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Hall of fame

34 years and 25 remarkable films later – what are Studio Ghibli’s most iconic works?

A scene from Spirited Away, where no face holds out bathhouse spa tokens to Chihiro.

Spirited Away (2001)

Considered by many to be the studio’s best work, and possibly one of the best films of 21st Century, Spirited Away follows the journey of Chihiro, a young girl trapped in a magical bathhouse for spirits. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, the film captivates audiences with its mesmerizing animation, rich storytelling, and profound themes of courage, resilience, and the power of friendship.

Spirited Away is the first, and to date, the only non-english film to win an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature (TIME, 2021).

A scene from My neighbour Totoro, where Mei is running following the 2 small totoros.

My Neighbour Totoro (1988)

A simple but beloved classic that became the ‘face’ of Studio Ghibli, My Neighbour Totoro enchants audiences with its heartwarming tale of two sisters who discover magical creatures in the countryside. Directed by Miyazaki, the film captures the innocence of childhood and the wonder of nature through its charming animation and endearing characters.

A scene from Howl's moving castle near the end of the film, where Sophie holds up Calcifer in front of her.

Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

Another Studio Ghibli gem directed by Miyazaki, Howl’s Moving Castle weaves a spellbinding tale of Sophie, a young woman cursed into old age, and her adventures with the enigmatic wizard Howl. The film enchants with its imaginative world, stunning visuals, and a narrative that explores love, self-discovery, and the magic within.

A scene from grave of the fireflies, where the boy is looking down endearingly at his young sister.

Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

Maybe not the most famous, but potentially the most tragic and devastating of all Studio Ghibli films, Grave of the Fireflies is a war drama film written and directed by Isao Takahata. It follows a young boy and his sister as they navigate and try to survive in Japan during World War II.

Scene from the tale of the princess kaguya, where kaguya is playing with falling cherry blossom petals.

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013)

Another ghibli film that might not be the most globally known, however The Tale of the Princess Kaguya has been critically praised for its artistic craft and narrative depth. The film is adapted from the Japanese folktale The Tale of The Bamboo Cutter. Directed by Isao Takahata.

References

https://time.com/6081937/spirited-away-changed-animation-studio-ghibli/

https://www.ign.com/articles/best-studio-ghibli-movies