they may be siblings. This Ghibli movie brings forth a story of family, love filled with drama, surprises, yet leaves unforgettable melancholic notes in the hearts of its viewers.
8. Kiki’s Delivery Service
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- Release Date: 07/29/1989
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Drama
- Runtime: 103 minutes
- Country: Japan
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Main Cast: Minami Takayama, Rei Sakuma, Kappei Yamaguchi
The Ghibli movie Kiki’s Delivery Service focuses on the journey of Kiki, a 13-year-old novice witch, as she moves to a new city with her beloved cat and uses her magical flying broom. Kiki finds lodging at the bakery of Osono, an elegant woman in the port city of Koriko. Here, she develops her flying skills and opens a unique delivery service, helping the community around her.
Kiki encounters significant challenges when she loses her magic and confidence. But with support from loved ones and relentless effort, she overcomes them and grows stronger. This is one of the best Ghibli animated films, recognized by audiences worldwide for its timeless appeal.
9. Howl’s Moving Castle
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
- Release Year: 2004
- Runtime: 119 minutes
- Genre: Anime, Adventure, Romance
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
The collection of the best Studio Ghibli movie wouldn’t be complete without Howl’s Moving Castle. Based on a novel of the same name, this story revolves around Sophie, a young girl cursed by a mysterious witch. On her journey to break the curse, she encounters Howl, a wizard who appears cold on the outside but harbors a warm heart within. From here, magical adventures unfold. With stunning animation and profound humanistic messages, this Ghibli anime movie is sure to leave you satisfied.
10. When Marnie Was There
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
- Release Year: 2014
- Runtime: 103 minutes
- Genre: Anime
- Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi
When Marnie Was There depicts the life of Anna, a girl without friends who lives with her foster parents. One day, she is sent to live in Norfolk with her relatives, the Peggs. Here, Anna stumbles upon the Marsh House and befriends Marnie, a beautiful and mysterious girl residing there.
After a long period of loneliness, Anna finds warmth in her friendship with Marnie. However, Anna’s journey in this Ghibli anime movie is far from over. One day, Marnie suddenly disappears. Later, the Lindsay family moves into Marsh House. Anna becomes close to the Lindsay family, and through them, she uncovers the secrets behind Marnie’s life.
11. Laputa: Castle in the Sky
- IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
- Release Date: 08/02/1986
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Drama
- Runtime: 125 minutes
- Country: Japan
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Main Cast: Keiko Yokozawa, Mayumi Tanaka, Minori Terada
Laputa: Castle in the Sky focuses on the legend of a race of people who were lifted into the sky. There, they built magnificent flying cities and fortresses. Over time, these cities fell to the earth, and humanity returned to life as before. Only Laputa remains, hidden beneath the swirling clouds of a massive storm.
Many consider this a fantastical legend, but some special individuals believe the story to be true and tirelessly search for Laputa, including Sheeta and Pazu. On their journey in the Ghibli film Castle in the Sky, they must overcome challenges and evade the pursuit of the villainous Muska.
12. The Secret World of Arrietty
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Release Date: 07/17/2010
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Family
- Runtime: 94 minutes
- Country: Japan
- Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi
- Main Cast: Mirai Shida, Ryunosuke Kamiki, Shinobu Ōtake
This is a Ghibli anime movie adapted from Mary Norton’s work “The Borrowers,” which tells the story of tiny people who call themselves The Borrowers. They live under the floorboards of a human family’s home and survive by “borrowing” items from the human world.
Among them is Arrietty, a young girl taught by her father about the skills of survival and reminded to keep the existence of The Borrowers a secret from humans to avoid danger. However, when she encounters a human boy, Arrietty seems to forget her father’s advice. “The Secret World of Arrietty” is also one of the best Ghibli animated films, focusing on themes of family and adventure.
13. Best Studio Ghibli movies: Ponyo
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
- Release Date: July 19, 2008
- Genre: Animation, Comedy, Adventure
- Runtime: 101 minutes
- Country: Japan
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Main Cast: Tomoko Yamaguchi, Kazushige Nagashima, Yūki Amami, George Tokoro
Ponyo, a Ghibli animated film, tells the story of a goldfish princess, who escapes from her underwater kingdom and becomes trapped in a glass jar. Fortunately, Sousuke finds the jar and helps her escape, naming her Ponyo. From then on, Ponyo develops a special bond with Sousuke and wishes to become human. However, her father is determined to bring her back to their kingdom.
In the underwater kingdom, Ponyo is confined to the castle, where her sisters try to teach her how to become human. Unexpectedly, Ponyo decides to steal her father’s magical artifact to make her dream come true. But this action sets off a chain of disasters. Follow the exciting twists and turns of this renowned Ghibli movie.
14. Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
- Release Date: 11/03/1984
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Fantasy
- Duration: 117 minutes
- Country: Japan
- Director: Miyazaki Hayao
- Starring: Shimamoto Sumi, Naya Goro, Matsuda Yoji, Sakakibara Yoshiko, Kayumi Iemasa
This is a best Studio Ghibli movies ranked for adventure and fantasy enthusiasts. Set about 1000 years after the collapse of industrial civilization, the land, forests, and mountains have been contaminated, and various insects threaten the existence of humanity. In this perilous world, Nausicaä – the princess of the Valley of the Wind, with the ability to control the wind and communicate with insects, harbors a dream of peaceful coexistence between humans and insects in this toxic forest.
However, the story in this Ghibli Anime movie doesn’t stop there. People from other nations refuse to accept this idea and decide to destroy the forest and the Valley of the Wind. That’s when Nausicaä steps up, planning to stop this destructive action. She’s seen as a peacekeeper, a bridge between nature and humanity, helping to prevent bloodshed between nations and preserve humanity.
15. My Neighbors The Yamadas
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
- Release Year: 1999
- Duration: 104 minutes
- Genre: Anime Animation
- Director: Isao Takahata
The story revolves around the everyday life of the Yamada family, a typical Japanese family. Through the small stories of family life, the film offers gentle lessons about love, understanding, and unity within the family. The animation style of the film is designed as a series of humorous and realistic paintings, creating a fresh and unique experience for the audience.
Here’s a list of the top 15+ best Studio Ghibli movies compiled by Ghibli Merch Store to suggest to you. Hopefully, through these films, you’ve gained a better understanding of what Ghibli anime movies are and had some wonderful moments of relaxation. Which movie impressed you the most? Feel free to leave a comment below to share with everyone!
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