Studio Ghibli’s Finest: A Curated List of 10 Must-Watch Movies

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Published: September 25, 2021 | Last Updated: June 25, 2025

Seasoned anime filmmakers Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki formed what is known as Studio Ghibli. The studio is responsible for some of the most influential animated films of the 21st century, including the Academy Award-winning Spirited Away (2001), one of the only non-English speaking films to win the award.

Studio Ghibli is one of the most award-winning animated studios, gaining notoriety as one of Japan’s most lucrative and creative film studios, with its own unique cottage core style. Honestly, a bad Studio Ghibli movie doesn’t exist, but if I had to pick… here’s my countdown on the best Studio Ghibli films of all time.

10. When Marnie Was There (2014)

• GENRE: Psychological Drama
• DIRECTOR: Hiromasa Yonebayashi
• SCREENWRITERS: Masashi Andō, Keiko Niwa, Hiromasa Yonebayashi
• VOICE CAST (JAPANESE): Sara Takatsuki, Kasumi Arimura, Hana Sugisaki, Hitomi Kuroki
• VOICE CAST (ENGLISH): Hailee Steinfeld, Kiernan Shipka, Ava Acres, Vanessa Williams

Why you should watch it:

This is one of Studio Ghibli’s quietest and most emotional films. It shows how hard it can be to feel like you belong, and how friendship can come from unexpected places. The landscapes feel like paintings, and the story slowly reveals something bigger under the surface. It’s a great example of mood, subtle animation, and how to tell a personal story without big action scenes.

Synopsis:

Anna Sasaki is a shy and depressed foster child who is sent to live with relatives in a seaside town. There, she discovers a mysterious mansion and meets a strange girl named Marnie, who seems to appear only at night. The two become close friends, but their friendship raises questions about time, memory, and identity. As Anna uncovers the truth, she also begins to heal.

Content Warnings & Tags

• Content Warnings: Depression, child neglect, grief, foster care themes
• Tags: Friendship, identity, coming-of-age, supernatural, loneliness, memory

Historical and Thematic Context

When Marnie Was There was Hiromasa Yonebayashi’s final Ghibli film before co-founding Studio Ponoc. It was based on the 1967 novel by Joan G. Robinson, but moved the setting to Hokkaido to match the quiet, misty landscapes that reflect Anna’s emotions.

Released in 2014, it marked the end of an era for the studio before Miyazaki returned from retirement. The film was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Oscars, and it stands out as one of Ghibli’s most serious and emotionally grounded stories.

9. The Wind Rises (2013)

• GENRE: Historical Drama
• DIRECTOR: Hayao Miyazaki
• SCREENWRITER: Hayao Miyazaki
• VOICE CAST (JAPANESE): Hideaki Anno, Miori Takimoto, Hidetoshi Nishijima, Masahiko Nishimura, William H. Macy
• VOICE CAST (ENGLISH): Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Martin Short, Morio Kazama

Why you should watch it:

This beautifully animated story blends real history with personal dreams. It asks tough questions about ambition, creation, and responsibility. Instead of fantasy, it uses real-life events to show beauty and pain side by side. For filmmakers, it’s a lesson in mature storytelling through animation.

Synopsis

Jiro Horikoshi is a young man who dreams of becoming a pilot, but his poor eyesight makes that impossible. Instead, he studies engineering and becomes a designer of airplanes for Japan’s military. As he climbs the ranks, Jiro also falls in love with Naoko, a woman with a serious illness. Their story unfolds during Japan’s rise toward World War II, and Jiro must face the consequences of his work and his dreams.

Content Warnings & Tags

• Content Warnings: War themes, illness (tuberculosis), emotional death, implied violence
• Tags: Historical drama, aviation, romance, war, ambition, personal sacrifice

Historical and Thematic Context

The Wind Rises is loosely based on the life of Jiro Horikoshi, the engineer who designed the Mitsubishi Zero fighter. It also draws from the 1937 novel The Wind Has Risen by Tatsuo Hori. Miyazaki uses the story to explore the idea of creating something beautiful that will later be used for destruction.

The film was originally meant to be Miyazaki’s retirement project and carries a sense of finality. It was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Oscars and became one of Japan’s highest-grossing films.

8. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013)

• GENRE: Historical Fantasy
• DIRECTOR: Isao Takahata
• SCREENWRITER: Isao Takahata
• VOICE CAST (JAPANESE): Aki Asakura, Kengo Kora, Takeo Chii, Nobuko Miyamoto
• VOICE CAST (ENGLISH): Chloë Grace Moretz, Darren Criss, James Caan, Mary Steenburgen

Why you should watch it:

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya looks different from any other Ghibli film. It’s based on an old Japanese story and drawn in a soft, watercolor style that makes every scene feel like a painting. The story is about freedom, pressure from adults, and how hard it is to choose your own path. It’s great if you’re into animation that tells emotional stories without using big action scenes.

Synopsis

When a bamboo cutter finds a glowing child inside a stalk, he and his wife raise her as their own. They name her Princess and try to give her a noble life in the city, but she yearns for the countryside where she grew up. As she faces suitors, court life, and her mysterious past, she begins to remember where she really came from. Her journey blends joy and sorrow in one of Ghibli’s most emotionally powerful stories.

Content Warnings & Tags

• Content Warnings: Grief, loss, arranged marriage, parental pressure, existential themes
• Tags: Folklore, coming-of-age, traditional Japan, family, destiny, visual storytelling

Historical and Thematic Context

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is based on the 10th-century Japanese folk story The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter. Director Isao Takahata spent years developing the film’s unique brushstroke animation style, designed to resemble traditional Japanese scrolls.

It was one of the most expensive anime films ever made and marked Takahata’s final work. The film’s themes of impermanence, beauty, and selfhood mirror Buddhist philosophy and offer a quiet but deep reflection on life’s meaning.

7. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)

• GENRE: Science Fantasy / Adventure
• DIRECTOR: Hayao Miyazaki
• SCREENWRITER: Hayao Miyazaki
• VOICE CAST (JAPANESE): Sumi Shimamoto, Goro Naya, Yōji Matsuda, Yoshiko Sakakibara
• VOICE CAST (ENGLISH): Alison Lohman, Patrick Stewart, Shia LaBeouf, Uma Thurman

Why you should watch it:

This is one of the first movies that led to Studio Ghibli being created. It has action, huge creatures, and a strong message about saving the planet. If you like stories about brave heroes who try to stop war and protect nature, this is a great place to start.

Synopsis

After a war nearly destroys the planet, toxic jungles and giant bugs take over most of the Earth. In a peaceful valley, Princess Nausicaä tries to understand the jungle instead of fighting it. When another kingdom tries to restart an old superweapon, Nausicaä steps in to stop a new war from starting—and to save both nature and her people.

Content Warnings & Tags

• Content Warnings: War, environmental destruction, death, violence
• Tags: Environmentalism, pacifism, flying machines, strong female lead, post-apocalypse

Historical and Thematic Context

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind was made by Topcraft, not Studio Ghibli, but it led directly to Ghibli being founded. The movie was a big success and showed that animation could tell serious, powerful stories. It also introduced ideas like peace, nature, and anti-war themes that became important in many Ghibli films later on.

6. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)

• GENRE: Fantasy Adventure
• DIRECTOR: Hayao Miyazaki
• SCREENWRITER: Hayao Miyazaki
• VOICE CAST (JAPANESE): Minami Takayama, Rei Sakuma, Keiko Toda, Kappei Yamaguchi
• VOICE CAST (ENGLISH): Kirsten Dunst, Phil Hartman, Tress MacNeille, Matthew Lawrence

Why you should watch it:

This is one of Ghibli’s warmest and easiest films to enjoy. It’s about learning how to live on your own, finding your place, and dealing with self-doubt. The flying scenes are beautiful, the world feels real, and Kiki’s struggles are super relatable. If you want to see how animation can tell small, personal stories, this is a great place to start.

Synopsis

Kiki is a 13-year-old witch who leaves home to start her independent life, as all witches do at that age. She flies to a big port city with her talking cat Jiji and ends up living with a friendly baker named Osono. To support herself, Kiki starts a delivery service using her broomstick. But adjusting to city life isn’t easy. She loses her magic, questions her purpose, and struggles with confidence. With the help of a new friend named Tombo, she slowly learns how to believe in herself again.

Content Warnings & Tags

• Content Warnings: Loneliness, low self-esteem, burnout, fear of failure
• Tags: Independence, growing up, aviation, friendship, self-discovery, city life

Historical and Thematic Context

Kiki’s Delivery Service was Studio Ghibli’s first big box office hit in Japan. It showed that simple stories about everyday struggles could still be exciting and powerful. The film helped Studio Ghibli catch Disney’s attention, leading to international releases of future Ghibli movies. It is also one of the first prominent examples of Miyazaki’s fantasy themes and homages to his love for aviation, seen in future projects.

5. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

• GENRE: Fantasy
• DIRECTOR: Hayao Miyazaki
• SCREENWRITER: Hayao Miyazaki
• VOICE CAST (JAPANESE): Chieko Baisho, Takuya Kimura, Tasuya Gashuin, Akihiro Miwa
• VOICE CAST (ENGLISH): Emily Mortimer, Jean Simmons, Christian Bale, Billy Crystal, Lauren Bacall

Why you should watch it:

This is one of Ghibli’s most creative and dreamlike movies. It’s full of flying castles, magic spells, talking fire, and shape-shifting characters. But underneath all the fantasy, it’s really about love, courage, and how war affects people. The animation is amazing, and every scene feels like a painting. If you like magic and mystery, this one’s for you.

Synopsis

Sophie is a shy hat maker who crosses paths with a powerful but strange wizard named Howl. After a jealous witch curses her and turns her into an old woman, Sophie runs away and ends up living in Howl’s walking castle. Inside the castle, she meets a magical fire demon named Calcifer and a young apprentice named Markl. As Sophie travels with Howl, she discovers his secrets, faces a world at war, and learns how to break her own curse.

Content Warnings & Tags

• Content Warnings: War, aging, self-esteem, body transformation, emotional trauma
• Tags: Magic, anti-war, romance, transformation, found family, identity

Historical and Thematic Context

Howl’s Moving Castle is based on a novel by British author Diana Wynne Jones. It was first going to be directed by Mamoru Hosoda, but he left the project, and Hayao Miyazaki took over. The film became one of the highest-grossing Japanese movies ever made. Miyazaki used it to speak out against war, especially in response to the Iraq invasion. It mixes fairy tale fantasy with deeper ideas about growing old, finding inner strength, and choosing kindness in a violent world.

4. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

• GENRE: War Tragedy
• DIRECTOR: Isao Takahata
• SCREENWRITER: Isao Takahata
• VOICE CAST (JAPANESE): Tsutomu Tatsumi, Ayano Shiraishi, Yoshiko Shinohara
• VOICE CAST (ENGLISH): Adam Gibbs, Emily Neves, Shelley Calene-Black

Why you should watch it:

This is one of Studio Ghibli’s most emotional and serious films. It doesn’t have magic or fantasy. Instead, it shows how two kids try to survive during World War II. The story is simple, but every scene hits hard. It’s beautifully animated, but it’s also very real. If you want to understand what animation can do beyond fairy tales, start here.

Synopsis

Seita and his little sister Setsuko lose their home during a firebombing in Kobe, Japan. With no parents and nowhere safe to go, they try to survive on their own. They move into an old shelter and do their best to find food and stay hopeful. But the war makes everything harder, and their bond is the only thing keeping them going.

Content Warnings & Tags

• Content Warnings: War violence, death, starvation, child neglect, grief
• Tags: Sibling bond, survival, World War II, realism, loss, tragedy

Historical and Thematic Context

Grave of the Fireflies is based on a short story by Akiyuki Nosaka, who lost his own sister during the war. He didn’t want the story adapted in live action, but approved of this animated version. Director Isao Takahata chose a slow, realistic style to show how war hurts regular people. Released in 1988, it came out the same year as My Neighbor Totoro, but tells a much darker story. Today, it’s considered one of the most powerful anti-war films ever made.

3. Spirited Away (2001)

• GENRE: Fantasy
• DIRECTOR: Hayao Miyazaki
• SCREENWRITER: Hayao Miyazaki
• VOICE CAST (JAPANESE): Rumi Hiiragi, Miyu Irino, Mari Natsuki
• VOICE CAST (ENGLISH): Daveigh Chase, Jason Marsden, Suzanne Pleshette

Why you should watch it:

This Oscar-winning fantasy is one of Ghibli’s most famous movies. It shows how detailed animation, strange creatures, and a strong main character can build a world that feels completely real. If you care about story, visuals, or animation history, this is a must-see.

Synopsis

Chihiro Ogino is a 10-year-old girl moving to a new town with her parents. On the way, they get stuck in a mysterious world full of spirits. Her parents are turned into pigs by a witch named Yubaba, and the only way to save them is to work in Yubaba’s bathhouse. With the help of a boy named Haku and other magical creatures, Chihiro learns how to be brave and break the curse.

Content Warnings & Tags

• Content Warnings: Scary imagery, separation from parents, transformation
• Tags: Coming-of-age, fantasy world, spirit folklore, courage, identity, magic

Historical and Thematic Context

Spirited Away was the first non-English, hand-drawn animated film to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It was released in 2001 and quickly became a global hit. The film was picked up for international distribution by Disney, with help from John Lasseter at Pixar. It shows Miyazaki’s love for Japanese myths, strong female leads, and detailed fantasy worlds. Today, it’s considered one of the best animated films ever made.

2. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

• GENRE: Fantasy
• DIRECTOR: Hayao Miyazaki
• SCREENWRITER: Hayao Miyazaki
• VOICE CAST (JAPANESE): Noriko Hidaka, Chika Sakamoto, Shigesato Itoi
• VOICE CAST (ENGLISH): Dakota Fanning, Elle Fanning, Tim Daly, Lea Salonga

Why you should watch it:

This film shows how simple stories can still be powerful. It captures how kids see the world—full of mystery, worry, and wonder. Totoro has become one of the most famous characters in animation, and the movie is a perfect starting point for anyone new to Studio Ghibli.

Synopsis

Professor Tatsuo Kusakabe moves to the countryside with his two daughters, Satsuki and Mei, to be closer to the hospital where their mother is staying. The girls explore the area and find magical creatures hiding in their home and the nearby forest. One of them is Totoro, a giant fuzzy spirit who helps them in times of fear, sadness, and wonder. Together, they find comfort, adventure, and a little magic in the middle of real life.

Content Warnings & Tags

• Content Warnings: Parental illness, anxiety, fear of loss
• Tags: Childhood, nature, magical realism, family, imagination, sisterhood

Historical and Thematic Context

My Neighbor Totoro was released in 1988 and quickly became one of the most loved Ghibli films. Totoro, the big forest spirit, became the studio’s mascot. The story was inspired by Miyazaki’s own childhood memories and love for nature. It doesn’t have a villain or a big plot twist, just everyday life seen through the eyes of kids. Its quiet mood, natural setting, and gentle animation helped redefine what animated movies could be.

If you don’t believe in the iconic power of Totoro, see if you spot his easter eggs in other popular Ghibli films like Pom Poko, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Whisper of the Heart, and Spirited Away.

1. Princess Mononoke (1997)

• GENRE: Fantasy
• DIRECTOR: Hayao Miyazaki
• SCREENWRITER: Hayao Miyazaki
• VOICE CAST (JAPANESE): Yōji Matsuda, Yuriko Ishida, Yūko Tanaka
• VOICE CAST (ENGLISH): Billy Crudup, Claire Danes, Minnie Driver

Why you should watch it:

This is one of Studio Ghibli’s most serious and epic movies. It tackles big topics like war, pollution, and the fight between nature and machines. The animation is amazing, and every character has their own reasons for doing what they do. It’s a must-watch for anyone who wants to see how animation can handle complex ideas without losing its magic.

Synopsis

Prince Ashitaka saves his village from a demon but gets cursed in the process. He travels west to find a cure and ends up in the middle of a fight between the forest gods and Iron Town, which is cutting down the forest for resources. Lady Eboshi leads Iron Town, while San, a girl raised by wolves, defends the forest. Ashitaka tries to bring peace, but the war between humans and nature keeps getting worse.

Content Warnings & Tags

• Content Warnings: Violence, animal death, environmental destruction, war themes
• Tags: Nature vs. industry, fantasy, moral ambiguity, mythology, female warrior, cursed hero

Historical and Thematic Context

Princess Mononoke was a huge moment for Studio Ghibli. It was the most expensive animated film in Japan at the time and broke box office records. It also won multiple awards, including Best Picture at the Japanese Academy Awards, something rare for an animated movie. The story is inspired by Japanese mythology and real environmental issues. It was also one of the first Ghibli films to be widely noticed outside Japan, setting the stage for Spirited Away to go global a few years later.

Summing Up

Studio Ghibli films show that animation isn’t just for kids. These stories explore big topics like war, grief, growing up, and finding your place in the world. Each film has its own style and message, but they all focus on strong characters, detailed worlds, and honest emotion. Whether you’re into quiet dramas or fantasy adventures, Ghibli has something worth studying for filmmakers, animators, and anyone who loves good stories.