THIS POST CONTAINS SPOILERS
Watching Studio Ghibli films for the first time made me wonder why I had never discovered them sooner. If I had watched them when I was younger, would I have understood the subtle lessons and themes woven into these beautiful stories?
I was transported into worlds filled with spirits, moving castles, princesses, wartime, tiny people, inventors, dream chasers, and witches. Each story carried something a little different, yet many of them reminded me of the importance of believing in yourself, fighting for what and who you love, following your dreams, listening to the words left unspoken, and allowing yourself to break down and cry once in a while, as long as you find the strength to get back up. They reminded me to have fun, stay curious, and experience life with a little bit of magic.
There is something uniquely special about Studio Ghibli films. They bring together folklore, history, self-reflection, imagination, and adventure in ways that feel both fantastical and deeply human.
Perhaps that is what makes these films so memorable. Beneath the magic and wonder are stories about growing up, finding courage, learning to let go, and discovering who we are. They remind us that even in the midst of uncertainty, there is still beauty to be found, dreams worth chasing, and a little bit of magic waiting to be discovered.
“Walt Disney movies reach the heart. Studio Ghibli films reach the soul.”
A Bit of Studio Ghibli History
Studio Ghibli Inc. is a Japanese animation studio founded on June 15, 1985, by directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, and producer Toshio Suzuki. The studio is headquartered in Koganei, Tokyo, and is best known for its acclaimed animated feature films, along with short films, television commercials, and other animated works.
The studio’s beloved mascot is Totoro, the giant catlike forest spirit from the 1988 film My Neighbor Totoro. Since its founding, Studio Ghibli has become one of the most influential and celebrated animation studios in the world, known for its imaginative storytelling, beautiful hand-drawn animation, and themes of nature, childhood, courage, love, and humanity.
In 2014, Studio Ghibli temporarily suspended production following Hayao Miyazaki’s retirement. The studio later returned to feature film production, with Earwig and the Witch released in 2020 and directed by Miyazaki’s son, Gorō Miyazaki.
Hayao Miyazaki later returned to direct The Boy and the Heron, released in Japan in 2023. The film marked his return to feature filmmaking and became the first Studio Ghibli film to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Before You Read
All of the films included in this ranking are listed on the Studio Ghibli Wikipedia page, with the exception of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. I included Nausicaä because it was written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and animated by Topcraft, the animation studio that worked closely with the creators who would later establish Studio Ghibli. The film is also commonly associated with the Studio Ghibli collection and is often considered an important precursor to the studio’s history.
I initially watched the films in English dub before realizing that English subtitles were also available. I later rewatched them in their original Japanese audio with English subtitles. While experiencing the films in their original language gave me a different perspective, I don’t expect it to significantly change my overall rankings or opinions.
These rankings are based entirely on my personal preferences and how much I enjoyed each film. The individual criteria are scored out of 10 and are meant to show what I personally liked or disliked about each movie. Because I have a great deal of admiration for Studio Ghibli and its films, a score of 4 is the lowest rating I have given. The individual scores should not be interpreted as the overall ranking of the films.
The Criteria
THEME
The theme took inspiration from real issues;
Unique and original premise of the story;
Effective use of imagination.
ANIMATION/SCORE
Quality of illustrations reflected in the final work;
The music score suits the film and relates to the character’s journey.
CHARACTERS
Distinctive, compelling, multi-layered, and unpredictable personalities;
Showed growth and development as the story progressed;
The protagonist (s) and antagonist(s) have clear and active goals.
STORYLINE
Actions, events, conflicts, and turning points propel the story forward;
Pacing and structure were relevant and good;
Fun, engaging, and/or thought-provoking;
Plot holes, if any, weren’t noticeable.
ENDING
The message was clearly depicted of the cause it represents;
The film achieved what it wanted to achieve;
Length was appropriate.
OVERALL IMPACT
Lesson(s) hit the heart;
Creates a desire to make a change; and spreads the message further.
My Ranking (Updated: 08.2026)
24. 海がきこえる // Ocean Waves (1993)
Ocean Waves is a coming-of-age story set in Kochi, Japan, following three high school friends, Taku, Yutaka, and Rikako. When Rikako transfers to their school from Tokyo, her arrival gradually changes the dynamic between the two longtime friends. Years later, Taku looks back on those complicated days as their class prepares for a 10-year reunion.
I really wanted to like Ocean Waves. After watching Only Yesterday, I went into this one expecting something similarly nostalgic and reflective. Even the poster gave me the impression that the two films might have a comparable atmosphere. Unfortunately, I found myself increasingly frustrated with the story, even more so when I watched it a second time.
Visually, there isn’t much to complain about. The soft pastel colors and gentle illustrations are beautiful, and they fit the quiet, nostalgic feeling of the story. There are moments when the scenery almost makes you want to step inside the film and wander around with the characters. Unfortunately, the visuals were probably the biggest positive I took away from it.
The story itself was where I struggled.
I kept hoping the conflicts between the characters would eventually lead somewhere meaningful, or that the relationships would develop in a way that helped me understand the emotions behind them. Instead, I often found myself questioning some of the emotional choices the story made.
The biggest problem for me was the romance. I never really felt the connection that the movie wanted me to feel. The interactions were often tense or frustrating, and I didn’t see enough moments that made the relationship feel romantic to me.
Maybe that’s intentional. Real feelings aren’t always neat or logical, and sometimes people develop attachments that don’t make much sense from the outside. But as a viewer, I still wanted to understand what drew these people to each other.
Perhaps I’m simply missing something about romantic love.
Or perhaps the friendships were far more interesting to me than the romance.
Either way, Ocean Waves is one of those films where I can appreciate the visuals and understand what it was trying to explore, while still walking away feeling like something was missing. It wasn’t a terrible movie, but it certainly wasn’t one I connected with.
My rating: 4/10
23. アーヤと魔女 // Earwig and the Witch (2020)
Earwig and the Witch follows a confident and mischievous young girl whose life changes when she becomes involved with a family connected to the world of magic. What begins as an intriguing premise quickly turns into a strange and unpredictable story.
I was a little hesitant to watch this one, but the synopsis intrigued me enough to give it a chance. The first few minutes were actually quite interesting, and I thought I might end up enjoying it. Unfortunately, I found myself losing interest as the story progressed.
Much of that came down to the main character. Earwig is clever, confident, and accustomed to getting what she wants, but I found her behavior increasingly difficult to appreciate. I did, however, notice a softer side to her. She clearly cares about the people close to her, and those moments made me wish the story had explored more of that side of her personality.
That was probably my biggest issue with the film. I kept waiting for Earwig to reflect on her behavior and experience some meaningful growth. Given everything she encounters, I thought the story might eventually lead her toward some kind of realization. Instead, I felt as though that opportunity was largely left unexplored.
The ending was another point of frustration for me.
Studio Ghibli films often leave certain things open to interpretation, and I generally enjoy that. They can leave you wondering what might happen next while still bringing the story to a satisfying stopping point. With Earwig and the Witch, however, I was left feeling more confused than curious. I wanted more resolution and a stronger sense that the story had reached a natural conclusion.
That was a shame because I thought the premise had potential. The magical setting and unusual concept could have made for a much more compelling story, but I never felt that the ideas were developed as fully as they could have been.
I did appreciate the studio’s willingness to experiment with 3D animation. It was a significant departure from the visual style Studio Ghibli is known for, and I respect the decision to try something different. Personally, the animation didn’t bother me, although I think the film would have benefited much more from the same level of experimentation in its storytelling.
Overall, Earwig and the Witch wasn’t a film I connected with. It had an interesting premise and some elements I appreciated, but I was left wanting more from the characters, the story, and especially its ending.
My rating: 4/10
22. ゲド戦記 // Tales from Earthsea (2006)
Tales from Earthsea follows Prince Arren, a troubled young man who crosses paths with the powerful wizard, Sparrowhawk, after fleeing his home. Their journey eventually brings them into a world of magic, mystery, and an imbalance that threatens the natural order of the world.
I had extremely high expectations for Tales from Earthsea. The movie poster and synopsis had dragons. Dragons! Surely I was in for an adventure.
Unfortunately, the dragons were given very little time on screen. After an exciting opening, they largely disappear from the story until the final moments of the film. What followed was quite different from what I had expected.
I was hoping for an action-packed fantasy adventure with deeper backstories, meaningful quests, and characters facing difficult obstacles along the way. Instead, I found the story difficult to follow at times, with several ideas and events introduced without much explanation. By the time some of those pieces finally began to come together, I had already lost much of my interest in where the story was going.
The one character who kept me invested was Therru. Her backstory was given more attention than most of the other characters, and I found her development throughout the film much more interesting to follow. I did wish, however, that some aspects of her background had been explored more thoroughly rather than introduced so abruptly.
I think much of my reaction comes down to personal preference. When I watch a fantasy or adventure film, I want to feel completely immersed in the world. I want the story to build anticipation, keep me curious about what is coming next, and make me feel like every little detail could become important later. Tales from Earthsea had many of the ingredients for that kind of experience, but I never felt that it fully came together.
The visuals, however, were lovely. The illustrations captured the atmosphere of the story beautifully, and the final scene involving the dragon was particularly gorgeous.
Overall, Tales from Earthsea had the foundation for a much stronger fantasy adventure than what I felt it ultimately became. There were interesting ideas, beautiful visuals, and glimpses of a much larger world, but the story lacked the focus and depth I was hoping for.
Perhaps it is simply a matter of expectations, but when I see dragons on a movie poster, I am going to expect a little more dragon.
My rating: 5/10
21. 紅の豚 // Porco Rosso (1992)
Porco Rosso is a fantasy adventure set in the years following World War I, centered around a former pilot who now lives as a bounty hunter. With its unusual premise, aviation setting, and blend of adventure and humor, the film has a personality all its own.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from Porco Rosso, but it ended up being a pleasant surprise. The story sits somewhere between fantasy and reality, and I think that unusual combination is part of what makes it so enjoyable. There is something wonderfully lighthearted about the film despite the more serious themes woven throughout it.
Other than Howl’s Moving Castle, this was one of the few Studio Ghibli films that actually made me laugh out loud multiple times. Much of that came from Porco’s sarcastic humor, which gave the film a charm that I really appreciated.
Porco himself is also an interesting character. There is something mysterious about him, but beneath the confidence and somewhat intimidating exterior is a much softer side. I enjoyed that contrast and found him surprisingly easy to root for.
More than anything, Porco Rosso was simply fun to watch. It has a different energy from many of the other Ghibli films I’ve seen, and I appreciated how naturally it balanced its more serious moments with humor.
Overall, Porco Rosso is an entertaining and charming film that I could see myself returning to whenever I want something lighthearted. It may not have been what I expected going in, but it ended up being one of the more enjoyable surprises in my Ghibli marathon.
My rating: 7.5/10
20. 平成狸合戦ぽんぽこ // Pom Poko (1994)
Pom Poko is an environmental story told from the perspective of tanuki whose forest home is threatened by human development. Through their eyes, the film explores environmental destruction, resilience, and the struggle to preserve a way of life.
I really enjoyed Pom Poko, particularly because of the way it approaches its environmental message. Seeing the effects of development from the perspective of those directly affected by it gave the story an emotional weight that I appreciated.
Rather than simply presenting environmental destruction from a human perspective, the film encouraged me to consider what these changes might feel like to the living beings already occupying that space. I could understand their frustration and helplessness as their surroundings changed, while their concerns went largely unheard.
I also appreciated the sense of community throughout the film. Despite the difficulties they faced, there was still a sense of togetherness that made their struggle feel much more meaningful. I admired their determination and the way they continued to give everything they had, even when they were clearly at a disadvantage.
There were a few aspects of the story that didn’t work as well for me, but they didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed its central message. I was especially drawn to the idea of looking beyond our own perspective and considering the lives that exist alongside us.
I think that is what stayed with me most about Pom Poko. It reminded me that the world we live in isn’t ours alone. What may seem insignificant to us can be incredibly important to another living being.
Overall, Pom Poko is a thoughtful and meaningful film with a message that I found easy to connect with. It made me look at environmental destruction from a different perspective and, more importantly, encouraged me to have a little more empathy for the lives affected by the choices humans make.
My rating: 7.5/10
19. 天空の城ラピュタ // (Laputa:) Castle in the Sky (1986)
Castle in the Sky follows two orphaned children, Sheeta and Pazu, who become connected to the mysterious floating civilization of Laputa. As they set out on an adventure to uncover the truth behind it, they find themselves caught between people who want to find Laputa for very different reasons.
Castle in the Sky was the first film officially released by Studio Ghibli, and I found it to be one of the studio’s lighter and more straightforward adventures.
I really enjoyed the idea behind the film. A mysterious civilization hidden somewhere in the sky is already enough to capture my attention, and the emphasis on adventure made it an easy movie to get invested in. There is a constant sense of movement and discovery that kept the story enjoyable.
At the same time, I felt like there was almost too much happening without enough time spent explaining some of the ideas behind it. Several different groups and motivations come into the story, and I occasionally found myself wishing the film had slowed down and given me a little more background.
I especially wanted to know more about Laputa itself. The idea of this mysterious civilization was probably the part of the story that interested me the most, so I found myself wishing I could have seen more of it and learned more about its history. I would genuinely be interested in a story set during Laputa’s prime, when the civilization was still thriving.
I also enjoyed the contrast between the wonder of Laputa and the more grounded parts of the adventure. There is something exciting about watching the characters search for a place that has become almost mythical, while gradually discovering that there is much more behind the legend than they initially realize.
Castle in the Sky is a film I wouldn’t mind watching again. The concept alone is imaginative enough to draw you in, and the adventurous spirit of the story makes it an enjoyable watch. There is something about the idea of a castle hidden among the clouds that feels timeless, and I can easily understand why it became such a memorable beginning for Studio Ghibli.
My rating: 7.5/10
18. 風立ちぬ // The Wind Rises (2013)
Theme: 10
Animation / Score: 10
Characters: 7
Storyline: 8
Ending: 10
Overall Impact: 8
The Wind Rises is in my top three Ghibli films that get my heart clenching just thinking about it, right after Grave of the Fireflies and The Tale of the Princess Kaguya. Although the emotional impact of The Wind Rises happened mostly at the end of the film, it was one heck of an ending, so prepare some tissues.
Honestly, I initially did not understand what was going on here. I found the time jumps a bit confusing and I didn’t understand the narrative. Of course, I think it would’ve helped if I read the synopsis, but I didn’t. So suffice to say, I did find the first half of the film quite uninteresting for me. It’s most likely also due to my own personal lack of interest in the subject matter, aviation.
There was also not much about Jiro, the main character, that stood out to me other than him trying to achieve his life passion (which is actually what I admire the most about him).
For the most part, The Wind Rises lands right in between Ocean Waves and Only Yesterday in terms of interesting realism narratives in Ghibli films. It has a stronger storyline than the former but is not as personally impactful as the latter.
It wasn’t until the second half of the film that I caught on to the time jumps and understood Jiro’s passion for aviation. And my interest sparked, even more, when romance entered the storyline.
Ghibli never fully touched on romantic love that included marriage and physical affection, and instead focused on the events that these characters go through that subtly show there is deep love between the two leads in the forms of friendship, support, self-love, healing, and self-reflection. But, in The Wind Rises, viewers are able to see the profound love and affection that the younger characters have fueled into the romance of a lifetime between Jiro and Naoko.
If there’s one kind of love I’d cherish in my own personal lifetime, it is the love between Jiro and Naoko.
17. 風の谷のナウシカ // Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
Theme: 10
Animation / Score: 10
Characters: 10
Storyline: 10
Ending: 10
Overall Impact: 10
Classic.
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind was technically a film released before Studio Ghibli ever came into existence, but I am going to include it here because it’s a masterpiece. Plus, I just read that the film was released as part of the Studio Ghibli Collection DVD and Blu-ray range. So, win!
This was the first Ghibli film I watched when I began binging all of them, and it set a great pace and expectations for the films to follow. There’s just something about many Ghibli film that produces otherworldly visuals and storytelling that manage to take my breath away upon the first watch.
And Nausicaä was no different. I was drawn to the illustrations right away and found them to be soothingly calming. Almost immediately, I felt as if I was transported to a different world because the animation was something I didn’t really grow up with, and so I was watching the entire film with wonder and awe at the character and creature designs, sceneries, and air transportations.
Furthermore, the film demonstrates a theme of environmental destruction, something I realized I’ll be seeing a lot of in the Ghibli franchise (which, let’s face it—is a blessing in disguise to anyone watching as we all need to be reminded of how much pain humans are causing the planet).
The theme of deforestation was exceptionally executed through metaphoric visuals of a poisonous forest with giant mutant insects. Nausicaä seems to be the only one who has a deeper connection with the forest and is able to understand all living beings in there. This sets the conflict for the entire film, and Nausicaä’s journey, along with the help of Asbel later on, to create a balance between humans and the forest and coexist with one another.
With such a significant theme, there is no doubt that the events that took place were fairly serious, and I find as one of the more mature films of the Ghibli collection.
The characters were okay. What stood out to me the most was the baby Ohm who I dream of being an actual living creature.
Other than that, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is definitely a must-watch film. It had set the standard for all of the other Ghibli films I watched afterward.
16. ホーホケキョとなりの山田くん // My Neighbors The Yamadas (1999)
Theme: 9
Animation / Score: 10
Characters: 9
Storyline: 8
Ending: 10
Overall Impact: 8
After numerous attempts, I finally paid attention and completed My Neighbors The Yamadas, which is why I’m quite surprised that it has managed to be this high up on the list.
My Neighbors The Yamadas is a touching story about the ups and downs of everyday family life. I guess I couldn’t relate to it so easily because the story was mostly from the point of view of the dad (Takashi), mom (Matsuko), and grandma (Shige). And, well, with it being on a more realistic scenario, I based my feelings on my own current reality. And my current reality is that I’m not married, nor do I have kids yet.
Still, I appreciated the film because it provided a lot of meaningful guidance to anyone about the challenges of having a family, with a high emphasis on married life.
My favorite character would definitely be Shige Yamada, the grandmother. She has her quirks, but a lot of my favorite lines and advice in the movie came from her.
I also like the bit of humor they would throw in. It shows the happy times and moments within the family just as much as their not-so-great moments. I do wish I would have been able to see more of Nonoko, Takashi’s daughter, though. There was only one scene that was about her in the beginning, but after that, it was like she was almost never around.
I would get a little confused with the storyline as well because the film was orchestrated in a way that shows mini scenarios every once in a while without really showing a smooth or defined transition. I often thought they were still on the previous scene, but it would be a different day and/or time of events.
I thought the illustrations were interesting. They reminded me of The Tale of the Princess Kaguya’s, but they’re still two different styles. The soft pastel colors were pleasing and brought out a warm atmospheric vibe, and the illustrations were very simple, but detailed enough to tell the story. I can’t even reach this amount of skill in sketching.
Overall, My Neighbors the Yamadas, is a lovely narrative about a family’s home life, going through challenges, but overcoming them because the love and support that they have for each other is much stronger than any storm that heads their way.
15. 借りぐらしのアリエッティ // The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)
Theme: 8
Animation / Score: 10
Characters: 9
Storyline: 7
Ending: 9
Overall Impact: 8
The Secret World of Arrietty was the second out of the two Ghibli films I watched before binging the entire featured films collection.
I think I’d already formed a connection with Arrietty upon watching it due to seeing Peter Hewitt’s 1997 film, The Borrowers, first as both films are loosely based on Mary Norton’s 1952 children’s novel of the same name, and I absolutely love the 1997 version. It’s no surprise that I would feel any less with Ghibli’s version of an iconic storyline.
The novel, and the films, are overall about a family of tiny people living behind the walls and floorboards of a regular-sized human household, borrowing items from them in order to survive.
I know that not a lot of people enjoy this film for the reasons that it doesn’t really represent the rest of the Ghibli collection or that they thought there would be romance involved between Shō and Arrietty. For the film to be based on an English novel, I think that the studio did a fairly wonderful job at developing it as close to what Ghibli is all about, especially when comparing it to the American film version.
There is definite room for improvement in the plot, such as Haru’s interest in capturing the little people. I felt like her story was so sudden and lacked a buildup or reason as to why she wanted them captured, and what she wanted to do with them after she’s captured them. I originally thought the conflict would remain between Arrietty and Shō, as most Ghibli films would introduce the conflict right from the beginning. Here, the conflict was shown somewhere in the middle when I was already committed to the development of Arrietty and Shō.
Other than that, I thought the visuals were insanely beautiful, Arrietty was a kickass character, and Shō was such a gentle and sweet “human bean.” Their friendship, though started out as rocky, became one that was wholesome and bittersweet. I love them.
Arrietty also did bring out a more sentimental storyline than The Borrowers, especially towards the end. Now the ending was a definite Ghibli style as it left me to wonder more about what could be.
The Secret World of Arrietty is a touching story about family and friendship. It’s a Ghibli version that touches on another meaningful aspect of two characters motivating each other to live their lives every day and produces a friendship type of love that’s already explained without having to even say much about the other or to each other for the viewers to understand the bond that they have developed.
14. 猫の恩返し // The Cat Returns (2002)
Theme: 9
Animation / Score: 10
Characters: 10
Storyline: 8
Ending: 9
Overall Impact: 9
I adore The Cat Returns for being the only spin-off film in the entire Ghibli collection (spun-off from Whisper of the Heart), and for being one of two films to have Baron Humbert von Gikkingen as a protagonist.
Upon the first watch, I didn’t connect to it as much as I thought I would. I didn’t dislike it, but I also didn’t love it. When I watched it a second time, a lot of my initial feelings changed. I still don’t love it as much as the others, but it’s definitely piqued my interest more.
I love the parallel universe between The Cat Returns and its predecessor, Whisper of the Heart. I’m not that surprised considering that 14-year-old Shizuku, the main female lead, had written a completed novel about the Baron in Whisper of the Heart to which I can definitely see The Cat Returns being the featured film adaptation of her story.
The Cat Returns has that childlike wonder that I believe would come from a young writer as talented as Shizuku. It has a sense of innocence and clichéd kind of tale, in a lovely way of course. I also couldn’t help but love the message of this film revolving around the idea of believing in oneself as it so happens that Shizuku had trouble believing in her skills as a writer.
Also, I absolutely love Muta, Baron’s big furry cat friend. His humor is something I enjoyed and found myself chuckling along with, even though, most of the time, he wasn’t even trying to be funny. I wish I would’ve seen Toto more as well. I love his character.
Then there’s Yuki and Prince Lune. I would love to see a spin-off based on their romance. I don’t know why but I find their relationship to be endearing and interesting. I don’t normally prefer watching romance movies, but for these two, you can bet I’ll be one of their biggest shippers.
The main thing that bothered me was the film’s incessant remarks towards someone’s physical appearance – their weight and their face. I do get that it’s all supposed to be light humor, but I think that a lot of people, especially the younger generations, might take some of them seriously and believe that looks are the most important asset to have in the world. And I just wished they cut back on such remarks.
Overall, The Cat Returns is a lighthearted film for viewers with a meaningful message that touches the hearts of those who have yet to find confidence in themselves.
13. 崖の上のポニョ // Ponyo (2008)
Theme: 10
Animation / Score: 10
Characters: 9
Storyline: 9
Ending: 10
Overall Impact: 10
Ponyo was, I believe, the very first Ghibli film I’ve ever watched before binging every other featured film that Ghibli has released. And I never knew it was part of the Ghibli collection until I found out about, well, Ghibli Studios.
Ponyo has a special place in my heart. I loved the film back then and I love it even now.
The very first time I saw this, I simply enjoyed its intriguing storyline of a goldfish magically transforming into a human girl and befriending a human boy who is insanely sweet and thoughtful for his age.
When I rewatched the film, I saw Ponyo’s beauty in animation, as a storyline, and as a lifelong lesson of pure, innocent love between two beings who may not be of the same form.
Many of us may not have a goldfish that can transform into a human, but we could have a pet, a childhood toy that we still keep to this day, a customized gift from a friend, a clothing item from our favorite anime, etc. These are our Ponyos in the real world. We find happiness with them. We love, cherish, and go out of our way to protect them. We look at them with adoration and excitement. We smile when we see them or think about them.
I honestly wouldn’t mind if the movie didn’t have any conflict because I would enjoy it just as much seeing the friendship between Sosuke and Ponyo grow. It’s easy to tell that the two share a deep bond that many of us typically wouldn’t have at that age.
Ponyo is an incredibly wholesome film, and I love that Ghibli made one for the much younger viewers who would experience this kind of adventure in the film.
I’d also like to point out that when Ponyo tells Sosuke she loves him at the beginning of the film, Sosuke doesn’t say it back. Instead, he says that he’ll learn to love her back. And there’s just something about this line that’s powerful for me. I felt that Sosuke pretty much understands that “love” isn’t a term too lightly to pass around. It’s something that evolves over time, even if it starts out as a friendship kind of love.
When I have kids, I pray that they have the understanding, empathy, excitement, courage, and extreme cuteness that Sosuke and Ponyo have.
Ponyo is a childlike masterpiece, and I encourage everyone to watch it.
12. 君たちはどう生きるか // THE BOY AND THE HERON (2023)
Theme: 8
Animation / Score: 10
Characters: 9
Storyline: 8
Ending: 8
Overall Impact: 7
The Boy and the Heron is a special one for me – it is the first Studio Ghibli/Hayao Miyazaki film I saw in the theater. Sidenote: This film also marked another first for me, wherein I saw this movie on my own, and, other than excitement, I felt accomplished for doing something I have never experienced before. I was initially worried that my hometown would not show the film, but I leaped for joy when I saw both a sub and dub version on the movie listings. (I of course chose to watch the sub version.)
As special as this film was for me, I, unfortunately, did not emotionally connect with it as much as I expected to, hence it’s space on my top 12 list.
However, there are dozens of qualities that were incorporated into the film that I believe only a master of his crafts can portray in a film as extensive and in-depth as The Boy and the Heron. One thing I noticed early on was the homage to Miyazaki’s previous masterpieces, one of which being Mahito’s (main protagonist) strikingly similar resemblance to Jiro from The Wind Rises (peep #18 on the list). Throughout the film, I was amazed at how Miyazaki was able to incorporate previous films, change them up a bit, and include them in this film as new, but nostalgic, characters and imagery.
Like many Ghibli films, the animations of The Boy and the Heron exceeded expectations. Other than my indifference towards the heron, the entire film’s illustrations were beautifully captivating. I felt like I was in the world of all of Ghibli’s creations and it made me want to explore more off-screen.
My biggest critique of the film was that a lot was going on that my emotions and thoughts could not keep up and I was left leaving the movie theatre with more confusion than connection. Connections with Ghibli films (and any other movies) are what essentially makes the movie memorable and admirable for me. These connections can be emotional, relatable
11. 思い出のマーニー // When Marnie Was There (2014)
Theme: 9
Animation / Score: 10
Characters: 10
Storyline: 10
Ending: 10
Overall Impact: 10
This was the last film Studio Ghibli released before they went on a temporary suspension. And I don’t know why I suddenly thought of a deeper connection between this film and Studio Ghibli’s hiatus.
Originally, I gave this film lower scores for the criteria, but I still stuck with my score of 7 for its theme due to the storyline not catching my attention for the first couple of minutes.
It wasn’t until everything was being revealed that I was just completely mind blown and saw the beautiful narrative that the film has been trying to convey. Literally, everything began making sense – Anna’s behavior and actions; her attachment to Marnie, which I kind of felt a completely different subtext between the two at first that I would’ve supported all the way; and who Marnie truly was.
I’m doing my best to not give away too much without spoiling the biggest plot twist that the movie threw because I really want others to watch this and be as surprised and emotionally attacked as I was.
Some events made me realize something was different than usual, but it’s one of those things where I would still want to keep an open mind or would expect a completely different outcome because it wouldn’t be that easy of a plot to delve into.
The film starts with the main character, Anna, obviously carrying some heavy burdens in her mind and heart as well as struggling with asthma. She was then sent to stay with her relatives who live in a place with clean air, as a way to help with her asthma.
During her stay, she becomes attracted to this beautiful mansion, where then she meets Marnie. As the two got closer, it was easily able to see the spark returning to Anna’s eyes. She was smiling more, laughing more, having fun as kids normally would. She also began forming lifelong friendships with those who seem to genuinely care for her as well.
As she leaves to go back home, she looks back and sees Marnie waving to her at her window, subtly letting Anna know that she will be fine from now on and that memories of their time together will never be forgotten.
So, with the deeper connection between Ghibli and this film that I mentioned earlier, I compared Marnie as Ghibli Studio and us viewers as Anna. Normally, we’re going through our daily lives just trying to make each day the best. Every single one of us often goes through challenges and there may be days when we’re just not feeling 100%. Yet, when we enter the world of Ghibli animations, some of our burdens are released and we enjoy our time experiencing adventures with spirits, aviation, and otherworldly creatures, all the while being reminded of important life lessons that often motivate us once again to keep pushing forward.
With Marnie waving goodbye to Anna at the end, it’s like Ghibli waving to their viewers as they go through a hiatus, and that as long as we have the memories of these powerful narratives in our hearts, they will always be with us even if we won’t physically be seeing their work for however long it takes.
When Marnie Was There is such a beautiful story with an everlasting impact on the hearts of those who experience Anna’s journey.
We’ve made it down to my top 10 Studio Ghibli featured films. As soon as I reached my top 15, everything just became much more difficult. I knew right away which would be my top two, but everything in between went through a lot of rearranging.
What do you think of the ranking so far? What are your top 10 Studio Ghibli featured films or other Ghibli works?
10. 火垂るの墓 // Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
Theme: 10
Animation / Score: 10
Characters: 10
Storyline: 10
Ending: 10
Overall Impact: 10
I initially was excited to watch this film because of what reviews had said about it. And then a friend suggested not to do so unless I wanted to get emotionally wrecked. I listened for the most part, but another part of me was highly intrigued as to why it’s very well-respected. I was also thinking: “I’ve seen some sad movies and I was able to pull through. How bad can this film be?”
I should’ve known that asking that type of question would lead me to feel some of the most heartbreaking emotions I’ve ever felt in my life and what I would not want to ever feel again.
One night as I was going to bed, I decided to go ahead and watch it because what better time to watch a sad film than late into the night? Little did I know that because I knew what I was getting into and I had a sense of the storyline, I was in tears during the first two minutes of the film.
Right from the beginning of the movie, we’re shown what essentially happens to siblings, Seita and Setsuko. I found this to be unfair and much more painful having to go through the entire film and reliving the events that led to the siblings’ unfortunate circumstances. It was cruel, but it also conveyed a powerful narrative.
I am in awe of the relationship between Seita and Setsuko. I’ve always wanted an older brother, and if I had to describe how he would be, Seita is the perfect example of one. No words can perfectly describe the love and bond that the two have for each other.
The adults, however, have truly let me down.
The night I watched this, I couldn’t go to bed until about three hours later because every time I closed my eyes, I would just see the events of the film.
It’s actually also difficult writing this review without having to take a breather every now and then because that’s how much it’s affected me, and it’ll most likely affect me for the rest of my life.
If you are to watch a Ghibli film, consider watching other films in the collection before this one. Or, don’t watch it all. If you do, just prepare yourself for the events of the film.
09. もののけ姫 // Princess Mononoke (1997)
Theme: 10
Animation / Score: 10
Characters: 10
Storyline: 10
Ending: 10
Overall Impact: 10
I was surprised at the mature narrative that Princess Mononoke expressed. But I do admire the different and more realistic approach towards environmental matters, such as deforestation.
What I love about this film is the seemingly flawless pace and events of the storyline, and the characters’ gradual development in not only themselves but in resolving the primary conflict as well.
Something that gets to me is Ashitaka’s concern for both sides of the conflict. I understand that Ashitaka just wants peace amongst everyone and that he’s supposed to see things unclouded by hate, but it was still hard to fathom him looking out for those who were destroying the forest in such a destructive way. Everything worked out in the end, but I don’t think I would’ve had the same will as him to hold in the pain of understanding the less likable side.
Then there’s Lady Eboshi, who’s one of the few characters in the Ghibli universe that got on my nerves. I can’t really blame her though as it shows that she played the antagonist part really well. I was having a somewhat hard time deciding what I truly felt about her, but there was one scene, one decision, she made that threw my ongoing debate in my head away, and decided that I lost any ounce of what little respect I had for her left. The goals that led to her selfish acts were worse than Princess Kaguya’s father’s, and that’s already saying a lot.
Thankfully, there’s San. She’s awesome. I like her. I would love to see a movie about her life living in the forest with wolves before and after the events of this film. I actually thought Princess Mononoke would revolve around this kind of narrative, but this storyline is still much more impactful than I expected it to be.
I also love Yakul and think that the forest spirits, known as Kodama, are cute as well.
Overall, Princess Mononoke is a must-watch. It’s beautiful in its own way and I admire the overall impact it has regarding deforestation and the environment as a whole.
08. 魔女の宅急便 // Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
When I first watched Kiki’s Delivery Service, I didn’t really feel any connection to the movie. I thought it was lighthearted, but Kiki, the main character, was annoying to me. I really did not like her throughout the film. Her attitude was not pleasant.
Somehow I kept replaying the movie as background sound, and then I decided to actually pay attention because I wanted to understand why many people love it.
And wow, was I wrong with my initial thoughts about the film, especially watching it in English Sub. Kiki’s personality was much more likable in my opinion.
This is one of those stories that isn’t exactly black and white. There are many messages in the film that suggested something much more meaningful and relatable to anyone of any age, including myself.
I honestly never thought much about what’s actually happening with Kiki, the 13-year-old witch in training who left her home in the countryside with her cat familiar, Jiji, in order to live in a big city and start her witch training.
This is something I admired about her since first watching. But as I kept rewatching, I completely missed an important narrative that was staring me right in the face –
Kiki pursued the idea of turning something that she loves – that she’s passionate about – into a business in order to make a living. The pressure of trying to make more out of her passion actually took away from why she does it, and most importantly, who she is.
And Kiki felt this in her heart. She became more distant than ever and was experiencing symptoms of burnout and what even looked like a lead to depression. Because, as she brought up to Osono, what good is she if she no longer has her magic? Her essence compromised of her being a witch, of her magic. She was born with it. It’s who she is, and what she’s made of, and it brings her so much happiness and joy.
It was when a friend, Ursula, decided to have Kiki stay with her at her home away from the city for a couple of days that Kiki began connecting with her inner self once again. She was away from the busy streets of the city and back to what she was most comfortable with – what she grew up with – closeness to nature and fresh air for her to breathe in relaxation and breathe out her worries.
With a change in scenery to a place where she’s found comfort and peace, she took back her power, as a young girl growing up, and as a witch in training.
I honestly can’t believe I missed this because this was literally a punch to my reality, especially as an aspiring blogger whose passion is to write. I decided to use my passion to do more and make a business out of it and I had also burnt myself out many times without fully realizing it.
Kiki and I are more alike than I originally caught on. And I’ve finally understood why the film is a masterpiece and has touched the hearts of millions of people.
Also, I absolutely love the illustrations in the film. Miyazaki was able to put together visuals that encompass objects, such as cars and buildings, as well as supporting characters, from different generations. I love how there was a homage to the old ways of doing things, such as when one of Kiki’s customers wasn’t able to bake because there was something wrong with her modern-day oven. Kiki suggested using the brick oven instead, where she collected firewood in the backyard and baked the pie the old-fashioned way.
Kiki’s Delivery Service is a beautiful film with an inspiring narrative and is worth watching.
07. おもひでぽろぽろ// Only Yesterday (1991)
Theme: 9
Animation / Score: 10
Characters: 10
Storyline: 9
Ending: 10
Overall Impact: 10
Only Yesterday was the first true-to-life adult animated film I’ve seen from the Ghibli collection, and it was a change of pace considering the Ghibli films I watched before this was mystical and had nonhuman characters that are loveable.
Nonetheless, Only Yesterday has magic of its own.
As a child, Taeko was bubbly and had all of these amazing ambitions that she hoped to fulfill as she grew up. This is something we, unfortunately, don’t see in her present circumstances. And as she goes on vacation to the countryside, she begins having flashbacks of specific life events during her childhood – crushes, puberty, math, aspirations, etc.
It was lovely seeing Taeko’s life as a child and how those flashbacks helped mold her into the person she was, as well as inspiring those who were there to listen to her stories. Taeko was financially stable, lived in her own apartment, and lived in the big city as an adult. She was fulfilling the needs of basic human necessities.
It was through her recollections that she began questioning if her current lifestyle was something that her younger self had wanted for her. If her younger self would’ve been scolding her for not following their dreams and for lying to themselves about what brings them meaning and joy in their life. Did she end up losing her true self in order to become someone who simply fits in with the crowd?
Similar to From Up on Poppy Hill, there’s something about this film that’s soothing to me. I think it’s the theme of self-reflection and realization that makes me personally relate to Taeko’s struggle with finding that purpose in herself.
It’s a beautiful story that I think many people in their 20s can relate to.
06. となりのトトロ // My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Theme: 10
Animation / Score: 10
Characters: 10
Storyline: 10
Ending: 10
Overall Impact: 10
The most anticipated film I was looking forward to watching.
If you’re looking for something lighthearted, then this is an amazing film to watch almost all the time during any part of the day.
The storyline is heartwarmingly wholesome and I can understand why thousands of people love it so much. Totoro himself has even been Ghibli’s mascot since this film was released.
The siblings, Satsuki and Mei, are adorable. I love the bond between them and can see how much they love each other.
One thing I would’ve loved to see that would’ve probably made this rank higher on my list is Totoro interacting more with the siblings or just him doing whatever it is does on his own time. Like when he gets into the Catbus. It would be interesting to see what was on his to-do list, especially so late in the night and going away from his home.
This was also the first film where I got to see the versatile creativity of the nonhuman characters in the Ghibli universe. There was obviously Totoro, his friends, the Catbus, and the Susuwataris (small, dark, dust-like house spirits). I love them. They’re amazing and cute.
There is a rather serious situation that the film touches on, but it was told in a way that would easily be explained to children if such a scenario happens in real life, especially seeing as the film is primarily aimed towards the younger generations.
Other than that, My Neighbor Totoro is probably the best feel-good, slice-of-life kind of film that is undoubtedly bounded to lift up anyone’s spirit, no matter how awful their day has been.
05. コクリコ坂から // From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)
Theme: 9
Animation / Score: 10
Characters: 10
Storyline: 9
Ending: 10
Overall Impact: 10
There’s just something about From Up on Poppy Hill that brings me a sense of comfort that I’m actually not quite sure I understand myself, let alone explain.
I began watching it with little expectations, which is why I was surprised at how content it made me feel by the end of it.
The film is a touching story about students working together to save a historical landmark that they find a sort of home away from home. There is also the budding young love between the two teens, Umi and Shun.
I even got a little teary-eyed when secrets began unfolding in the plot. I love Umi and Shun. They’re definitely in my top Ghibli couples (continue, or skip, below to check out my “top Ghibli” categories), and they were able to gain my adoration of their young love by simply being nonmagical teenagers who found additional happiness with each other.
Wait, I guess there is a little bit of magic in this film.
The whole time I was watching this, the emotions I felt weren’t too extreme as they were for most of the other Ghibli films. But that’s not exactly a terrible thing.
I think it’s the fact that I didn’t go overboard with my emotions that make this film stand out to me and why I still find the storyline just as enjoyable and endearing to watch. Even with the conflicts that arose, it was interesting to see how the characters came together to produce a plan, and go out of their way to follow through with viable solutions.
I respect everything about From Up On Poppy Hill and wish it was longer.
03. 耳をすませば // Whisper of the Heart (1995)
I think out of all Ghibli films, Whisper of the Heart connected to me the most wherein the main character, Shizuku, struggled to believe in herself and her abilities. Shizuku had changed up the lyrics of the famous song, “Country Roads,” which I think were amazing versions, and though she had written them for fun, she still lacked confidence in herself even though she clearly has unbelievable talent.
My heart absolutely melted when Shizuku and Seiji, the male lead, does an impromptu, violin rendition of the song, and Seiji’s grandpa and friends joined in with their own musical instruments. This was such a magical moment to witness and stands out the most out of every other Ghibli scene I’ve watched.
Another whisper of the heart in this film is the blossoming relationship between Shizuku and Seiji, and their undying devotion to supporting and uplifting each other through their creative paths, including the way in which Seiji was able to get Shizuku’s attention. What I also admire about their storyline is how naturally their relationship seems to develop. The two had no doubt felt something for each other, but they managed to focus their relationship on motivating each other to achieve their dreams and being there for each other through every steep hill that would come their way first.
I guess the reason that the film hits me differently is that the core of the storyline depicts the challenging tasks of creative artists – Shizuku with her constant doubts about whether her writing is good enough, and Seiji who, even though is confident about what he wants to do in life, realizes that he still has a lot more to learn and experience before going to where he needs to get to.
I can completely see how this film is able to adapt to a wide range of audiences. Shizuku and Seiji, who are only in their early teens, have managed to inspire me, someone in my late 20s, that no uphill battle can stop me from finding a home in the life that I have found meaning for.
Whisper of the Heart is truly a testament to its own time and has no doubt touched my own heart with its beautiful soul.
02. かぐや姫の物語 // The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013)
I admit – I was a bit bored during the first couple of minutes, but it surprisingly piqued my interest fast afterward and eventually became one of my top favorite Ghibli films of all time.
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya actually stems from the Japanese folklore, The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter – a narrative that entails the life of a baby found in a bamboo stalk by an old bamboo cutter. The baby grows up to have unearthly beauty and attracts five of the wealthiest men in the nation. Unwilling to marry, she tasks these suitors with unfathomable tasks. Eventually, the Emperor takes interest in her, which leads to the revelation of her true heritage.
The film was interestingly illustrated through watercolor-type visuals due to Sir Takahata’s desire for viewers to “have people recollect the realities of this life by sketching ordinary human qualities with simple props. I want to have the wind blow freely between the reality of our daily lives and what we see in the film.” This is something we see in most, if not all, of his works and I found them to be some of the most emotional, reality-hitting, connections I have amongst the Ghibli films.
I love Princess Kaguya so much because of the message about being able to love life in the simplest ways possible. Many of us look to money to feel as if we’ve found the greatest treasure in life, but most of the time, it’s not. There are far more valuable experiences, memories, and people that fulfill our lives and it’s going to be different for everyone.
Princess Kaguya had to learn this lesson by trying to fulfill her father’s own wishes. And it’s what ultimately caused the emotional ending of Princess Kaguya’s tale.
Aside from this lesson, the story touches on a bit of romance. I was highly rooting for Princess Kaguya’s relationship with Sutemaru. But, I’ll just leave this here.
The storyline is incredibly powerful and I would still need to give praise to the characters I despise because if it weren’t for them, I don’t think the messages would’ve been as clear or impactful as they currently are.
Princess Kaguya… was the first Ghibli film to make me bawl my eyes out. My heart is already beating louder than usual just thinking about it. I felt like the ending was one that fits in with the reality of Princess Kaguya’s story (hence the perfect score for my ‘ending’ ranking), if this makes sense. Because, trust me, I was wishing for a completely different ending and was hoping until the very last moment for something, anything, to change.
Nonetheless, the ending was a touching visual ending that represents death without dying.
03. 魔女の宅急便 // Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
Kiki’s Delivery Service follows Kiki, a young witch-in-training who leaves home with her cat, Jiji, to begin living independently in a new city. What initially feels like an exciting step toward independence gradually becomes a more personal story about identity, purpose, and finding balance.
My first impression of Kiki’s Delivery Service was surprisingly unenthusiastic. I didn’t feel particularly connected to Kiki, and I found her difficult to relate to. Yet the film kept finding its way back into my rotation, usually playing in the background while I was doing something else. Eventually, I decided to actually sit down and pay attention to what I had been missing.
I am very glad I did.
With each viewing, Kiki became less of an irritating character and more of a familiar one. Her story isn’t simply about a young girl learning how to live on her own. There is something much more relatable underneath it, particularly in the way she approaches something she loves and gradually begins to feel the weight of turning that passion into something she has to depend on.
That part hit closer to home than I expected.
As someone who has also tried to build something around a passion for writing, I understand how easily something you genuinely love can start feeling different once expectations, productivity, and the pressure to make something out of it enter the picture. What once felt natural can begin to feel like something you have to perform. And when that happens, it can become difficult to separate what you love from what you feel obligated to produce.
That is what makes Kiki’s journey feel much more meaningful to me now. Beneath the charming setting and lighthearted story is a young person trying to figure out who she is while learning that her worth cannot depend entirely on what she can produce or accomplish.
I also appreciate how the film gives Kiki room to slow down. There is something comforting about the quieter moments of the story and the way nature, rest, and a change of surroundings create space for reflection. It feels like a gentle reminder that sometimes moving forward requires us to step away for a while rather than pushing ourselves harder.
The film’s visuals complement that feeling beautifully. I love the way the world combines different eras and influences, from its architecture and vehicles to the everyday details of the characters’ lives. There is something nostalgic about the way older traditions exist alongside modern conveniences, giving the setting a warmth that feels distinctly its own.
I think that is why Kiki’s Delivery Service means something very different to me now than it did when I first watched it. I initially saw a young witch whose personality didn’t particularly appeal to me. After taking the time to look beyond that first impression, I found a story about growing up, losing sight of yourself, and slowly finding your way back.
It took years for me to recognize what I couldn’t see the first time: I had more of Kiki in me than I realized.
My Rating: 10/10
02. 千と千尋の神隠し // Spirited Away (2001)
Spirited Away follows Chihiro, a young girl who finds herself separated from the familiar world she knows and drawn into a mysterious realm inhabited by spirits. What begins as a frightening and unfamiliar place gradually becomes a journey of courage, identity, and discovering a strength she didn’t realize she had.
It is difficult to know where to begin with Spirited Away because there is so much to appreciate. I originally placed this film at the top of my list, and even after revisiting the other Ghibli films, it remains one of the very few that feels almost impossible to compare with the rest.
The film feels like a culmination of so many things I love about Studio Ghibli. It is imaginative without feeling detached from reality, beautiful without relying solely on its visuals, and filled with characters who feel far more complicated than their roles in the story initially suggest.
Chihiro’s growth is one of the things I appreciate most. She doesn’t suddenly become fearless or transform into an entirely different person. Instead, her confidence develops gradually through the experiences she is forced to navigate. Watching her become more capable while still retaining the vulnerability of a child makes her journey feel genuine.
The world of Spirited Away is equally unforgettable. Every setting feels carefully imagined, from the smallest details in the background to the larger spirit world itself. Yet beneath all that beauty are themes that feel surprisingly grounded in reality. Greed, consumption, environmental destruction, identity, and the pressures placed on people are woven into the story without taking away from its sense of wonder.
That balance is probably what I admire most. Spirited Away can be strange, beautiful, unsettling, comforting, and thought-provoking all at once. It never feels as though it needs to choose between being a magical adventure and having something meaningful to say.
There are films I admire for their storytelling, others for their characters, and others for the way they make me feel. Spirited Away somehow brings all of those things together.
It may have been moved from the top of my list, but it remains a film I have an immense amount of admiration for, and one I don’t think I’ll ever stop finding a little bit of magic in.
My Rating: 10/10
01. ハウルの動く城 // Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
Howl’s Moving Castle is a fantasy romance set in a world where magic exists alongside the realities of everyday life. The story follows Sophie, a young woman whose life changes after an encounter with a mysterious wizard, leading her into a world that is unfamiliar, whimsical, and full of unexpected possibilities.
I had heard so much praise for Howl’s Moving Castle that I was curious to see whether it would live up to the reputation it had built. It did, but what surprised me was how much of the story stayed with me afterward.
There are several ideas woven throughout the film that aren’t necessarily obvious at first watch. I know I missed some of them initially, but one that became particularly meaningful to me was the way the story approaches growing older. Age isn’t treated as something that makes life smaller or less beautiful. Instead, there is a sense that growing older can change the way we see ourselves and the world around us.
That idea resonated with me more than I expected. There is something comforting about being reminded that life doesn’t become less worth experiencing simply because we are getting older. We can change, discover new things about ourselves, step outside of the roles we’ve become accustomed to, and still find wonder in places we never expected.
I also found myself drawn to Sophie’s journey because her transformation isn’t simply about becoming someone else. In many ways, she becomes more comfortable with who she already is. She begins the story carrying certain assumptions about herself, and as those assumptions gradually begin to fall away, she seems to see her own worth differently. I found that much more meaningful than a straightforward story about finding confidence.
That emotional core is what makes the fantastical elements work so well for me. The magic feels like more than decoration. The strange landscapes, the flower-filled countryside, and the moving castle create a world where change feels possible. Everything looks almost dreamlike, yet the emotions underneath it are remarkably human.
And, of course, the visuals are beautiful. The scenery, architecture, character designs, and countless little details make the film feel like a world you could wander through for hours. The countryside is particularly beautiful, and the castle is the kind of creation that makes you wish it existed somewhere beyond the screen.
But what ultimately makes Howl’s Moving Castle different for me isn’t simply how beautiful it is. It speaks to something I understand about life now. It reminds me that there is still so much to experience, that growing older doesn’t mean growing out of wonder, and that sometimes we have to let go of the way we’ve always seen ourselves before we can discover who we’re becoming.
Howl’s Moving Castle manages to be imaginative without losing its emotional weight, mysterious without needing to explain everything, and beautiful without being empty. Perhaps that is why it is so difficult to leave behind. The story ends, but the world it creates feels as though it continues somewhere beyond the screen, carrying on without us.
There are stories you remember, and then there are worlds you miss. Howl’s Moving Castle is the latter.
My rating: 10/10
My Top Ghibli...
FEMALE LEADS
Chihiro Ogino, Spirited Away
San, Princess Mononoke
Sophie Hatter, Howl’s Moving Castle
Umi Matsuzaki, From Up On Poppy Hill
MALE LEADS
Haku, Spirited Away
Howl Jenkins Pendragon, Howl’s Moving Castle
Seita Yokokawa, Grave of the Fireflies
Shun Kazama, From Up On Poppy Hill
SUPPORTING CHARACTERS
Lin, Spirited Away
Tatsuo Kusakabe, My Neighbor Totoro
Shiro Nishi, Whisper of the Heart
Markl, Howl’s Moving Castle
NONHUMAN CHARACTERS
Totoro, My Neighbor Totoro
Calcifer, Howl’s Moving Castle
Baron Humbert von Gikkingen, The Cat Returns
No Face, Spirited Away
ILLUSTRATIONS
Spirited Away
Howl’s Moving Castle
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
The Secret World of Arrietty
TEAR-JERKERS
Grave of the Fireflies
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
The Wind Rises
Only Yesterday
FEEL-GOODS
My Neighbor Totoro
Ponyo
Howl’s Moving Castle
Kiki’s Delivery Service
ON-REPEATS
Spirited Away
Howl’s Moving Castle
Kiki’s Delivery Service
Whisper of the Heart
Thank you to Studio Ghibli and all of the insanely talented and creative production staff who made all of these beautiful, irreplaceable, and life-changing characters and worlds come to life.
I may not have experienced most of them in my childhood, but I’m so elated that I get to go on these adventures right now.
The classic Disney films made me believe that there are white in shining armor coming to rescue me and give me my happy ever after.
Ghibli films taught me that we all go through challenging times, and we can always overcome them as long as we believe in ourselves.
Let's Chat!
What was the first Ghibli film that you’ve watched? What are your top Studio Ghibli films? What do you love about them? What was your first favorite Ghibli film and what’s your current favorite Ghibli film?
