Every Studio Ghibli Film, Ranked From Worst to Best
by Tanya Kalinina | Aug 16, 2024 3:21 PM
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Studio Ghibli
Studio Ghibli, the beloved Japanese animation studio, has created some of the most iconic animated films in history. For years, many of these masterpieces were hard to find outside Japan unless you owned expensive collector’s editions. Thankfully, Netflix (UK) and Max (US) now make nearly the entire catalog available for streaming. With Hayao Miyazaki’s latest—and potentially final—film, The Boy and the Heron, currently captivating audiences worldwide, it’s the perfect time to revisit every other Studio Ghibli film. Here’s our definitive ranking of Ghibli’s films, from the weakest entries to the absolute classics.
24. Earwig and the Witch
Studio Ghibli’s first foray into 3DCG animation was a major misstep. Goro Miyazaki’s adaptation of Diana Wynne Jones’ Earwig and the Witch lacks the charm and visual magic of the studio’s 2D masterpieces. The animation feels lifeless, and the story meanders without resolution. While it attempted to combine elements of Howl’s Moving Castle and Kiki’s Delivery Service, it remains the studio’s least inspired work.
23. Tales From Earthsea
Ursula K. Le Guin’s Earthsea series deserved better. Directed by Goro Miyazaki, Tales From Earthsea suffered from a troubled production, and it shows in its incoherent plot and underwhelming visuals. Despite Le Guin’s diplomatic praise at the time, the adaptation failed to capture the depth and magic of the original novels, making it one of Ghibli’s weakest entries.
22. Ocean Waves
As a made-for-TV project aimed at training younger Ghibli animators, Ocean Waves is a grounded, quiet story of teenage friendships and strained emotions. While charming and contemplative, it lacks the grandeur or narrative strength of Ghibli’s bigger projects. At just 72 minutes, it’s a quick watch but not essential for newcomers.
21. From Up on Poppy Hill
A collaboration between Hayao Miyazaki and his son Goro, From Up on Poppy Hill is a nostalgic slice-of-life tale set in 1960s Yokohama. While slow-paced, it delivers heartfelt moments and stunning visuals. However, it doesn’t quite reach the emotional or narrative heights of other Ghibli films.
20. My Neighbors the Yamadas
Isao Takahata’s My Neighbors the Yamadas is Studio Ghibli’s most experimental work. Based on a newspaper comic strip, it presents vignettes about an ordinary family’s daily life. While its watercolor animation and quirky humor are delightful, the episodic structure may not appeal to everyone.
19. The Cat Returns
A spinoff of Whisper of the Heart, this whimsical tale follows Haru, a girl transported to the Cat Kingdom after saving a feline prince. Though less ambitious than most Ghibli films, The Cat Returns is charming, funny, and an easy watch at just 75 minutes.
18. Ponyo
Inspired by The Little Mermaid, Hayao Miyazaki’s Ponyo is a vibrant, kid-friendly adventure. While visually stunning, its simplistic story and overly child-focused tone make it one of Miyazaki’s lesser works. Still, even a “weaker” Miyazaki film is worth a watch.
17. Only Yesterday
This quiet, introspective film follows Taeko, a woman reflecting on her childhood while visiting the countryside. Its depiction of mundane yet profound life moments is uniquely Ghibli, though its slow pace and lack of fantastical elements may not appeal to all audiences.
16. When Marnie Was There
This hauntingly beautiful film tells the story of Anna, a lonely girl who befriends the mysterious Marnie. Balancing emotional depth and subtle supernatural elements, When Marnie Was There showcases Ghibli’s talent for heartfelt storytelling.
15. The Red Turtle
A co-production with European studios, The Red Turtle is a dialogue-free tale of survival and love. Its minimalist storytelling and dreamlike animation make it a standout, though its slower pace may not be for everyone.
14. The Secret World of Arrietty
Based on The Borrowers, Arrietty beautifully captures the wonder of tiny beings navigating a human-sized world. Hiromasa Yonebayashi’s directorial debut shines with stunning visuals and heartfelt storytelling.
13. The Wind Rises
Miyazaki’s semi-biographical tale of Jiro Horikoshi, the engineer behind Japan’s WWII aircraft, is a contemplative exploration of ambition, love, and the consequences of creation. It’s one of Miyazaki’s most personal works.
12. Whisper of the Heart
This coming-of-age drama about a young girl pursuing her dream of becoming a writer is a touching, grounded story with moments of whimsy. The fantasy sequences, featuring The Baron, elevate this charming tale.
11. Porco Rosso
Set in 1930s Italy, this thrilling adventure follows Porco, a pilot cursed to look like a pig, as he battles air pirates. Packed with humor, action, and stunning aerial sequences, Porco Rosso is a classic adventure film with heart.
10. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
Isao Takahata’s swan song is a visually stunning adaptation of a Japanese folktale. Its watercolor-inspired animation and emotional depth make it one of Ghibli’s most unique and powerful films.
9. Kiki’s Delivery Service
This heartwarming story of a young witch finding her place in the world is a perfect coming-of-age tale. Its gentle tone and optimistic message make it a timeless classic.
8. Pom Poko
Isao Takahata’s environmental fable about shape-shifting tanuki blends humor and heartbreak to explore the devastating effects of urbanization on nature. Its message remains deeply relevant.
7. Howl’s Moving Castle
A visually stunning anti-war tale, Howl’s Moving Castle features unforgettable characters and dazzling animation. Despite its slightly rushed ending, it remains a fan favorite.
6. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
Although made before Studio Ghibli’s official founding, Nausicaä set the tone for everything to come. This post-apocalyptic epic blends ecological themes with breathtaking visuals and unforgettable characters.
5. Grave of the Fireflies
One of the most emotionally devastating films ever made, Isao Takahata’s wartime tragedy is a harrowing yet essential masterpiece.
4. Laputa: Castle in the Sky
Ghibli’s first official film is a thrilling adventure filled with sky pirates, ancient robots, and breathtaking landscapes. It set the standard for the studio’s future successes.
3. Spirited Away
Hayao Miyazaki’s Academy Award-winning masterpiece is a magical journey into a spirit world filled with unforgettable characters and stunning visuals.
2. Princess Mononoke
A sweeping epic about humanity’s struggle with nature, Princess Mononoke is a visually stunning and emotionally complex masterpiece.
1. My Neighbor Totoro
The definitive Studio Ghibli film, My Neighbor Totoro is a timeless tale of childhood wonder, family, and the magic of nature. Its enduring charm makes it the studio’s crowning achievement.