When you think of legends in the field of animated movies, the ground-breaking aesthetic of the Japanese animation film studio, Studio Ghibli, likely tops the list. Its trademark hand-drawn, detail-oriented artistry and stories centering real world social and/or environmental issues constantly redefined what it means to create a delicately immersive animated world. Whether you’re in the mood for the magically whimsical, the strange and supernatural, or a heartfelt, introspective coming of age story, Studio Ghibli’s got you covered with some of the best anime of all time.
I've put together a list of the top eleven Studio Ghibli feature films. Trust me, you’ll find yourself coming back for a re-watch again and again because each and every one holds up.
11. The Cat Returns (2002)
Where to Watch: HBO Max
When you’re in the mood for a weird but more family-friendly tale, director Hiroyuki Morita’s The Cat Returns is the perfect uncomplicated romp. Showcasing a grittier, more cartoonish style and a more realistic world, this story revisits the world of feature Whisper of the Heart and marks the return of Muta, the grumpy fat cat, and Baron von Gikkingen, a magicked statue.
High schooler Haru rescues a cat only to discover that the cat is really a prince named Lune. A grateful cat king asks Haru to marry Lune. After traveling to the Cat Kingdom, Haru’s features start turning feline. When she’s prevented from leaving the kingdom, Baron and others assist Haru in escaping. The Cat Returns never takes itself too seriously, offering instead hijinks and adventure to build its tale of an average teenager’s life magically turned upside down.
Read our review of The Cat Returns.
10. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013)
Where to watch: HBO Max
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya’s based on the 10th-century Japanese narrative prose, The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter about a nymph found growing a bamboo stalk by a bamboo cutter. The cutter and his wife take the child in and raise her as their own. The child rapidly grows into a beautiful and highly desired woman. Sent away to court, to make a favorable marriage by her adopted father, the homesick Kaguya sets her suitors (princes and the Emperor alike) impossible tasks to avoid being forced to pick a husband.
Directed by longtime Miyazaki collaborator and Studio Ghibli co-founder, Isao Takahata, relies on a soft palette of watercolors to infuse the scrolling narrative of his adaptation with a life. As the story of Kaguya’s origins and ultimate otherworldly fate unfolds, prepare to run the gamut of emotions from joy, compassion, love, sadness and a deep sense of longing. This Ghibli project wasn’t not done in partnership with Disney. So, prepare yourself for heartbreak because Takahata turned this thematically heavy fairytale into a melancholy wonder.
Read our review of The Tale of Princess Kaguya.
9. Ponyo (2008)
Where to watch: HBO Max
Hayao Miyazaki’s tenth film, and eight directed for Studio Ghibli, Ponyo follows the story of a goldfish princess who desperately wants to live in the surface world and the five year-old boy she befriends. With heavy Little Mermaid influences and metaphors about ocean pollution and preservation, Ponyo is anything but a kitschy retelling. Featuring Miyazaki’s signature hand drawn animation presented in a vibrant, fluid style, Ponyo is a sweet and extremely engaging magical adventure.
Read our review of Ponyo.
8. Porco Rosso (1992)
Where to watch: HBO Max
Porco Rosso turns the story of an Italian World War I ex-fighter ace Marco Pagot transformed into an anthropomorphic pig by a curse. The freelance bounty hunter makes a living chasing down air pirates becomes known to the world as "Porco Rosso", which in Italian is for ¨Crimson Pig.¨ Offering up breathtaking, yet still accessible feeling, animation, Miyazaki blends fact and fantasy into a comedic highflying adventure. There are gritty themes just below the surface making Porco Rosso a masterful bit of bittersweet storytelling about identity, star-crossed lovers.. Porco Rosso is quite possibly Miyazaki’s most underrated film for Studio Ghibli.
7. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
Where to watch: Vudu
Grave of the Fireflies adapts Akiyuki Nosaka semi-autobiographical short story of the same into a profoundly moving anti-war film and Studio Ghibli gem. Grave of the Fireflies tells the story of two children’s struggle to survive in harsh wasteland in the aftermath of Japan’s surrender at the end of World War II. It’s a story of innocence, loss, devastation and hope. The unique mix of animation techniques Takahatemployed to bring this somber tale to life creates an achingly realistic portrayal without ever crossing the line into tragedy porn. It’s eye-opening, startlingly beautiful, and an inescapable clarion call for peace. Grave of the Fireflies is a meditation on the human cost of war and hands down Isao Takahata’s masterpiece.
Due to an ownership arrangement, Graves of the Fireflies isn’t included in any of the Studio Ghibli licensing deals but it's well worth the rental price.
Read our review of Grave of Fireflies.
6. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
Where to watch: HBO Max
This twitchy-witchy adventure may be light on plot but it’s full of delightful energy. Brought to life with a color palette just as vibrant as its lead, Kiki's Delivery Service follows young witch trainee Kiki and her snarky cat Jiji in a coming-of-age tale inspired by the children’s story by the same name. Its deeper themes, and subtle down with patriarchy vibes, balances out the sentimental edge of its animation, keeping this charming adventure from veering too far off track. With Kiki’s Delivery Service, Hayao Miyazaki proves there’s no limit to the ways he can blend magic and the mundane; perpetually reinvigorating the Studio Ghibli aesthetic. Kiki’s a loveable character perfect for bringing a story about confidence, loneliness, and risk-taking to life.
5. Howl's Moving Castle (2004)
Where to watch: HBO Max
Inspired by the novel of the same name by British author Diana Wynne Jones, Howl’s Moving Castle follows a young milliner, Sophie, who befriends a wizard named Howl who lives in a magical castle. When a jealous witch curses Sophie with old age, Howl must use all his magical abilities to save her before time runs out. Howl’s Moving Castle is a masterful display of Miyazaki’s animation skills and ability to pace and interpret characters for dynamic storytelling. As the latter half of the film takes a darker turn, it becomes clear that Howl's Moving Castle is Hayao Miyazaki’s contribution to Studio Ghibli’s anti-war stories. Riddled with gorgeous imagery and appealing characters, Miyazaki's created a journey into pure imagination.
4. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
Where to watch: HBO Max
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, a post-apocalyptic science fiction adventure, follows skillful fighter and princess, Nausicaä, as she navigates life 1000 years after the war that destroyed civilization. Written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, the story revolves around her attempts to save her community from an ecological disaster. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is a timeless example of Miyazaki’s masterful word-building and one of the best science fiction movies, period.
Technically released before Studio Ghibli's founding, it’s jam-packed with all the complex themes and metaphors, it's considered the precursor of things to come from Studio Ghibli.
3. Princess Mononoke (1997)
Where to watch: HBO Max
One of Studio Ghibli’s most well known (and oft misunderstood) title, Princess Mononoke tells the epic story of a forest princess who mobilizes to combat mechanization and encroachment that threatens her people and their home. This blend of myth, legend and fantasy painstakingly constructed of lush hand-drawn art, evocative music and a mix of monsters, magic and charismatic characters. Telling a dynamic tale ahead of its time. Hayao Miyazaki perfectly balances his desire to engage in flights of intense fantasy that serve as weight allegories producing epic that will never be forgotten.
2. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Where to watch: HBO Max
My Neighbor Totoro centers two young girls who befriend the spirit-monsters near their new home. Hayao Miyazaki’s classic is a sweet trip into childhood. Its pastoral scenes of tranquil summer afternoons, playful cast of characters, fill My Neighbor Totoro with an enticing charm and warmth.Miyazaki’s created a near-perfect story of innocence, hope, fun and the joys of being a kid (or young at heart). If Studio Ghibli has a mascot it's definitely the titular character, Totoro.
1. Spirited Away (2001)
Where to watch: HBO Max
Spirited Away put Studio Ghibli on the map internationally. It’s an enchanting tale made of light, magic, mystery and monsters. It’s a meditation on the natural world, the spirit world and how they interact with the mundane. Spirited Away centers on 10 year-old Chihiro who inadvertently ends up in a world of gods and monsters while moving to a new neighborhood with her parents. Chihiro ends up stranded in this netherworld after her parents get transformed into pigs and the river floods. Chihiro must learn to navigate the spirit world and how to escape before she forgets her name and is trapped forever. Hayao Miyazaki’s signature artwork and heartfelt storytelling come together in a gorgeous and immersive fairytale that remains unmatched.
Read our review of Spirited Away.
Need more anime in your life? Take a look at our guide to the best vampire anime for more.
