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Every Studio Ghibli Film Ranked
Studio Ghibli is synonymous with magic. For nearly four decades, Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and their collaborators have created some of the most beautiful animated films ever made. But not every Ghibli film hits the same heights.
Here's our ranking of every Studio Ghibli feature film, from the ones we love least to the all-time masterpieces.
The Lower Tier (Still Good!)
24. Tales from Earthsea (2006)
Gorō Miyazaki's directorial debut adapts Ursula K. Le Guin's fantasy novels. Beautiful worldbuilding but uneven pacing and a confusing story hold it back.
23. Earwig and the Witch (2020)
Ghibli's first CGI film. The story is thin and the animation doesn't match the studio's hand-drawn legacy, but it has some charm.
22. Ocean Waves (1993)
A simple romance between high school students. Charming but feels more like a TV movie than a Ghibli feature.
21. The Boy and the Heron (2023)
Miyazaki's "final" film is gorgeous and deeply personal, but its surreal narrative divided audiences. It rewards repeat viewings.
The Middle Tier (Very Good)
20. From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)
A sweet period drama about high school life in 1960s Yokohama. Lovely atmosphere, but lower stakes than Ghibli's best.
19. The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)
Tiny people living under the floorboards befriend a human boy. Beautiful and intimate, with stunning miniature world design.
18. Ponyo (2008)
A goldfish princess wants to become human. Pure, joyful, and animated with childlike wonder. Perfect for young kids.
17. When Marnie Was There (2014)
A lonely girl discovers a mysterious friend in an old mansion. Quiet, atmospheric, and surprisingly emotional.
16. The Cat Returns (2002)
A girl is transported to the Kingdom of Cats after saving a cat prince. Light, fun, and breezy — Ghibli at its most playful.
15. Porco Rosso (1992)
An Italian WWI pilot is cursed to look like a pig. A laid-back adventure with Miyazaki's love of aviation on full display.
14. Whisper of the Heart (1995)
A young girl discovers her passion for writing. One of Ghibli's most realistic films and a beautiful coming-of-age story.
13. The Wind Rises (2013)
A fictionalized biography of the engineer who designed Japan's WWII fighter planes. Mature, melancholic, and beautifully crafted.
The Upper Tier (Excellent)
12. Pom Poko (1994)
Tanuki (raccoon dogs) fight to save their forest from urban development. Quirky, funny, and secretly devastating.
11. Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)
A young witch starts a delivery business in a seaside town. A warm, cozy masterpiece about finding your place in the world.
10. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
A princess in a post-apocalyptic world fights to protect nature and prevent war. The film that led to Ghibli's founding.
9. Howl's Moving Castle (2004)
A cursed girl joins a vain wizard in his walking castle. Romantic, adventurous, and visually stunning — peak Miyazaki imagination.
8. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013)
Isao Takahata's final film is a watercolor masterpiece adapting Japan's oldest folk tale. Heartbreaking and transcendently beautiful.
7. Castle in the Sky (1986)
Two kids search for a legendary floating city while pursued by pirates and the military. Pure Ghibli adventure at its finest.
6. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
Two siblings struggle to survive in the aftermath of WWII firebombing. Devastating, unforgettable, and one of the greatest anti-war films ever made.
The Masterpiece Tier
5. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Two sisters discover forest spirits when they move to the countryside. The defining Ghibli film — pure wonder and childhood magic.
4. Princess Mononoke (1997)
A prince is cursed and drawn into a war between forest gods and human industry. Epic in scope, morally complex, and breathtakingly animated.
3. Porco Rosso × Kiki's Delivery Service
Both deserve recognition for being quintessentially Ghibli — cozy, character-driven, and timeless.
2. My Neighbor Totoro
The cultural icon. The bus stop scene. The Catbus. It's impossible to overstate how much joy this film brings.
1. Spirited Away (2001)
A girl gets trapped in a spirit world bathhouse and must work to free herself and her parents. The film that won the Oscar, defined Ghibli globally, and remains the gold standard for animated filmmaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch Ghibli films?
Most are available on Netflix (outside the US) and Max (in the US). Physical releases from GKIDS are also available.
What's the best Ghibli film for kids?
My Neighbor Totoro, Ponyo, and Kiki's Delivery Service are perfect for younger viewers.
What's the best Ghibli film for adults?
Princess Mononoke, Grave of the Fireflies, and The Wind Rises tackle more mature themes.
Want to explore anime by studio? Check out our Studios page to discover more from Ghibli and other legendary animation houses. Or try our Vibe Search to find anime that matches a specific mood.