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- The style and works of Studio Ghibli outside of Miyazaki's masterpieces continue to evolve, as seen in the company's latest short, a collaboration with Lucasfilm titled Zen - Grogu and Dust Bunnies, which has been released on Disney+.
When How Do You Live?, is inspired by the 1937 novel of the same name, written by Yoshino Genzaburo.
While Miyazaki is an auteur of Japanese animation, known for self-directed masterpieces such as Spirited Away, his fellow Ghibli collaborators, including Studio co-founder Isao Takahata, have made their mark with directing as well. There are many great Studio Ghibli films not directed by the master storyteller, and their ratings on IMDb reflect which are the very best.
Updated on November 24th, 2022 by Stacie Rook:
The style and works of Studio Ghibli outside of Miyazaki's masterpieces continue to evolve, as seen in the company's latest short, a collaboration with Lucasfilm titled Zen - Grogu and Dust Bunnies, which has been released on Disney+.
10 My Neighbors The Yamadas (1999) - 7.1
Stream on HBO Max
Written and directed by Isao Takahata, My Neighbors the Yamadas invites audiences to witness a collection of moments in the lives of the Yamada family, which often see them having to overcome a problem or learn a lesson in a comical way.
Notable for its watercolor-like animation style, which is a marked departure from the studio's usual visual aesthetic, My Neighbors the Yamadas—which is based on the manga Nono-chan by Hisaichi Ishii—showcases relatable family moments with heart and humor.
9 The Cat Returns (2002) - 7.1
Stream on HBO Max
The Cat Returns is an animated fantasy film directed by Hiroyuki Morita, his first and only film for the studio. The film is a spinoff of Ghibli's Whisper of the Heart, and tells the story of a cat statue who comes to life from that movie, called Baron.
The Cat Returns follows young protagonist Haru as she discovers the magical kingdom of talking cats, and Baron acts as a friend and guide to her on her sometimes dangerous journey through it. A great Ghibli movie for all ages, The Cat Returns has a sweet and magical story.
8 Pom Poko (1994) - 7.3
Stream on HBO Max
Pom Poko, both written and directed by Isao Takahata, follows a group of shape-shifting raccoons (or tanuki) who try to stop a suburban development from taking place. It is as much of an environmental allegory as best English dubs among Studio Ghibli films.
While Pom Poko is much more comedic in tone than many other emotionally affecting Ghibli films, it has some deep themes. Utilizing the cutesy veneer popular in Ghibli's work, this film touches on loss of innocence and emphasizes protecting the environment.
7 From Up On Poppy Hill (2011) - 7.4
Stream on HBO Max
The son of Hayao, Goro Miyazaki's second directorial effort for Studio Ghibli, From Up On Poppy Hill, weaves a tale of student activism. In the film, students Umi and Shu team up with other classmates in order to keep their school's clubhouse from being demolished for refurbishment.
Aside from this plot, the two protagonists also learn more about the history that binds them together. The movie's anti-war message and themes of focusing on a brighter tomorrow make From Up On Poppy Hill an enduring film of remembrance and togetherness.
6 Only Yesterday (1991) - 7.6
Stream on HBO Max
Only Yesterday is a Ghibli drama both directed and written by Isao Takahata. The film is unusual for the studio because of its exploration of a non-traditional subject, aiming the film at older audiences rather than children.
Only Yesterday follows a woman named Taeko who works in Tokyo, but starts to reflect on her life when she visits her family in the countryside. With a narrative split between the past and present, Taeko must choose whether to pursue a different life or remain in her current situation. Though it contains some of Studio Ghibli's saddest movie moments, the story is nostalgic, thoughtful, and hopeful.
5 The Secret World of Arrietty (2010) - 7.6
Stream on HBO Max
The Secret World of Arrietty was adapted from a 1952 novel, The Borrowers by Mary Norton, following a tradition of many Studio Ghibli films based on books. Directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi—his first for the studio—the film follows a group of miniature humanoids, or borrowers, who live beneath the floorboards of a typical household.
The film's protagonist is Arrietty, who lives with her family and befriends a human boy. Arrietty's unique point of view lends a particular wonder to its animation, which is accompanied by a fantastic soundtrack. A newer classic for the studio, Arrietty takes a new generation of fans on a fantastical adventure.
4 When Marnie Was There (2014) - 7.7
Stream on HBO Max
Directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi in his last film with Studio Ghibli, When Marnie Was There tells the story of Anna, a young girl who comes makes a strange friend in Marnie, a girl she meets when staying with her foster mother's family in the countryside.
A beautifully rendered, emotional Ghibli entry which explores themes of family, loneliness, and legacy, When Marnie Was There stands out from other Studio Ghibli movies because of its status as a psychological drama.
3 Whisper of the Heart (1995) - 7.9
Stream on HBO Max
Written by Hayao Miyazaki but directed by Yoshifumi Kondō, Whisper of the Heart is a coming-of-age movie with elements of romance. The story follows young Shizuku, a 14-year-old who wants to pursue a career in writing. The film explores her ion for the craft, while also showing her developing relationship with her classmate Seiji.
An Howl's Moving Castle, but even so, it is imbued with magic.
2 The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013) - 8
Stream on HBO Max
Directed by Isao Takahata, the fantasy film The Tale of the Princess Kaguya was his last movie. This Ghibli film is truly stunning, and follows a beautiful young girl whose adoptive parents believe she is worthy of a royal title. Becoming a princess, however, is not everything the heroine expected.
The beautiful animation style coupled with the emotional resonance of familial love and loss makes this a true Ghibli film, rich with emotional storytelling. According to a ranking of the best Japanese films of the 21st century, the movie is considered such a triumph because it is "pastoral, timeless, and epic in proportion" (via IndieWire).
1 Grave of Fireflies (1988) - 8.5
Rent or buy on Apple iTunes or Vudu
Grave of Fireflies was directed by Isao Takahata. The animated masterpiece follows young children Seita and Setsuko, who journey together in a World War II-ravaged Japan, trying to survive.
One of the most devastating anime movies ever made, the serious subject combined with the Ghibli hallmark of strong family connections makes this an enduring tale. With one of the saddest endings of any Ghibli film, this movie is likely to stay with viewers long after the credits roll.
