Studio Ghibli is home to some of the most beautiful and wonderfully whimsical worlds ever created. With gorgeous green landscapes and fairy-like flower fields with the bluest skies you could think of, it's no surprise that Studio Ghibli is so popular. Being full of child-like wonder, nostalgia, and a sense of comfort that's hard to find elsewhere, from childhood through to adulthood it's hard to part ways with these animated films. At the beginning of last year, Netflix put the entire Studio Ghibli collection on their streaming service and since then there has been constant rewatches and catching up on the ones missed.
Studio Ghibli films are a delight to watch from start to end and there is almost always something that resonates with you. There's a certain joy found in Ghibli films that is impossible to recreate. Whether that be because of their heartwarming stories, or the complete lack of a bad presence, each film is filled with fondness. Despite this, as with anything, there has to be a favourite and least favourite and here is my list:
18. Tales from Earthsea (2006)
By no means is Tales from Earthsea bad, despite it being in 18th place, it's still an enjoyable experience. But in comparison to the others on this list, it lacks the endearing nature of other Ghibli films.
17. Princess Mononoke (1997)
Fully prepared for everyone to disagree on the placement of this one. Princess Mononoke has a lovely story, it's full of adventure, but it just falls short. It was as exciting, the scenery wasn't as beautiful and the characters weren't as likeable to me. It's still a wonderful film.
16. Porco Rosso (1992)
Planes, animals, nature and the sea. A charming mixture of all things we love to see in a Miyazaki film. Cursed to live life with the head of a pig, Porco Rosso is a perfectly delightful experience.
15. Only Yesterday (1991)
Only Yesterday doesn't feel like a Studio Ghibli film. Unfortunately, I don't think this works in its favour. It's fun and silly and altogether pleasant. At times its timeline of events can be disorientating, but there's something incredibly sweet about watching 27-year-old Taeko look back at her childhood experiences.
14. Castle in the Sky (1986)
Beyond wholesome, a girl and boy with a magical crystal race against pirates in search of a legendary floating castle in the sky. Full of adventure and gorgeous landscapes and kindest characters, but entirely lacking any kind of charm.
13. Pom Poko (1994)
This film felt like some kind of fever dream, erratic and crazy and entirely charismatic. Pom Poko is so utterly strange in an almost off-putting way, but its humour more than makes up for any of its downfalls.
12. Whisper of the Heart (1995)
Very simple, but wonderfully heartwarming. There is a serious lack of actual plot in this film, but its mesmerising charm and heartfelt connection between Shizuku and Seiji more than makes up for it. The way in which it links into The Cat Returns is also lovely.
11. Grave of Fireflies (1988)
On a completely different vibe to any other Ghibli film, Grave of Fireflies is unrelenting in its portrayal of war and loss and its ability to fill you with gut-wrenching emotion is unmatched.
10. The Wind Rises (2013)
Doubtlessly, The Wind Rises is a love letter to Japanese aviation that inspired Miyazaki so deeply. Whilst this love is so clearly evident in almost all of Miyazaki's films, The Wind Rises really showcases this passion.
9. The Cat Returns (2002)
Baron returns for the second time after his first appearance in Whisper of the Heart and this time the film has more adventure and story to love. Whisper of the Heart was simply charming, but The Cat Returns is excitingly strange, staying true to the appeal for which Studio Ghibli is known for.
8. My Neighbour Totoro (1988)
A Childhood favourite, it's almost painful to place it at only 8th place. My Neighbour Totoro is the epitome of pure bliss. It has its sad components, an ill mother, but the joy it brings with its huge cuddly animal protagonist and of course the crazy large cat bus.
7. From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)
Absolutely captivating. Some aspects of the story are slightly questionable, but its nostalgic vibe and youthful feeling is so extraordinarily sweet. A race against time to clean up and save their school clubhouse, the characters form alliances with one another, pushing through the tribulations they face.
6. The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)
This film is whimsical, magical and quaint. The Secret World of Arrietty is a world in which I would like to climb inside and never leave. It's charming and beautiful and by far one of the sweetest films by Studio Ghibli.
5. When Marnie Was There (2014)
The emotionally distant Anna goes to stay in the countryside over summer, during this time she becomes obsessed with an old abandoned mansion, that on some nights appears to not be so abandoned. In this mansion is a girl, Marnie. They form a beautiful friendship with a plot twist that I could never have seen coming. Every part of this film is entirely exquisite.
4. Ponyo (2008)
Ponyo is delightful. Weird and unique, but just delightful. There's something so serene about the use of water in this film and the unique designs of each fish you see throughout are just wonderful. Ponyo is nothing short of a dream.
3. Spirited Away (2001)
Most definitely a favourite, Spirited Away has one of the most unique stories. Every scene in this film is perfect. The animation is exquisite, and each building, landscape and room decor is beautiful. This film is full of childhood memories and joy. The attention to detail is impeccable and everything about this film is ethereal.
2. Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)
Kiki's Delivery Service is one of the purest Ghibli films around, full of joy, witchcraft and genuine friendship, it's hard not to have a constant smile while watching this film.
1. Howl's Moving Castle (2004)
At first place, it has to be Howl's Moving Castle. This film radiates a different kind of pure happiness. With the most stunning long shot landscapes of the Wastelands, Sophie's garden, and even the beautiful market by the sea. Everything about this film is a pleasure to watch. A combination of all things we know Hayao Miyazaki loves from his previous films: planes, nature, general whimsy and more. Its story is large and extravagant, even for its 2 hour runtime. Despite this, it is still the perfect wholesome film.
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