Are you considering watching Studio Ghibli movies but unsure of where to begin? Don’t worry, we got you! Here is a list of all the Studio Ghibli movies you can watch, arranged by their release dates. Let’s look right into it!
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
Nausicaä, a brave lady, lives in the Valley of the Wind, which is one of the few places that people can still live after the end of the world. She finds a poisonous jungle that is growing around the world and instead of being afraid of it, she tries to figure out what it is all about. Nausicaä tries to keep her people and the delicate balance of nature safe when war breaks out between countries over old weapons. This story shows that understanding and compassion can bring peace, even when there is battle. The movie shows us how to live with nature and appreciate its beauty. It’s an exciting journey full of bravery, new discoveries, and hope.
Castle in the Sky (1986)
Sheeta, a girl who has a strange crystal, meets Pazu, a boy who wants to find the famous castle in the sky called Laputa. They run away from pirates and government spies together while figuring out Sheeta’s family history. Their journey leads them to Laputa, a stunning yet perilous city that demonstrates the misuse of power due to greed. The movie is a celebration of friendship, working together, and how important it is to use what you know well. The exciting story shows us that love and friendship are more important than money or power.
Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
This heartbreaking story takes place in Japan during World War II and is about Seita and his little sister Setsuko. They have lost their family and home and are trying to stay alive. They are facing hunger, loneliness, and the terrible horrors of war, all while clinging to hope and each other. It’s a sad story that shows how strife hurts people and how important it is to be kind. Even though it’s sad, the movie teaches us to be strong and value the relationships we have. It’s a sad reminder of how important peace is.
My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Satsuki and Mei’s father moves them to the country to be closer to their sick mother, who is getting better at a nearby hospital. The old house next to a big camphor tree is their new home. It’s occupied by harmless soot sprites who will soon leave. As the sisters get used to their new life, Satsuki takes on more responsibility. Mei, on the other hand, is more interested in exploring the area and meets magical creatures, such as a friendly forest guardian she names “Totoro.” At first, Satsuki doesn’t believe what Mei says, but soon, both sisters are drawn into Totoro’s magical world of ghosts and magic. They meet new people, face their fears, and find comfort in family and nature along the way. It’s an inspiring story about using your ideas and sticking with things even when things get hard.
Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
A young witch named Kiki goes to a new city to start living on her own and starts a flying delivery service. She has to deal with problems along the way, like having doubts about herself and losing her special skills. Kiki finds her confidence and drive again with the help of her friends. This story about coming of age shows how important it is to keep going, believe in yourself, and be true to yourself. This story is sweet, funny, and full of hope for anyone trying to find their way.
Only Yesterday (1991)
Taeko, a city woman in her late 20s, takes a trip to the country to think about her youth. She thinks about school, family, and first crushes in flashbacks and wonders if she’s really happy with her adult life. She finds focus and purpose as she connects with the simple life in the country. The movie shows how important it is to accept your past while also looking ahead. You can learn about yourself, grow, and be at peace. This beautiful story can help you grow and find peace with who you are in this beautiful story.
Porco Rosso (1992)
Porco is a bounty hunter in the Adriatic Sea. During World War I, he served as a pilot, but a curse left him with a pig-like appearance. He fights air pirates, duels a rival, and thinks about his past while becoming close to Fio, a young, skilled engineer. The movie is a fun and well-thought-out mix of comedy, action, and sadness that looks at things like love, respect, and forgiveness. It teaches us that being real is more important than how we look.
Ocean Waves (1993)
Taku, a college student, thinks back to high school and how his bond with Rikako, a transfer student, was complex. The story is about love, jealousy, and growing up, as well as the feelings and mistakes of young people. Taku sees how Rikako changed him through his memories. It’s a more realistic and quiet look at growing up and how sad first loves can be. The movie tells us that even short-lived people and events leave marks on our lives that last a long time.
Pom Poko (1994)
A group of tanuki (raccoon dogs) that live in the hills outside of Tokyo learn that new cities are growing and could threaten their home. To defend their forest, they use their magical shape-shifting skills to fight back. The story is a mix of humor, tradition, and environmental commentary. It shows the tanukis’ funny side and their sadness at losing their home. It shows how important it is for growth and nature to live together in peace. The movie has both joyful and sad parts, and it makes us value nature.
Whisper of the Heart (1995)
Shizuku, a middle schooler who loves reading, makes friends with Seiji, a boy who wants to make violins. Moved by his passion, Shizuku begins to write her own story about a strange cat figure known as the Baron. The movie looks at desire, imagination, and love between young people. It tells people to follow their dreams and work hard to make them come true. It’s a gentle push to accept self-discovery and the courage to grow, with a lot of love.
Princess Mononoke (1997)
A demon curses a young warrior named Ashitaka. He embarks on a quest to discover a remedy, only to find himself embroiled in a conflict between the forest spirits and a mining town. He meets San, a tough girl who was raised by wolves, and tries to make peace between them. The movie looks at how economic growth and protecting nature can go against each other. We learn about balance, respect, and what it means to be greedy. The story is strong, full of action, and has a strong message about the earth.
My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999)
This humorous movie shows the Yamada family’s daily lives through a collection of short stories. It shows the ups and downs of family life with fun and warmth, from silly fights to touching moments. The simple cartoon style goes well with the movies’ familiar themes. It tells us to value our family ties, even when things are messy or not perfect. They show that every family has its own quirks and charms, so people love the Yamadas.
Spirited Away (2001)
When her parents transform into pigs, ten-year-old Chihiro finds herself trapped in a strange spirit world. While trying to save her parents, she works at a spa for ghosts, makes friends with a boy named Haku, and learns how to stand up for herself. The story is a magical adventure with people you’ll never forget and lessons about being brave, kind, and sure of who you are. It teaches us how important it is to keep going and care about others. Spirited Away is a beautiful journey of finding yourself and growing.
The Cat Returns (2002)
Haru, a shy girl, discovers that the cat she saves from a car’s impact is actually a prince from the Cat Kingdom. The kingdom takes her as a prize, but when she must marry the prince, things go awry. Haru gets away with the help of the baron and other friends, and she gains courage. This silly and fun story teaches about being yourself and standing up for your beliefs. It’s a thrilling adventure with a lot of heart.
Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
Sophie, a young woman who has been cursed to look old, goes to the strange wizard Howl, who lives in a house that moves and is full of magic, for help. She finds her own strength and breaks the curse as she learns about Howl’s secrets and his fight against war. The movie looks at love, bravery, and how harmful war is. It makes us think of how powerful kindness and inner beauty can be. It’s a big fairy tale full of magic and love.
Tales from Earthsea (2006)
Tormented by evil forces within him, Prince Arren teams up with the wise master Ged to stop a bad magician who is threatening the world. In the process, Arren learns how to be brave, take care of himself, and keep life in balance. The movie is about fear, greed, and learning to accept yourself. It teaches us how important it is to deal with our problems and find peace. No matter how dark it is, it’s a story about forgiveness and growth.
Ponyo (2008)
Ponyo is a magical fish girl who makes friends with a boy named Sosuke and wants to become human. The way she changes throws off the natural world’s order, and they have to work together to fix it. The movie tells a bright and touching story about friendship, love, and how people and nature can live together in peace. It shows us how to take care of the earth and accept differences. Ponyo is a fun and wonderful story that people of all ages will love.
The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)
A tiny Borrower named Arrietty lives under the floorboards and makes friends with a human boy named Sho. People finding out about her family puts them in danger, but their friendship grows, showing how friendship can connect people from different places. It does a fantastic job of showing how fragile life is, how important connections are, and how brave people need to be. It makes us appreciate the little things in our lives. It’s a moving story about how friendships you wouldn’t expect can make you stronger.
From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)
A story set in Yokohama in the 1960s about a hardworking high school girl named Umi and her brave friend Shun who work together to stop the demolition of their school’s clubhouse. As they work together, an unexpected link between their pasts comes to light, which tests the strength of their new friendship. As the movie goes on, it talks about remembering, love, and starting over after losing someone. It demonstrates the significance of preserving the past while moving forward. We should remember to value our roots and stand together for what we believe in after reading this touching story.
The Wind Rises (2013)
This made-up story of Jiro Horikoshi, who designed Japan’s fighter planes in WWII, follows his lifelong dream of making beautiful planes. Jiro’s story, set during a war, explores the conflict between following your heart and the consequences that may arise. The movie makes you think about love, goals, and duty in a sad way. It shows us that moral thought can happen along with energy and creativity. It’s a heartbreaking story that shows how beautiful and tragic it can be to follow your dreams.
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013)
One day, someone discovers a magical girl named Kaguya inside a bamboo stalk. She grows up in excellent style, but she misses the simple life she had as a child. As lovers and celestial forces try to get her, Kaguya fights with her fate and the fact that happiness doesn’t last. The watercolor-like images of the movie make it feel more like a dream. It teaches us about life’s ups and downs and how important it is to be true to yourself. The story of Kaguya is both beautiful and very sad.
When Marnie Was There (2014)
Anna, a shy and lonely girl, is sent to the country to get better. There, she meets Marnie, a strange girl who lives in a house that seems to be empty. Anna learns truths about Marnie and her own past as her relationship with her grows. In a strangely beautiful way, the story weaves together themes of memory, identity, and healing. It shows us how important it is to accept ourselves and get better after mental hurts. This moving story is both strange and honest.
Earwig and the Witch (2020)
A witch and her grumpy partner take in Earwig, a child who is smart and strong-willed. Earwig learns about magic and takes charge of her life in her new magical home. She does this by being smart and clever. The story, both strange and funny, underscores the significance of determination and flexibility. It shows us that being independent and smart can help us get through tough times. It’s a fun story about finding power within yourself, even though it has a lighter tone.
The Boy and the Heron (2023)
Mahito, a boy who is still sad about the death of his mother, finds a magical heron that takes him to a strange world. Mahito faces his fears, his loss, and the secrets of life in this strange and wonderful place. The story is a mix of fiction and deep emotional study. It’s about healing, being brave, and how life goes in cycles. It teaches us to accept both the positive and negative things in life. The movie takes you on a beautiful trip that is full of knowledge and creativity.
This is the end of our Studio Ghibli movie list for you! We hope this list will help you navigate the Studio Ghibli world while enjoying their masterpieces. Which one are you most interested in so far? Let us know in the comments below! We can’t wait to hear your thoughts and recommendations!
