Studio Ghibli Movies

Studio Ghibli was co-founded by Japanese directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata in 1985 and has since produced many of our favorite animated films. We love how Miyazaki's movies often have a strong girl at the center of the story and how lovingly he portrays the delights of childhood. (A few of the titles on this list are distributed, rather than produced, by Studio Ghibli, but they retain the high quality the studio is known for.) And when you're done with these, check out more of the Best Anime Movies.

Kiki's Delivery Service Poster Image
MOVIE

Kiki's Delivery Service

age 5+

A mystical, positive take on girl's coming of age.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1990)
My Neighbor Totoro Poster Image
MOVIE

My Neighbor Totoro

age 5+

Beautifully animated fantasy about friendship fit for all.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1988)
Ponyo Poster Image
MOVIE

Ponyo

age 5+

Miyazaki's stunning adventure is geared to younger kids.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2009)
My Neighbors the Yamadas Poster Image
MOVIE

My Neighbors the Yamadas

age 7+

Quirky animated comedy follows a family's ups and downs.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1999)
The Secret World of Arrietty Poster Image
MOVIE

The Secret World of Arrietty

age 7+

Deeply felt anime about loneliness and friendship.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2012)
Howl's Moving Castle Poster Image
MOVIE

Howl's Moving Castle

age 8+

Charming Miyazaki fairy tale with surreal villains.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2005)
The Red Turtle Poster Image
MOVIE

The Red Turtle

age 8+

Beautiful word-free drama about castaway who finds love.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2017)
Castle in the Sky Movie Poster
MOVIE

Castle in the Sky

age 8+

Exciting anime fantasy has some violence, peril.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1986)
From up on Poppy Hill Poster Image
MOVIE

From up on Poppy Hill

age 9+

Inspiring, romantic coming-of-age tale about '60s teens.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2013)
Spirited Away Poster Image
MOVIE

Spirited Away

age 9+

Magnificent movie with scary creatures and a strong heroine.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2002)
When Marnie Was There Poster Image
MOVIE

When Marnie Was There

age 9+

Beautifully animated but slow tale about unique friendship.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2015)
The Cat Returns Poster Image
MOVIE

The Cat Returns

age 10+

Imaginative adventure anime has some fantasy violence.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2005)
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind Movie Poster: A girl stands in profile, looking to the left
MOVIE

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind

age 11+

Beautiful anime with eco message and an amazing female hero.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1985)
Pom Poko Poster Image
MOVIE

Pom Poko

age 10+

Animated tale has environmental message; peril, sadness.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1994)
Porco Rosso Movie Poster: A pilot in pig form sits in an prop plane cockpit
MOVIE

Porco Rosso

age 10+

Lesser-known Miyazaki has heavy themes, cartoon violence.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1994)
Whisper of the Heart Poster Image
MOVIE

Whisper of the Heart

age 10+

Sweet, romantic coming-of-age anime with strong role models.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2006)
Only Yesterday Poster Image
MOVIE

Only Yesterday

age 11+

Classic Studio Ghibli drama focuses on Japanese girlhood.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1991)
The Wind Rises Movie Poster: Two characters kiss under an umbrella
MOVIE

The Wind Rises

age 10+

Lovely, contemplative tale of famed aeronautical engineer.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2014)
Princess Mononoke Poster Image
MOVIE

Princess Mononoke

age 12+

Epic, compelling, and violent anime classic.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 1999)
Tales from Earthsea Poster Image
MOVIE

Tales from Earthsea

age 12+

Stylish animation isn't enough to save violent adaptation.

On DVD/Streaming (Release Year: 2010)