Studio Ghibli is a name synonymous with classic animated movies, consistently delivering gems over the years and still churning out great films. Often referred to as the Disney of the East, the studio maintains a level of quality that has captured the hearts of anime fans with its fantastical and mystical tales.
In this article, we'll shine a light on what we believe are the five best Ghibli movies. So, without further ado, let's dive into the enchanting world of Ghibli Studios.
5) My Neighbor Totoro
If Totoro seems familiar, it's because he's been the beloved mascot of Studio Ghibli since this movie debuted. My Neighbor Totoro is a wholesome slice-of-life story in which two sisters embark on wacky adventures with Totoro, the adorable giant furry monster.
Plus, there's a bus in this movie that is literally a cat – a cat bus!
4) Princess Mononoke
One of our personal favorites among Ghibli movies, not just because of its captivating story but also due to its stellar animation quality. Princess Mononoke's animation still holds up in 2024 and can easily be considered one of the best anime movies of all time.
The film tells a tale of conflict between the human and supernatural worlds, making it a must-watch.
3) The Tale of Princess Kaguya
An Academy Award-nominated masterpiece that takes you on a unique adventure thanks to its distinctive art style. The washed-out colors create a fairy tale-like aura around the movie, and the story follows a child discovered by an old man and woman in a bamboo plant.
While conflicts may not be intense, the overall vibe and wholesomeness of the movie are unparalleled.
2) Howl's Moving Castle
When a beautiful young girl is cursed and transformed into an old woman by a witch, she sets out to find a cure and stumbles upon a moving castle. Filled with quirky and zany characters, the film keeps you engaged, and the animation quality is, as always with Ghibli, stellar.
1) Spirited Away
Describing Spirited Away as a masterpiece would be an understatement. As the only anime film to ever win Best Animated Feature, it promises great storytelling, awesome music, and, most importantly, the best animation Ghibli has ever produced.
The story follows a young girl who stumbles upon a supernatural bathhouse, with every frame of the movie filled with intricate details. Spirited Away sits atop our list for a reason – it's just that good!
And there you have it, the five best Ghibli movies of all time. Have you watched any of these? If not, we've just provided you with a list of movies to indulge in this coming weekend. Have fun!