Their latest release, which is set to arrive in theaters this weekend, is sure to please movie-goers all over the world. The artistry on display is some of the best in the business, and the characters are always endearing.
The band has a wide range of topics they can tackle, from environmentalism to warfare to love to individual growth and ambition. They are able to do this with ease, proving that they are mature musicians. ..
- The Incredibles
- Toy Story 3
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
- The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring
- The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
24. Panda! Go Panda!
Ghibli is a Japanese animation studio that is well-known for creating magical stories that can be appealing to both children and adults.
Panda! Go Panda! is a children’s movie that is more of a joke than a story. The plot is very simple and the humor is very slapstick.
The animation is still wonderful, but it’s clear this served as the prototype for My Neighbor Totoro.
23. Mei and the Baby Catbus
The Baby Cat Bus is a bus that connects My Neighbor Totoro with the other characters in the story.
After the release of “The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part,” a spin-off film that takes place after the main story, was released. This film follows a character who appeared in the main story, but is not a part of it. ..
Mei is a cute little girl who enjoys going on adventures with her best friend, Kittenbus. This 14-minute short film is full of childlike whimsy and wonder. ..
22. My Neighbors the Yamadas
The Yamadas are a small, nuclear family of oddball characters and zany situations. They live on a small island in the middle of nowhere and their only source of income is from selling their products to other islands in the region.
This film is Studio Ghibli’s attempt at adapting the short comic format into a motion picture. While it looks aesthetically beautiful (thanks to the Miyazaki watercolor touch), it isn’t narratively driven, unlike many of their other films. This makes it a somewhat unforgettable experience.
The show is skit-based comedy spread across nearly two hours, so you should give it a shot and see if it leaves you smiling like it did me! ..
21. Tales from Earthsea
This was Gorou Miyazaki’s son, Miyazaki Gorou’s, infamous first attempt at directing an anime. ..
The film is an adaptation of Ursula K. La Guinn’s fantastic fantasy series, condensing many aspects of each book into one film. This unfortunately hindered the characterization, pacing, and narrative structure of the Studio Ghibli production. ..
Despite the negative reviews, I still think this epic fantasy is beautiful and has some great moments.
There’s something about Earthsea that makes it stand out from other worlds.
20. Pom Poko
The story follows the Tanuki community as they try to find a way to cope with the effects of deforestation and urbanization. The Tanuki community is a unique group of animals that live in rural areas and have to deal with the effects of human development. The story follows the Tanuki as they try to find a way to cope with the effects of deforestation and urbanization.
The Tanuki legend tells the story of a spirit that lives in the woods and helps people by giving them advice on how to live their lives. The environmental messages in the legend are based on the idea that humans can make a difference in the world by taking care of their environment.
The movie has a primarily childlike center, but there are aspects and moments that are more adult, tackling issues I never noticed as a kid but did upon later rewatching.
19. From Up On Poppy Hill
The film tells the story of Umi Matsuzaki and Shun Kazama, two friends who fall in love while living in a small town in Japan. Despite the challenges of their relationship, they are determined to make it work.
Umi is trying to stop the demolition of an old clubhouse, spreading awareness to prevent it whilst juggling her responsibilities at the Coquelicot Manor.
Shun is an orphan who has no recollection of his past. One day, he befriends a woman named Sakura, and together they explore his forgotten past. ..
The film is short and sweet, with beautiful environmental storytelling and some pretty unforgettable plot twists. ..
18. The Cat Returns
The Cat Returns is a spinoff of the movie that will be featured closer to the top of this list. It tells its own standalone story that can be experienced by itself. ..
This is a film about Alice in Wonderland, and the Kingdom of Cats. It’s one of the most straightforward & imaginative films of the Ghibli catalogue, and it offers an ode to Alice in Wonderland through its cat-filled world.
The new president, Donald Trump, has announced his intention to cut the federal government’s budget by $10-billion. ..
The film manages to be charming and informative without feeling like it’s trying too hard.
17. Only Yesterday
Taeko Okajima is a woman who has faced many challenges in her life, but the most significant one has been her relationship with her father. Taeko’s father was a successful businessman and she was always able to look up to him, but when he died, Taeko was left with a lot of guilt. She decided to take some time off from work to grieve for her father, but she quickly realized that she couldn’t just let herself be alone. She needed someone to talk to and help her through the tough times. So Taeko started looking for a new friend and soon found one in the form of Kyohei Shimizu. Kyohei was different than any other person she had ever met before and he made her feel at ease. He helpedTaeko through everything that she had gone through and they became friends. Taeko knew that if Kyohei could help her through his own struggles, then he could help hers as well.
In her memoir, Teenage Years, teenage girl tells the story of her journey from being a naïve and idealistic young woman to a more complex and realized one. She reflects on her early years, when she was still trying to figure out who she was and what she wanted in life, and how she came to realize that she wasn’t quite the person she thought she would be. She also discusses her teenage years, during which time she begins to come to terms with her own identity and begins to develop a more complex view of the world. Finally, Teenage Years provides an insight into the woman who emerges after these years, as she comes to understand herself more fully and realizes that there are many different paths that can lead someone to success.
The story follows a young girl named Aoi as she moves from her small town to the big city, and learns about the world around her. She quickly realizes that she has much to learn, and that her old friends from her small town are not as friendly as they used to be. She also begins to realize that she has some of her own failings, such as being too shy to ask for help when she needs it. But despite all of these new discoveries, Aoi is still determined to make the best of herself and find happiness in life.
16. Ronia, the Robber’s Daughter
Ronia is an adaptation of a Swedish children’s fantasy book, and was the 26 episode result of a partnership between Polygon Pictures and Studio Ghibli.
“The film is a blend of Polygon’s 3DGI animation and Ghibli’s art design, and it comes together to create something new, wholesome, and adventurous.” ..
Ronja is an overlooked breath of fresh air among anime films. It’s also entirely worth a watch as we follow Ronja and her journeys through a fantasy land. ..
15. The Secret World of Arrietty
Studio Ghibli’s adaptation of The Borrowers is a unique and exciting story that will leave audiences wanting more. ..
The film is a visual feast, with some of the most beautiful digital artwork and animation of any film. The sense of scale makes the environments breathtaking, making it one of the most immersive films I’ve ever seen.
The film is well-made and has a lot of exciting moments. It’s easy to get lost in the story and the characters are very likable.
The character designs are beautiful and the small details are so well done. The backgrounds and gardens are also very well done. I really enjoy the way the author has incorporated small details into the writing, making it feel like a real life place.
14. Porco Rosso
Miyazaki is no stranger to directing tales of the sky. He has previously directed films such as “The Wind Rises” and “Castle in the Sky.” His latest film, “The Tale of Princess Kaguya,” is set in Japan’s ancient forests and tells the story of a young girl who is born with a unique flower in her hair. ..
Marco Pagot was a World War I pilot before he was cursed into his pig-like form and renamed himself Porco Rosso. Now he lives on an isolated island, occasionally visiting his childhood friend Gina but mostly undertaking bounty contracts for profit.
Donald Curtis (due to a broken engine) ends up promising himself and Gina that he will prove himself against his new rival.
The film is engaging and well-told, telling a more rooted story not revolving around environmental damage but instead more focused on its titular character. This allows for a more in-depth understanding of the character and their motivations.
Porco Rosso is a great movie that many people should see. ..
13. My Neighbor Totoro
This movie is one of the most childish movies I have ever seen. It is full of jokes and gags that are not funny at all.
The dog is one of the most influential, soulful, and adorable animals on the planet. ..
Satsuki and Mei, two daughters of a mother in the hospital with a terminal illness, find solace exploring the forestry around them. ..
Mei was out adventuring when she came across a gargantuan forest spirit. They immediately bonded and have been inseparable ever since. ..
The background art in “Totoro” is some of the best in the Ghibli portfolio, and there are few characters more iconic than Totoro – he’s a lost little girl’s best friend, and an unforgettable one at that. ..
12. Kiki’s Delivery Service
After a year of hard work, Kiki can’t help but feel like she’s not really a witch anymore. ..
She travels the world with her best friend, a black cat named Jiji. They broom around the world, going to new places and meeting new people.
Kiki quickly finds herself enjoying the freedom of being a postal girl in Koriko. She’s able to do her own thing and has a purpose. Eventually she wants independence and purpose, so she becomes a courier girl for the town.
An anime that is constantly entertaining with a endearing plot and gorgeous animation and design. ..
The film follows the life of a young girl, who is struggling to find her place in an adult world. ..
11. Howl’s Moving Castle
The adaptation of Diana Wynne Jones’ story collection into one movie must have been a difficult task – and it shows, with the pacing and narrative structure of the film failing on occasion.
But Howl’s Moving Castle is still a wonderfully beautiful artistic masterpiece that has fantastically endearing characters and a brought-to-life environment.
From the mechanistic movements of the castle to the comedic antics of Calcifer; from the jump scares of Turnip Head to the wonderful coat of Howl’s. ..
This film is a magical and riveting journey of companionship and friendship across a war-torn kingdom. It will stay with you long after the credits roll.
10. Ponyo
This is a unique take on The Little Mermaid, with many twists and changes that make it feel entirely different.
Brunhilde is a goldfish who is torn between her responsibility to the sea and her desires to live on land. One day, she encounters a man named Sousuke who saves her from being trapped in a glass jar. ..
When she discovers the tiniest drop of his blood can turn her human, she decides to live on land while her father – a grand sorcerer – searches for her frantically. ..
9. When Marnie Was There
When Marnie Was There is a story about two girls, one of whom is inspired by the novel of the same name by Joan G. Robinson. ..
Marnie is an introverted, asthma-prone woman who meets Anna in an abandoned mansion. They quickly become friends, and Marnie helps Anna adapt to the country air.
Marnia and Anna are adventuring together, but there’s something secretive about Marnia that she’s keeping from Anna.
This mystery slice-of-life focuses on the self-discovery and healing of its protagonist.
This film is a great way to relax and recover from something scary or harmful. It’s often overlooked, but it’s definitely worth checking out. ..
8. Iblard Time
Iblard is a difficult sell because he doesn’t seem to have much of an idea about what he’s doing.
The Naohisa Inoue-animated “Iblard” features the magical realist paintings of the artist, and is only half an hour long. It is a whimsical fantasy world that we, as observers, are privy to. ..
We explore the world of impossible manmade structures and its beautiful environmental backdrops. We meet characters who possess that eccentric Ghibli charm, and we marvel at their ingenuity.
The production is visually stunning, but lacks a coherent story. ..
Jiro, a sushi chef, travels to various places in order to learn more about the art of sushi-making. He meets Naoko Satomi, an endearing woman who inspires him to continue his journey. Jiro soon realizes that he is in love with Naoko and must come to terms with the fact that he is creating beautiful things meant for destruction. The story follows Jiro as he navigates his way through this difficult process, ultimately revealing the beauty of life and love. ..
7. The Wind Rises
In The Wind Rises, Jiro Horkoshi is portrayed as a man who struggled to find success in life despite his natural genius. Despite this, he never gave up on his dreams and worked tirelessly to achieve them. He was a true pioneer in the aviation industry and helped change the way Japan fought World War II.
The movie is based on the novel “Kimi no Na Wa” by Tatsuo Hori and tells the story of a young girl, Aoi, who moves to Tokyo to live with her grandparents after her father dies. She quickly becomes involved in the city life and its politics, and begins to question the traditional values of her family.
Jiro is a sympathetic protagonist who is driven by his love for airplanes but is unable to pilot them due to his eye condition. He resolves himself to become a designer and mechanical engineer in order to help make aviation more accessible for everyone. ..
6. Spirited Away
This is the first Japanese film to ever debut abroad and it has been very successful. ..
The film “My Neighbor Totoro” is credited with introducing a new generation to the magical-realist genre, with a journey through the land of spirits. ..
Chihiro is a spoiled 10-year-old who is unwilling to be grateful for the smaller parts of life and struggling with her families decision to move house. ..
When her parents go out to eat, their daughter is spirited away to a land of spirits. There she meets ghostly creatures, spider-men, a mystical dragon, an authoritarian witch, and a mysterious bathhouse. ..
This is a beautiful animation and one of the best soundtracks they have to offer.
The film is a unique experience that you have to see for yourself to understand. ..
5. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
Studio Ghibli has announced that they will be making a movie about a 10th-century Japanese folklore about a Bamboo Princess. This is one of the studio’s most unique, calm, and quiet movies. ..
The film is a poignant portrayal of a young girl’s rapidly aging life, rife with symbolism and mysticism. ..
The characters are all likable and well-portrayed despite any flaws. And the animation and artwork are stunning—I can’t say enough good things. ..
In traditional watercolor, using white space to enrich the dynamic and illustrative environments, with charcoal strokes and beautiful designs.
If you’re looking for a relaxing and spiritually enriching experience, definitely check out this place. ..
4. Whisper of the Heart
Shizuku loves to read and write, but struggles with finishing any of the hundreds of ideas she has. She often finds herself struggling to find the right words to express her thoughts, or coming up with ideas that are even halfway decent.
She’s not sure where she’s going, or how to motivate herself. And so she procrastinates her dreams.
She meets Seiji, a young boy with aspirations of becoming a master violin craftsman, driven by his goals and intending to travel abroad to conquer them. They share a conversation about their dreams and how they plan to achieve them. She learns about his passion for music and how it has helped him achieve his goals. He tells her about his travels and what he’s learned while on them, sharing stories of the people and places he visited and the music he heard. They discuss the importance of music in people’s lives and how it can be used to bring happiness.
Shizuku, enamored by Seiji, comes to realize she needs to pull her bootstraps up and get to work before she falls behind.
The story follows a young woman, named Emily, as she struggles to find her place in the world and find her voice. She is forced to confront her past and learn to move on from it, in order to start fresh. The story is full of heart-wrenching moments and provides a valuable lesson for anyone looking to find their place in the world.
3. Castle in the Sky
Castle in the Sky is a Miyazaki film that unabashedly borrows from the Studio Ghibli films.
The game features a unique eye for detail that has made it one of the most popular games on the market. They’ve become well-known for their creature design and world building, and their ability to create engaging games that are easy to play and understand.
Pazu is an explorer who dreams of finding the flying castle of Laputa.
Sheeta, the heir of Laputa, runs into him while hiding and decides to join her adventures.
This movie is a great adventure anime that has gorgeously realized characters and an amazing sense of scale across a vast landscape and kingdom. It’s one of the best adventure anime available to date.
2. Princess Mononoke
This film is a beautiful and powerful look at the problems of industrialization and how it has impacted the environment. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in learning more about the effects of industry on our planet.
It follows Ashitaka, a determined young man who stands up for what he believes in. He is a strong and determined individual who is always willing to fight for what he believes in.
When he encounters San, a wild woman who was raised by wolves, he must choose between the progress of humanity and the forests.
The soundtrack to Ghibli’s latest film, “Ponyo,” is both poignant and wonderful. The music is catchy and well-made, with a great soundscape that will leave you feeling satisfied after listening.
1. Grave of the Fireflies
In the early hours of December 15, 1995, a series of bombings took place in Kobe, Japan. The blasts killed at least 45 people and injured over 200. Akiyuki Nosaka was one of the victims. In his sem-autobiographical story, “Kobe Firebombing,” Nosaka tells the story of his experiences that day.
The 1988 Studio Ghibli anime, “Ponyo”, was a masterpiece in animation. It is now considered one of the greatest anime films ever made. The story follows a young girl named Ponyo who is taken from her home by her cruel and abusive father and forced to live on an isolated island. She must find ways to survive and find her way back home.
War is an ugly thing. It’s a short hour-and-a-half of suffering and sadness, painfully detailing the events of that harrowing time in human history and immortalizing the catastrophic outcomes of war. The art and animation, all traditional, is absolutely gorgeous. ..
The film “Grave of the Fireflies” is drawn painstakingly, and it shows. With every environmental aspect brought to near-realism. ..
It’s the combination of Miyazaki’s classic animation and the new, innovative techniques used by his team that makes this film so special.
The battle-worn remains of a tank are a reminder to many people of the losses in an act of warfare.
In the aftermath of the bombing, Setsuko and Seita must fight for their lives as they try to rebuild their lives in a city that is now largely uninhabitable. The fight is one that can’t be easily forgotten, feeling emotionally devastating in its gritty yet tangible portrayal.
