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11. The Enchanting Tale of Princess Kaguya – 2013
Considered the final masterpiece of the renowned Japanese animation giant Isao Takahata, The Enchanting Tale of Princess Kaguya transports viewers to the humble story of a bamboo princess, evoking the most genuine and powerful emotions. The film was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 2015 Oscars.
The plot revolves around a mysterious girl named Princess Kaguya, discovered by an old man named Okina – a bamboo cutter – shining within a bamboo shoot. Believing her to be a gift from the heavens, he brings her home. Okina and his wife decide to raise Kaguya as their own daughter. Thus begins Kaguya's journey from a humble mountain child to the illustrious princess of a prosperous family, depicted in captivating detail through masterful storytelling techniques.
Ghibli films stand out through their portrayal of the strong and graceful qualities of women, showcasing a delicate yet powerful beauty. Thus, the final film in Isao Takahata's directing career serves as a profound farewell to the audience.
12. Kiki's Delivery Service – 1989
Another masterpiece brought to life by Ghibli under the direction of Hayao Miyazaki. The film is adapted from the novel of the same name by Eiko Kadono. It won the Animage Anime Grand Prix in the same year and marked Studio Ghibli's first distribution deal with Disney in the United States.
The story follows a novice witch named Kiki – 13 years old – who travels to the city to meet her friend named Jiji along with her cat using a flying broom. Kiki decides to stay in this city to further hone her flying skills by establishing a delivery service. With her kind nature, she goes out of her way to help everyone in the city. Like many peers, Kiki undergoes a challenging period when she suddenly loses all her magic and self-belief. However, the young witch overcomes this with the help of loved ones and her own determination.
The adorable, intelligent, and kind-hearted image of Kiki serves as a beautiful role model for many young audiences, as these qualities make life increasingly better.
13. Nausicaa Of The Valley Of The Wind – 1984
No list would be complete without the presence of the masterpiece 'Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind' by Hayao Miyazaki. This work laid the foundation for the establishment of Studio Ghibli a year later. It is included in IMDb's list of the '50 Greatest Animated Films of All Time'.
Set 1000 years after the devastating 'Seven Days of Fire' war – where humans used all forms of biological, chemical, and nuclear weapons leading to severe pollution of the land, rivers, lakes, and oceans. The remaining survivors have gathered into scattered kingdoms in areas less affected by toxicity. Nausicaa – the protagonist, is a strong, intelligent girl and the princess of the Valley of the Wind. She endeavors to make everyone understand that the only way for humanity to survive is to live in harmony with nature, not to dominate it. To achieve this, humans need to learn to trust each other. Despite Nausicaa's ability to defeat all enemy generals, she still believes in resolving conflicts through reconciliation.
Considered not only entertaining but also rich in educational value, appealing to both children and adults.
14. Whisper Of The Heart – 1995
Whisper of the Heart marked significant changes in the history of Studio Ghibli. Firstly, it was the first time in the studio's history that an anime was directed by someone other than Miyazaki Hayao and Takahata Isao. Released in 1995, Ghibli seemed to have found a new voice, a director talented enough to rival its two founders. Those familiar with Ghibli are likely familiar with Kondō Yoshifumi, as he has been involved in many Ghibli works as an animation director. However, this was his first appearance as a director.
The film follows the main character, Tsukishima Shizuku, a 14-year-old high school student who lives with her parents in an apartment in Tama New Town, West Tokyo. She loves reading books and has a close friend named Harada Yuko. The story begins when she discovers library book borrowing cards always bearing the name Amasawa Seiji. During summer vacation, Shizuku encounters a cat capable of riding trains by itself. Curious, she decides to follow the cat. This leads her to meet the fateful Seiji and Baron – a magical cat doll that helps her hear her inner voice. Each scene evokes nostalgia for the past, reminiscent of afternoons flying kites, catching insects, or relaxing on the grass watching the clouds drift by.
15. Only Yesterday – 1991
Despite the passing years, Only Yesterday remains one of Ghibli's most captivating animated films. It brings viewers a story so close, so familiar, that it evokes beautiful memories of youth for everyone.
Set in 1982, the main character, Taeko, 27 years old, was born and raised in Tokyo. She is an ordinary office worker, single, and not very interested in her job. Taeko's life is mundane and quiet until she takes a leave of absence to help her brother-in-law harvest safflowers in the countryside. During the trip, childhood memories from her final year of elementary school flood back to her. These memories, along with events in the countryside, completely change Taeko's dull life.
Only Yesterday was the highest-grossing film of 1991 in Japan.
16. Heisei Tanuki War Ponpoko – 1994
The film tells the story of a tanuki clan, mythical creatures similar to Japanese raccoon dogs, who have the ability to transform and are cheerful, loving, and naive towards threats from the outside world. They live in a forest where the presence of humans and rapid urbanization affects natural life and diminishes the forest. Faced with this danger, the tanuki clan members try various ways to drive away humans, from using magical threats to sabotage and even violence to slow down urbanization and protect their homes. When these efforts fail, some try to adapt to the new environment by using shape-shifting or seeking new land.
The film topped the Japanese box office in 1994 and received awards. It was also selected as Japan's entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 1995 Oscars. Additionally, Ponpoko is a film where Ghibli utilized computer graphics.
17. Tales From Earthsea – 2006
This is an anime film based on the fantasy theme, combining elements and characters from the first four books of the Earthsea novels by Ursula K. Le Guin. However, the plot has been altered.
The story revolves around Arren, who has assassinated the king of Enlad and taken the magic sword. He is then saved by the wizard Sparrowhawk while in the desert. Both of them journey to Hort Town where they will confront another wizard who seeks to prolong life through forbidden magic. The world in Tales from Earthsea is where humans and dragons coexist. A large dragon appears, disrupting human life, and the world faces the threat of destruction. To prevent this, a group of people embarks on a journey to find the cause.
The film was nominated for the Japan Academy Prize in 2007.
18. The Borrower Arrietty - 2010
The Borrower Arrietty is an animated film about a tiny family who call themselves borrowers living under the floorboards. Arrietty, a 14-year-old borrower, is best friends with Sho, a boy with a heart condition since birth, who lives in her house. When human intervention threatens the lives of the Borrowers, Arrietty and Sho join forces to protect their tiny community.
The film won the Best Animated Feature Film award at the 34th Japan Academy Prize in 2011.
19. Omoide no Marnie – 2014
The film is based on the novel 'When Marnie Was There' by Joan G. Robinson. The screenplay and direction were by Yonebayashi Hiromasa, who was nominated for the Japan Academy Prize in 2015.
Satsuki Anna, a solitary girl without friends, moves to an orphanage after her grandmother's death, then to live with foster parents. Discovering a letter about monthly assistance from the local government, Anna begins to question her foster parents' affection. After a severe asthma attack, Anna is sent to her foster mother's relatives in Kushiro, a coastal town, to recuperate. Here, Anna is drawn to an old house across the marsh and constantly explores it, where she encounters a mysterious girl named Marnie.
Every day, the two play together after five in the afternoon and promise to keep their friendship secret. But the oddity of this friendship makes Anna uneasy, and after the party, Marnie disappears, leading Anna to believe Marnie was just her imagination until she meets Hisako, an artist and Marnie's childhood friend, and Sayaka, a new girl in the house where Marnie lived. Sayaka finds Marnie's diary and shows it to Anna, but it's missing several final pages.
Marnie reappears. The two friends share their emotional wounds and journey to the abandoned silo linked to Marnie's childhood trauma, then it rains heavily. When she wakes up, Marnie is gone again, leaving Anna feverish and emotionally hurt from feeling abandoned. When Anna's fever breaks, Sayaka shows Anna the missing pages of Marnie's diary and a painting, helping Anna realize that everything was her imagination based on stories her grandmother used to tell her every night as a child. They then hear Hisako tell the sad and lonely life story of a girl named Marnie who once existed.
Anna's foster mother returns to visit and reassures Anna that she loves her as her own child. Later, she shows Anna a picture that Anna loved when she was little. Childhood memories flood back, and Anna realizes that Marnie is her late grandmother. The one who used to tell Anna stories of her own life when she lived in the house by the marsh.
20. My Neighbors The Yamadas – The Yamada Family – 1999
My Neighbors The Yamadas is a film that cannot be overlooked while the whole family enjoys the joy of gathering. With cute and endearing cartoon drawings, it brings a unique color to the simple setting, making 'The Yamada Family' even more familiar and intimate.
Each member of the family is portrayed with different personalities, making family life less boring and more authentic than ever. Every viewer watching My Neighbors The Yamadas will see themselves somewhere and, above all, feel more appreciative of every moment spent with their family.
Above is the list of the 20 best animated films by Studio Ghibli. Mytour wishes you will find great movies to enjoy. Thank you for following along!
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