As school work piles up, I crave escapism. One way I rewind after a long, tiring week, is by watching my favorite Studio Ghibli movies. The fascinating characters and mystical worlds, paired with their magical soundtracks, take me back to childhood — watching the movies for the first time at my great aunt’s house and being transported into a world of wonder.
This year marks Studio Ghibli’s 40th anniversary and, as a Ghibli lover, I’ve ranked my favorite Studio Ghibli movies to bring whimsy and child-like joy to your days.
- “Tales from Earthsea” 2006
Directed by Goro Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli’s co-founder Hayao Miyazaki’s son, “Tales from Earthsea” is a unique Ghibli Film, exploring the coexistence of life and death. The movie follows Arren, a troubled prince who murders his father and flees his kingdom. While wandering, he meets a powerful wizard named Sparrowhawk, and together they investigate a mysterious force threatening to plunge humanity into destruction and chaos. Full of dragons, spirits and war, this movie mixes raw, emotional realism with fantastical landscapes, leaving space for quiet reflection amidst the chaos. This movie is perfect for those who love finding reality in fantasy.
- “From Up on Poppy Hill” 2013
Another movie directed by Miyazaki, “From Up on Poppy Hill” is set in 1963 Yokohama, Japan. Umi, a high school girl known to raise signal flags each morning to honor her father lost at sea, meets Shun, a student helping lead a campaign to save their school’s old clubhouse from destruction. Throughout the movie, they uncover shared connections that test their relationship. “From Up on Poppy Hill” is a beautiful story about young love, memory and Japan after World War II. The characters are dedicated, lovable and ultimately human. This movie is for those who enjoy complex love stories that make their heart warm and ache.
- “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” 1985
“Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” is set in a post-apocalyptic world with sprawling deserts, toxic jungles and giant insects. Nausicaä, a compassionate and driven princess, tries to bring peace between nature and humans. When war breaks out over a deadly weapon, she fights to stop the destruction of the living beings she loves. Hayao Miyazaki allows the viewer to see all characters’ perspectives, and explores themes of peace and ecological harmony. Featuring a nostalgic 80’s soundtrack full of synths and extended chords, this movie is for those who want to be transported into a world of purpose and beauty.
- “Howls Moving Castle” 2005
A well known, classical film, “Howls Moving Castle” tells the story of Sophie, a young woman cursed by a witch to become an old lady. She seeks help from Howl, a mysterious and distrusted wizard who lives in a magical, moving castle. As Sophie works for Howl as a cleaning lady, she learns about him, herself and the part they will play in the war threatening their land. This movie, maximalist and comforting, proves that love is what encourages one to live to their fullest. The characters are complex, caring and strangely, all deceitful. “Howls Moving Castle” is a masterpiece perfect for those who want a magical, hilarious and inspiring love story.
- “Princess Mononoke” 1997
“Princess Mononoke” is my favorite movie of all time. Set in ancient Japan, where humans and nature are at war, Ashitaka, a young warrior cursed by a demon, seeks a cure. Caught between the female leader of an industrial town and San (Princess Mononoke), a girl raised by wolves fighting to protect the forest she calls home, Ashitaka attempts to establish peace, and “see with eyes unclouded by hate.” “Princess Mononoke” has the best female characters in Studio Ghibli films. They have nothing to prove, but rather something to protect — even the antagonist is loveable and deeply cares about the women she leads. Centered around the desire for peace and justice, “Princess Mononoke” tells a tale that resonates with today’s political landscape and advocates for the greater good of humanity. This film is for those who want a visually pleasing experience, with fascinating and human characters.
