Pixar. In fact, in many ways, the studio’s films are more complex than their American counterparts because they don’t seem to be bound to the same sort of rules for commercial appeal.
If Ghibli fans are looking for something new to watch that shares the studio's particular magic, though, there are a number of films available to stream on Disney+ that manage to capture some of the same themes and atmosphere that make Studio Ghibli so appealing.
Updated on May 26, 2022 by Stacie Rook: Many Disney+ projects like Ms. Marvel will have female protagonists at the forefront of their stories, a choice which has been common in the works of Studio Ghibli. Fans of the studio will find that there are many films available on Disney+ that can provide viewers with the same emotional resonance as classics like Spirited Away and Ponyo.
Luca (2021)
Pixar's Luca is a literal fish out of water story. It follows young sea monsters, Luca and Alberto, who travel to live as humans in the town of Portorosso and experience the wonders of life on land. However, they also must be wary of their true identities being discovered.
Studio Ghibli's Ponyo has many similarities to Luca in its story, as Ponyo's titular protagonist is a goldfish who wishes to become a human girl. The aesthetic in both films is similar, s they are seaside tales that share a sense of nostalgia.
Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Like all the Fantastic Mr. Fox — adapted from the Roald Dahl story of the same name — is memorable for his quirky personality and striking design.
The story of Fantastic Mr. Fox uses its mostly-animal characters to tell a story about the relationship between humans and wildlife, and how resources are shared between them, with themes that mirror Ghibli's Pom Poko, a film with Japanese raccoon dogs (or tanuki) as the protagonists.
A Wrinkle In Time (2018)
Following siblings Meg and Charles Wallace, who are just as brilliant as even A Wrinkle in Time is an adventure film combining elements of sci-fi and fantasy that sees the Wallace siblings, along with their friend Calvin, set out to find their missing father.
Tackling themes like the pressure to conform, this movie has connections to Studio Ghibli's Whisper of the Heart, in which main character Shizuku wishes to pursue her dream of becoming a writer but faces many obstacles along the way.
WALL-E (2008)
One of Studio Ghibli's enduring themes is environmentalism, and there's no Pixar movie that more clearly captures that message than WALL-E, which follows the film's titular character, a robot left behind on an abandoned earth to clean up all of humankind's trash.
Although Ghibli movies often approach environmental themes in a different way, WALL-E unexpectedly shares similarities with Princess Mononoke, which delves into questions of consumerism and preservation as it relates to the natural world in a deeply resonant way.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
Star Wars movie, follows Jyn Erso and a group of rebels who forces in order to steal the plans to the Death Star. The film has a darker feel than most Star Wars movies and was praised for its narrative.
Studio Ghibli has proved time and again that they are unafraid to take on melancholy stories, seen most recently in When Marnie Was There, in which protagonist Anna has faced lots of tragedy in her young life, and has a history similar to Jyn's.
Up (2009)
Part of what makes the films of Studio Ghibli so compelling is that they often focus on characters who wouldn't usually get the spotlight. In the case of Howl's Moving Castle, this is the elderly, represented not only by Sophie and the curse she endures but also the Witch of the Waste, and Madame Suliman.
Pixar's Up similarly follows an unexpected protagonist, 78-year-old Carl Fredricksen, a retired man whose life has not been the same since the death of his wife, Ellie. Up is an emotionally resonant movie that shows, like Howl's Moving Castle, that it's never too late for an adventure.
Moana (2016)
Moana came as a refreshing change of pace for the Disney princess line, given that until recently, most of Disney's young heroines had stories that largely revolved around romance. But in this movie, the titular character takes charge of her own destiny, setting out on an adventure that shapes the narrative around her own desires.
Studio Ghibli is renowned for telling stories about female protagonists with agency, and Moana's quest acts as a perfect parallel to these titles, like Castle In The Sky, in which main character Sheeta seeks out the mythic land of Laputa.
Coco (2017)
Many Studio Ghibli films focus on self-discovery and characters venturing out into a world that is both dangerous and exciting. Coco is sure to provide something familiar to Ghibli fans, as the narrative follows Miguel, who is transported to the vibrant Land of the Dead and must find a way home, learning long-kept family secrets on the way.
Miguel's journey holds some similarities to Chihiro's in Ghibli's best spirits and creatures, as she fights to reunite her family.
Frozen (2013)
The impact of family and community is a major aspect of Ghibli films. Disney's Frozen showcases the ups and downs of such relationships, as protagonist Elsa becomes queen and feels pressure from her community to hide away her magical powers.
Despite the story's magic, though, the driving force of Frozen is the unbreakable bond between sisters Elsa and Anna, in a similar fashion to My Neighbor Totoro, where sisters Mei and Satsuki are the movie's heart.
