Studio Ghibli has been enchanting cinephiles with its magic for nearly half a century since its founding in 1985. Renowned for its signature hand-drawn art style, the studio is equally celebrated for its unforgettable characters and unique stories. Be it romance or fantasy, or war drama, this studio has delivered masterpieces across a wide range of genres. With a total of 24 Ghibli movies released to date, here is our list of all Studio Ghibli movies ranked to discover the best works of the studio.
24. Earwig and the Witch
- Release Year: 2020
- Genre: Animation, Family, Fantasy
- Duration: 1 hour 22 minutes
- IMDB/MAL: 4.7/5.39
As you must know that Studio Ghibli is known for its unique art style, which has captured the hearts of fans over the years. In an attempt to modernize their animation style, Studio Ghibli moved on from their trademark hand-drawn animation and opted for 3D CGI for the Earwig and the Witch movie. Hayao Miyazaki’s son, Goro Miyazaki, directed this special animated feature.
As the title suggests, it’s about Earwig, an orphan who gets adopted by a witch to be her assistant. This is an experimental work from Studio Ghibli, which backfired big time as the movie completely lacked the Ghibli touch that the audience loved with their hearts. In addition, this movie had a weak story and uninteresting characters, which ultimately made it one of the unmemorable Ghibli works.
23. Tales From Earthsea
- Release Year: 2006
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Fantasy
- Duration: 1 hour 55 minutes
- IMDB/MAL: 6.3/6.8
Hayao Miyazaki, the co-founder of Studio Ghibli, has been the backbone of the studio, delivering classics that earned the acclaim of critics and the general audience. Although the Japanese animator didn’t want his son, Goro Miyazaki, to direct a feature film, he went on to direct Tales from Earthsea for Studio Ghibli.
This movie is based on Ursula K. Le Guin’s Earthsea novel series. It follows the tale of Sparrowhawk, an Archmage, who teams up with a troubled prince named Arren to restore balance in their mythical world. Goro’s debut Ghibli certainly didn’t live up to expectations as it lacked the true spirit of the novels. Goro learned from his mistakes and directed another movie, which you will hear about below.
22. The Ocean Waves
- Release Year: 1993
- Genre: Animation, Romance, Drama
- Duration: 1 hour 12 minutes
- IMDB/MAL: 6.6/6.5
The majority of the Ghibli movies always have a sprinkle of fantasy on top of them. However, with Ocean Waves, it’s a different case as the movie explores a more grounded take on high school relationships. Taku Morisaki reflects back on his final year of high school when Rikaku Muto entered his life and left a lasting impact.
As you can see, this one is also a very short Ghibli movie with a runtime of just 72 minutes. Ocean Waves has been a hit or miss with the fans, as many expressed their dislike for this movie, and equally, some fans consider Ocean Waves to be Studio Ghibli’s underrated work to this day.
21. My Neighbors the Yamadas
- Release Year: 1999
- Genre: Animation, Family, Comedy
- Duration: 1 hour 44 minutes
- IMDB/MAL: 7.1/7.09
Studio Ghibli took a break from their lush and detailed look, then switched to a watercolor style for My Neighbors the Yamadas. It looks straight out of a Japanese comic strip, right? As the title implies, this movie centers around the daily lives of the Yamada family.
This movie is an anime adaptation of the manga named Tonari no Yamada-kun by Hisaichi Ishii. Hence, they retained the art style of the manga and delivered a distinct Ghibli movie. This is one of the sweetest family dramas from Studio Ghibli that went on to charm the audience.
20. Pom Poko
- Release Year: 1994
- Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama
- Duration: 1 hour 59 minutes
- IMDB/MAL: 7.2/7.2
Isao Takahata, the director behind the masterpiece, The Grave of Fireflies, returned to direct yet another Ghibli movie called Pom Poko. It’s about a group of tanukis (raccoons) with shape-shifting powers rebelling to protect their homeland from relentless urban expansion.
Don’t be misguided by the playful raccoons, as at its heart, Pom Poko is a strong critique of deforestation and raises awareness about environmentalism. This may not be Isao Takahata’s best Ghibli movie, but still a worthy watch.
19. The Cat Returns
- Release Year: 2002
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Slice of Life, Family
- Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- IMDB/MAL: 7.1/7.7
If you adore cats, you might want to check out The Cat Returns. It’s a whimsical Ghibli movie that follows Haru Yoshioka, whose life takes a surreal turn after she saves a mysterious prince cat. She soon finds herself in a marriage with the prince, and aims to find her way back to her world from this bizarre realm.
One of the interesting facts about this movie is that it’s actually a spiritual successor to another Ghibli movie we have here, Whisper of the Heart. Cat Baron, one of the best anime cats, appears in both of these Ghibli works.
18. From Up on Poppy Hill
- Release Year: 2011
- Genre: Animation, Family, Romance
- Duration: 1 hour 31 minutes
- IMDB/MAL: 7.4/7.7
Here is yet another Ghibli movie that explores romance amidst some serious drama. As Tokyo prepares for the Olympics in 1964, it decides to demolish a school’s clubhouse to establish an accommodation. But a group of youth from Yokohama tries to put an end to it to save their clubhouse. That’s where our protagonists Shun and Umi meet, and they begin to fall for each other. Will everything work out for them in the end?
Ghibli takes a break from their usual fantasy-roped dramas and delivers a realistic and touching romantic drama. It has a simple story to keep you interested throughout. The animation style is also great, along with a sweet soundtrack. All in all, it is one of the fan-favorite romantic Ghibli movies.
17. The Wind Rises
- Release Year: 2013
- Genre: Animation, Biography, Drama
- Duration: 2 hours 6 minutes
- IMDB/MAL: 7.7/8.1
The Wind Rises is a different movie from the rest of the Ghibli titles, as it is the only fictionalized biopic movie made by the studio to this day. It tells the tale of Jiro Horikoshi, the engineer behind the creation of Japanese WWII-era fighter planes. Jiro is one of the main reasons why this movie is considered one of the controversial Ghibli movies.
Hideaki Anno, the director behind the Neon Genesis Evangelion movies, lent his voice to Jiro’s character in this movie. Keep in mind that this biopic is loosely based on the real story of Jiro, as the movie takes creative freedom by including fictionalized content. Nevertheless, you will be moved by Jiro’s aspiring aviation journey and romantic life with Naoko Satomi.
16. When Marnie Was There
- Release Year: 2014
- Genre: Animation, Mystery, Drama
- Duration: 1 hour 42 minutes
- IMDB/MAL: 7.6/8.0
When Marnie Was There is an unforgettable summer story from Studio Ghibli. Anna Sasaki is a young girl who severely suffers from asthma; hence, she goes to the countryside, which can help her recover with a fresh breath of air. Upon coming to a new place in the countryside, Anna befriends a mysterious girl named Marnie. And thus begins a beautiful friendship, which both won’t forget forever in their lives.
When Marnie Was There explores the beauty of friendship and how it leads to each other’s self-discovery journey. It will be nostalgic for some people who have gone on summer trips like this. Needless to say, this Ghibli movie is well-liked by everyone in the Ghibli community.
15. Ponyo
- Release Year: 2008
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Fantasy
- Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes
- IMDB/MAL: 7.6/7.9
Ponyo from Studio Ghibli is an adorable romantic and fantasy tale that left fans mesmerized. The story is about how a boy named Sousuke meets Ponyo, as revealed by the title. Ponyo is a goldfish princess who yearns to grow into a human after forming a relationship with Sousuke.
What does the future hold in store for them? That’s exactly what the rest of the story is about. With heartwarming characters and delightful animation, Ponyo is a beautiful movie from Studio Ghibli that brilliantly captures innocent love.
14. The Secret World of Arrietty
- Release Year: 2010
- Genre: Animation, Fantasy, Drama
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- IMDB/MAL: 7.6/7.9
The Secret World of Arrietty is a great Ghibli movie featuring a Pixar-esque storyline. The story is about Shou, a young kid who discovers a mysterious miniature-sized human girl, Arrietty, from the Clock family. She had to embark on a dangerous journey amidst the tall humans to collect food and essentials to survive, but young Shou is amazed to meet a unique neighbor.
Together, these two form a bond of friendship, crossing their forms. The Secret World of Arrietty is an enjoyable family movie from Studio Ghibli that captivates you completely despite its bite-sized content
13. Porco Rosso
- Release Year: 1992
- Genre: Animation, Comedy, Action, Adventure
- Duration: 1 hour 33 minutes
- IMDB/MAL: 7.7/7.9
As the title suggests, this movie follows Porco, a WWI pilot who was cursed to turn into a pig. Porco doesn’t let the curse hold him back and begins his new career as a bounty hunter. However, a brash pilot named Donald Curtist defames him by boasting that he has defeated the flying pig.
After finding supporting allies, Porco aims to reclaim his honor by settling his rivalry with Donald. Porco Rosso is Hayao Miyazaki’s answer to a perfect body-swap comedy movie. Unlike his other works, it is a straightforward movie that is an absolute laugh riot from start to finish.
12. Only Yesterday
- Release Year: 1991
- Genre: Animation, Romance, Drama
- Duration: 1 hour 51 minutes
- IMDB/MAL: 7.6/7.44
In line with Ocean Waves, Only Yesterday is a wonderful work about the beauty of reminiscence. Taeko Okajima decides to visit her family in the countryside to take a break from the bustling city life. Her mind takes her on a nostalgic trip through her childhood memories as she reconnects with nature.
Only Yesterday was directed by Isao Takahata, and it rivals the brilliance of his best work, Grave of the Fireflies. This is one of the Ghibli movies that goes under the radar for many fans, but it’s a lovely movie with heartfelt characters that deserve to be seen by everyone.
11. The Boy and the Heron
- Release Year: 2023
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Fantasy
- Duration: 2 hours 3 minutes
- IMDB/MAL: 7.4/7.6
After the disastrous release of Earwig and the Witch, fans slowly started to lose hope in Studio Ghibli. However, master Hayao Miyazaki returned with The Boy and the Heron after years to deliver one of the greatest Ghibli movies to the fans. The Boy and the Hero follows the life of Mahito (not the one from JJK), who just lost his mother during WWII.
After moving to the countryside with his father, an enigmatic heron pulls him into an otherworldly realm occupied by the living and the dead. As you can guess from the plot, it’s a moving coming-of-age tale about facing loss at a young age and learning acceptance. Hayao Miyazaki’s comeback was so strong that he took home the Best Animated Feature Oscar award in 2024 for The Boy and the Heron.
10. Whisper of the Heart
- Release Year: 1995
- Genre: Animation, Romance, Drama
- Duration: 1 hour 51 minutes
- IMDB/MAL: 7.8/8.2
Whisper of the Heart is one of the most heartfelt coming-of-age romance movies created by Ghibli with a dash of fantasy. Shizuku Tsushikishima is an ardent book lover who starts to notice that her favorite books from the library have been checked out by a mysterious boy named Seiji Amasawa. Then she musters up the courage to search for the mysterious reader who mirrors her love for literature.
Hayao Miyazaki penned the script for this movie based on the manga, Mimi o Sumsaeba, by Aoi Hiiragi. Soon after its release in 1995, Whisper of the Heart was praised by critics and Ghibli fans for its touching tale of romance that deeply resonated with audiences.
9. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
- Release Year: 1984
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Fantasy, Drama
- Duration: 1 hour 57 minutes
- IMDB/MAL: 8.0/8.35
Ever wondered if Studio Ghibli has stepped into the dystopian sci-fi setting? Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is where Miyazaki dealt with these completely new themes for the studio. A devastating nuclear war called “Seven Days of Fire” left Earth in a bad shape, where the planet is overrun by toxic jungles.
Years later, Nausicaä, the princess of the Valley of the Wind, finds herself in a perilous situation where she must save not only her people but also the planet from another global catastrophe, set in motion by the Tolmekian military after they invade her kingdom. With a compelling storyline and characters, it’s one of the earliest Ghibli blockbusters and inarguably one of Hayao Miyazaki’s best works.
8. Howl’s Moving Castle
- Release Year: 2004
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Fantasy
- Duration: 1 hour 59 minutes
- IMDB/MAL: 8.2/8.7
Hayao Miyazaki, the legend, can’t stop surprising his fans with masterpieces, as Howl’s Moving Castle is a glorious achievement for Studio Ghibli. Sophie Hatter quickly ages into old age when a witch puts a curse on her. Now Sophie’s only hope to undo the spell is a Howl, a mysterious wizard from a magical castle.
Set in a fantasy world, Miyazaki strikes again with an imaginative romantic tale, which earned the love of the audience as expected. Howl’s Moving Castle will always be included in the list of the most beautiful Ghibli movies, and there is no doubt that this movie will be cherished across generations.
7. Castle in the Sky
- Release Year: 1986
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Fantasy
- Duration: 2 hours 4 minutes
- IMDB/MAL: 8.0/8.2
The encounters in the Ghibli movies are always a life-changing experience for both the characters and the audience. True to its title, Pazu’s path crosses with Sheeta, who teams up together to discover Laputa, the castle in the sky, using a crystal amulet.
Now the movie is truly adventurous as it sounds. On top of it, the blissful story, likeable characters, and amazing visuals are like the icing on top of the cake. This may be one of the earliest Ghibli works, but it remains the most boisterous adventure from master Miyazaki that shouldn’t be missed at any cost.
6. The Tale of Princess Kaguya
- Release Year: 2013
- Genre: Animation, Family, Drama
- Duration: 2 hours 17 minutes
- IMDB/MAL: 8.0/8.2
For years, fans have waited to see a Ghibli movie rooted in classic Japanese folklore, and it came in the form of The Tale of Princess Kaguya. This movie is based on the same-titled 10th-century Japanese folk tale, which begins when a humble bamboo cutter and his wife discover a mysterious child inside a bamboo stalk. She is named Kaguya, and her origins begin to unravel as her family moves to the capital with newfound wealth.
Hayao Miyazaki isn’t the only director to bless Studio Ghibli with masterpieces, as this exceptional family movie was directed by Isao Takahata, the genius behind Grave of the Fireflies, Only Yesterday, and several others. You can find one of the stunning animation qualities from Ghibli in this movie, and this movie rightfully sits in the all-time best Ghibli movie collection.
5. Kiki’s Delivery Service
- Release Year: 1989
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Fantasy
- Duration: 1 hour 42 minutes
- IMDB/MAL: 7.8/8.2
Shortly after releasing masterpieces such as My Neighbor Totoro and Grave of the Fireflies, Studio Ghibli delivered one of their most beloved films of all time, Kiki’s Delivery Service. It follows Kiki, a young witch who moves to a new seaside town and begins her flying delivery service. This marks an unforgettable journey of self-discovery and growth in Kiki’s life.
Kiki’s Delivery Service may not boast a morally complex story like Princess Mononoke or any other Ghibli work, but it is packed with genuine and soulful characters who will leave you uplifted in the end. Furthermore, for the cat lovers reading this, Kiki’s Delivery Service is one of the best anime with cats, and Jiji is one of our favorite anime cats as well.
4. Princess Mononoke
- Release Year: 1997
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Fantasy
- Duration: 2 hours 13 minutes
- IMDB/MAL: 8.3/8.6
Princess Mononoke is another universally praised masterpiece from auteur Hayao Miyazaki. The movie chronicles the journey of Ashitaka, a young warrior who gets entangled in a conflict between Princess Mononoke and the mining colony. This plot may seem similar to Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, but I assure you it’s a completely different experience.
This animated feature is packed with courageous characters, a bold narrative, and stellar animation, as usual. Much similar to Pom Poko, this movie is also a powerful social commentary on environmental destruction. Therefore, Princess Mononoke is still cherished by the fans as a special Ghibli movie that continues to enchant the hearts of fans.
3. My Neighbor Totoro
- Release Year: 1988
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Drama
- Duration: 1 hour 26 minutes
- IMDB/MAL: 8.1/8.2
1988 is one of the best years for Studio Ghibli, as My Neighbor Totoro was released in the same year as Grave of the Fireflies. In Ghibli movies, when the main characters move back to the countryside, there is always a guaranteed trip to fantasy land awaiting them. It’s the same case here as two sisters go on an adventure with enchanting forest spirits when they move to the countryside to be near their ailing mother.
My Neighbor Totoro is a classic comfort movie from Studio Ghibli, offering a peaceful and heartwarming experience that can mend any heart. After getting heartbroken by Grave of the Fireflies, this one holds a special place in everyone’s hearts.
2. Grave of the Fireflies
- Release Year: 1988
- Genre: Animation, Drama, War
- Duration: 1 hour 29 minutes
- IMDB/MAL: 8.5/8.5
You probably must have heard about Grave of the Fireflies before you came to learn about Studio Ghibli. It is still widely considered one of the most emotionally devastating movies to be made, not just in anime but also in the history of cinema. Did you know that Grave of the Fireflies is based on Akiyuki Nosaka’s semi-autobiographical short story?
It’s about the harrowing story of Seita and his little sister Setsuko, who try to survive in the aftermath of WW II in Japan. War is truly the greatest tragedy of mankind, and this anti-war movie showcases the painful sufferings that people often overlook. This is our all-time favorite work of Isao Takahata and still stands tall for its realistic portrayal of the psychological trauma of war.
1. Spirited Away
- Release Year: 2001
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Family
- Duration: 2 hours 5 minutes
- IMDB/MAL: 8.6/8.7
Spirited Away has remained the face of Studio Ghibli for more than two decades now. I don’t need to praise this movie further, as this is a critically acclaimed and timeless masterpiece from the master Hayao Miyazaki. Spirited Away is about a young girl who gets lost in a spirit world and must find her way back home.
Spirited Away didn’t just become popular in Japan but evolved into a global sensation following its Oscar win in 2003. Spirited Away truly deserves all the praise for the surreal experience it offers that can’t be found in any other anime. Thus, Spirited Away is the most celebrated Ghibli movie and our number 1 pick for the best Studio Ghibli movie.
And that marks the end of our ranked list of all the Studio Ghibli movies that have come out so far. We prepared this list, of course, based on our personal preferences and the popularity among the fans. Having said that, which is your favorite Ghibli work? Let us know the reason why you love that movie in the comments below.
Shashank Shakya
