Top 20 Must-See Ghibli Animated Films Today

Ghibli animated films are among the most beloved and highly acclaimed anime in Japan, known for their meaningful messages and profound life lessons. With meticulously crafted content and quality, Ghibli has produced numerous world-famous works, including those that have won prestigious Oscars. How many of these films have you watched? Here, Mytour Blog presents to you the top 20 must-watch films that every movie enthusiast should see!

Spirited Away (Vùng Đất Linh Hồn) – Famous Ghibli animated film on Netflix

• IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
• Release Year: 2001
• Genre: Animation, Family, Adventure
• Duration: 125 minutes
• Country: Japan
• Director: Miyazaki Hayao
• Cast: Hiiragi Rumi, Irino Miyu, Natsuki Mari, Naito Takeshi, Sawaguchi Yasuko…

Spirited Away is the first foreign 2D Ghibli animated film to win the prestigious Oscar for Best Animated Feature in 2003. The film follows the accidental adventure to the spirit world of a girl named Chihiro Ogino during a family move. After mistakenly eating food meant for the spirits, her parents are transformed into pigs. With no other option, she must work as a servant for the wicked witch Yubaba to rescue her parents and return to her own world. Here, she reunites with the river spirit Haku, who saved her from death when she was young.

Whisper of the Heart

• IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
• Release Year: 1995
• Genre: Animated, Romance, Family
• Duration: 111 minutes
• Country: Japan
• Director: Kondō Yoshifumi
• Cast: Issei Takahashi, Shigeru Muroi, Yorie Yamashita, Minami Takayama, Youko Honna, Takashi Tachibana, Shigeru Tsuyuguchi,…

Whisper of the Heart is a Ghibli animated film adapted from the manga novel of the same name by Aoi Hiiragi and illustrated by the renowned artist Yoshifumi Kondo. The film narrates the journey of pursuing dreams and aspirations of the young couple Shizuku and Seiji, along with the innocent and sweet feelings of their school years. Although lacking in magical worlds or adventurous quests, 'Whisper of the Heart' still captivates audiences with its simple, gentle, and profound storyline.

Princess Mononoke

• IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
• Release Year: 1997
• Genre: Anime, Adventure, Romance
• Duration: 134 minutes
• Country: Japan
• Director: Miyazaki Hayao
• Lead Cast: Matsuda Yōji, Ishida Yuriko, Tanaka Yūko, Kobayashi Kaoru

Princess Mononoke stands as one of the beloved epic anime films directed by Miyazaki Hayao. With its captivating storyline, the film quickly shattered box office records in Japan upon its release. It depicts the beautiful love story between the brave prince of the Emishi tribe, Ashitaka, and Princess San of the Mononoke wolf tribe, a strong and determined girl. Together, they fight against those who seek to destroy nature. Through the narrative, the film successfully conveys a meaningful message, urging humanity to live in harmony with nature.

Grave of the Fireflies

• IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
• Release Year: 1988
• Genre: Animation, Drama, War
• Duration: 89 minutes
• Country: Japan
• Director: Takahata Isao
• Lead Cast: Tsutomu Tatsumi, Ayano Shiraishi, Yoshiko Shinohara, Akemi Yamaguchi

Grave of the Fireflies is one of the most touching and meaningful Ghibli animated films that you should not overlook on this list. The film revolves around the heart-wrenching story of two orphaned siblings, Seita and Setsuko, amidst the backdrop of World War II in Japan. After their mother dies in a brutal air raid by American forces on the city of Kobe, and their father's fate uncertain as he is off fighting in the war, the siblings must rely on each other and struggle through hardships, hunger, and the callousness of relatives. After seeking refuge in an abandoned bomb shelter, Setsuko succumbs to starvation and illness. Not long after, Seita also perishes at a train station after Japan surrenders to the U.S.

Howl’s Moving Castle

• IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
• Release Year: 2004
• Genre: Anime, Adventure, Romance
• Duration: 119 minutes
• Country: Japan
• Director: Miyazaki Hayao
• Lead Cast: Baisho Chieko, Kimura Takuya, Miwa Akihiro…

Howl’s Moving Castle is a captivating Ghibli animated film from Japan adapted from the novel of the same name, which is definitely a must-watch for you. The movie follows the story of Sophie - a girl cursed by a mysterious witch to transform into an old woman. Sophie is forced to leave her family behind to find a way to break the curse. During her journey, she encounters the wizard Howl - a seemingly aloof young man with a warm heart deep inside. Together, they embark on adventurous journeys. With profound humanistic messages and stunning graphics and effects, the film promises to evoke a range of emotions and provide a wonderful experience for viewers.

Laputa Castle In The Sky

• IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
• Release Year: 1986
• Genre: Animation, Adventure, Drama
• Duration: 125 minutes
• Country: Japan
• Director: Miyazaki Hayao
• Lead Cast: Keiko Yokozawa, Mayumi Tanaka, Minori Terada

Laputa Castle In The Sky is the debut animated film by Ghibli studio, telling the legend of humans unfortunate enough to be drawn up into the sky. There, they built magnificent and grand cities and flying fortresses. However, over time, these cities gradually fell back to earth, and humans resumed their lives as before. Yet, only Laputa city still exists in the sky under swirling clouds and giant storms. Sheeta and Pazu believed in this legend and began their search for Laputa. Along the journey, they faced difficulties and challenges to escape from the villain Muska.

My Neighbor Totoro

• IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
• Release Year: 1988
• Genre: Animation, Family, Fantasy
• Duration: 86 minutes
• Country: Japan
• Director: Miyazaki Hayao
• Lead Cast: Chika Sakamoto, Noriko Hidaka, Shigesato Itoi, Sumi Shimamoto, Hitoshi Takagi…

My Neighbor Totoro – My Friendly Totoro Neighbor is considered the most iconic Japanese animated film of all time. It brings the charming creature Totoro closer to the audience, becoming the most beloved anime icon for decades. The film begins with the story of the lives of two sisters, Satsuki and Mei Kusakabe, as they move to a rural area. One day, while playing in the backyard, Mei accidentally encounters Totoro – the forest spirit of the area. And from then on, the two sisters embark on magical adventures alongside Totoro.

When Marnie Was There (Memories of Marnie)

• IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
• Release Year: 2014
• Genre: Anime
• Duration: 103 minutes
• Country: Japan
• Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi
• Lead Cast: Takatsuki Sara, Arimura Kasumi, Matsushima Nanako, Terajima Susumu, Negishi Toshie, Moriyama Ryoko, Yoshiyuki Kazuko, Kuroki Hitomi…

When Marnie Was There – Reminiscences of Marnie is a remarkable and renowned Ghibli animated film directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi that anime fans must watch. The story revolves around Anna – a lonely girl living with her foster parents. One day, she is sent to Norfolk to stay with her relatives, the Peggs. There, she discovers an old mansion called Marsh House and meets Marnie, a beautiful and mysterious girl. They become close friends and share each other's secrets and joys. Anna feels happy and warm for the first time in her life. But then, Marnie suddenly disappears. Later, another family moves in to live at Marsh House. Anna befriends them and learns the truth about Marnie's past from them.

Only Yesterday (Still Just Yesterday) – The Most Worthwhile Ghibli Animated Film of All Time

• IMDb Rating: 7.6
• Release Year: 1991
• Genre: Animation, Drama, Romance
• Duration: 118 minutes
• Country: Japan
• Director: Isao Takahata
• Lead Cast: Honna Yoko, Imai Miki, Yanagiba Toshiro

Only Yesterday – Just Yesterday stands as one of the highest-rated and most captivating animated films of all time. This acclaimed Ghibli animated film is adapted from the renowned manga by Hotaru Okamoto and Yuko Tone, portraying the life of single woman Taeko living and working in Tokyo. During a vacation to the countryside, she experiences significant life changes as she realizes she has missed out on many important aspects of her childhood. It's a profound humanistic work reflecting on the past. The film also imparts a message to young individuals caught up in the present hustle and bustle, urging them not to overlook the wonders surrounding them.

The Wind Rises

• IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
• Release Year: 2013
• Genre: Animation, Drama, Biography
• Duration: 126 minutes
• Country: Japan
• Director: Miyazaki Hayao
• Lead Cast: Anno Hideaki, Takimoto Miori, Hidetoshi Nishijima, Nishimura Masahiko

The Wind Rises is a Ghibli animated film delivering a positive message that moves millions of viewers worldwide. The story revolves around a determined young man, Jiro, with a dream of becoming an airplane pilot, despite his severe nearsightedness posing numerous challenges. With his innate talent, Jiro designs his own aircraft. As he grows up, he becomes a remarkable and outstanding engineer in the aviation industry and meets Naoko, who constantly encourages and supports Jiro in his pursuit of his dream.

Kiki’s Delivery Service

• IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
• Release Year: 1989
• Genre: Animation, Adventure, Drama
• Duration: 103 minutes
• Country: Japan
• Director: Miyazaki Hayao
• Lead Cast: Takayama Minami, Sakuma Rei, Yamaguchi Kappei

Kiki’s Delivery Service is a Ghibli animated film adapted from the novel of the same name by author Eiko Kadano. The film follows Kiki, a novice witch. The story begins as Kiki moves to a new town and starts a delivery service using her flying broom. Along the way, she meets various people and embarks on adventures in the town. Here, she learns many lessons and becomes more independent. Director Hayao Miyazaki successfully brings viewers a gentle, bright, and meaningful story about childhood.

From Up on Poppy Hill

• IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
• Release Year: 2011
• Genre: Animation, Family, Drama, Romance
• Duration: 91 minutes
• Country: Japan
• Director: Miyazaki Gorō
• Lead Cast: Nagasawa Masami, Okada Junichi, Takeshita Keiko, Ishida Yuriko…

From Up on Poppy Hill is a gentle, romantic, and profound Ghibli animated film about love and family. Set in Japan in the 1960s, it tells the story of the budding romance between Umi and Shun, as well as the doubts and misunderstandings about their ancestry.

One of the most memorable scenes is when Shun rides Umi on his old bicycle up to the Poppy Hill under the evening sun while the song Sayonara No Natsu plays, creating a beautiful and emotional moment for the audience.

The Cat Returns

• IMDb Rating: 7.2
• Release Year: 2002
• Genre: Animation, Drama, Family, Adventure, Fantasy
• Duration: 75 minutes
• Country: Japan
• Director: Hiroyuki Morita
• Lead Actors: Hakamada Yoshihiko, Hamada Mari, Honna Yōko, Ikewaki Chizuru, Maeda Aki, Okae Kumiko, Saitō Yōsuke, Satō Hitomi,...

The Cat Returns - a Japanese animated film full of creativity and romance, adapted from the manga of the same name by Aoi Hiiragi. Although not directed by Hayao Miyazaki, the film still offers viewers enjoyable and memorable experiences. It tells the story of an ordinary girl named Haru. One day, after rescuing a special cat, she finds herself in the cat kingdom where she faces a bizarre marriage proposal from the Cat Prince. Luckily, she has a reliable companion, the gallant cat Baron, who helps her overcome all obstacles and dangers.

My Neighbors The Yamadas

• IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
• Release Year: 1999
• Genre: Anime
• Duration: 104 minutes
• Country: Japan
• Director: Isao Takahata
• Lead Actors: Toru Masuoka, James Belushi, Erin Chambers, Jordan Del Spina, Dixie Carter, A.j. Buckley, Maree Cheatham, Jeff Bennett,...

My Neighbors The Yamadas is a unique and adorable Ghibli animated film depicting the humorous and heartwarming life of a Japanese family. Instead of relying on grandiose effects, the film utilizes simple and charming animation to portray the everyday stories of its family members. Through the characters' developments and actions, viewers will find themselves familiarized and may even see reflections of their own lives. This film is perfect for family gatherings as it brings refreshing laughter and sincere emotions that captivate audiences throughout.

Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind

• IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
• Release Year: 1984
• Genre: Animation, Adventure, Fantasy
• Duration: 117 minutes
• Country: Japan
• Director: Hayao Miyazaki
• Lead Actors: Sumi Shimamoto, Goro Naya, Yoji Matsuda, Yoshiko Sakakibara, Iemasa Kayumi,...

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is a captivating and meaningful Ghibli animated film that you shouldn't miss. The film not only provides viewers with breathtaking scenes and adorable characters but also conveys profound messages about the environment, peace, and human rights. It revolves around the protagonist, Princess Nausicaä, who possesses the ability to control wind and communicate with giant insects living in the toxic jungle. She dreams of a day when humans and nature can coexist peacefully. However, her dream is threatened by the opposition of people from other nations. Nausicaä must use her intelligence and compassion to protect the Valley of the Wind, the toxic jungle, and herself from those who seek to destroy them.

Your Name (Tên Cậu Là Gì) – A Must-Watch Japanese Ghibli Animation

• IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
• Release Year: 2016
• Genre: Romance, Drama, Animation
• Duration: 107 minutes
• Country: Japan
• Director: Makoto Shinkai
• Lead Actors: Shinta Takagi, Tsukasa Fujii, Futaha Miyamizu

Your Name is a Japanese anime film set in a high school environment, beloved by many young people for its captivating and engaging storyline. It revolves around the story of Mitsuha, a high school girl in a small town called Itomori. She dreams of becoming a boy living in Tokyo in her next life. Meanwhile, Taki, a high school boy in Tokyo, leads a busy and cheerful life but often has strange dreams where he finds himself in the body of a country girl. They don't know each other until an unexpected event occurs, causing Mitsuha and Taki to switch bodies.

The Secret World of Arrietty

• IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
• Release Year: 2010
• Genre: Animation, Adventure, Family
• Duration: 94 minutes
• Country: Japan
• Director: Yonebayashi Hiromasa
• Lead Actors: Shida Mirai, Kamiki Ryunosuke, Ōtake Shinobu…

The Secret World of Arrietty is a Ghibli animated film adapted from Mary Norton's famous work, The Borrowers. The movie tells the story of Arrietty, a tiny girl belonging to the Borrowers, who live hidden beneath the floorboards of a human family's house. They borrow small items from the human world to sustain their lives, always careful not to be discovered. When Arrietty is led by her father to borrow for the first time, she meets a human boy named Shou. They begin to bond and share secrets about their lives. However, their friendship also brings risks to the Borrowers when a malicious housemaid seeks to capture them.

The Tale of Princess Kaguya

• IMDb Rating: 8
• Release Year: 2013
• Genre: Animation, Drama, Fantasy
• Duration: 137 minutes
• Country: Japan
• Director: Isao Takahata
• Lead Actors: Alice Aoki, Beau Bridges, Chloë Grace Moretz, Daniel Dae Kim, Darren Criss, Dean Cain, Emily Bridges, George Segal, Hynden Walch, James Caan…

The Tale of Princess Kaguya is a Ghibli animated film telling the fairy tale story of Princess Kaguya, the daughter of a celestial being. She is found in a bamboo shoot by an old bamboo cutter and raised as his own. She grows up with a pure heart and a beautiful love for a village boy. But she also faces pressures and challenges from the human world, as she becomes a beautiful princess pursued by many nobles. She must choose between her own freedom and happiness or the noble mission of a celestial being.

The Tale of Princess Kaguya is a unique and visually stunning artistic work by director Takahata, a talented animator. He employs a simple yet vivid hand-drawn style, vividly depicting landscapes and customs of Japan during the Edo period to bring viewers the most authentic emotions about ancient Japan.

Tales From Earthsea (The Legend of Earth and Sea)

• IMDb Rating: 6.4
• Release Year: 2006
• Genre: Animation, Adventure, Fantasy
• Duration: 115 minutes
• Country: Japan
• Director: Goro Miyazaki
• Lead Actors: Okada Junichi, Teshima Aoi, Sugawara Bunta

If you're a fan of adventure animated films with magical elements, don't miss out on Tales From Earthsea! The movie revolves around a magical world called Earthsea, where humans and dragons coexist. It follows Arren, a young man haunted by fear and guilt, and Therru, a girl scarred and shunned by society. Together, they embark on perilous adventures to seek the truth about themselves and the world. They are aided by Sparrowhawk, a wise and seasoned wizard, and other companions. Additionally, they must confront a ruthless foe named Cob, who seeks to disrupt the balance of Earthsea.

Ponyo On The Cliff By The Sea (The Mermaid Princess)

• IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
• Release Year: 2008
• Genre: Animation, Comedy, Adventure
• Duration: 101 minutes
• Country: Japan
• Director: Miyazaki Hayao
• Lead Actors: Kazushige Nagashima, Tomoko Yamaguchi, Yūki Amami, George Tokoro,...

Ponyo On The Cliff By The Sea stands as one of Hayao Miyazaki's masterpieces. This Ghibli animated film follows the story of the goldfish princess Brunhilde. She becomes enamored with the human world and ventures out on an adventure. Unfortunately, she becomes trapped in a jar and is rescued by a boy named Sousuke. Sousuke names her Ponyo and cares for her like a friend. From then on, Ponyo feels happiness and love towards Sousuke, desiring to become human to be with him. However, her father opposes and tries to return her to their kingdom.

Despite being confined, Ponyo refuses to give up. She uses her father's magic to transform into a human and escape. This causes an imbalance between nature and humans, leading to strange and dangerous phenomena thereafter.

This article provides a list of the TOP 20 Ghibli animated films, both classic and recent, recommended for you. Hopefully, through the shared information, you will find the perfect film to enjoy and relax with your family and friends after stressful work hours. Wishing you wonderful moments of relaxation and don't forget to visit the Mytour marketplace to update or purchase quality family products and devices at discounted prices!