Studio Ghibli was co-founded by acclaimed Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki. His international appeal has earned him the moniker, “the godfather of animation in Japan” with comparisons to Walt Disney.
Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli are masterful storytellers, turning a slice of life intomoments that celebrate the ordinary. The organic approach of the studio—hand-drawn animation, spontaneous storyboards, and down-to-earth character and world-building—delivers the most authentic, prudent messages Miyazaki has put to animated film.
8Spirited Away (2001) - Stay True to Yourself
Spirited Awayhighlights a liminal world at odds with modern conformity and cultural conservatism. Chihoro and her family move to a neighborhood, but take a detour where the Shinto spirits of Japanese folklore abound. The greedy and gluttonous spirits lure Chihoro’s parents into mindless consumption.
The witch Yubaba turns them into pigs and allows Chihoro to work in her bathhouse to earn back their freedom before she and her parents forget who they are.The message of the animated fantasyis to stay true to yourself in the face of unforgiving changes.
7Grave of the Fireflies (1989) - Caretaking is For a Generation
Grave of the Firefliesis considered an anti-war film first, as two war orphans overcome displacement in the wake of the Kobe city bombing during World War II. The brother and sister’s bid for survivalrepresents the innocent liveslost due to the uncontrollable state of affairs.
Both struggle with the sentimentality of the lives they once had, having to sacrifice the things they may have taken for granted rather than showed gratitude for while it still existed. The animated tragedy shares a message of taking care before the world becomes careless.
6My Neighbor Totoro (1988) - Life is Spiritual Animation
The titular character ofMy Neighbor Totorois the mascot of Studio Ghibli for good reason. Two daughters befriend thedust bunny-shaped house spiritwho only appears at opportune times. Over a series of kindnesses, the simple living of Totoro and the small town values of the family compliment each other. No expectations, no judgments, only friendships that see the better nature in each other. The film is a spiritual intersection, blending fantasy with reality, teaching viewers there is a hidden life in all things, seen and unseen.
Related:Studio Ghibli’s How Do You Live?: What We Hope to See
5Howl’s Moving Castle (2004) - Don’t Conform and Renew Your Mind
Howl’s Moving Castleshows a warring divide between two kingdoms and a hatter who finds herself entangled in the armed conflict she never asked for. One embraces magic and modern-day technology, while the other fights for feudalism. The steampunk fantasy’s generational gap and politics engender a sense of conformity amidst the separate kingdoms.
The imperfect characters(Howl, who interferes with both kingdoms' efforts) also learn how compassion for the self, others, and a new world differs from allegiance to class warfare.
Related:Studio Ghibli Composer, Joe Hisaishi, Names His Favorite Ghibli Movies
4Princess Mononoke (1997) - We Need Nature
Princess Mononokedeals with environmentalism and the damaging effects of human consumption and development. Humans misappropriate and annex the resources of nature, which causes the forces of nature fight tooth and claw to restore the balance. The message of the epic historical fantasy is humans need nature and nature needs to thrive unmarred for a cleaner and adaptable world.
3Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984) - Life Goes On
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Windtells a similar story of endangering the environment. In a post-nuclear future, a kingdom attempts to use an ancient weapon to destroy a jungle full of mutant bugs. Nausicaä, the princess of the Valley of the Wind, instead seeks to find a way for both parties to co-exist. To prevent the insects from becoming an invasive species in an already polluted world, Nausicaä planted a secret garden in clean soil, proving life goes on.
2Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989) - Adulthood Isn’t Easy, But Possible
Kiki’s Delivery Serviceis a coming-of-age tale of a teenage witch who makes a living using her flying broomstick to deliver goods. Her first outing is almost unsuccessful until a kind stranger helps her. Kiki also falls ill due to the stresses of adult life, such as burnout. She loses sight of her friends as she gets lost in her work. Anyone struggling to make ends meet knows when opportunities are few and far between, there’s always a way to turn out okay.
1Castle in the Sky (1986) - It’s a Big World Out There
Castle in the Skyfollows a steampunk world mixed with the lore ofGulliver’s Travels. A girl possesses a powerful blue crystal amulet that protects her from air pirates. She is taken in by an orphan boy who shows her a picture of the legendary floating city in the sky, Laputa. He learns that she is a royal heir to Laputa and helps her save the sky castle. Two worlds collide, the Earth and sky, but both see that it isn’t a small world after all.
