Ever since I first laid eyes on the world of Studio Ghibli films via Spirited Away, I felt drawn to the whimsy and peace within me. There’s something timeless and transportive about the films, whether it’s the hand-drawn worlds, the whimsical creatures, or the deeply human stories. No matter what it’s about, each movie feels like a dream brought to life, meticulously painted from feelings of nostalgia and creativity.
Narrowing down 22 masterpieces to just a few favorites is nearly impossible, but here’s my personal ranking of the 10 Ghibli films that continue to blow me away every time I watch them.
- Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
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Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, though made before Studio Ghibli was officially founded, embodies everything the studio stands for: environmentalism, empathy, and courage. Nausicaä’s quiet bravery inspires me to lead with compassion, even when it’s difficult.
- Kiki’s Delivery Service
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Following a young witch who learns to live on her own, Kiki’s Delivery Service is equal parts charming and relatable. As Kiki loses and rediscovers her spark, it reminds me of the fact that everyone has to overcome burnout.
- Castle in the Sky
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Ghibli’s first official film, Castle in the Sky, set the standard for the studio’s sense of adventure and invention. It’s a movie I turn to when I need to feel inspired, capturing the joy of discovery and reminding me how vast the world can be.
- The Tale of Princess Kaguya
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Drawn in a unique brushstroke style, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is a retelling of a classic Japanese folktale that explores themes of beauty and impermanence. I love the way this film prompts me to reflect on how fleeting happiness can be, and how that doesn’t diminish its meaning, but rather enhances it.
- Howl’s Moving Castle
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Based on Diana Wynne Jones’ novel, Howl’s Moving Castle blends anti-war themes with an unforgettable fantasy romance. Main protagonist Sophie’s transformation and Howl’s vulnerability remind me that self-worth and love often grow in the moments we least expect.
- Ponyo
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With its vibrant watercolor animation, Ponyo reimagines The Little Mermaid through a child’s eyes. It’s chaotic and adorable in the absolute best way and always reminds me that love doesn’t have to make perfect sense to be real.
- Grave of the Fireflies
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Grave of the Fireflies is a raw and emotional masterpiece. The film tells the story of two siblings surviving the aftermath of World War II. It’s devastating to watch, but it also makes me appreciate every quiet act of love in my own life.
- Princess Mononoke
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Princess Mononoke is set in a mythical, war-torn Japan, exploring the conflict between humans and nature with breathtaking visuals and moral depth. It’s one of the few movies that leaves me torn between sides every time I rewatch it.
This film breaks away from many typical Ghibli traits, being a thought-provoking and surprisingly complex film. I think this film carries an extremely important message: empathy should never be one-sided.
- Spirited Away
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Spirited Away rightfully won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003, being the only hand-drawn film to ever win this award. This praised masterpiece is Ghibli’s most famous work for good reason.
Chihiro’s journey through the spirit world mirrors how growing up can feel, jumping between something confusing, beautiful, and a little terrifying. I watched this when I was younger and didn’t quite grasp the meaning, but as I got older, I found hope in the fact that Chihiro always eventually finds her way.
- My Neighbor Totoro
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My Neighbor Totoro captures the purest form of imagination and childhood comfort. Whenever I watch it, I feel like I’m returning to a simpler time; all of a sudden, it seems as though curiosity and kindness could fix almost anything.
The calm countryside, the gentle magic, and Totoro’s quiet kindness make it the ultimate comfort movie. It reminds me that joy doesn’t have to be loud or grand; it can be as simple as laughing in the rain with someone you love. For that reason, My Neighbor Totoro isn’t only my favorite Ghibli film, but one of my favorite movies of all time.
Each of these films holds a unique kind of magic. Whether it’s Totoro’s gentle forest or the chaos of the Spirited Away bathhouse, Ghibli reminds us through whimsical films that wonder still exists if we’re willing to look closely enough.
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