Studio Ghibli’s enchanting films have finally landed on Netflix, offering a chance for both new viewers and die-hard fans to explore the magical worlds crafted by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata. These films are not just animations; they are profound experiences filled with whimsy, adventure, and emotional depth. We’ve taken a deep dive into the mesmerizing universe of Ghibli and ranked all 22 masterpieces from least to most captivating. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned aficionado, this list promises to reignite your love for Ghibli’s unique storytelling.
22. Ocean Waves (1993)
Director: Tomomi Mochizuki
- Overview: Originally a TV movie, “Ocean Waves” was later released theatrically in the U.S. as “Ocean Waves,” marked as an effort by less experienced studio members.
- Plot: A sentimental drama focusing on the complex emotions of teenage relationships, displaying a slice of life through the lens of young adults.
- Critique: While it captures the innocence of youth, its dialogue-heavy script and lack of visual spectacle make it less compelling compared to other Ghibli works.
21. Tales from Earthsea (2006)
Director: Gorō Miyazaki
- Overview: Adapted from Ursula K. Le Guin’s fantasy saga, this marks Gorō Miyazaki’s debut as a director, diving into a world of magic and intrigue.
- Plot: Follows the story of a prince’s journey in a mythical land, tackling themes of life, death, and balance.
- Critique: Despite its beautiful art direction, the film was critiqued for failing to capture the mythic depth of Le Guin’s universe, leaving audiences yearning for more.
20. Arrietty (2010)
Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi
- Overview: Known as “The Secret World of Arrietty” in some countries, this film explores the enchanting realm of tiny people living unnoticed amongst humans.
- Plot: Arrietty, a tiny borrower, builds a secret friendship with a human boy, unfolding a tale of adventure and danger.
- Critique: The film excels in visual charm and creativity, yet its narrative doesn’t quite match its visual inventiveness, leaving some plot areas feeling underdeveloped.
19. When Marnie Was There (2014)
Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi
- Overview: Based on a novel, this feature blends fantasy and mystery, capturing the blossoming friendship between a lonely girl and the mysterious Marnie.
- Plot: Set in a pastoral seaside town, it’s a journey of self-discovery and emotional healing for its young protagonist.
- Critique: Despite stunning animation and emotional moments, the film’s complex narrative can be perplexing, sometimes hindering the overall enchantment.
18. From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)
Director: Gorō Miyazaki
- Overview: Set against the backdrop of 1960s Japan, as it prepares for the Tokyo Olympics, the film reflects a nation on the cusp of modernity.
- Plot: Umi and Shun, two high school students, spearhead a movement to save a university clubhouse from demolition, unraveling family secrets in the process.
- Critique: While it’s historically intriguing, the movie sometimes falters with melodramatic elements and lacks the narrative punch seen in other Ghibli films.
17. Whisper of the Heart (1995)
Director: Yoshifumi Kondō
- Overview: Yoshifumi Kondō’s sole directorial work is a charming love story enriched with themes of self-discovery and ambition.
- Plot: Follows a young girl, Shizuku, who aspires to be a writer. Her love for literature guides her to uncover her own path in life.
- Critique: Celebrated for its portrayals of youth and creativity, the film remains timeless, although it might lack some of the fantastical elements typical of Ghibli.
16. My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999)
Director: Isao Takahata
- Overview: Offers a departure from typical Ghibli animation, opting for a minimalist and comic strip-inspired style.
- Plot: A slice-of-life comedy focusing on the daily lives and humorous trials of the Yamada family.
- Critique: While novel in style, the film’s episodic nature might challenge viewer engagement in contrast to more continuous Ghibli narratives.
15. The Cat Returns (2002)
Director: Hiroyuki Morita
- Overview: A fantastical, whimsical story where young Haru becomes entangled in the kingdom of cats.
- Plot: Haru saves a cat, triggering a chain of events that leads her to the feline realm, where she’s offered the paw of the Cat Prince.
- Critique: Despite its short length and simple plot, it’s endearing and imaginative, providing light-hearted escapism.
14. Only Yesterday (1991)
Director: Isao Takahata
- Overview: Merges introspective themes with subtle reflections on growing up and moving forward.
- Plot: Taeko’s journey to the countryside evokes vivid memories of her childhood, highlighting personal growth through beautiful flashbacks.
- Critique: Though it lacks fantasy, its emotional depth and realism provide a poignant viewing experience ideal for contemplative evenings.
13. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Overview: A favorite among children, this is a classic tale of growing up with a dash of magic.
- Plot: Young witch Kiki starts a delivery service in a new town, grappling with independence and finding her place in the world.
- Critique: Offers a gentle, nurturing experience perfect for younger audiences, albeit lacking the profundity seen in some other Ghibli films.
12. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013)
Director: Isao Takahata
- Overview: Adaptation of folktale “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter,” stunningly rendered with watercolor-like animation.
- Plot: The mysterious Kaguya, found inside a bamboo stalk, grows rapidly and must face her destiny as royalty.
- Critique: Despite its length, it’s visually poetic and emotionally potent, encapsulating the essence of fleeting beauty and impermanence.
11. Pom Poko (1994)
Director: Isao Takahata
- Overview: Combines folklore with modern environmental issues, featuring tanuki fighting human encroachment through transformation.
- Plot: The tanuki of Tama hills use their shape-shifting abilities to protest against suburban development.
- Critique: Unique in its narrative style, the film’s environmental message resonates, although the loose narrative might hinder emotional connection.
10. Castle in the Sky (1986)
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Overview: The first official Ghibli production, setting a high bar for the studio with its imaginative world and timeless themes.
- Plot: A young girl with a mystical crystal embarks on an adventure to find a legendary floating castle.
- Critique: Despite slightly dated aesthetics, it remains wonderfully adventurous and compelling, introducing Ghibli’s signature themes of nature and humanity.
9. The Wind Rises (2013)
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Overview: A biographical tale loosely inspired by the life of aircraft designer Jirō Horikoshi, blending history with Hayao Miyazaki’s love of aviation.
- Plot: Follows Jirō’s journey of passion and innovation amidst historical turmoil, juxtaposed with personal relationships.
- Critique: Though devoid of the magical elements often seen in Ghibli films, it offers a mature, nuanced look at dreams and the cost of ambition.
8. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Overview: Celebrated worldwide, Totoro symbolizes the tranquility and innocence of childhood, marking it as a beloved favorite.
- Plot: Two sisters explore their new countryside home, encountering the gentle giant Totoro, who teaches them about nature’s magic.
- Critique: Its simplicity and warmth reveal a deep resonance with audiences, perfectly capturing the essence of familial love and imagination.
7. Porco Rosso (1992)
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Overview: A uniquely comedic and thoughtful narrative combined with Miyazaki’s fascination with aviation makes it distinctive among his works.
- Plot: A former fighter pilot, now a pig, battles sky pirates in 1930s Italy, exploring themes of identity and honor.
- Critique: While perhaps underrated, its combination of humor, history, and humanity beautifully harmonizes, offering insightful reflection on war and redemption.
6. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Overview: Though preceding Ghibli’s formal inception, it’s foundational in demonstrating the studio’s thematic core of nature versus civilization.
- Plot: The courageous princess Nausicaä seeks balance between humanity and the toxic jungle, advocating harmony over conflict.
- Critique: Despite its age, the film’s profound environmental message and strong character work make it an enduring classic, though visually dated.
5. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
Director: Isao Takahata
- Overview: Renowned for its poignant portrayal of wartime suffering, it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
- Plot: Follows siblings Seita and Setsuko as they navigate the hardships of post-WWII Japan, struggling for survival and dignity.
- Critique: Universally acknowledged for its emotional gravity, the film’s raw and harrowing depiction makes it a powerful viewing experience.
4. Ponyo (2008)
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Overview: This vibrant and enchanting story combines aquatic wonder with an homage to traditional 2D animation.
- Plot: A magical fish, Ponyo, befriends a young boy, Sôsuke, igniting a series of events that could shift the balance of the natural world.
- Critique: Celebrated for its lush animation and heartwarming tale, the movie is a masterful blend of childlike wonder and environmental themes.
3. Spirited Away (2001)
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Overview: This Academy Award-winning masterpiece defines the pinnacle of Ghibli’s imaginative prowess.
- Plot: Young Chihiro embarks on a transformative journey in a mystical world where her parents are turned into pigs, challenging her to find a way home.
- Critique: Rich in allegory and breathtakingly beautiful, it captures the essence of childhood wonder, seamlessly merging surreal situations with real-world growth.
2. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Overview: A sumptuous blend of fantasy and romance, resonating with grand themes of love and war.
- Plot: Teenager Sophie is cursed into an elderly woman and seeks refuge in the titular castle, igniting a battle of will and magic.
- Critique: A visually arresting narrative that elegantly balances enchantment and commentary, showcasing the seamless fusion of imagination and somber realities.
1. Princess Mononoke (1997)
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Overview: A sweeping epic that encapsulates everything that makes Ghibli extraordinary; it explores the delicate balance between humanity and nature.
- Plot: With a curse to his name, young Ashitaka journeys to find the source of nature’s rage, encountering the mystical Princess Mononoke and her quest.
- Critique: Lauded for its incredible depth and mythical grandeur, it stands out as Ghibli’s magnum opus, masterfully weaving complex themes with stunning visuals and insightful storytelling.
| Rank | Film | Director | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Princess Mononoke | Hayao Miyazaki | 1997 |
| 2 | Howl’s Moving Castle | Hayao Miyazaki | 2004 |
| 3 | Spirited Away | Hayao Miyazaki | 2001 |
| 4 | Ponyo | Hayao Miyazaki | 2008 |
| 5 | Grave of the Fireflies | Isao Takahata | 1988 |
