47 Essential Studio Ghibli Films
47 titles
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Ghiblies: Episode 2Movie · 2002 · 24m"Ghiblies," a short film featured in a TV special about Studio Ghibli, offers a glimpse into the lives of the people behind the animated films. This rare comedic piece explores the personalities of the studio's employees, with storylines ranging from workplace humor to personal moments like Nonaka's first love. It’s a collection of loosely connected events offering an intimate look at the studio's atmosphere.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.0 - 2
Soccer 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
Princess 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 - 4
GhibliesMovie · 2000 · 12m"Ghiblies" offers a unique glimpse into the everyday lives of the people behind Studio Ghibli. The film follows the studio staff as they navigate work on upcoming animation projects, share office humor, experience unusual events, and make everyday decisions like what to eat for lunch.IMDb 6.0TMDB 5.5 - 5
The Cat ReturnsMovie · 2002 · 75m · Adventure, Fantasy, AnimationHaru saves a cat from an accident and discovers it's not just any cat – it's the Prince of the Cats.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.1 - 6
Koro'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 - 7
When Marnie Was ThereMovie · 2014 · 103m · Animation, Drama, FamilyTo recover from an illness, a withdrawn teenage girl is sent to live with relatives in the countryside. She becomes increasingly fixated on a nearby abandoned mansion and develops an intense fascination with a girl who lives there – a girl whose existence remains uncertain.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.9 - 8
PonyoMovie · 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 - 9
Imaginary 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 - 10
Mei 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 - 11
Mr. 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 - 12
Castle 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 - 13
The Secret World of ArriettyMovie · 2010 · 94m · Fantasy, Animation, FamilyArrietty, a 14-year-old Borrower, lives a quiet life with her family, building a home from things they take from the human world. Their peaceful existence is disrupted when a boy discovers Arrietty.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.7 - 14
Iblard TimeMovie · 2007 · 30m · Animation, Fantasy, AdventureThe film follows a peaceful journey through Iblard, a fantastical realm first visualized in the paintings of Naohisa Inoue. Inoue's artwork drew inspiration from Impressionism and Surrealism.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.6 - 15
Whisper of the HeartMovie · 1995 · 111m · Animation, Drama, FamilyShizuku, a young girl who loves stories and writing, lives a quiet life filled with the adventures of fictional characters. Her world shifts when she discovers that all the books she's borrowed from the library were previously read by the same person: Seiji Amasawa. This discovery sparks her curiosity and sets her on an unexpected journey to learn about him.
The story shows how these ordinary lives become connected through a shared love of stories and words. The film gently explores themes of connection, ambition, and how literature can change us, prompting viewers to think about their own relationship with reading. With a gentle tone and beautiful visuals, the film reminds us that life holds unexpected moments of beauty and chance encounters.IMDb 7.8TMDB 8.0 - 16
The Invention of Imaginary Machines of DestructionMovie · 2002 · 6m*The Catalyst of Destruction*, an animated short written and directed by Hideaki Anno and produced by Studio Ghibli, is an exclusive offering at the Ghibli Museum.IMDb 6.8TMDB 7.0 - 17
The Night of TaneyamagaharaMovie · 2006 · 27mFour farmers gather around a campfire for the night. Three of them discuss their work, the natural world, and the weather. The fourth farmer dreams of purchasing his own land.IMDb 5.9TMDB 5.1 - 18
Tales from EarthseaMovie · 2006 · 115m · Animation, Fantasy, AdventureA strange affliction is spreading across the kingdom, causing widespread decay and bizarre behavior. People are also beginning to see dragons, creatures that should exist only in myth. Ged, a traveling wizard, investigates the source of these unsettling events. He encounters Prince Arren, a seemingly timid teenager hiding a dangerous darkness within him – a power fueled by hatred and ruthlessness, fiercely directed towards protecting someone named Teru. The witch Kumo sees in Arren's vulnerabilities a chance to manipulate him against Ged, the one person who might offer help.IMDb 6.3TMDB 6.5 - 19
Portable AirportMovie · 2004 · 3mInspired by a fashion magazine, a young girl resolves to travel to Paris. Her only problem? She'll need to find a way to transport an entire airport with her.TMDB 4.0 - 20
A Flying City PlanMovie · 2005 · 5mWhile traveling to a wedding, a young girl experiences a terrifying event when a minor issue with her transportation leads to her being caught in the middle of a large-scale disaster at a construction site for a floating city.TMDB 6.5 - 21
Pom PokoMovie · 1994 · 119m · Adventure, Animation, FantasyAs cities expand and destroy their natural home, a group of raccoons in Tama Hills fight to survive as housing developments and shopping malls take over. With food and shelter disappearing, they team up for an unusual journey to take back their lost territory.
Along the way, they discover a hidden ability to transform. Through hard work, the raccoons learn to change their bodies and even become human, leading to funny situations. Working together, these determined animals realize that even when things look impossible, community and perseverance can help them overcome any obstacle.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.2 - 22
Earwig and the WitchMovie · 2021 · 83m · Animation, Fantasy, FamilyA determined orphan uncovers a hidden world of magic and potions while under the care of a self-centered witch.IMDb 4.7TMDB 5.9 - 23
From Up on Poppy HillMovie · 2011 · 91m · Animation, DramaYokohama, 1963. Japan is rebuilding after World War II, with the 1964 Olympics on the horizon – a time of both hope and tension as young people challenge traditional values. Amidst this atmosphere of change, a friendship develops between high school students Umi and Shun. However, a hidden secret from their past resurfaces, threatening their bond and casting doubt on their future together.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.5 - 24
Grave of the FirefliesMovie · 1988 · 89m · Animation, Drama, WarIn the last months of World War II, this moving story follows siblings Seita and Setsuko as they cope with the loss of their mother in an air raid that destroyed Kobe, Japan. After a conflict with their aunt, the children are forced to live in a deserted bomb shelter. As supplies run out, Seita and Setsuko face hunger and despair, relying on each other for strength. The film is a reminder of the resilience of young people and the power of family love during terrible times.IMDb 8.5TMDB 8.4 - 25
Ocean WavesMovie · 1993 · 72m · Animation, Drama, RomanceIn busy Tokyo, Taku Morisaki briefly meets a mysterious woman at Kichijōji Station, sparking memories of their past. While traveling to Kōchi Prefecture, he finds her photograph and begins to revisit their complicated history. This quiet, thoughtful film explores the complexities of human connection through nostalgia and regret, as Taku reflects on a poignant journey of love, loss, and longing.IMDb 6.6TMDB 6.4 - 26
The 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 - 27
My Neighbors the YamadasMovie · 1999 · 104m · Animation, Comedy, Family"The Yamadas" is a Japanese animated film about an everyday urban middle-class family in Tokyo. It presents a series of connected stories showing the family's struggles with both ordinary and important challenges. The film blends humor with heartfelt moments, revealing how the Yamadas deal with life's ups and downs – from funny mistakes to emotional experiences. Through these varied events, "The Yamadas" offers a clear picture of family relationships and how people overcome difficulties, resonating with audiences everywhere.IMDb 7.1TMDB 7.0 - 28
Howl'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 - 29
Mon 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 - 30
My 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 - 31
A 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 - 32
The Theory of EvolutionMovie · 2008 · 3mThis film chronicles the story of evolution, tracing the development of life from its earliest aquatic forms to the emergence of modern humans.TMDB 7.0 - 33
Treasure HuntingMovie · 2011 · 9mBased on the picture book by Rieko Nakagawa and Yuriko Yamawaki, with illustrations by Yuriko Omura, the film tells the story of Yuuji, a boy, and Gikku, a rabbit, who discover a stick together. They decide to have contests – foot races, long jumps, even sumo wrestling – to determine who gets to keep it. But no matter what they do, they always end up tied.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.0 - 34
Nausicaä 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 - 35
The 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 - 36
Boro 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 - 37
NandarouMovie · 1992 · 1mThis short TV program features a small, green pig with very large eyes. The name, Nandarou, suggests the creators themselves weren't sure what kind of creature it was meant to be. Nevertheless, NTV (Nihon TV) adopted it as their station's mascot.IMDb 5.6TMDB 5.2 - 38
Space Station No.9Movie · 2005 · 5mA young woman with a passion for fashion seeks retribution against a famous supermodel who accidentally struck her while she was shopping on the luxurious Space Station No. 9.TMDB 4.5 - 39
Kiki'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 - 40
House 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 - 41
Porco 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 - 42
Only YesterdayMovie · 1991 · 119m · Animation, Drama, RomanceThe film follows Taeko as she reflects on her life, moving between the present and memories of her youth. It explores the difference between her youthful dreams and the reality of her adult life. As we experience these personal moments with Taeko, we consider whether our dreams can survive time or if they change with life. This moving story suggests that our choices and experiences shape who we become, connecting our past, present, and future.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.4 - 43
The 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 - 44
The Tale of The Princess KaguyaMovie · 2013 · 137m · Animation, Drama, FantasyA bamboo cutter and his wife discover a tiny girl inside a bamboo stalk. She grows quickly into a beautiful young woman, captivating everyone she meets. However, she eventually faces a predetermined destiny.IMDb 8.0TMDB 8.1 - 45
Zen - Grogu and Dust BunniesMovie · 2022 · 3m · Animation, FantasyA hand-drawn animated short film by Studio Ghibli.IMDb 5.5TMDB 6.1 - 46
Giant God Warrior Appears in TokyoMovie · 2012 · 10m · Science Fiction, Horror, ActionThis short story features the God Warrior from *Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind* (1984). Powerful bio-weapons encased in ceramic armor begin attacking Tokyo, leading to the destruction of human civilization.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.6 - 47
The 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
