10. Castle in the Sky
Best Studio Ghibli Movies, Ranked
A precursor to many of the most iconic themes and ideas in Ghibli films, Castle in the Sky takes viewers on the magical journey made by Sheeta and Pazu, two young children on the run from a government agent out to use them to find the floating sky island of Laputa. This quest takes them and the viewer from a humble mining town to a lost land full of ancient technologies, long lost secrets and lessons that should never have been forgotten by the people it left behind. Dripping with trademarks that are staples of Japanese fantasy offerings today, the influence of this film on the country and anime’s culture can’t be understated, and it’s easily a film that should be viewed by any who have a passing interest in what allowed the studio behind it to rise to prominence.
9. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
Best Studio Ghibli Movies, Ranked
Before they were a juggernaut and a household name, Ghibli was a loosely collected group of aspiring animators looking to make a name for themselves with this project.
In a world ravaged by war and an encroaching poison, a young woman named Nausicaä is determined to learn more about how the land can be restored to its former vibrance, and what the massive insects known as Ohm can offer toward this endeavor. This is easier said than done though, as there are many who are more than happy to maintain control of this violent world and are willing to do whatever it takes to put a stop to her digging.
Hinting at the creativity they would bring to their future works, Nausicaä took several risks that paid off beautifully, from featuring a strong female lead in a time when it was uncommon, to presenting a bizarre and inventive world for viewers to immerse themselves in. It was a thrilling preview of what Ghibli’s future members had in store, and it still stands as one of their better works even today.
8. Only Yesterday
Best Studio Ghibli Movies, Ranked
Despite being one of Ghibli’s earliest works, Only Yesterday was just recently brought to wider audiences in the latest re-release of their movies. It was worth the wait though, as it tells one of the more impactful and grounded stories in the studio’s repertoire.
During a trip out to the countryside to assist her brother-in-law’s family with a harvest, a woman named Taeko Okajima reminisces about her childhood and the many different stages of her life. Each reveals a different aspect of how she became who she is, and while not all of them are positive, each experience helps her come closer to discovering who she really wants to be.
Down to earth in its tone and empathetic in the portrayal of its lead’s life, it’s the kind of film one might not expect to find in anime, but is all the better as a result.
7. Porco Rosso
Best Studio Ghibli Movies, Ranked
The adventures of Porco Rosso, a World War I veteran fighter pilot cursed to look like a pig, populate this light-hearted tale of acceptance and adventure set against the looming specter of World War II.
After encountering a young woman named if Fio, Porco is drawn into a competition with the hotheaded American pilot Curtis, who is out to prove himself the best pilot in the world by defeating him and gaining the affection of the woman who adores him. There are fist fights, aerial acrobatics and a less-than subtle but none-the-less comical metaphor about pigs flying sprinkled throughout, helping this charming movie stand as one of the most entertaining in Ghibli’s stable of works.
6. My Neighbor Totoro
Best Studio Ghibli Movies, Ranked
Featuring one of the most iconic characters to ever emerge from Ghibli films, My Neighbor Totoro tells the story of two young girls who discover a friendly forest spirit near their new country home. Alongside this friendly giant, the two are exposed to a world of magic and wonder hiding just behind the one they inhabit, and even find a friend to turn to when they run into trouble.
Bright and bubbly with a child-like sense of imagination, this is the kind of film that is watchable no matter how old one is and rivals Disney in how it can strike a chord with most any audience. Don’t expect to get through this work without a smile crossing your face several times.
