Hayao Miyazaki is an acclaimed Japanese director of animated films. Some call him the Walt Disney of Japan, while many others will tell you that films from his Studio Ghibli are superior to Disney in every way. There’s no denying that Miyazaki’s films are gorgeous works of art in terms of animation, featuring memorable characters, evocative soundtracks, and deep themes that touch on the most profound of human experiences. I’ve compiled a list of my favorite Studio Ghibli films that reward a revisit with visually stunning details and stories that will mean new things to you as you grow older.
1. Spirited Away
Chihiro and her parents in Spirited Away; image credit: Studio Ghibli
This was my very first Studio Ghibli film and it holds a special place in my heart. It follows a young girl named Chihiro as she enters a world of spirits and must work off her debt to a witch in order to save her parents. This movie resonated with me deeply when I watched it around age 14. I lived on a farm, and Chihiro’s immersion into a world of adult responsibilities and hard work—cleaning the bathhouses and serving spirits—felt relatable to me as a young child trying to keep up with adult chores.
The movie also tackles a complicated relationship between Chihiro and her parents. At the beginning, she has a fight with them, and they are subsequently transformed into hogs in the spirit world. Chihiro is willing to do whatever it takes to save them, showing that she still loves her parents even if she gets frustrated with them.
As an adult, other themes might appear richer on a rewatch. There are many explorations of good and evil in Spirited Away. A ferocious spirit that eats everything in its path is revealed to be a nature spirit in pain, overwhelmed by the mountain of trash humans have burdened it with. Take note of this theme, because environmentalism and the magic of nature appear repeatedly in Studio Ghibli films.
2. Princess Mononoke
Moro and Ashitaka in Princess Mononoke; image credit: Studio Ghibli
Environmentalism is the overwhelming theme in one of Studio Ghibli’s darkest and most violent films. While many Studio Ghibli movies are made for children, this one definitely skews toward an older audience, making it a perfect choice to revisit as an adult. The story follows a teen named Ashitaka, who seeks a cure from the gods after encountering the wolf god Moro, or the titular Princess Mononoke. Moro is out for vengeance in defense of animals and nature as humans ravage the Earth. Ashitaka tries to bring a dangerous conflict to a place of peace.
This film beautifully reflects how Ashitaka’s infection symbolizes humanity’s struggle to break destructive cycles. If Ashitaka succumbs to his infection, he’ll become a mindless creature consumed by pain and hatred, unless he can disrupt the cycles of violence both within and without. The movie also explores different leadership styles, the marginalization of people with disabilities, and even the nature of true love. There are so many layers to this rich, beautiful film.
3. Howl’s Moving Castle
Sophie and the wizard Howl in Howl’s Moving Castle; image credit: Studio Ghibli
This film is a favorite among book lovers since it’s based on the Diana Wynne Jones novel. It tells a coming-of-age story, a metaphor that becomes quite literal when a young woman named Sophie falls victim to a spell that turns her into an old woman. The wizard Howl definitely has Peter Pan syndrome. He fears the responsibilities that come with his power and is prone to tantrums and vanity.
Rewatch Howl’s Moving Castle for the beautiful reminder that we must accept ourselves in order to grow and mature. At the beginning of the story, Sophie doesn’t see herself as beautiful or lovable, while Howl, in a quest to force everyone into loving him, shuts himself off from true love. Both characters have to face their imperfections and grow from them to share real love together.
4. Kiki’s Delivery Service
Kiki delivering a pie to a customer in Kiki’s Delivery Service; image credit: Studio Ghibli
I loved this movie as a child. It’s whimsical, lighthearted, and oh-so-cottagecore. But if you rewatch it as an adult, deeper themes and complexity will be revealed. Kiki is an accomplished young witch who has a strong heart and work ethic. She sets off on her own for the first time and takes a job as a delivery girl for a bakery. Kiki’s coming-of-age story is full of the classic struggles not just of adulthood but of life itself.
Throughout the story, many motherly figures and matriarchs appear, such as Osono and Madame, each of whom may resonate with you at different points in your life. Above all, though, this film is about community. Kiki earns trust in her new home by building relationships through helping others out whenever she has a chance. Through her meaningful work and connections, Kiki shows us the power of staying humble and helping those around us.
5. Whisper of the Heart
Shizuku and Seiji in Whisper of the Heart; image credit: Studio Ghibli
This is one of Studio Ghibli’s most underrated movies. Instead of relying on typical fantasy elements, it presents a slice-of-life tale about a girl named Shizuku, who secretly aspires to be a novelist. She forms a reluctant friendship with her teenage neighbor, Seiji, a talented violinist who dreams of creating beautiful violins. Seiji is set on his goal, and Shizuku admires his conviction, even though she is unsure about her own path in life and sees this uncertainty as a shortcoming.
This is very much a film for creatives struggling with confidence, as Shizuku slowly opens up about her passion for storytelling. Seiji inspires her to write more, practice her craft, and commit to her dreams. As a young writer myself who once worked in secret like Shizuku, I took so much inspiration from this film, and rewatching it always feels like a warm hug.
The message to look within and discover the person you strive to be is a timeless reminder that gains even more context and depth as we get older. For me, this movie is a perfect rewatch.
See more:
- 10 Lesser-Known Fun Facts About Studio Ghibli
- 10 Highest Grossing Japanese Films of All Time
- Top 10 Highest Rated Animation Shows of All Time
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