Have yet to watch every single Studio Ghibli film, but these are my thoughts on those I have seen! + some Japanese animation honorable mentions
Sections
3
Top 3 Studio Ghibli
Studio Ghibli Films
Honorable Mentions
Top 3 Studio Ghibli
totoro is the mascot of studio ghibli therefore it is the cutest and most iconic movie!
My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
love a good film with a female protagonist! San, a girl who is raised by wolves, become the bridge between nature and humanity in this story. one of my fav films in high school!
Princess Mononoke (1997)
this film is just visually stunning! pure magic
Spirited Away (2001)
Studio Ghibli Films
HEART-WRENCHING, such an emotionally heavy film, but so beautifully made.
Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
i love witch movies, this is one of my favs that doesn't revolve around halloween season! just a girl and her black cat against the world >
Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)
who wouldn't want to live in a magical flying castle? i sure would! i love the soundtrack in this film
Howl's Moving Castle (2004)
one of studio ghibli's most lighthearted movies that was tailored for children! the colors and animation in this movie are so comforting
Ponyo (2008)
felt like a love story but the ending kinda confused everybody i think! still worth the watch though
When Marnie Was There (2014)
a slow burn film that you might need to watch twice to really capture the theme, beautifully animated as usual for studio ghibli
The Boy and the Heron (2023)
a boy with a dream of designing planes, this one is for dreamers! a slower movie
The Wind Rises (2013)
Honorable Mentions
some of my favorites not produced by Studio Ghibli
the first film under Yoshiaki Nishimura's new production company! it quickly became one of my new comfort movies when it was released! streaming on Netflix!
Mary and the Witch's Flower (2017)
visually stunning, may be a little overwhelming for some!
Akira (1988)
mind-bending, very “Inception” like, a trip for sure! if you are someone who has experienced traumas please be sure to look up the trigger warnings
Paprika (2006)
kinda reminds me of a christmas carol but with an entirely different storyline. first non ghibli Japanese film to be nominated for an Oscar
Mirai (2018)
the protagonist is very unlikeable in my opinion, but it's a heartwarming story
