W2TCH

26 Essential Films by Miyazaki

26 titles

Default orderPopularityIMDb ratingTMDB ratingRelease dateRuntimeTitleBudgetBox officeAscending
  1. 1Princess MononokeMovie · 1997 · 134m · Adventure, Fantasy, AnimationPrince Ashitaka of the Emishi is cursed by a vengeful boar god and journeys west seeking a cure. His travels force him to confront the clash between those who want to protect the forest and those who seek to exploit it. He meets San, a fierce protector of the woods, and Lady Eboshi, a determined leader aiming for prosperity by using the forest's resources. Ashitaka must now navigate the conflict between these opposing forces, searching for a way to find balance between nature and humanity.IMDb 8.3TMDB 8.3
  2. 2Soccer AidMovie · 2001 · 125m · Animation, Family, FantasyA young girl named Chihiro finds herself in a bewildering world inhabited by spirits. After her parents are mysteriously transformed, she must find the strength within herself to rescue her family.IMDb 8.6TMDB 8.5
  3. 3The Day I Bought a StarMovie · 2006 · 16mA farm boy traveling to market experiences a broken cart. Two unusual strangers – a frog and a mole – offer him a peculiar seed in exchange for his vegetables. He accepts, and the seed sprouts into a miniature planet. As he cares for it, the planet develops an atmosphere, weather, and life. Later, back in the city, he reunites with the stranger who gave him the seed. Together, they launch the planet into a galaxy filled with others like it, where it will continue to grow into a full-fledged world over many years.IMDb 8.1TMDB 7.8
  4. 4Howl's Moving CastleMovie · 2004 · 119m · Fantasy, Animation, AdventureSophie, a young milliner, is cursed by a witch who enters her shop, transforming her into an elderly woman. She meets a wizard named Howl and becomes involved in his opposition to fighting for the king.IMDb 8.2TMDB 8.4
  5. 5Mon Mon the Water SpiderMovie · 2006 · 15mThis short film centers on a diving bell spider who develops feelings for a water strider. Initially intimidated by him, the spider gradually grows accustomed to his presence.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.1
  6. 6My Neighbor TotoroMovie · 1988 · 86m · Fantasy, Animation, FamilyTwo sisters, Kiki and Chizu, leave their city home and move with their father to be near their mother, who is hospitalized. While adjusting to their new surroundings, they discover a magical secret: ancient Totoros live in the forest. The youngest sister, Satsuyu, finds a giant, flying Totoro who becomes her friend. When Satsuyu runs away upset, Kiki, the older sister, must seek help from the Totoros to find her. The sisters go on a fantastical journey together, strengthening their bond and connection to nature. The film shows how magic can be found everywhere and how love helps during difficult times.IMDb 8.1TMDB 8.1
  7. 7Koro's Big Day OutMovie · 2002 · 14mKoro, a puppy, runs away from his owner and has various adventures while exploring the city. Eventually, he is happily reunited with his home.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.1
  8. 8The Castle of CagliostroMovie · 1979 · 102m · Animation, Adventure, ComedyLupin the Third, a renowned master thief, and his partner Jigen discover a large quantity of expertly made counterfeit money. Intrigued, Lupin sets out to find the counterfeiters, leading him to the imposing Castle of Cagliostro. Inside the castle, Lupin encounters a woman held captive by the evil Count Cagliostro. Seeing an opportunity, Lupin resolves to rescue her while also uncovering the truth behind the counterfeit operation. In this exciting adventure, Lupin must use his wits and charm to overcome a dangerous enemy, retrieve stolen wealth, and free a beautiful prisoner.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.5
  9. 9PonyoMovie · 2008 · 100m · Animation, Fantasy, FamilyYoung Sosuke, who lives by the sea, rescues a goldfish named Ponyo and finds his life changed forever. Ponyo is a lively and curious creature who dreams of becoming human. While she brings playful chaos to Sosuke's home, her father – a powerful sorcerer – plots to send her back to the ocean.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.8
  10. 10A Sumo Wrestler's TailMovie · 2010 · 13mChu Zumo is about an elderly farmer who stumbles upon a group of rats on their way to a sumo wrestling match. Following their crushing defeat, he resolves to fatten them up in hopes of improving their performance in future bouts.IMDb 8.2TMDB 7.0
  11. 11Imaginary Flying MachinesMovie · 2002 · 6m*Imaginary Flying Machines* is a 2002 Japanese animated short film from Studio Ghibli, primarily shown at the Ghibli Museum. Director Hayao Miyazaki narrates as a humanoid pig, similar to Porco Rosso, recounting the history of flight and the countless machines people have dreamed up to make it happen.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.2
  12. 12Lupin the Third: Greatest CapersMovie · 1995 · 50mThis video release from Streamline Pictures features a collection of two episodes from the second season of the Lupin III animated series.IMDb 8.0TMDB 6.6
  13. 13Nausicaä of the Valley of the WindMovie · 1984 · 117m · Adventure, Animation, FantasyAfter a devastating apocalypse, the peaceful kingdom of the Valley of the Wind is one of the last safe places left. It's surrounded by a poisonous forest protected by giant insects. Princess Nausicaä works to find a way for people and nature to live together, guiding her people on a hopeful path toward healing the environment. Her bravery and understanding lead her on a compelling journey about strength, compassion, and finding balance after destruction.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.9
  14. 14Mei and the KittenbusMovie · 2002 · 13m · Animation, Adventure, FamilyOn a blustery day, Mei is enjoying a caramel when a whirlwind suddenly appears and begins chasing her. The whirlwind reveals itself to be a baby cat bus. Mei shares her caramel with the kitten, and they quickly become friends. That night, the baby cat bus visits Mei, inviting her to ride inside. It then leaps into the sky, heading towards the midnight forest, where many other cat buses, both large and small, have gathered.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.2
  15. 15Mr. Dough and the Egg PrincessMovie · 2010 · 12m · Animation, FantasyA small Egg-girl is compelled to work for the wicked Baba Yaga, a witch who lives in a watermill perched on a cliff. She finds an unlikely friend in a living lump of Dough, and together they escape the witch's house to explore the world. The film features music by Joe Hisaishi, based on Vivaldi's La Folia.IMDb 7.5TMDB 6.8
  16. 16Castle in the SkyMovie · 1986 · 125m · Adventure, Fantasy, AnimationTwo unlikely allies embark on an epic quest to find the legendary Floating Castle. A young boy and a resourceful girl, connected by a mystical crystal, must navigate dangerous waters filled with pirates and foreign agents. Racing against time, they face unexpected challenges that test their courage. The powerful crystal guides them but also attracts those who want to control its energy. As they travel through wondrous and perilous landscapes, they learn to trust each other and use the crystal's powers. The story is about friendship, resilience, and discovering themselves in a captivating world. With danger and mystery at every step, their search for the Floating Castle becomes an extraordinary and unforgettable adventure.IMDb 8.0TMDB 8.0
  17. 17Hayao Miyazaki Produces a CDMovie · 2004 · 138mTMDB 10.0
  18. 18The Boy and the HeronMovie · 2023 · 124m · Animation, Adventure, FantasyDuring World War II, the teenage Mahito, grieving his mother's death, moves from Tokyo to the peaceful countryside to live with his new stepmother, Natsuko, who looks remarkably like his mother. As he struggles to adapt, Mahito finds himself in an increasingly bizarre environment, plagued by a recurring gray heron that both confuses and troubles him, and which calls him the "long-awaited one."IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.4
  19. 19Boro the CaterpillarMovie · 2018 · 14mAs dawn breaks, Boro the caterpillar emerges from his egg in the scrub grass. He takes in the bright sunlight and the fresh scent of the morning. Boro descends from a groundsel plant and begins his journey into a world filled with other caterpillars and their predators.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.2
  20. 20Kiki's Delivery ServiceMovie · 1989 · 103m · Animation, Family, FantasyA young witch begins her training with a year in a new community. While learning to fit in, she finds a way to become independent by using her magic to start an air courier business, delivering packages quickly. The film explores independence, friendship, and self-discovery as she faces challenges and successes in a world where magic is common.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.8
  21. 21House HuntingMovie · 2006 · 12mWhile searching for a new home, a young woman journeys through Japan and meets numerous kami, the country's protective spirits.IMDb 7.7TMDB 5.5
  22. 22Sherlock Hound: The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle / Treasure Under the SeaMovie · 1984 · 46mA renowned blue ruby is stolen with such intricate planning that Professor Moriarty is the only likely suspect. Sherlock Holmes must recover the gem and guide a young thief toward a better life. Moriarty then escalates his ambitions, targeting a top-secret Navy submarine. Holmes is drawn back into the investigation to uncover Moriarty's motives.TMDB 6.6
  23. 23Porco RossoMovie · 1992 · 93m · Family, Comedy, AnimationIn 1930s Italy, this animated film tells the story of Porco Rosso, a former World War I pilot transformed into a pig. He's the only pilot brave enough to fight sky pirates who are attacking ships in the Adriatic Sea. Preparing for a major battle against a skilled American pilot, Porco Rosso teams up with a clever young mechanic named Fio Piccolo and seeks advice from his friend Madame Gina. As he fights to protect the skies and the seas, danger is always present. The film explores themes of loyalty and friendship, set against beautiful Mediterranean scenery, and features exciting aerial combat. It's an adventurous, humorous, and thoughtful story, celebrating the history of flight and offering a memorable cinematic experience.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.8
  24. 24Yuki's SunMovie · 1972 · 5m · Animation, DramaBased on the manga by Tetsuya Chiba, this TV series tells the story of Yuki, a ten-year-old orphan searching for a home. She finds a new family and navigates the challenges of adjusting to their lives. The series explores themes of love, acceptance, and resilience as Yuki and her new family grow together. Each episode shows touching moments of connection and shared learning, building a strong bond between them. It's a story about the beauty and fragility of childhood, and how love can heal and change lives.IMDb 5.9TMDB 5.8
  25. 25The Wind RisesMovie · 2013 · 126m · Drama, Animation, RomanceDriven by a lifelong passion for flying, Japanese aviation engineer Jiro Horikoshi built a distinguished career, most notably designing the A-6M fighter plane used during World War II.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.8
  26. 26The Whale HuntMovie · 2001 · 16mKujiratori follows a group of schoolchildren who imagine they're constructing a boat. As their fantasy takes over, they find themselves at sea, on a whale hunt. A large, kind whale appears, guides them back to shore, and joins them in play. The illusion then breaks, and the children return to their classroom.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.2