The Ultimate Ranking: All Studio Ghibli Movies, From Enchanting to Epic
Studio Ghibli is a Japanese animation studio that is renowned for its high-quality and imaginative movies, that have captivated audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Studio Ghibli movies are known for their beautiful and detailed animation, their engaging and original stories, their memorable and lovable characters, and their profound and universal themes. Whether you are looking for a fantasy, adventure, comedy, or drama, there is a Studio Ghibli movie for you.
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In this article, we will rank all Studio Ghibli movies, from enchanting to epic, based on their popularity, ratings, and reviews. Let’s get started!
22. Tales From Earthsea
Tales from Earthsea is a 2006 anime film by Studio Ghibli, known for works like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. Unlike most Ghibli films, it wasn't directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, but by his son Gorō. The movie adapts elements from the first four books in Ursula K. Le Guin's Earthsea Cycle. It follows the adventures of Ged, a powerful wizard, and Arren, a troubled prince, as they confront a mysterious force that threatens the balance of Earthsea. Though not entirely faithful to the books, the film offers a visually stunning journey through a world of magic and peril.
21. The Cat Returns
In the whimsical Studio Ghibli film The Cat Returns, a kindhearted girl named Haru finds her life transformed after saving a feline prince. Showered with bizarre gifts like fish-flavored candy and toy mice, Haru soon discovers she's betrothed to the prince! Whisked away to the fantastical Cat Kingdom, Haru must find a way to break the engagement and return to her normal life. With the help of a mischievous fat cat named Muta and a charming cat statue called the Baron, Haru embarks on a magical adventure that teaches her the importance of self-belief and appreciation for her everyday world.
20. Kiki’s Delivery Service
Kiki's Delivery Service, a beloved Studio Ghibli film, follows Kiki, a young witch on her coming-of-age journey. As tradition dictates, Kiki leaves her family at 13 to find a town that needs a witch's services. With her sassy black cat, Jiji, by her side, she lands in a charming seaside town and starts a magical flying courier service. But being on her own is challenging, and self-doubt throws a spell on Kiki, causing her to temporarily lose her powers. The film beautifully captures the ups and downs of independence, self-discovery, and the importance of friendship and community.
19. The Secret World of Arrietty
The Secret World of Arrietty, a Studio Ghibli film, invites you into a world unseen. Beneath the floorboards live tiny people, the Clocks, who survive by "borrowing" from the humans above. The curious Arrietty, a Borrower teenager, befriends a sickly human boy, Shawn. Their unlikely bond blossoms as Arrietty's secret is exposed, forcing the Clocks to make a difficult choice: stay hidden or risk everything for a new life. With its breathtaking animation and heartwarming story, The Secret World of Arrietty is a captivating adventure about friendship, courage, and the beauty of living unseen.
18. From up on Poppy Hill
From Up on Poppy Hill is a 2011 Studio Ghibli anime film set in Yokohama, Japan during 1963. The story follows Umi, a high school girl, who raises signal flags each day hoping for her missing sailor father's return. Her life takes a turn when she meets Shun, a fellow student, and together they fight to save their school's historic clubhouse from demolition. As they work together, a romance blossoms between them, but a hidden secret from their families threatens their newfound happiness. This coming-of-age story explores themes of friendship, perseverance, and post-war Japan.
17. Lupin the Third: The Castle of Cagliostro
Lupin the Third: The Castle of Cagliostro is a 1979 anime film following the iconic gentleman thief, Lupin III. After a heist gone wrong leaves him with a stack of counterfeit bills, Lupin tracks the source to the small nation of Cagliostro. There, he stumbles upon a damsel in distress – Princess Clarisse – who's being forced to marry the villainous Count Cagliostro. With his crew (Jigen and Goemon) by his side, Lupin races against Inspector Zenigata to rescue Clarisse, uncover the secrets of the counterfeit cash, and potentially unearth the legendary treasure of Cagliostro. This Hayao Miyazaki directed film is a classic of the genre, praised for its action, humor, and captivating story.
16. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
Hayao Miyazaki's Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is a classic anime film set in a breathtaking but dangerous post-apocalyptic world. A thousand years after an ecological disaster, humanity struggles to survive amidst a toxic jungle and giant mutant insects. Princess Nausicaä, a brave and compassionate young woman, emerges as a beacon of hope. She fights to protect the fragile balance between humans and nature, challenging warring factions who threaten to destroy everything with ancient weapons.
15. My neighbor Totoro
My Neighbor Totoro is a beloved anime film following two sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside with their father to be near their hospitalized mother. In this charming story, the girls encounter friendly forest spirits, the most iconic being Totoro, a giant, cuddly creature. This heartwarming adventure explores themes of childhood, environmentalism, and the imagination's power, making My Neighbor Totoro a classic for all ages.
14. Pom Poko
Pom Poko, a 1994 Studio Ghibli film, is a whimsical yet poignant tale about a community of tanuki, magical Japanese raccoon dogs, facing eviction from their forest home. Rapid urbanization threatens their way of life, forcing them to adapt. Leaning on their folklore-inspired shapeshifting abilities, the tanuki employ hilarious tactics to scare away the human developers. But beneath the lighthearted facade lies a deeper message about environmentalism and the struggle to preserve a cherished habitat.
13. My Neighbors The Yamadas
My Neighbors the Yamadas is a charming anime film from Studio Ghibli. Unlike movies with fantastical plots, this one focuses on the everyday lives of a middle-class Japanese family, the Yamadas. Told through a series of humorous and sometimes heartwarming vignettes, we meet Takashi (the dad), Matsuko (the mom), their sharp-tongued grandma, their teenage son Noboru, their energetic daughter Nonoko, and even their family dog Pochi. Each episode tackles relatable situations: a family outing gone wrong, a son embarrassed by his parents, or a yearning for connection. With its unique, water-color style animation, My Neighbors the Yamadas celebrates the joys and struggles of ordinary life.
12. Whisper of the Heart
Whisper of the Heart, a 1995 Studio Ghibli film, tells a charming coming-of-age story. Shizuku, a bookish junior high student with dreams of becoming a writer, discovers all the library books she wants have been previously checked out by the same name, Seiji Amasawa. When she finally meets Seiji, she learns he aspires to be a violin maker in Italy. Though their paths seem different, Shizuku and Seiji inspire and challenge each other as they chase their passions, navigating the delicate emotions of first love.
11. Castle in the sky
Castle in the Sky, a 1986 Studio Ghibli film by Hayao Miyazaki, whisks you away on a steampunk adventure. Pazu, a young orphan miner, encounters Sheeta, a mysterious girl floating down from the sky with a glowing crystal pendant. Together, they journey towards Laputa, a legendary floating castle, pursued by pirates and government agents who covet the crystal's power to reach the mythical city. Filled with breathtaking landscapes, thrilling chases, and a timeless message about protecting nature, Castle in the Sky is a cornerstone of anime fantasy.
10. Ponyo
Ponyo, a whimsical Studio Ghibli film by Hayao Miyazaki, tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a goldfish princess named Ponyo and a five-year-old boy named Sosuke. Ponyo longs to experience the human world and after a chance encounter with Sosuke, she yearns to become human herself. Filled with vibrant animation and enchanting underwater scenes, Ponyo's journey explores themes of friendship, environmental balance, and the power of determination.
9. The Wind Rises
The Wind Rises, a 2013 anime film by Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli fame, tells the fictionalized story of Jiro Horikoshi, a real-life aeronautical engineer who designed the Mitsubishi A5M fighter aircraft and its successor, the A6M Zero, used by Japan in World War II. Jiro dreams of flight and designing airplanes, but his nearsightedness dashes his pilot hopes. The film follows his rise as a talented engineer amidst the backdrop of historical events like the Great Kanto Earthquake and the growing tensions of war. The Wind Rises is a beautiful yet bittersweet tale that explores passion, creativity, and the complexities of designing instruments of war.
8. Porco Rosso
Porco Rosso, a 1992 Studio Ghibli film by Hayao Miyazaki, is a captivating adventure set in the stunning backdrop of the Adriatic Sea. The story centers around Marco Pagot, a WWI flying ace cursed with a pig-like appearance. Now known as Porco Rosso, he hunts sky pirates who terrorize the skies. With his trusty red seaplane, he challenges not only the pirates but also a skilled American rival pilot, Curtis, all while navigating a love triangle with the beautiful Gina. Filled with dazzling aerial battles, a touch of romance, and a timeless coming-of-age story for Fio, a young and talented mechanic, Porco Rosso is a Miyazaki classic that will take you on an unforgettable journey.
7. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is a beautifully animated film by Studio Ghibli, based on the classic Japanese folktale "The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter." It tells the story of a tiny princess found inside a glowing bamboo stalk who grows into a remarkable young woman. The film follows Kaguya's struggles to fit into earthly life while attracting the attention of five suitors. Through her defiance and the challenges she sets them, the story explores themes of longing, duty, and the fleeting nature of earthly existence.
6. Only Yesterday
Only Yesterday, a 1991 Studio Ghibli film by Isao Takahata, takes a heartwarming look at self-discovery. The story follows Taeko, a 27-year-old woman feeling lost in the city. A trip to the countryside to visit family triggers a flood of childhood memories. As Taeko reminisces about her younger self, she grapples with the question of whether she's living a life true to her childhood dreams. Through its beautiful animation and nostalgic themes, Only Yesterday offers a relatable and touching exploration of growing up and finding your place in the world.
5. Princess Mononoke
Princess Mononoke, a captivating anime film by Hayao Miyazaki, whisks you to a world where nature clashes with human ambition. Ashitaka, a young prince cursed by a vengeful spirit, journeys westward to find a cure. Entangled in a brutal war, he encounters Lady Eboshi, a resolute leader who utilizes iron mining to build a prosperous town, and San, the fierce Princess Mononoke raised by wolves, who fights to protect the forest gods and animal spirits. Ashitaka, caught between two sides, strives for a fragile peace in this epic tale that explores environmentalism, the complexities of human nature, and the delicate balance between civilization and the wild.
4. When Marnie Was There
When Marnie Was There, a 2014 Studio Ghibli film, is an emotional coming-of-age story wrapped in a touch of mystery. The shy and lonely Anna is sent to the countryside, where she encounters the enigmatic Marnie. Their unlikely friendship blossoms amidst the beautiful marshlands. But as Anna delves deeper, she begins to question the very nature of their connection, unraveling a secret that forces her to confront her own identity.
3. Howl’s Moving Castle
Hayao Miyazaki's Howl's Moving Castle is a whimsical anime film about Sophie, a young woman cursed with the body of an old lady. Seeking to break the spell, she takes refuge in the magical, walking home of the infamous wizard Howl. Despite his reputation, Howl is more reclusive than fearsome. Inside the lively chaos of the castle, Sophie encounters a fire demon named Calcifer who powers the castle and a young apprentice named Markl. Together, they face the challenges of a brewing war and Sophie, now free from the constraints of youth, discovers the true beauty within.
2. Spirited Away
Spirited Away, a 2001 Studio Ghibli film by Hayao Miyazaki, tells the story of Chihiro, a sullen ten-year-old who stumbles into the world of spirits while moving to a new home. Here, she witnesses her parents turn into pigs and is forced to work in a magical bathhouse for deities run by the tyrannical witch Yubaba. To save her parents and return to the human world, Chihiro, renamed Sen, must navigate this fantastical realm, taking on strange tasks and befriending eccentric creatures along the way. This coming-of-age story is filled with wonder, capturing the beauty and complexity of Japanese folklore while celebrating courage, kindness, and perseverance.
1. Grave of the Fireflies
Grave of the Fireflies is a war and drama anime movie based on a novel of the same name, directed by Isao Takahata. It follows the story of Seita and Setsuko, two siblings who lose their parents and home during the firebombing of Kobe in World War II. They try to survive in the harsh and cruel conditions of war-torn Japan, with little food, shelter, and hope.
Grave of the Fireflies is a heartbreaking and powerful anime movie that depicts the tragedy and resilience of two children, with a heartbreaking and powerful animation style, a heartbreaking and powerful plot, and a heartbreaking and powerful duo.
Conclusion
Studio Ghibli movies are a genre of animation that feature high-quality and imaginative stories, that have captivated audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Studio Ghibli movies are diverse and versatile, offering a range of emotions, themes, and messages, that can appeal to anyone and everyone.
Whether you are looking for a fantasy, adventure, comedy, or drama, there is a Studio Ghibli movie for you. We hope that this article has given you some ideas and recommendations for the best Studio Ghibli movies of all time.
If you are interested in any of the movies that we have mentioned, you can find them on various streaming platforms and websites. Happy watching!