Ranking the Studio Ghibli films seems like a fun, albeit daunting, task. So, let us step into the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli! As we embark on a journey through their remarkable and captivating filmography. With a legacy of captivating storytelling, breathtaking animation, and unforgettable characters, Studio Ghibli has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Get ready to revisit the magic and immerse yourself in the beauty of animation. Join us as we unveil the list of all Studio Ghibli films, ranked from worst to best.
23. Earwig and the Witch
The latest movie released by the studio is also dubbed the worst Studio Ghibli film by anyone who has watched it-equally disliked by critics and fans alike. Earwig and The Witch marks the studio’s first foray into 3D CGI animation. While it is great that they are looking to branch out, this movie was decidedly lackluster compared to its predecessors.
The storyline is uninspiring and does not meet the expectations already associated with Studio Ghibli movies. Its audience criticized the film for being rather boring and its characters not fully developed even as the movie progresses. There were a lot of scenes that the movie could do without.
Additionally, Goro Miyazaki has been criticized for missing the essence of Ghibli movies which adds salt to the wound. And so, we’ve decided to make this title last on our Studio Ghibli films ranked list.
22. Tales From Earthsea
Loosely based on the series of books by Ursula K. Le Guin of the same name, Tales From Earthsea presents a lot of potential that was not acted upon or fleshed out more. Instead, the movie offers a hazy mashup of intersecting characters and plotlines that seem haphazardly put together.
This also happens to be Goro Miyazaki’s directorial debut. So, it could be from his lack of experience directing a movie. There are split opinions on this one. Some cite it as a lighter version of the hard-hitting Princess Mononoke, which we listed further down below.
Essentially, the storyline can be boring and unimaginative,, placing it closer to the negative side of our list.
21. My Neighbors the Yamadas
This depiction of a modern family in Japan is chaotic. It leans towards the more humorous side of Ghibli rather than the serious side. Its simplistic animation and random bouts of Haiku and stories pieced into one may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Simply put, My Neighbours The Yamadas is like a slice-of-life anime made into a movie. It’s charming but doesn’t stay in your mind for days or evoke any powerful feelings. Instead, it’s a simple, casual, quick watch about a family’s ups and downs.
With that said, if you squint or desperately search for a deeper meaning within the movie, you might find something about family values somewhere. Although, honestly, it’s just one of those movies you can play in the background while working.
20. POM Poko
Pom Poko is a movie with strong environmentalist themes, a common theme for the Studio Ghibli franchise. Only this time, shape-shifting raccoons take center stage as they fight to defend their home from being razed down by land developers.
It is an odd movie that is easily lost on most people looking for a casual watch. The message is prominent, with fun jokes interspersed between its stories. However, some might find it a little too weird for their liking, and there are some adult jokes in between, so it might not be that suitable for children to watch alone.
Overall, Pom Poko can easily be skipped and replaced with other movies on this list. But if you are a fan of the environmentalist side of Ghibli, this could be a fun watch indeed.
19. Ocean Waves
We’ve decided to include Ocean Waves in this Studio Ghibli films ranked list, even if it was originally released as a TV movie. This movie was more of an experimental project for the younger Studio Ghibli staff experimenting with creating a cheap film. However, nothing about the movie showcases the lack of budget or experience.
Ocean Waves is a young adult drama with a love triangle between a newly transferred student and two best friends. It may not have the emotional depth and connection of Only Yesterday, but it can be held as a younger version of that movie. Teenage emotions can seem like ocean waves, coming and going.
Depending on when you watch this movie, you will have a different opinion of it. If you’ve watched it as a younger teen, watch it again as an adult, and you’ll have different opinions.
18. The Cat Returns
If you’ve ever contemplated being a cat, or want something similar to A Whisker Away, The Cat Returns is the original you should start watching now. The Cat Returns is about a schoolgirl saving a cat prince’s life from getting run over in the street. She doesn’t even know the magnitude of her actions or whose life she just saved.
Haru, the protagonist of the story, gets brought over to the Cat Kingdom, where she slowly transforms into a cat. Cat lovers would find delight in this movie as these anthropomorphic cats parade around trying to be human-like. When compared to other Ghibli movies, The Cat Returns is more of a fun and casual watch that’s great for children.
Oh, and some familiar characters in The Cat Returns can also be found in Whisper of The Heart, another Ghibli movie with cats interwoven into its storyline.
17. Ponyo
Ponyo is a mixed bag. This is why we decided to rank it lower on our Studio Ghibli films ranked list. Some people hate the characters while others love them.
The only way to determine which side you’re on is to watch the movie and let us know. Ponyo was released right after Spirited Away had thrown Studio Ghibli into stardom, so it was a rather interesting time for the franchise.
Understandably, there’s nothing much to the story as we follow a magical baby goldfish princess that turns into a human to be with a little boy that she has a crush on. This makes it a great fantasy story for kids to watch as an entry point to get acquainted with the franchise. The story is adorable and whimsical, and most adults or teens would get annoyed at the recklessness of Ponyo as a character, but it works for kids!
The colors are bright, there’s not much dialogue as Ponyo is a goldfish-turned-human, and the adventure is compelling. Kids would eat it right up.
16. The Wind Rises
Those interested in aviation would find The Wind Rises a fantastic watch. This is also Hayao Miyazaki’s last film before his ‘retirement.’ The film showcases an aviation engineer and his lifelong love of aviation. The movie spans his career and breakthroughs, showcasing that dreams come true if you work hard enough. But is it worth it?
The Wind Rises may bore those who have no interest in aviation, but the spirit and enigmatic character of Jiro makes up for all of that. The film takes place before World War II, which adds a heavy pretense for what’s to come in Jiro’s career. This title speaks highly of anti-violence and essentially being anti-war, which Miyazaki did get criticized for at the time.
Honestly, The Wind Rises is a great watch to add to your list and a great end at the time to Miyazaki’s directing pursuits. We say this because it has been announced that he will be releasing another ‘final’ film titled, ‘How Do You Live?’ set to release in July 2023.
15. From up on Poppy Hill
A sweet, short, and relaxing watch for those who would like to cozy up to a movie after a long day. From Up on Poppy Hill is inspired by a 1980s serialized manga at the time by Chizuru Takahashi and Tetsuro Sayama. The title is a nostalgic and gentle dive into the life of two young adults during the aftermath of World War II.
The visual aesthetics and symbolism deserve praise, and the sweet teenage romance between the two characters is not overpowering. This title concerns Umi and Shun as they both decide to rebuild and revive the school’s clubhouse while a businessman looks to tear it down.
Aside from teenage romances and clubhouse revival, the film also touches on more profound subject matters like domestic issues after a war. There was a slight incest scare at some point due to the complicated issues of Shun’s domestic history. However, we’re all clear on that. Thank God.
14. When Marnie Was There
Speaking of incest, When Marnie Was There sparked a lot of controversy for this one plot twist. Spoilers alert – imagine the shock on all our faces as it was revealed that Marnie is actually Anna’s grandmother. How quickly a sapphic love story turns into one of woe.
Truthfully, we would have ranked this on the better end of the list if it weren’t for that one scandalized detail. During the movie, we were brought into the beautiful friendship and connection between the two characters. The pair work through their loneliness together, only for it to be revealed that Marnie is the ghost of her grandmother,, who was abused and left alone at some point.
It is a tragic story, bittersweet with tender moments. But, Ghibli movies genuinely have a way to move their audiences, and When Marnie Was There is an excellent example of that. Just pretend that they’re not related and we’re all good.
13. The Secret World of Arrietty
Set in a beautifully detailed world where tiny people live amongst us giants, The Secret World of Arrietty gets extra points. Considering that most of Studio Ghibli’s movies are hand-drawn masterpieces, this one deserves a little more credit for its level of detail. So, we’ve decided to rank it higher on this Studio Ghibli films ranked list.
As for its storyline, there’s not much we can expect. It’s a rather typical plotline. Especially since its screenplay was adapted from The Borrowers, a novel written by Mary Norton. What makes this film impressive is its play on perspective and the level of dedication it takes to animate and design a functionally cluttered world.
Arrietty is the main character, and she’s a Borrower. These Borrowers go out into the world and ‘borrow’ things from us humans to survive. All this without getting detected by humans and avoiding monstrous creatures like stalking house cats.
12. Whisper of the Heart
Created based on a manga of the same name by Aoi Hiiragi, Whisper of The Heart is the only Ghibli movie directed by Yoshifumi Kondo, who passed in 1998. This title is for those who are creatively inclined and face the typical academical pressure by their family, with a couple of little side quests, of course.
Whisper of The Heart follows Shizuku as she searches for another bookworm, Seiji Amasawa. In her quest, she befriends an antique dealer, chases a couple of cats, and eventually finds Seiji. At the same time, she ends up writing her first fantasy book based on a story told by the antique dealer she came across.
This book she’s writing is sort of her do-or-die testament to being committed to writing. Creative folks would understand the determination and need to be validated through their work, and Whisper of The Heart showcases that. This is a somewhat underrated and underappreciated gem that deserves more love.
11. Castle in the Sky
The first ever Studio Ghibli film is an excellent start to the studio’s gold standard in movies. Castle in The Sky had everything – a thrilling adventure, brilliant animation, and characters you want to continue to root for. This title is a must-watch for Ghibli fans since it is where it all started, after all.
A young kidnapped orphan finds herself floating through the air due to a magic crystal around her neck, effectively escaping further captivity from pirates. It sounds tragic, but all good stories start somewhere. Castle in The Sky has evolved to influence the works of various other renowned studios while being the basis for Ghibli.
There are a lot of secrets and mysteries to uncover, which unravel in a way that keeps your eyes glued to the screen. Castle in The Sky is a great watch, even if Ghibli has gone on to produce more eye-catching work. As such, this makes it a great middle point on our Studio Ghibli films ranked list.
10. Porco Rosso
Also known as The Red Pig, Porco Rosso is about a pilot that somehow turns into a pig that flies a stunning red plane (hence the name). This one falls on the action-adventure side of Ghibli films, unlike their typical peaceful and idyllic works.
Porco Rosso follows the story of Margo Pagott, a WW I pilot that mysteriously turns into a pig after the death of his comrades in battle. He now spends most of his time fighting air pirates and in seclusion, aside from the usual club visit. However, this all changes when he meets Fio, a female mechanic, following an attack by a reckless American pilot.
The film blends war, history, and fantasy into one amusing plot that still harbors a carefree spirit. There are humorous interactions between the characters, and it is one of Ghibli’s seemingly carefree movies with layers of depth to uncover as you continue watching.
9. My Neighbour Totoro
Simply put, My Neighbour Totoro is a movie that warms the heart. It’s a simple movie with lovable characters littered throughout. This title is another one of Ghibli’s most beloved ode to mother nature, with its environmentalist themes. Only this time, it’s an easy watch for kids to nurture their love for the environment. We don’t want Totoro to disappear, do we?
In My Neighbour Totoro, two young girls move into an old country house to be closer to their ill mother’s hospital. As they continue to explore the area, they are met with all sorts of friendly woodland and house spirits. This includes a giant forest spirit named Totoro.
This is one of the Ghibli movie franchise’s more whimsical and safe choices. There’s a sentimental value to this film at this point, making it a cuddly watch during off days. There are lessons to learn and adventures to embark on, but it’s nothing too frightening or stressful.
8. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
In another chapter on the environmentalist theme of Ghibli, we have Nausicaa of The Valley of The Wind. It is increasingly intriguing to see the workings of the animators at Ghibli as they animate wondrous and weird creatures of all sizes for Nausicaa.
Nausicaa is set in a post-apocalyptic future where the world’s ecosystem has been largely ruined. The remaining humans now live in uninhabitable conditions and dangerous jungles. The main protagonist Nausicaa is on a mission to end conflict and research ways to restore the Earth to a more hospitable environment.
The movie takes on a serious and darker tone as it is somewhat dystopian, but this is the exact tone that will make its audience pay attention. In addition, the movie’s beautiful animation and details complement Nausicaa’s humanistic need for peace and survival.
7. Only Yesterday
A gem filled with reminiscence, youth, and longing for the simpler days. Isao Takahata manages to impress without the typical fantasy elements and otherworldly plotlines that many people have come to associate with Ghibli. Instead, he created a sad and exciting take on the human experience of growing up.
This time, Ghibli Studios tells a story of a 27-year-old Japanese lady traveling to the countryside while reminiscing about her childhood in Tokyo. The movie explores the thoughts of what could have been, as well as a bittersweet childhood. The question of whether the dreams of the inner child of our protagonist have been fulfilled really does cut deep into our own lives.
Only Yesterday allows for a lot of self-reflection and reaching into ourselves to find out where our true happiness lies. As well as whether we’ve fulfilled the dreams of our childhood selves.
6. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
What starts as a whimsical and beautifully made movie ends with a devastating and harsh reality. One of the best things about The Tale of The Princess Kaguya is that its animation is reminiscent of watercolor paintings set on what feels like an endless scroll painting. This is another masterpiece from Isao Takahata with an exciting narrative.
This title is a poignant and beautiful story of a moon nymph found in a bamboo shoot by a poor man deep in the forest. He becomes obsessive and decides to build a palace for her, appointing her as a princess. There are so many layers to this movie that connects its characters and the lessons to be learned in love, life, and family.
Other than that, the animation focuses more on the characters’ facial expressions,, which are indeed a window into their soul and motives. Although, truthfully, this movie might hit harder for those who are older. The true values might go over the heads of children.
5. Kiki’s Delivery Service
In a similar vein to Whisper of The Heart in finding purpose and motivations, we have Kiki’s Delivery Service. A heartwarming coming-of-age film about a 13-year-old witch that moves to a town with her cat Jiji. She sets up a flying courier service which soon starts making waves in the town.
However, things aren’t always as great as it seems. Along the way, Kiki starts to get more insecure and somehow loses her magical abilities entirely. It just goes to show that self-doubt really ruins things for a person. As she goes on a short adventure to understand her own talents and skills, Kiki grows into a better, happier person.
Honestly, Kiki’s Delivery Service is a great movie for young kids and adults alike. We all need a reminder that self-confidence is key and doubting yourself is pointless. It is an excellent movie for those who are just starting to learn to be independent for themselves.
4. Grave of the Fireflies
Listen, this is another example of heartache in a Studio Ghibli movie. If you’re looking for a happy ending, you might want to look away.
Set in a time of war, Grave of The Fireflies is a dark reality for innocent families and the countless abandoned children set to fend for themselves. This very obvious anti-war movie will turn you into an anti-war person almost immediately.
A teenage boy takes care of his little sister as a bombing destroys their home and kills their mother in the process. The two struggle with hunger to the point of starvation, disease and fear for their lives throughout the movie. It is a sad and deeply saddening reality.
Grave of The Fireflies details the true cost of war and the countless beautiful innocent lives lost. It’s definitely not a great watch for kids unless you want to traumatize them.
3. Howl’s Moving Castle
Howl’s Moving Castle is a great pick-me-up if you’re looking for a whimsical, magical, and colorful tale. Inspired by a book of the same name by Diana Wynne Jones, this title will make you believe in love again. Aside from the love story, this title primarily focuses on how violence can eat you up and turn you into a monster.
Within this beautifully crafted world, a hatter is cursed by a powerful witch to take the appearance of a grandma. She meets Howl, a magician who is being forced to partake in a war between countries in an attempt to put a stop to the bloodshed. Howl’s Moving Castle is a film on war and violence, disguised as a love story between two odd characters.
There’s so much to love in this movie, and it never gets dull, no matter how many times you rewatch it. Since its release, it has remained one of the several most popular movies from the franchise. Hence, it ranks higher on our Studio Ghibli films ranked list.
2. Princess Mononoke
There’s a lot of depth and layers to Princess Mononoke, one that is dark and probably not the best for the younger ones to watch just yet. This title is hailed as one of Studio Ghibli’s strongest movies on environmentalism. You can actually feel the anger at its core.
Princess Mononoke tells the story of a prince caught in a conflict between the gods residing in the forests and the humans consuming its resources. There are strong themes of Shintoism and environmentalism. The protagonist, Ashitaka, witnesses firsthand the forest getting torn apart by human greed, with Princess Mononoke attempting to defend it.
Ashitaka’s role is to attempt to broker peace between the two sides. There’s a lot of detail and strong emotions imbued into the creation of this title, and it translates well even to this day. It is a film that is created to let your mind ponder about human nature, our morals, and balance.
1. Spirited Away
One of the major Studio Ghibli films out there and arguably the most popular, Spirited Away takes the cake as first place on our Studio Ghibli films ranked list. The film is a stepping stone or entryway for most people into the Ghibli universe. This is the title everyone talks about and recommends to their friends who have never heard of Ghibli before.
As such, it has garnered a huge worldwide fanbase. Rightfully so, too. The movie is a whimsical adventure about Chihiro, a girl who works in a supernatural bathhouse to save her parents. That, and, a host of other adventures, adds more excitement and intrigue to the story. With fun characters like soot sprites and humans that can morph into dragons, there are a lot of fantasy elements that make Spirited Away a movie that keeps on giving.
Aside from that, the movie teaches an important lesson about family and growing up. Pair that with a vivid world that seems chaotic and calming simultaneously, you get a memorable viewing experience.
You’ve made it to the end! Hopefully, this list of Studio Ghibli films ranked from worst to best has helped you in your search to find which film you would be more interested in. If you disagree (or agree) with the ranking, let us know why in the comments below. If you’re looking for more animated stuff to watch, we have a list of 20 anime series adapted from games.
