5 Best Studio Ghibli Movies

Studio Ghibli films have received critical acclaim not just in Japan but all over the world. Guided by Hayao Miyazaki’s unique artistic vision and philosophy, the movies showcase the triumph of good over evil in a heart-warming manner and without shying away from complex topics.

Here are some of the best ones:

1. Princess Mononoke (1997)

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Princess Mononoke bravely delves into the nature vs. human technology debate and highlights the need for mutual understanding and dependence. The story follows Prince Ashitaka, who is attacked by a creature and suffers from a wound that will not heal. In search of a cure, he travels far away and discovers how Lady Eboshi of Iron Town is in conflict with the spirits of nature, led by San, a human girl raised in the forests by wolves.

2. Spirited Away (2001)

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If you like Alice in Wonderland and other fantastical adventures, you’ll definitely fall in love with Spirited Away. After young Chihiro’s parents are turned into pigs by a witch, she takes a job in the city’s bathhouse, befriends a dragon, and searches for a way to free her loved ones.

3. Laputa: Castle in the Sky (1986)

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A grand tale of adventure, this film follows a girl and boy who are pursued by secret agents as they search for a mythical castle in the sky. The wholesome friendship between the orphans Sheeta and Pazu is beautifully told in the colorful backdrop of a steampunk world. 

4. The Secret World of Arietty (2010)

Image Credit: Walt Disney Studios

An underrated gem of a film, The Secret World of Arietty tells the story of “borrowers”—a tiny family living secretly in a household, borrowing items from humans for their needs. One of the borrowers, Arietty, slowly becomes friends with Shō, a curious and helpful boy who is eager to learn more about these quaint creatures.

5. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)

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Stories about witches need not always be so dark. Kiki’s Delivery Service follows a thirteen-year-old witch who leaves her home to live on her own, as is mandatory for her training. The film details her journey in finding a job, befriending new people, and struggling with burn-out, as she strives to be independent and find her place in the community.