The Best Studio Ghibli Movies That are Underrated Masterpieces
The Best Studio Ghibli Movies That are Underrated Masterpieces
Blog Article
Do you wish that you could escape the world and run towards a fantasy world filled with eye-pleasing scenery and visuals? You can do so by stepping into a magical realm where imagination is not bound, where hand-drawn artworks breathe life into mythical creatures and create naturally human stories. Studio Ghibli has made this dream come true by designing a beautiful reality where magic happens; imagination takes flight high on the horizon. This studio doesn’t solely entertain the audience; it also lingers and leaves you with feelings that you can’t name. Studio Ghibli is a Japanese animation studio that has gifted some of the best cinematic masterpieces that can be enjoyed beyond age and culture.
There are many of the best Studio Ghibli movies that you can watch. From soaring through the skies on a broomstick to venturing into spirit worlds and encountering ancient forest guardians, this animation studio offers gems that touch your heart. Studio Ghibli is known for the most breathtaking visuals, moving narratives, and unforgettable characters that stay with you. Let’s get into this fantasy land and enjoy the journey of appreciating animated movies from the bottom of our hearts.
In this article, we will be exploring some of the best Studio Ghibli movies that are praiseworthy because of their storylines and aesthetic visuals, along with eye-pleasing illustrations and characters.
What is Studio Ghibli? Why is it popular?
1. Exceptional Storytelling
Their films often bring together fantastical elements with deeply human themes, such as love, loss, growing up, environmentalism, and the importance of peace. The narratives are complex enough to resonate with adults while still appealing to children.
2. Breathtaking Visuals
The studio is known for its particular, hand-drawn animation style, creating worlds that are rich in detail, color, and imagination. The landscapes are often stunning, and the characters are expressive and unique.
3. Memorable Characters
Ghibli’s films are populated with unforgettable characters, both human and fantastical. These characters are often well-designed, with relatable flaws and aspirations, developing a strong connection with the audience. For example comforting Totoro, the determined Chihiro, or the resourceful Kiki.
4. Universal Appeal
Though it is rooted in Japanese culture, the themes and emotions explored in Ghibli’s films are universal, transcending cultural boundaries and resonating with audiences worldwide.
5. A Sense of Wonder and Magic
Their films awaken a sense of wonder and childlike awe, transporting viewers to magical realms and reminding them of the beauty and mystery of the world around them.
List of Best Studio Ghibli Movies:
1. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
A heartbreaking tale of two siblings struggling to survive during World War II in Japan.
Directed by: Isao Takahata
2. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
A whimsical story of two sisters who befriend a gentle forest spirit in rural Japan.
Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
3. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
A young witch sets off on her own and finds independence running a flying delivery service.
Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
4. Only Yesterday (1991)
A nostalgic reflection of a woman’s childhood as she reconnects with her past while visiting the countryside.
Directed by: Isao Takahata
5. Ocean Waves (1993)
A coming-of-age story about friendship, love, and emotional growth in a Japanese high school.
Directed by: Tomomi Mochizuki
6. Whisper of the Heart (1995)
A creative teen follows her passion for writing and discovers inspiration through a mysterious cat figurine.
Directed by: Yoshifumi Kondō
7. Princess Mononoke (1997)
An epic fantasy exploring the conflict between nature and industrialization through mystical creatures and warriors.
Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
8. Spirited Away (2001)
A young girl navigates a magical spirit world to rescue her parents and find her own strength.
Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
9. The Cat Returns (2002)
A girl is whisked away to a fantastical cat kingdom after saving a mysterious feline prince.
Directed by: Hiroyuki Morita
10. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
A young woman cursed into old age seeks refuge in a wizard’s magical, walking castle.
Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
11. Tales from Earthsea (2006)
A troubled prince and a powerful mage battle dark forces in a crumbling fantasy realm.
Directed by: Goro Miyazaki
12. Ponyo (2008)
A goldfish princess longs to become human after forming a magical bond with a young boy.
Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
13. The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)
A tiny “Borrower” girl forms a forbidden friendship with a human boy, risking discovery.
Directed by: Hiromasa Yonebayashi
14. From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)
Two high school students fight to preserve a beloved clubhouse amid post-war change and personal revelations.
Directed by: Goro Miyazaki
15. The Boy and the Heron (2023)
A boy enters a surreal, dreamlike world guided by a mysterious heron while grieving his mother’s loss.
Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
Conclusion
The best Studio Ghibli movies have the magic and wonder to teleport you to a different world away from reality. With the help of stunning and aesthetic visuals and human narrative, their audience’s hearts move. These movies offer an escape to people regardless of their age, an escape from the stressful reality, and send them to a world filled with unforgettable characters, unexplained wholesome emotions, and fantasy creatures. It also helps evoke respect for nature and human spirits. Delivering numerous cinematic masterpieces that are beyond age and cultural boundaries.
Studio Ghibli has carved a unique place in the world of animation and gifted us with a legacy of films that continue to enchant, inspire, and remind us of the magic that lies within and around us. That’s why every film created by this incredible studio is considered a masterpiece because of their reputation in the animation industry as they never fail to impress their audience with a feast to their eyes and soul. So, we are celebrating some of the best Studio Ghibli movies through our list to encourage the audience to watch them once.
FAQ:
1. What is considered the best Ghibli movie?
While “best” is subjective, “Spirited Away” (2001) is consistently ranked as one of the top Studio Ghibli films and is widely considered a masterpiece by both fans and critics, winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
2. Why did Miyazaki refuse the Oscar?
Later, Miyazaki admitted that he didn’t attend the Oscars not because he was too busy, but because he was opposing America’s war in Iraq.
3. Did Disney buy Studio Ghibli?
No, Disney does not own Studio Ghibli; they previously held distribution rights for some of Studio Ghibli’s films in the US, but that relationship ended, and Studio Ghibli remains an independent company.