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Studio Ghibli stands out as one of the rare animation studios—and film studios overall—to have cemented its name in everyday conversation. Holding its own alongside American powerhouses such as Disney, Pixar, and DreamWorks, the Japanese studio is most celebrated for the creations of its co-founder, the globally renowned director Hayao Miyazaki. Among his most iconic works are My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Princess Mononoke (1997), and Spirited Away (2001).
Every Studio Ghibli film offers a distinct emotional adventure, making it a challenge to choose a favorite. For critics, the task is even more complex. To evaluate the films based on hundreds of reviews, Rotten Tomatoes (despite its imperfections) used its Tomatometer to calculate each movie’s score. We’ve compiled these scores and arranged them from highest to lowest, allowing you to see how your preferences align with the experts.
Critics generally concur that Studio Ghibli’s filmography is exceptionally strong. Out of their 24 films, only two are labeled “rotten,” while three not only earn a “fresh” rating but also boast a flawless 100 percent score (ranked by the number of critic reviews). However, some of the rankings may come as a surprise.
For instance, the top position is held by The Tale of Princess Kaguya (2013), a relatively obscure Studio Ghibli film with approximately 10,000 Rotten Tomatoes user reviews. In comparison, Spirited Away, often hailed as Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece, boasts over 250,000 user reviews. Despite its widespread acclaim, it ranks 6th, and other well-known titles don’t make it to the top. The cherished Princess Mononoke (1997) sits comfortably in the middle at 11th place, while the fan-favorite Howl’s Moving Castle lands in the 20th spot.
The films are generally ranked highly, which won’t surprise Studio Ghibli enthusiasts. Filled with enchanting, hand-drawn scenery, emotionally gripping narratives, and a deep sense of childhood nostalgia, Ghibli films have a unique way of capturing hearts. However, they’re far from being just lighthearted; Miyazaki is well-known for addressing political themes in his works, ranging from environmental devastation to the impacts of war. He has also crafted some of the most dynamic and inspiring female protagonists in animation history.
Not every Studio Ghibli film was directed by Miyazaki; in fact, two of the top three entries were helmed by cofounder Isao Takahata. Fans remain optimistic about more projects from the legendary director. At 82, Miyazaki has attempted to retire multiple times since the late '90s, only to return each time inspiration (or perhaps restlessness) calls. His latest return to create The Boy and the Heron (2023) marks his fourth comeback from retirement, suggesting our list will likely expand. Longtime collaborator and Studio Ghibli cofounder Toshio Suzuki commented on Miyazaki in an interview with Liberation:
“I no longer try to stop him, even if he were to produce a flawed film. In life, it’s the work that brings him joy […] He’s 82, and I believe he’ll continue until he’s 90.”
Explore all 24 Studio Ghibli films ranked below, with Rotten Tomatoes’s detailed analysis available here.
All 24 Studio Ghibli Films Ranked from Highest to Lowest Reviews
- The Tale of Princess Kaguya (2013) // 100 percent
- Only Yesterday (1991) // 100 percent
- Grave of the Fireflies (1988) // 100 percent
- Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989) // 98 percent
- The Boy and the Heron (2023) // 97 percent
- Spirited Away (2001) // 96 percent
- Castle in the Sky (1986) // 96 percent
- Porco Rosso (1992) // 96 percent
- Whisper of the Heart (1995) // 95 percent
- The Secret World of Arrietty (2010) // 94 percent
- Princess Mononoke (1997) // 93 percent
- My Neighbor Totoro (1988) // 93 percent
- When Marnie Was There (2014) // 92 percent
- Ponyo (2008) // 91 percent
- Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984) // 90 percent
- Ocean Waves (1993) // 89 percent
- The Wind Rises (2013) // 88 percent
- From Up on Poppy Hill (2011) // 88 percent
- The Cat Returns (2002) // 88 percent
- Howl’s Moving Castle (2004) // 87 percent
- Pom Poko (1994) // 86 percent
- My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999) // 78 percent
- Tales from Earthsea (2006) // 38 percent
- Earwig and the Witch (2020) // 28 percent
