7 Must-Watch Studio Ghibli Masterpieces That Will Enchant Your Heart

7 Must-Watch Studio Ghibli Masterpieces That Will Enchant Your Heart

Studio Ghibli is a renowned Japanese animation studio founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata. Ghibli movies are celebrated for their beautifully painted visions and have set the template for many other films in the industry.

In this blog, we’ll take you on a captivating journey through seven mesmerizing Studio Ghibli movies, each one a visual feast that will not only captivate your eyes but also immerse you in their enchanting worlds, showcasing breathtaking animation and a distinctive, timeless style that is truly a treat for the senses.

 

1. Ponyo

Ponyo is a Japanese film released in 2008, directed by Hayao Miyazaki. It tells the enchanting story of a goldfish named Ponyo who befriends a human boy named Sosuke. The film explores Ponyo’s curious nature and her deep desire to become human. However, her wish to transform upsets the balance of nature, a disruption that can only be restored by her mother, who helps bring Ponyo’s dream to life. The story unfolds as an adventure shared by Ponyo and Sosuke.

 

2. Kiki’s Delivery Service

Kiki’s Delivery Service is an animated film from Studio Ghibli released in 1989. The story follows a 13-year-old witch who moves to a European seaside village to live independently and establish herself as a witch. This film is based on the 1985 children’s fantasy novel of the same name by Eiko Kadono, illustrated by Akiko Hayashi. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki and written by Miyazaki and Kadono, the film beautifully captures the journey of self-discovery and independence.

 

3. The Secret World of Arrietty

The Secret World of Arrietty is an animated movie released in 2010 by Studio Ghibli, directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi and written by Hayao Miyazaki. The film follows the story of Arrietty, a young Borrower who lives under the floorboards of a typical household. She forms a friendship with Sho, a boy with heart problems living with his aunt, Sadako. As Haru (Sadako’s maid) becomes suspicious of the disturbances under the floorboards, Arrietty and her family must avoid detection, even if it means leaving their beloved home. The movie offers a unique perspective, showing the world through the eyes of the Borrowers and how they perceive their surroundings.

 

4. My Neighbor Totoro

My Neighbor Totoro is a Japanese animated film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, released in 1988. The film tells the heartwarming story of two sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside with their father to be near their mother, who is recovering from an illness. As the sisters explore their new home, they discover playful spirits living in their house and the nearby forest, including a giant, gentle forest spirit named Totoro, who can only be seen by children. Totoro and his friends take the girls on an adventure, including a magical ride on the Cat Bus. This movie is a must-watch for its wholesome depiction of how a gentle giant helps two little girls.

 

5. Spirited Away

Spirited Away, the Oscar-winning film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli, premiered in theaters in Japan on July 20, 2001. The story follows Chihiro, a 10-year-old girl who stumbles into a mystical world of gods and spirits. Her parents are transformed into pigs by an evil witch named Yubaba, and Chihiro is forced to work at Yubaba’s bathhouse. As Chihiro navigates this enchanting but perilous world, she encounters various characters and must find a way to save her parents and return to the human world. This film is renowned for its rich animation, imaginative storytelling, and emotional depth.

 

6. How’s Moving Castle

Howl’s Moving Castle is a 2004 Japanese animated film by Studio Ghibli, written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. Based on the 1986 novel of the same name by British author Diana Wynne Jones, the story is set in a European town in the early 19th century that is at war with a neighboring kingdom.

It follows Sophie, the eldest of three daughters, who is cursed by a witch to appear as an old woman. To break the curse, Sophie must journey to Howl’s ever-moving castle in the mountains and confront Howl, a fire demon, and the Witch of the Waste. Along her journey, she learns more about Howl and herself than she anticipated. The film is celebrated for its beautiful animation, great music, and stunning visuals that you need to experience to fully appreciate its beauty.

 

7. The Boy and the Heron

“The Boy and the Heron,” another Oscar-winning film, was recently released in 2023. Written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Toshio Suzuki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli, the movie follows Mahito Maki, a young boy who moves to the countryside after his mother’s death during the Pacific War. He discovers a deserted tower and is drawn into a parallel world by a talking heron. The film explores themes of life, death, and creation, and pays tribute to friendship.

 

The movies listed above are pure masterpieces created by Hayao Miyazaki. You’ll find yourself immersed in their captivating stories and stunning visuals, accompanied by beautiful background music that can only be fully appreciated through firsthand experience. These films evoke a sense of nostalgia and wonder. While there are many exceptional Studio Ghibli movies, these are a perfect starting point for your journey into the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli.

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