The best Ghibli movies ever made, according to IMDb ratings
The world of Studio Ghibli is a realm where dreams take flight, spirits roam ancient forests and the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary. If you crave cinematic experiences, brimming with hand-drawn scenes, heartfelt storytelling and themes that linger in your memory, you will find them within the works of this legendary Japanese animation studio. Owing to such factors, Studio Ghibli movies consistently earn critical acclaim along with high ratings on platforms such as IMDb.
Founded by visionaries Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata and Toshio Suzuki, Studio Ghibli has become synonymous with quality animation. But what makes a Ghibli movie so distinctly “Ghibli”? Think Pixar but with a Japanese cultural lens and a lesser focus on sequels and franchises. These films are characterised by breathtaking hand-drawn animation that evokes a sense of wonder, often featuring strong female protagonists who navigate complex challenges.
They delve into nuanced themes like environmentalism, the costs of war, the complexities of morality and the power of friendship and family with often astonishing depth. The stories in Studio Ghibli movies unfold in whimsical settings filled with talking animals, magical spirits and breathtaking landscapes, all underscored by memorable soundtracks that stay with viewers long after the credits roll.
The Oscar nomination for The Boy and the Heron underscores the studio’s ability to create works that resonate deeply with viewers worldwide. The release strategy for the film was remarkably unconventional. Studio Ghibli opted for a minimalist marketing campaign, foregoing the barrage of trailers and promotional materials typical of blockbuster releases. The film’s initial release was also limited to select audiences, creating an element of exclusivity and adding to the anticipation surrounding the project. It became a commercial success all the same. This project, years in the making, has been widely reported to be Miyazaki’s final film. If true, this would mean fans have witnessed the culmination of his legendary career.
Whether you are a lifelong Ghibli enthusiast or new to this world of cinema, this list offers a gateway into the magical realm.
The best Studio Ghibli movies with IMDb ratings of 8 and above
IMDb rating: 8
Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
Voice cast: Keiko Yokozawa, Mayumi Tanaka, Kotoe Hatsui
Synopsis: Sheeta (Yokozawa), a young girl with a mysterious crystal and Pazu (Tanaka), an orphan boy, embark on a quest to find Laputa, a legendary floating castle. Along the way, they are pursued by pirates and government agents.
About the film: A thrilling adventure with steampunk elements and themes of friendship, bravery and the dangers of unchecked power.
IMDb rating: 8
Directed by: Isao Takahata
Voice cast: Aki Asakura, Kengo Kôra, Takeo Chii
Synopsis: Based on a Japanese folktale, a magical princess called Kaguya (Asakura), born from a bamboo stalk, grows at an astonishing speed. Discovered by a humble bamboo cutter, she’s raised as nobility and faces the constraints of her newfound social position.
About the film: It is a visually breathtaking film with a watercolour-like style. It explores themes of destiny, societal expectations and the longing for freedom.
IMDb rating: 8.1
Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
Voice cast: Sumi Shimamoto, Mahito Tsujimura, Hisako Kyōda
Synopsis: In a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a toxic jungle, Princess Nausicaä (Sumi Shimamoto), a skilled pilot and compassionate leader, strives to create peace between warring factions and understand the secrets of the polluted environment.
About the film: An early Miyazaki masterpiece, it showcases strong environmental themes, a courageous female protagonist and stunning world-building. Though it was made before Studio Ghibli was founded, it is considered to be a Ghibli work in spirit.
IMDb rating: 8.1
Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
Voice cast: Hitoshi Takagi, Noriko Hidaka, Chika Sakamoto
Synopsis: Two young sisters, Satsuki (Hidaka) and Mei (Sakamoto), move to the countryside with their father and discover a world of magical creatures, including the gentle giant Totoro.
About the film: A heartwarming celebration of childhood wonder and the beauty of nature.
IMDb rating: 8.2
Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
Voice cast: Chieko Baishô, Takuya Kimura, Akihiro Miwa, Tatsuya Gashuin
Synopsis: Sophie (Baishô), a young hat maker, is cursed by a witch and transformed into an old woman. She encounters the enigmatic wizard Howl (Kimura) and his magical moving castle, embarking on an adventure filled with spells, transformations and the horrors of war.
About the film: Based (loosely) on the novel of the same name by Diana Wynne Jones.
IMDb rating: 8.3
Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
Voice cast: Yôji Matsuda, Yuriko Ishida, Yûko Tanaka
Synopsis: In medieval Japan, a young prince named Ashitaka (Matsuda) becomes cursed while defending his village. His quest for a cure leads him into a conflict between the forest gods and a mining colony led by the fierce Lady Eboshi (Ishida).
About the film: This visually stunning epic grapples with weighty questions about humanity’s relationship with nature, making it one of the studio’s most thought-provoking works.
7 /8
Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
IMDb rating: 8.5
Directed by: Isao Takahata
Voice cast: Tsutomu Tatsumi, Ayano Shiraishi, Yoshiko Shinohara
Synopsis: Set during World War II, this heartbreaking tale follows two siblings, Seita (Tatsumi) and Setsuko (Shiraishi), struggling to survive amidst the devastating aftermath of war.
IMDb rating: 8.6
Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
Voice cast: Rumi Hiiragi, Miyu Irino, Mari Natsuki
Synopsis: Chihiro (Hiiragi) finds herself trapped in a fantastical bathhouse for spirits after her parents are transformed into pigs. To break the curse and return home, she must navigate this strange world, facing challenges and forming unexpected friendships along the way.
About the film: This film explores themes of identity, courage and the power of the human spirit.
Awards won: It was bestowed with the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003. It remains the first non-English-language animated film to clinch the trophy.
This article first appeared on Lifestyle Asia India.
(Main and featured image: IMDb)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-Are Ghibli movies worth watching?
Studio Ghibli movies offer enchanting stories, breathtaking animation and universal themes that resonate with viewers of all ages.
-Why is Studio Ghibli so popular?
Studio Ghibli is popular because of its films, which are known for their hand-drawn artistry, complex characters, whimsical settings and heartfelt stories tackling mature subjects in an accessible way.
-What is the darkest Studio Ghibli movie?
Grave of the Fireflies (IMDb rating: 8.5) is widely considered the darkest among Ghibli movies, owing to its unflinching depiction of wartime suffering.
-How many Ghibli movies exist?
Studio Ghibli has produced 24 feature-length films to date.
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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