Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, the genius behind Studio Ghibli have brought to us some of the best timeless animated movies since 1985. The aesthetically pleasing, trade-marked hand-drawn, and detailed oriented artistry took not just Japan but the entire world by storm. Their attempt at creating an immersive animated world was widely successful.
The genres of Studio Ghibli movies ranged from supernatural and fantasy to slice-of-life, heartfelt stories. The one common thing about Ghibli movies is that they always had an environmental or a social message behind their stories. Their social commentary through art was revolutionary in a sense.
8 Best Studio Ghibli Movies
Spirited Away (2002)
This is the story of Chihiro who got lost in the world of spirits while she was moving to a new neighbourhood with her parents. While she was exploring she unexplainably ended up in the netherworld and her parents turned into pigs. She must navigate through the world of Gods and Monsters and escape it before she forgets her name and is trapped forever. The heartfelt story about a spirited world is Miyazaki’s most renowned work. The beautiful world of the supernatural remains one of the most celebrated pieces of art.
Watch Spirited Away on Netflix.
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Grave Of Fireflies (1988)
Following the story of two siblings navigating through the world after Japan surrendered in World War II. As the world was seen to be crumbling around them, both their parents gone, the children try to survive in the midst of it. They only had each other in the cruel world and they did everything to stick to each other. This movie is a timeless masterpiece, finding happiness and beauty in the mundane.
Watch Grave Of Fireflies in Vudu.
My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
It is a story about two young girls who befriend a spirit monster. My Neighbor Totoro will take the viewers on a childhood trip. With beautiful visuals and enticing charm, the movie is like a warm blanket in the winter. It is Miyazaki’s most notable work. The mascot of Ghibli Studio is the titular character of the movie.
Watch My Neighbor Totoro on Netflix.
Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
Howl’s Moving Castle centres around the character Howl who is a wizard and Sophie. They meet up time and again by fate which ultimately brings them together. It’s a story about living up to societal beauty standards, and how both the characters overcome it and start loving themselves for who they truly are. It’s a mesmerizing coming-of-age animated movie by Studio Ghibli.
Watch Howl’s Moving Castle on Netflix.
Princess Mononoke (1997)
An epic story about a forest princess and her fight to save the forest from the humans who want to destroy it for their profit. Throughout the movie, she is seen trying to protect her home and all the animals who reside in it. It’s a beautiful tale with a very strong commentary on how materialistic the modern world has become.
Watch Princess Mononoke on Netflix.
Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
A story about a witch trainee Kiki and her cat Jiji navigating through life on her broom. There are much deeper themes in the movie than meets the eye. Subtle hints of misogyny and how she overcomes every obstacle in life is another wonderful story told by Ghibli.
Watch Kiki’s Delivery Service on Netflix.
Ponyo (2008)
The story is about a boy who befriends a goldfish who desperately wants to become a human. The goldfish princess wishes to live in the surface world with her friend. The movie shows us pleasing ocean imagery that is calming and alluring. One of Miyazaki’s signature hand-drawn artistry is on display yet again.
Watch Ponyo on Netflix.
Castle In The Sky (1986)
Throughout the anime, they talk and wonder about a floating lost island that is rumoured to hold great riches. A mysterious girl along with a boy helps her from the people trying to steal her precious crystal. Its beautiful imagery along with the compelling storytelling is a must-watch anime by Studio Ghibli.
Watch The Castle In the Sky on Netflix.