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For Anime animation enthusiasts, Studio Ghibli is a household name. Established in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, Ghibli Studio stands as an Asian animation monument. In an era of modernized animations, Ghibli remains loyal to its traditional hand-drawn style, a hallmark of this prestigious Studio. Let's explore the top 20 best Studio Ghibli animated films with Mytour.
If an animated film is judged solely on its imagery and the filmmaker's rich imagination, there's no reason why Spirited Away by director Hayao Miyazaki shouldn't rank first on this list. Spirited Away is considered another rendition of “Alice in Wonderland” in Japanese style. This Eastern version adds incredibly unique imaginative details and profound implications. It's not just for kids; adults can also watch and ponder deeply.
Nếu một bộ phim hoạt hình chỉ được đánh giá dựa trên hình ảnh và trí tưởng tượng phong phú của nhà làm phim thì không có lý do gì khi xếp bộ phim Sprited Away của đạo diễn Hayao Miyazaki ở vị trí đầu tiên trong danh sách này. Sprited Away được coi là một phiên bản khác của “Alice lạc vào xứ sở thần tiên” theo phong cách Nhật. Phiên bản Á Đông này thêm những chi tiết tưởng tượng, ẩn dụ vô cùng đặc sắc thâm sâu. Không chỉ trẻ em mà người lớn cũng có thể xem và vắt óc suy ngẫm.
Starting with a cautionary tale, “Beware of your wishes,” Spirited Away follows a girl named Chihiro trapped in a magical world, forced to work for the witch Yubaba to save her parents and return to the human world. She overcomes challenges and temptations, showcasing her warm-hearted nature to reunite with her parents and befriend kind souls.
With diverse characters in vibrant colors, Spirited Away immerses the audience in a new, mystical, ancient world. It quickly became a renowned masterpiece worldwide, winning the Oscar for Best Animated Feature at the 75th Academy Awards and the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival in 2002.
2. Grave of the FireFlies – Mộ đom đóm – 1988
Grave of the FireFlies, written and directed by Takahata Isao, is hailed by many as one of the greatest animated films of all time.
Set in the final stages of World War II in Japan, the film portrays the poignant story of two orphaned siblings, Seita and his younger sister Setsuko. They lose their mother in a fierce bombing raid by the American air force on the city of Kobe, while their father fights for the Japanese Imperial Army. Seita and Setsuko struggle to survive amidst famine and the indifference of those around them, including their own relatives. Setsuko ultimately dies from malnutrition. The heartbreaking depiction of her death could be considered one of the most poignant scenes in Japanese animation history.
Historical animation researcher Ernest Rister regards this as the most humane animated film he has ever seen. It has the power to bring even the strongest men to tears.
3. My Neighbour Totoro – Hàng xóm của tôi là Totoro – 1988
My Neighbor Totoro won the Animage Anime Grand Prix for Best Film in 1988. Ghibli's choice of Totoro as its symbol was no accident; this endearing character has become an icon of creative, adorable, and compassionate animated filmmaking.
The film follows the Kusakabe family as they move to a rural area to live. The new house they are about to move into is rumored by villagers to be haunted, but that does not deter the curiosity and liveliness of the Kusakabe sisters, Satsuki and Mei. One day, while playing in the nearby forest, 14-year-old Mei encounters a giant creature, the forest spirit lord, whom she fearlessly climbs onto and even names Totoro. Despite minimal appearances, Totoro's adorableness drives many people crazy.
My Neighbor Totoro is almost a non-dramatic film, dedicating most of its time to the girls' exploration of the beautiful, enchanting world around them. Encounters with magical elements help them understand the world they live in. Part of growing up is realizing that life doesn't always unfold as you need it to, and everyone has to deal with it in their own way. The film suggests that seeking peace is better than pursuing futile answers. It celebrates human connection in a simple, everyday manner. Every detail is gentle, simple yet profound, in line with the subtle, profound style of East Asian and specifically Japanese culture.
4. Princess Mononoke – 1997
Princess Mononoke holds a special place in Ghibli's lineup with its exceptional storyline. It's a milestone in the world of animation. The film revolves around a warrior princess named Mononoke—a fierce, wild huntress who can shatter Disney's good-girl images entirely. Mononoke introduces us to a lush world where giant forest gods are polluted and weaponized by humans. Their industrial greed is destroying the natural resources here.
Princess Mononoke, with a total revenue of up to 160 million USD, was also nominated for the Japanese Oscar. The film seems to be Miyazaki's clear statement about the fragile relationship between civilization and the environment, an idea that echoes throughout his career. Although an Anime film, Princess Mononoke's suitable audience is perhaps adults and teenagers as it addresses issues relevant to all humanity – environmental protection.
5. Laputa: Castle in the Sky – 1986
Laputa: Castle in the Sky is the studio's first official film, and its success earned the Animage Anime Grand Prix for the best film in 1986.
The film draws inspiration from the flying island Laputa in Jonathan Swift's 18th-century novel 'Gulliver's Travels.' It follows the journey of two friends, Pazu and Sheeta, in search of Laputa – a floating castle mentioned in legend and captured in a photograph taken by Pazu's father but dismissed by everyone. Throughout their journey, the young duo must seek the mysterious castle while evading pursuit from forces seeking the magical pendant Sheeta possesses, belonging to the Laputa royal family. Despite the film's simple storyline and cheerful ending, it carries layers of meaning about the collapse of an ideal society and references to biblical and Hindu mythology.
6. Howl’s Moving Castle – 2004
Howl’s Moving Castle is adapted from the novel of the same name by Diana Wynne Jones, set in an imaginary kingdom combining the existence of early 20th-century science and the coexistence of magic. The protagonist, hat maker Sophie, is transformed into an old woman by a witch's curse. To break the curse, she seeks out the wizard Howl but becomes entangled in other troubles, including the escalating war between two kingdoms.
The film blends adventure, fantasy, mystery, and romance, receiving wide acclaim from both the public and academia. It's Miyazaki's most satisfying work, conveying a message against war, particularly the U.S. terrorism in Iraq in 2003, while advocating for women's rights and inner virtues over superficial appearances. The film was nominated for an Oscar for Best Animated Feature in 2006.
7. From Up On Poppy Hill – 2011
From Up On Poppy Hill is the highest-grossing Anime film of 2011, winning the Best Animated Film award at the 35th Japan Academy Awards and the 11th Tokyo Anime Awards in 2012.
Set in Japan in the 1960s, the film follows Matsuzaki Umi, who lives with her family atop a hill overlooking the sea. Her father went missing in the war, and every day Umi patiently raises flags in the flower-filled courtyard, hoping her distant father will recognize and return home. Umi meets Shun, a boy from her school, and together they strive to restore their old school instead of demolishing it. They eventually suspect they may be related by blood, yet their silent affection for each other persists.
8. Ponyo – 2008
Inspired by the famous Little Mermaid, Ponyo garnered numerous awards, including the Best Animated Film award at the Japan Academy Awards. It ranked 9th in the highest-grossing films during its first week in theaters in the United States.
The story revolves around a golden fish named Polumisharudin – the daughter of the Sea King, who longs to become human after fleeing her underwater home. Fate leads her to be rescued by a boy named Sousuke while trapped in a bottle. Sousuke names her Ponyo and takes her home, knowing she's a magical fish because she healed a wound on his hand miraculously. The Sea King, angered by his daughter's escape, orders her capture, but when Ponyo licks Sousuke's wound, she inadvertently gains human strength, able to transform her limbs at will. Taking advantage of her father's absence, Ponyo enlists her siblings to help her escape and reunite with Sousuke. However, as she becomes human, Ponyo gradually loses her magical abilities.
With adorable character designs and a focus on themes of goodness and kindness, Ponyo is beloved by audiences of all ages.
9. The Wind Rises – 2013
Not only did The Wind Rises achieve the highest box office revenue in Japan in 2013, but it also won awards such as the Japan Academy Prize for Best Animated Film and received prestigious nominations including an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Foreign Language Film.
The protagonist of the story is Jiro – a boy born with a strong passion for the sky, dreaming of piloting airplanes to conquer the skies. However, his dream faces an insurmountable obstacle as he suffers from severe nearsightedness and cannot become a pilot. Inspired by Caproni, a dashing Italian aeronautical engineer, Jiro finds a new dream: to design fighter planes for Japan to use in World War II. Despite many challenges, Jiro becomes an aircraft design engineer and finds his love with Naoko – a petite, delicate girl who always remains cheerful and optimistic.
'The wind still blows, we must live' is the opening line of the film, almost foreshadowing its ending. Jiro's precious designs soon turn to ashes in the defeat of the Japanese Empire, leaving him alone in regret and solitude after Naoko's passing. In his dreams, Jiro sees Caproni and Naoko by his side, encouraging him to continue living, for the wind still blows, and we must live and dream even though knowing that the winds of life never cease.
10. Porco Rosso – The Crimson Pig - 1992
Porco Rosso is the finest animated film of the early 1990s, with an incredibly captivating and fascinating storyline.
Porco Rosso is set during World War I and tells the story of a pilot cursed to have a pig's face. He was once known as Marco Pagot, but since the curse, he is known as Porco Rosso – 'the Crimson Pig' in Italian because he always flies a red plane. Initially a fighter pilot for the Italian air force in World War I, Porco becomes disillusioned and later becomes a bounty hunter, protecting ships from pirates. Despite being adversaries, Porco and the pirates sometimes share drinks to learn to coexist, often at a bar run by a woman named Gina. Here, a romantic and sweet relationship unfolds between the Crimson Pig and Gina. Porco Rosso, though an animated film, carries historical significance, a testament to those with unwavering anti-fascist spirit who strive to protect peace.
Porco Rosso was the top-grossing film in Japan in 1992, earning a profit of 2.8 billion yen. The film received the 'Prix du long métrage (Best Feature Film)' at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival in 1993. It also made it to Time Out's list of the top 50 animated films.
Read about the 20 best animated films by Studio Ghibli (Part 2)
