Founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, Studio Ghibli has become the gold standard of animated storytelling.
1. Spirited Away (2001)
A young girl stumbles into a spirit world while trying to save her parents. Winner of the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. A masterpiece of imagination.
My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
A heartwarming story of two sisters and the forest spirit Totoro. Totoro is now an icon of Japanese culture and childhood innocence.
Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
A magical castle, a cursed girl, and a mysterious wizard. This film is visually stunning with themes of love, war, and transformation.
Princess Mononoke (1997)
A powerful tale of man vs. nature, with epic battles and moral depth. It’s one of Ghibli’s most mature and impactful works.
Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
Follow a young witch as she learns independence and finds her place in the world. Light, magical, and inspiring.
Laputa: Castle in the Sky (1986)
A classic steampunk adventure with flying cities and secret civilizations. One of Ghibli’s earliest and most underrated gems.
The Wind Rises (2013)
A fictionalized biopic of a WWII airplane designer. A deeply emotional film about dreams, war, and sacrifice.
Ponyo (2008)
A colorful and adorable take on “The Little Mermaid.” Perfect for kids, yet layered enough for adults to enjoy.
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
Technically pre-Ghibli, but often counted among its films. Nausicaä is a powerful heroine in a world poisoned by pollution and war.
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013)
A stunning, hand-drawn adaptation of a Japanese folk tale. Artistic, emotional, and unforgettable.