Studio Ghibli movies have redefined animated storytelling with fantastic stories and hand-drawn animation. From the innocence of My Neighbor Totoro to the emotional anime movie of Grave of the Fireflies, the studio has built a cinematic legacy. The impact that Hayao Miyazaki has on the anime film industry is remarkable, and we’ll tell you why.
This list of the 23 Studio Ghibli movies covers every film, from early classics to the latest 2023 release. In this post, we’ll explore every Studio Ghibli movie, its plot, themes, tone, and why it matters.
Which Studio Ghibli movie is your favorite, and why?
1. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
Nausicaä technically was released before Studio Ghibli’s official founding.
The story follows Princess Nausicaä as she explores a post-apocalyptic world poisoned by the Toxic Jungle. This creative tale blends beautiful nature, pacifism, and women’s power.
Nausicaä’s kindness and bravery made her one of anime’s earliest eco-heroines. With breathtaking animation, this film set the tone for many Studio Ghibli movies to come and remains a must-watch for fans of hand-drawn anime.
2. Castle in the Sky (1986)
This is Ghibli’s first official film. Castle in the Sky is a breathtaking steampunk adventure. Sheeta and Pazu set off on a journey to find Laputa, a mythical floating city.
Along the way, they clash with pirates, government agents, and weaponized technology. The film delivers classic adventure while warning against the misuse of science and power.
Visually stunning and emotionally honest, it remains a masterpiece in hand-drawn Japanese animation and a foundational entry in Studio Ghibli’s record.
3. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
My Neighbor Totoro is arguably the most iconic Studio Ghibli film. Why? Because this beautiful story takes place in rural postwar Japan, where two sisters befriend magical forest creatures while adjusting to their mother’s illness.
Totoro, the giant spirit of the forest, becomes a symbol of childhood wonder, healing, and imagination. This is a child-friendly anime movie with utmost charm and pure joy. This film speaks to the purity of emotion in a child’s heart. It remains a timeless entry point for fans of anime and especially Studio Ghibli movies.
4. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
Grave of the Fireflies adapts Akiyuki Nosaka’s semi-autobiographical short story into an epic, emotionally anti-war film and Studio Ghibli gem. It tells the story of two children’s struggle to survive in a harsh wasteland after Japan’s surrender in World War II.
This is a story of innocence, loss, devastation, and hope. The unique animation style creates an achingly realistic view of these sad themes. You get the feeling as if you are enduring these hardships with the two characters. This is why the story is so amazingly beautiful and an inescapable call for peace.
Grave of the Fireflies is Isao Takahata’s masterpiece and one of the saddest Studio Ghibli movies ever made.
5. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
Kiki’s Delivery Service is a emotional coming-of-age tale about a young witch starting a delivery service in a new city.
With her cat Jiji and her broomstick, Kiki learns about independence, burnout, and the importance of finding your purpose. Set against a beautifully animated European-style town, this film blends good vibes with responsibility.
It’s one of Studio Ghibli’s best movies about creative identity and adolescence. Why? Because the children in main characters in Kiki’s Delivery Service learn more about adulthood because of responsibilities to meet.
6. Only Yesterday (1991)
Only Yesterday follows Taeko, a 27-year-old Tokyo office worker who reflects on her childhood during a countryside trip. With flashbacks to school crushes and social pressures, the film examines memory and self-discovery in a deeply human way.
It’s one of Studio Ghibli’s most mature movies and good for adults to watch because it explores nostalgia without much fantasy. Directed by Isao Takahata, the film focuses on highlighting personal growth through realistic dialogue and wholesome events.
7. Porco Rosso (1992)
Set in the Adriatic Sea during the interwar period, Porco Rosso tells the story of a war pilot turned bounty hunter who’s also a pig.
It’s got some seriously awesome scenes, and out of nowhere, it hits you with this whole political vibe. Somehow, it’s about masculinity, disappointment, and trying to make things right. So, it is way deeper than you’d expect.
Despite its humor, the film is layered with sadness and romance. It’s one of the more underrated Studio Ghibli movies, offering a deeper, more adult tone. Things like the main character smoking a cigarette are proof of that, because kid-friendly movies don’t show that.
8. Pom Poko (1994)
In Pom Poko, Studio Ghibli takes a unique turn by blending mythology and fantasy. The story focuses on a group of shapeshifting tanuki (Japanese raccoon dogs) fighting to protect their forest home from urban development.
As time goes on, the tanuki then launch an imaginative, and at times tragic, campaign to defend their land. What begins as impulsive and fun becomes increasingly surreal as their struggles grow even more.
The film’s unusual tone changes make it both entertaining and deeply emotional. It’s one of Studio Ghibli’s most direct environmental statements, emphasizing loss and adaptation in a rapidly changing world. There is a hidden message in this movie about animals, humans, and nature.
9. Whisper of the Heart (1995)
Directed by Yoshifumi Kondō, Whisper of the Heart is a beautiful coming-of-age story that explores everyday life. It follows Shizuku, a curious and creative teenager discovering her love for writing. Her journey continues with that of Seiji, a boy who dreams of becoming a violin maker.
Whisper of the Heart takes place in the peaceful Tokyo suburb. The film is famous for its realism and its exploration of youthful ambition and identity. You can watch this animated movie with your lover to enjoy some wholesome vibes.
10. Princess Mononoke (1997)
Princess Mononoke is a sweeping historical fantasy that dives into the intense clash between nature and human industry. When Ashitaka, a young prince cursed by a demon, sets out in search of a cure, he becomes entangled in a war between the forest gods and the iron town of Tatara.
The film introduces San, a fierce girl raised by wolves, who fights to protect the forest. Themes of environmental balance, human greed, and spiritual coexistence are combined with stunning visuals and complex characters. It’s one of Studio Ghibli’s most mature and visually ambitious works, and a defining moment in their legacy.
11. My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999)
Different from the studio’s typical style, My Neighbors the Yamadas presents a slice-of-life family comedy told through watercolor-style animation. Directed by Isao Takahata, the film captures the everyday adventures and humorous miscommunications of the Yamada family.
Each episode touches on topics like marriage, parenting, and adolescence with warmth and humor. The film’s poetic simplicity and relatable scenarios make it a quiet standout. I
It’s a reminder that often the most fantastic things in life are found in the ordinary.
12. Spirited Away (2001)
Winner of the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, Spirited Away is widely regarded as Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece. The film tells the story of Chihiro, a 10-year-old girl who stumbles into a spirit world while moving to a new home. After her parents are transformed into pigs, she must work at a magical bathhouse to survive and save them.
The movie blends Japanese folklore, surrealism, and coming-of-age themes with stunning hand-drawn animation.
With unforgettable characters like No-Face, Haku, and Yubaba, it captures the emotional struggles of growing up. It’s a masterpiece of visual and writing depth. Most anime fans rate Spirited Away as the best anime movie ever made.
13. The Cat Returns (2002)
The Cat Returns follows high schooler Haru, who saves a cat from being run over and suddenly finds herself with the Prince of the Cat Kingdom. As she’s swept into a world of talking animals and strange ceremonies, she seeks help from the mysterious Baron, a smart kitty-type figure. The film is fast-paced, funny, and filled with magical escapism. I
It’s one of Studio Ghibli’s lightest and most easy-to-understand adventures, perfect for younger audiences and cat lovers too.
14. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
Howl’s Moving Castle is a romantic fantasy set in a war-torn land where the story begins. Our main character, Sophie, is a timid young woman who is cursed by a witch and turned into an old lady.
Seeking help, she finds shelter in the magical moving castle of Howl, an unnatural and powerful wizard. As she becomes involved in Howl’s life, Sophie finds her own strength and voice. This is a must-watch on your anime-movies-to-watch list, as it remains one of the top-rated anime movies ever.
Howl’s Moving Castle explores themes of aging, self-worth, and the senselessness of war, shown with stunning animation and rich character development. It’s one of Ghibli’s most visually creative and emotionally resonant tales.
15. Tales from Earthsea (2006)
Directed by Goro Miyazaki, Tales from Earthsea adapts elements from Ursula K. Le Guin’s beloved fantasy novels. The story follows Prince Arren, a young man plagued by inner darkness, who teams up with the archmage Ged to confront a mysterious imbalance affecting their world. The film explores deep themes like mortality, balance, and the loss of magic in a world that has grown cynical. Though met with mixed reviews, it serves as a bold and contemplative entry into the Ghibli library, reflecting a generational shift in storytelling within the studio.
16. Ponyo (2008)
Ponyo reimagines The Little Mermaid through the eyes of director Hayao Miyazaki. A goldfish named Ponyo escapes her oceanic world and befriends a boy named Sōsuke. As their friendship blossoms, the balance of nature is threatened, unleashing chaos on land and sea.
With a watercolor-inspired animation style, the film captures the wonder and curiosity of childhood. It’s a heartfelt story about love, environmental responsibility, and the boundless power of belief. Ponyo is also the favorite film of popular singer Dua Lipa. This film is one of Studio Ghibli’s most convenient and joyous films for younger viewers.
17. The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)
Also known as The Secret World of Arrietty, this film is a gentle adaptation of Mary Norton’s novel The Borrowers.
It tells the story of tiny people living secretly beneath the floorboards of a human house. When Arrietty is discovered by a sickly boy named Shō, a tender and dangerous friendship develops.
The film explores themes of fragility and perspective, with breathtaking animation that brings the miniature world to life. Arrietty stands out for its quiet beauty and emotional warmth. You can watch this movie with your kids, no worries at all.
18. From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)
Set in postwar 1960s Yokohama, From Up on Poppy Hill tells the story of Umi and Shun, two high school students who join forces to save their school’s historic clubhouse from demolition.
As they dig into the past, they uncover a potential family secret that threatens their growing bond.
The film, directed by Goro Miyazaki and written by Hayao Miyazaki, mixes themes of legacy, love, and resilience.
Its nostalgic way of storytelling and richly detailed setting offer a heartfelt peek into Japan’s transition from past to present.
19. The Wind Rises (2013)
The Wind Rises is a fictionalized biography of Jirō Horikoshi, the visionary behind Japan’s WWII fighter planes. Torn between his dream of building beautiful aircraft and the reality of their wartime use, Jirō must reconcile art with ethics.
At the same time, he falls in love with Nahoko, a woman battling illness. The film is a poetic reflection on ambition, creation, and sacrifice. It stands as one of Miyazaki’s most mature and introspective works, often interpreted as his farewell to filmmaking.
20. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013)
This is Isao Takahata’s final film, and it is a visually stunning retelling of the 10th-century Japanese folktale The Tale of Princess Kaguya.
A bamboo cutter finds a tiny girl inside a stalk of bamboo, who grows into a beautiful young woman. As she is forced into noble life, she struggles with the loss of her freedom and the expectations placed upon her.
With its sketch-like animation and lyrical pacing, the movie explores themes of sorrow and the search for one’s place in the world. It is widely regarded as one of Studio Ghibli’s most artistically accomplished films.
21. When Marnie Was There (2014)
When Marnie Was There follows Anna, a shy and withdrawn girl sent to the countryside for her health. There, she meets the mysterious and captivating Marnie, who seems to know her better than anyone. As their friendship deepens, Anna begins to unravel secrets about her own past. This touching and atmospheric story explores themes of memory, identity, and healing. With its emotional depth and beautifully painted settings, the film offers a tender farewell to Ghibli’s traditional animation era.
22. Earwig and the Witch (2020)
This is Studio Ghibli’s first fully 3D CGI feature, Earwig and the Witch. It tells the story of a clever young girl who is adopted by a selfish witch. Determined not to be controlled, Earwig uses her cleverness to uncover the secrets of the magical household she’s trapped in. Though stylistically different from previous Ghibli films, it keeps the themes of independence, curiosity, and resilience.
While it divided audiences due to its animation style and short ending, it marked a new chapter in the studio’s willingness to experiment. However, Studio Ghibli still wants to rely on hand-written animation, even with the coming of AI.
Why? Because Miyazaki thinks that whoever uses a robot to animate should be ashamed of themselves, as it destroys the essence of creativity and human nature.
23. The Boy and the Heron (2023)
The Boy and the Heron is the latest work of Hayao Miyazaki, and it is inspired by the novel How Do You Live?
This movie celebrates Hayao Miyazaki’s return after a decade-long hiatus. The story of The Boy and the Heron follows Mahito, a boy grieving the loss of his mother during WWII, who is drawn into a surreal and fantastical world by a cryptic talking heron.
As he journeys through dreamlike realms filled with symbolism and strange beings, Mahito confronts his grief, fears, and sense of identity.
Rich with metaphors and personal reflections from Miyazaki’s life, the film explores mortality, legacy, and the healing power of imagination. It’s both a spiritual successor to Spirited Away and a deeply introspective farewell-or, perhaps, a rebirth for the studio’s greatest director.
Frequently Asked Questions About Studio Ghibli Movies
Is Spirited Away on Netflix?
Yes, Spirited Away is available on Netflix in many countries. However, regional licensing deals vary, so availability depends on where you live.
Is Studio Ghibli still hand-drawn?
Yes, most Studio Ghibli movies are still hand-drawn, maintaining the studio’s traditional artistry.
Is Studio Ghibli still making movies?
Absolutely. Studio Ghibli remains active, with The Boy and the Heron released in 2023. Hayao Miyazaki is reportedly working on new ideas so that more films may be coming.
How long has Studio Ghibli been running?
Studio Ghibli was officially founded in 1985, though Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984) is often considered the studio’s first major film. Thus, the studio is nearly 40 years old.
What is the oldest Ghibli movie?
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984) is considered the oldest Studio Ghibli movie in spirit.
How many films has Miyazaki directed?
As of 2023, Hayao Miyazaki has directed 12 feature-length Studio Ghibli movies.
What is Studio Ghibli number 16?
In terms of chronological release, the 16th Ghibli film is Ponyo (2008), inspired by the movie The Little Mermaid.
Has Ghibli ended?
No, Studio Ghibli is still active. The studio continues to produce new content.
Has Studio Ghibli won an Oscar?
Yes, Spirited Away won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003. It remains one of the most acclaimed animated films globally.
Why is Ghibli called Ghibli?
The name “Ghibli” comes from the name of a plane that Miyazaki randomly saw somewhere and remembered.
Is Studio Ghibli still popular?
Very much so. Studio Ghibli consistently ranks among the top names in animation worldwide.
What is the most heartbreaking Ghibli movie?
Most fans consider Grave of the Fireflies the most emotionally devastating Studio Ghibli movie.
