Studio Ghibli movies a well-loved around the world because they offer great storytelling, captivating characters and fantastically executed animation styles. Hayao Miyazaki is the co-founder of Studio Ghibli and has directed many of the films within their catalogue. The studio has an impressive list of amazing movies and below, in no particular order, are some of their most popular movies.
1. My Neighbour Totoro (1988)
The character of Totoro has become an iconic one in the anime world. In the movie, this forest spirit assists young sisters Satsuki and Mei after they move to the countryside with their father. Their move to this new location is to be closer to their mother who is recovering from a long illness that’s made her stay in hospital.
The sisters meet Totoro who then helps them adjust to their new life. The film’s focus is primarily on rural Japan and the relationship between humans and every other living things.
2. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
Howl’s Moving Castle is about a woman who turns elderly after being cursed by the Witch of the Waste, and the journey thereof that leads her to the wizard Howl along with his magic castle. The film is filled with magic and wizardry that manages to take viewers on a magical journey with the moving castle.
The movie has been noted for its complex and varied depictions of elderly women, bringing forth a highlighted group that is hardly at the forefront of such stories.
3. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
Kiki’s Delivery Service is a charming coming of age story about a young witch, Kiki, who’s accompanied by her cat Jiji. They leave their home and head to a new town for Kiki to complete her training as a witch.
When she settles in her newfound location, she sets up a delivery service by utilizing her wizard flying skills to attract her customers to make her business known. Along her way to success, she stumbles upon some struggles and triumphs which assist her in gaining confidence in her abilities.
4. Spirited Away (2001)
Just like Canadian online gambling, Spirited Away was hugely successful. To date, it remains one of the highest-grossing Japanese films of all time. The movie follows the story of Chihiro, a 10-year-old girl who travels with her family to their new home.
There, she accidently lands into the spirit world. Chihiro then becomes acquainted to all sorts of characters of mythological origins. Her journey in this spirit world is filled with an adventure of struggle, but she finds the power within herself to face everything bravely.
5. Princess Mononoke (1997)
Princess Mononoke has one of the most memorable characters from Studio Ghibli. The anime follows prince Ashitaka as he navigates conflict between gods and humans living in a nearby forest, whereby the humans clear the forest for their own use. San happens to be a woman who dwells in the forests and has been raised by wolves.
The story’s theme is focused on environmentalism, aiming to show the interplay between humans and all other living creatures. The movie’s strong characters, storyline and lush world make it a memorable Studio Ghibli movie.