Embark on a journey through the acclaimed Studio Ghibli films, meticulously ranked. Immerse yourself in timeless animated tales filled with magic and wonder.
Any fan of animation knows the name Studio Ghibli. The Japanese animation studio has made a name for itself by crafting some of the greatest animated films of all time. The studio was founded in 1985 by established animators Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata and producer Toshio Suzuki. Over the next three decades and 23 movies, Studio Ghibli produced some of the best coming-of-age, fantasy and family films of all time. Studio Ghibli is a creative and box office powerhouse. Five of the studio’s films are among the highest-grossing anime feature films and five have received Academy Award nominations in the states. With everything from theme park in Nagakute, Japan, to art exhibitions in the U.S., Studio Ghibli has a dedicated fan base, especially for its high-quality film output and memorable characters. But what is the best way to jump into Studio Ghibli’s filmography? Whether it is with every Studio Ghibli movie in order or Studio Ghibli movies ranked, this list will break down how to watch every Studio Ghibli film.Studio Ghibli Films In Order Of Release
While this should be simple, there is a little bit of debate when it comes to “how many Studio Ghibli films” there actually are. For this list, Studio Ghibli films are defined as feature-length films made after the studio’s establishment in 1985. This means 1984’s Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and 1982’s The Last Unicorn are omitted. Both films were made by Topcraft before the Ghibli’s founding. This also excludes TV shows such as Ronja and The Robber’s Daughter. This list also omits The Red Turtle, which was a French co-production from Michaël Dudok de Wit.
*Denotes non-theatrical releases. Ocean Waves was initially broadcast on Nippon TV, and while Earwig and the Witch was eventually released in theaters, it was first shown on NHK General TV.The Best Studio Ghibli Movies, Ranked
Studio Ghibli films often feature similar aesthetics or themes. Not only are their best films beautiful, but they also often feature environmentalist messaging, strong female protagonists, the wonder (and sometimes loss) of childhood, emotional depth and/or endings left up to the viewer. These themes have become synonymous with the Ghibli ethos. Their films often also include magic, Japan’s past, the countryside, and planes/flying machines and rarely spell everything out to the viewer.
These themes are what really make “Ghibili movies” Ghibili movies and factor into this ranking. This ranking also takes note of Awards, critical reception and historical relevance for the studio. However, it prioritizes the film-viewing experience and the movie itself. While usually the original Japanese is preferred by most viewers, dubbed versions are available for all of these films and often feature American a-listers and have higher production values than other dubbed films from Japan.23. Tales from Earthsea (2006)
While the film has some dedicated fans, Hayao Miyazaki wasn’t one of them, and famously said of the film and his son, « I was looking at my kid. He’s not an adult yet. That is all. » While the film is enjoyable, if not a little overpacked, it doesn’t have the craft or magic that many other films from the studio have. It currently has a 38% on Rotten Tomatoes and is streaming on Max.22. Earwig and the Witch (2020)
Maybe the studio’s only true flop, Earwig and The Witch is another film from Gorō Miyazaki. The biggest issue with Earwig and the Witch is the animation style. The film is CGI and not particularly beautiful CGI. Ghibli films are often noted for their craft, especially when it comes to breathtaking visuals, and Earwig simply doesn’t deliver anything close.21. The Cat Returns (2002)
As a studio, Ghibli doesn’t really do sequels. However, The Cat Returns is a spin-off of 1995’s Whisper of the Heart. The film follows a young girl who is invited to the enchanted Cat Kingdom after saving a cat from being hit by a truck. The story is based on the manga of the same name by Aoi Hiiragi, and the film was directed by Hiroyuki Morita.20. Ocean Waves (1993)19. My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999)
Based on the comic Nono-chan by Hisaichi Ishii, My Neighbors the Yamadas feels like reading Sunday morning comic strips. The film is a series of vignettes featuring the Yamada family and their many adventures.18. Arrietty (2010)
Also called The Secret World of Arrietty and Arietty the Borrower, Arietty is directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi and is based on Mary Norton’s 1952 novel The Borrowers. Arrietty is amongst Ghibli’s most accessible offerings. While that isn’t a bad thing, it lacks some of the finesse of other films from the studio.
The film follows a young boy who goes to live with his great-aunt before an upcoming surgery. At her country home, he spots a tiny teenager named Arrietty, who lives under the floorboards with her family. The film is gorgeously animated and balances visual slapstick with heart. The film received two dubs, a U.S. and a UK. While the U.S. version features Amy Poehler, Will Arnett and Carol Burnett, the UK version (which stars Saoirse Ronan, Olivia Coleman and Tom Holland) is better. The film is currently streaming on Max.17. From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)
From Up on Poppy Hill is the best film by director Gorō Miyazaki.
