Studio Ghibli was founded in 1985 and is led by Hayao Miyazaki. The studio has created many of the best anime films that have made Ghibli global. Animated movies from Studio Ghibli have their own uniqueness and have become one of the most famous.
The studio is famous for its incredible movies that have inspired many over the years. Ghibli always delivers amazing imaginative stories. Have you ever watched any of his movies? If not and confused about which one to start with, check out the recommendations here.
Best Anime Movies from Studio Ghibli
10. Ponyo (2008)
Ponyo tells the story of a goldfish princess who desperately wants to live on land and befriends a five-year-old boy. The story is inspired by the Little Mermaid and conveys a message about pollution and ocean protection.
Ponyo is not just another retelling. Adorned with Hayao Miyazaki’s signature hand-drawn animation in a bright and flowing style, Ponyo offers a charming, magical adventure.
9. Porco Rosso (1992)
The next best anime movie from Studio Ghibli is Porco Rosso. In Porco Rosso, we are introduced to Marco Pagot, a former great Italian pilot from the First World War who was cursed to become a human in the form of a pig.
He works as a bounty hunter chasing air pirates. The movie dazzles with beautiful animation and combines real elements with a fantasy world in an exciting comedy adventure.
Despite its deep messages, Porco Rosso is a compelling story of self-discovery and love hindered by fate.
8. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
This fun adventure may not have an elaborate story, but it is fun nonetheless. With bright colors like the main character, Kiki’s Delivery Service tells the story of Kiki, a magical girl who is studying with Jiji, her adorable cat.
The movie is inspired by the children’s fairy tale of the same name. While it has a deeper theme of self-empowerment, the mesmerizing animation remains balanced, keeping the adventure fun.
In Kiki’s Delivery Service, Hayao Miyazaki manages to blend magical elements with everyday life in a way that is uniquely Studio Ghibli. Kiki is a cheerful character and a perfect fit to portray a story about self-confidence, loneliness, and the courage to try new things.
7. The Wind Rises (2013)
The next best anime movie from Studio Ghibli is The Wind Rises. The story of The Wind Rises is based on the real life of Jiro Horikoshi, a famous aircraft engineer in Japan before World War II. The movie depicts Jiro’s life journey from his youth to becoming an important figure in the Japanese aviation industry.
Using beautiful animation and accurate historical research, The Wind Rises highlights Jiro’s challenges and achievements in developing the famous aircraft.
In addition, the movie also features a love story between Jiro and a young woman who inspires him, which gives a deep emotional dimension to the historical story that the movie presents.
6. The Boy and the Heron (2023)
Like many of the other movies on this list, The Boy and the Heron takes place in Japan during World War 2, with a story that is heavily inspired by Miyazaki’s own life experiences. The main character is a young boy named Mahito.
He is still mourning the death of his mother when his father moves them to the countryside with his pregnant stepmother. In the village, a gray crane takes him to a magical world, where Mahito must face his grief and the problem of death.
Although it was originally said that this would be Miyazaki’s last film with Studio Ghibli, the latest news is that the legendary director still has many ideas that he wants to realize.
5. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
The movie Howl’s Moving Castle is inspired by the novel by Diana Wynne Jones. The story is about a young girl named Sophie who works as a hat maker. She meets a wizard named Howl who lives in a magical castle.
However, Sophie is cursed by a jealous witch who makes her grow old. Howl tries to help her with his magical powers before it’s too late. This movie showcases Hayao Miyazaki’s skill in creating beautiful animations and portraying characters in a very interesting way.
At the end of the story, the mood becomes more serious, showing Studio Ghibli’s anti-war message. With stunning images and interesting characters, Miyazaki brings the audience into a wonderful fantasy world.
4. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
The next best anime movie from Studio Ghibli is My Neighbor Totoro. Totoro tells the story of two girls who befriend the magical creatures around their new home. This classic movie by Hayao Miyazaki takes us back to the fun moments of childhood.
Tororo features a tranquil rural setting on a summer afternoon with cheerful characters. Miyazaki succeeds in delivering a near-perfect story of innocence, hope and childhood happiness. If Studio Ghibli were to choose a mascot, Totoro would definitely be the first choice.
3. Princess Mononoke (1997)
One of the most famous movies from Studio Ghibli is Princess Mononoke. The film tells the compelling story of a princess of the forest who tries to fight against industrialization and encroachment that threatens her home and her people.
The story blends myths, legends, and fantasy elements displayed through beautiful hand-drawn images, immersive music, and elements of magic and unique characters. The director, Hayao Miyazaki, manages to bring together fantasy elements and important moral messages, creating a mesmerizing and moving story for the audience.
2. Grave of the Fireflies (1998)
Grave of the Fireflies, as one of Studio Ghibli’s flagship works, offers a touching and sad story. The movie tells the story of the struggle of Seita and Setsuko, sisters, to survive in Japan during World War II.
The inspiration for the movie comes from the author’s personal experience of suffering during the war, and it describes in detail how these historical events shaped a narrative full of empathy and meaning in the lives of the two main characters.
With themes of loss, courage, and resilience, Grave of the Fireflies is one of the most touching and emotionally draining animated films.
1. Spirited Away (2001)
Spirited Away is the anime film that truly made Studio Ghibli a household name internationally. The movie features an amazing story, full of magic, light, and unique creatures.
The story connects the natural world, the spirit world, and everyday life. The core of the story is about Chihiro, a 10-year-old girl who accidentally gets trapped in a magical world inhabited by gods and monsters, when she moves to a new place with her parents.
Chihiro must learn how to survive in the spirit world to find her way home, before she forgets her name and is trapped there forever. With Hayao Miyazaki’s signature art and a touching story, this movie is an extraordinary Ghibli Studies work that until 2025 remained unrivaled.
