Are you looking for some legendary anime? You jumped at the correct place. We have got the list of best studio Ghibli movies for you. Before that, let us tell you that Studio Ghibli was founded by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata and is predominantly an animation studio.
1. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
- Director: Isao Takahata
- Writer: Isao Takahata
- Cast: Aki Asakura, KengoKora, Takeo Chii, Nobuko Miyamoto, Atsuko Takahata, Tomoko Tabata, HikaruIjuin, RyudoUzaki, Mirai Uchida, ReigoMizoguchi
- IMDb: 8/10
- Rotten Tomato: 100%
- Where to Watch: Netflix
In the film, The tale of the Princess Kayuga, One day, people found a small nymph in the trees. After some time, the tiny nymph got transformed into a beautiful woman. She was so beautiful with looks that everybody wanted to marry her. So she asked every candidate who wanted to marry her to prove their love. She gave them some next to impossible tasks and asked them to complete them in order to marry her.
2. Tales from Earthsea
- Director: Gora Miyazaki
- Writers: Ursula K. Le Guin, Goro Miyazaki
- Cast: AoiTeshima, Bunta Sugawara, Teruyuki Kagawa, Jun Fubuki, Takashi Naito, YuiNatsukawa, Timothy Dalton, Willem Dafoe, Matt Levin
- IMDb: 6.4/10
- Rotten Tomato: 43%
- Where to Watch: Netflix
In one of the best movies by Ghibli studios, Tales from Earthsea, it is shown that a mysterious enemy on the Earthsea wanted to destroy humanity. A very powerful wizard whose name was Sparrow Hawk then comes to save the world and also saves the prince Arren. Now, the prince joins the wizard, and a priestess with her daughter also joins them to fight against this enemy to save the world from getting converted into chaos. You can watch Tales from Earthsea on Netflix.
3. My Neighbour Totoro
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Writer: Hayao Miyazaki
- Cast: Noriko Hidaka, Chika Sakamoto, Sumi Shimamoto, Hitoshi Takagi, MachikoWashio, Reiko Suzuki, Masashi Hirose, Shigeru Chiba, Naoki Tatsuta, Tarako
- IMDb: 8.2/10
- Rotten Tomato: 94%
- Where to Watch: Netflix
My Neighbour Totoro is next on the list. This movie starts by showing a family migrating to an old country and living over there in a new house. A school going girl named Satsuki and her younger sister Mei waits with her father for her mother to recover from disease as she was admitted to a nearby hospital. Their daughter finds some spirits in their new house and becomes their friend. This is one of the best works of director Hayao Miyazaki.
4. Princess Mononoke
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Writers: Hayao Miyazaki, Neil Gaiman
- Cast: Billy Crudup, Billy Bob Thornton, Minnie Driver, Claire Danes, Gillian Anderson, Keith David, Corey Burton, Tara Strong, Julia Fletcher, Debi Derryberry, Alex Fernandez
- IMDb: 8.4/10
- Rotten Tomato: 93%
- Where To Watch: Netflix
In the film princess Mononoke it is shown how humans have started destroying the earth. Now there is no more love between humans and animals. Ashitaka was also attacked by an animal, so he was going to God Shishigami to recover from wounds. While he was traveling, he saw how humans are taking this life and earth for granted and are destroying it. This leads to the downfall of the wrath of his human companion, princess Mononoke. What will they do next? Will Princess Mononoke be able to finish this conflict? Watch this studio Ghibli film to know.
5. The Cat Returns
- Director: Hiroyuki Morito
- Writers: AoiHiiragi, Reiko Yoshida
- Cast: Chizuru Ikewaki, Aki Maeda, Takayuki Yamada, Hitomi Sato, Kenta Satoi, Mari Hamada, Tetsu Watanabe, KumikaOkae, YoOizumi, Yoko Honna, Ken Yasuda, Anne Hathaway
- IMDb: 7.2/10
- Rotten Tomato: 90%
- Where to Watch: Netflix
In the film, the cat returns, it is shown that Haru was a school student who saw a truck coming fast towards her, and a cat was present on the road. She rescued the cat, after that she came to know that the cat is a prince. So the prince’s dad decided to thank her by marrying her to the prince and bringing her to the Cat Kingdom. She was not allowed to go back to her original place, so she took the help of two statues that had a life to gain her freedom from here. The Cat Returns can be watched on Netflix.
6. My Neighbors the Yamadas
- Director: Isao Takahata
- Writer: Hisaichi Ishii
- Cast: YukijiAsaoka, Masako Araki, HayatoIsohata, Naomi Uno, Akiko Yano, Tamao Nakamura, ChochoMiyako, Jim Belushi, Jeff Bennett, Alex Buck, Dixie Carter, Erin Chambers
- IMDb: 7.2/10
- Rotten Tomato: 78%
- Where to Watch: Netflix
Director Isao Takahata has directed this Ghibli film. In this movie, the life of a middle-class family in Japan is shown. In the family of Yamada’s, the father and mother of Nanoko fight for the TV remote. Whereas her grandmother, whose name was Shiege, always used to recite different Proverbs, and Nanoko always likes to go to the shopping mall. You can stream this movie on Netflix.
7. Porco Rosso
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Writer: Hayao Miyazaki
- Cast: Shuichiro Moriyama, Tokiko Kato, BunshiKatsura, Akemi Okamura, Hiroko Seki, ReizoNomoto, Osamu Saka, Minoru Yada, Michael Keaton, Susan Egan, David Ogden Stiers
- IMDb: 7.7/10
- Rotten Tomato: 95%
- Where to Watch: Netflix
A wealthy ship was sailing through the Adriatic sea. The sky pirates saw it and planned to terrorize it. One of World War I pilots, whose name was Porco Rosso was turned into a pig during the war itself. He was one of the bravest pilots. He was prepared to fight against the sky pirates as he teamed up with Fio Piccolo, a mechanic, and Madame Gina, his old friend. Porco Rosso is one of Studio Ghibli’s best films.
8. Whisper of the Heart
- Director: Yoshifumi Kondo
- Writer: Hayao Miyazaki, AoiHiiragi
- Cast: Yoko Honna, Issey Takahashi, Shigeru Muroi, Keiju Kobayashi, Maiko Kayama, Yoshimi Nakajima, Minami Takayama, Mayumi Izuka, Mai Chiba, Satoru Takahashi
- IMDb: 7.9/10
- Rotten Tomato: 94%
- Where to Watch: Netflix
In the film Whisper of the Heart, a girl whose name was Shizuku is shown. She aspires to become a writer when she grows up. She is also a voracious reader. One good day, she saw that all her books, which she issued from the library are previously read by a boy named Seiji Amasawa. She decided to chase this guy, during which she met an antique dealer also. She was very keen to meet this guy who could be her love also. Whisper of the heart can be watched on Netflix.
9. Grave of the FireFlies
- Director: Isao Takahata
- Writer: AkiyukiNosaka, Isao Takahata
- Cast: Tsutomu Tatsumi, Ayano Shiraishi, Yoshiko Shinohara, Akemi Yamaguchi, Tadashi Nakamura, Marcy Bannor, Luci Christian, Shannon Coley, Adam Gibbs, Dan green
- IMDb: 8.5/10
- Rotten Tomato: 100%
- Where to Watch: Hulu
We all know how America Bombed Japan in World War-II. This film is based on that. The two siblings got separated from their parents during World War-II. They both struggle hard to live their life alone. This story is so heartbreaking as they both rely on each other for their survival. You can watch this film on Hulu.
10. PomPoko
- Director: Isao Takahata
- Writers: Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata
- Cast: ShinchoKokontei, Makoto Nonomura, Yuriko Ishida, NijikoKiyokawa, Shigeru Izumiya, Takehiro Murata, BunshiKatsura Vi, Kosan Yanagiya, Rei Sakuma, Tomokazu Seki
- IMDb: 7.3/10
- Rotten Tomato: 85%
- Where to Watch: Netflix
Tanuki was known for its ability to bring fortune. In the film, it is shown that they used to live in the forest. Due to urbanization, the forest trees were cut, due to which their survival became difficult. They decide to stand against it and save their habitat by using their special powers. Will they be able to save their habitat? Watch the movie to know. You can stream PomPoko on Netflix.
11. Howl’s Moving Castle
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Writers: Hayao Miyazaki, Diana Wynne Jones
- Cast: Chieko Baisho, Takuya Kimura, Tatsuya Gashuin, YoOizumi, Akio Otsuka, Haruko Kato, Jean Simmons, Christian Bale, Lauren Bacall, Emily Mortimer, Blythe Danner
- IMDb: 8.2/10
- Rotten Tomato: 87%
- Where to Watch: Netflix
This film starts with Sophie, a girl who was bored with her life. She used to sit on her late father’s hat shop. One day she saw Howl and became friends with him. Howl had his castle in the sky. So, Sophie accompanied him to his castle in the sky. But the twist comes when the witch was jealous of their relationship, so she throws a spell on her, due to which Sophie aged. Now, Howl takes charge to combat the witch. He must use all his powers to beat the witch and get back Sophie’s original beauty.
12. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Writer: Hayao Miyazaki
- Cast: Sumi Shimamoto, Hisako Kyoda, Gora Naya, Ichiro Nagai, JojiYanami, Minoru Yada, Rihoko Yoshida, Masako Sugaya, Tarako, Mina Tominaga, Yoji Matsuda, KoheiMiyauchi
- IMDb: 8.1/10
- Rotten Tomato: 88%
- Where to Watch: Netflix
This film is based on the future. The film starts showing a devastating apocalypse, after which the whole earth is destroyed. Some of the humans survived the apocalypse, and now they are living in different parts of the world. Nausicaa also survived it, and now he is living in the valley of the wind. He knew how to communicate with the different insects that were in the jungle. He decided to bring peace back on, and thus he teamed up with Lord Yupa. Will he be successful in his mission. Watch this film on Netflix to know.
13. Kiki’s Delivery Service
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Writer: EikoKadono, Hayao Miyazaki
- Cast: Minami Takayama, Rei Sakuma, Keiko Toda, Koichi Miura, Haruko Kato, Hiroko Seki, Kikuko Inoue, Mika Doi, Takaya Hashi, Chika Sakamoto,
- IMDb: 7.8/10
- Rotten Tomato: 98%
- Where to Watch: Netflix
This film is one of Studio Ghibli’s best movies. This movie starts with kiki. She was thirteen years old when she was asked to spend a year alone in order to become a witch. She then lived alone for a year, during which she learned how to control her broomstick. After this, she thought of delivering items on her broomstick. Later, she started questioning herself. She got depressed. This leads to the loss of her powers. She would have to gain her confidence back in order to get her old powers back. Will she be successful? This is one of the best works of Hayao Miyazaki. Watch this film on Netflix now.
14. When Marnie Was There
- Directors: James Simone, HiromasaYonebayashi
- Writers: Joan G. Robinson, Keiko Niwa
- Cast: Sara Takatsuki, Kasumi Arimura, Susumu Terajima, ToshieNegishi, Kazuko Yoshiyuki, Hitomi Kuroki, Yuko Kaida, Takuma Otoo, Hana Sugisaki, Ken Yasuda, YoOizumi
- IMDb: 7.7/10
- Rotten Tomato: 91%
- Where to Watch: Netflix
When Marnie was there is directed by HiromasaYonebayashi. This film starts by showing a girl who was suffering from asthma. Due to her medical conditions, she was asked to live in the countryside. During her stay in the countryside, she met Marnie and became a friend of hers. In the later part of the film, we get to know about the bond that they both share. Watch, When Marnie was there on Netflix to find out what special bond they share?
15. From Up on Poppy Hill
- Director: Goro Miyazaki
- Writers: Tetsuro Sayama, Hayao Miyazaki
- Cast: Masami Nagasawa, Keiko Takeshita, Yuriko Ishida, Rumi Hiiragi, Jun Fubuki, Takashi Naito, NaoOhmori, HarukaShiraishi, Alex Wolff, Bridget Hoffman, AoiTeshima
- IMDb: 7.4/10
- Rotten Tomato: 86%
- Where to Watch: Netflix
From Up on Poppy Hill is one of the best Ghibli Movies. We all know how Japan suffered during World War-II. So this movie is set during the times when Japan started modernizing. All Japanese were looking into their bright future as they were eagerly waiting for Tokyo’s Olympics. It is shown in the film how they were making the required arrangements for the Olympics. From up on Poppy Hill is directed by Goro Miyazaki. Goro Miyazaki has done a remarkable job by making this film. This film can be streamed on Netflix.
16. Spirited Away
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Writer: Hayao Miyazaki
- Cast: Rumi Hiiragi, MiyuIrino, Mari Natsuki, Takashi Naito, Tatsuya Gashuin, YumiTamai, Koba Hayashi, Shigeru Wakita, Shiro Saito
- IMDb: 8.6/10
- Rotten Tomato: 97%
- Where to Watch: Netflix
In this film, a family visits an amusement park. The family included Chihiro with her parents. The park which they visited was abandoned for years. Later she notices that her mother and father are transformed into pigs. She later meets Haku in the park, who tells her that in order to get freedom from her, she must work here as this park is controlled by spirits. Will she be able to free herself out? This is one of the best works of Hayao Miyazaki.
17. Ocean Waves
- Director: Tomomi Mochizuki
- Writer: SaekoHimuro, Keiko Niwa,
- Cast: Nobuo Tobita, Yoko Sakamoto, Yuri Amano, Kae Araki, AyaHisakawa, Tomokazu Seki, HikaruMidorikawa, RinMizuhara, Reiko Suzuki, Ai Sato
- IMDb: 6.7/10
- Rotten Tomato: 88%
- Where to Watch: HBO Max
Ocean waves, the film is specially made for the young generations. A new girl joins the high school. Their school was present in the Kochi city of Japan. The film revolves around three people. Two good friends and the other one is the new girl who joins the school. This film is based on a love triangle that is formed amongst those three. Will the film have a happy ending? This film is written by Keiko Niwa and SaekoHimuro and is directed by Tomomi Mochizuki.
18. Castle in the Sky
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Writer: Hayao Miyazaki
- Cast: Mayumi Tanaka, Keiki Yokozawa, KoteoHatsui, Minoriterada, FujioTokita, Ichiro Nagai, Hiroshi Ito, MachikoWashio, YoshitaYasuhara, SukekiyoKameyama, Tarako
- IMDb: 8/10
- Rotten Tomato: 96%
- Where to Watch: Netflix
The film starts with Sheeta, a girl. She was an orphan. One Day Muska kidnapped Sheeta. As they were flying to a prison, a group of air pirates attacked them. She got a chance to escape from there. In between, she met Pazu, who was a fellow orphan. They both team up to find the city of Laputa, whereas all pirates and Muska teamed up to take the treasure of the city. Who will reach the city first? Castle in the Sky is directed and written by Hayao Miyazaki.
19. Only Yesterday
- Director: Isao Takahata
- Writer: Hotaruokamoto, Yuuko Tone
- Cast: Miki Imai, YokoHonna, Mayumi Izuka, Mei Oshitani, Megumi Komine, Yukiyo Takizawa, Michie Terada, Masahiro Ito, Yuki Minowa, Koji Goto, Chie Kitagawa
- IMDb: 7.6/10
- Rotten Tomato: 100%
- Where to Watch: Netflix
The film starts with Taeko. She doesn’t use to travel much, but that day she decided to go outside Tokyo. Her sister used to live in Yamagata. So she thought to visit her. While on the train to reach Yamagata, she goes into a flashback to when she was a kid. She thought that was this was the adult that I wanted to be? She went into a self-realization phase. This film connects to all of us as one day or the other we all are stuck in such a situation, and some questions arise in our mind for our self-worth. This wonderful film is directed by Isao Takahata. Watch this studio Ghibli film now on Netflix.
20. The Red Turtle
- Director: Michael Dudok de Wit
- Writers: Michael Dudok de Wit, Pascale Ferran
- Cast: Emmanuel Garijo, Tom Hudson, Baptiste Goy, Axel De Villiers, Barbara Beretta, Maud Brethenoux, Elietertois
- IMDb: 7.5/10
- Rotten Tomato: 93%
- Where to Watch: Netflix
The Red Turtle is one of the best movies of Ghibli studios. It starts by showing how a red turtle destroys the boat of a man when he enters the sea. He wanted to sail to other parts of the island, but whenever he tried to that, his boat was destroyed by the turtle. Later on, you will get to know about the emotional side of the film. The story is a little heartbreaking. This movie is directed by Michael Dudok de Wit. Watch this film to know what happens next?
21. The Wind Rises
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Writer: Hayao Miyazaki
- Cast: Hideaki Anno, Miori Takimoto, Masahiko Nishimura, Mansai Nomura, Jun Kunimura, Miraishida, ShinobuOtake, Morio Kazama, Keiko Takeshita, John Krasinski, Emily Blunt.
- IMDb: 7.8/10
- Rotten Tomato: 88%
- Where to Watch: Netflix
This film shows the story of Jiro, who was an aviator. He loved aircrafts a lot. Due to his love for aviation, he decided to build an aircraft for World War-II. This film shows his whole tale of struggles and sacrifices that he made to build an aircraft that would cause destruction everywhere. This is one of the best Ghibli films, which is directed and written by Hayao Miyazaki.
22. Ponyo
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Writer: Hayao Miyazaki
- Cast: Tomoko Yamaguchi, Yuki Amami, George Tokoro, Yuria Nara, Hiroki Doi, Rumi Hiiragi, Akiko Yano, Tomoko Naraoka, Tokie Hidari, Eimi Hiraoka, Nozomi Ohashi
- IMDb: 7.7/10
- Rotten Tomato: 91%
- Where to Watch: Netflix
This film starts by showing the eagerness of the Goldfish that lives in the ocean to live the life of humans who live on land. So she comes to the surface of the ocean and meets a boy named Sosuke. He gives her the name of Ponyo. Over time, their friendship grew, and she started liking her life as a human. Later, her father asks her to come back to the ocean. But she was not happy to live again in the ocean, so she broke free from there. Due to this, magical elixir falls down on the land, which could be a threat to humans. Watch the movie to know what happens next?
23. The Secret World of Arrietty
- Director: HiromasaYonebayashi
- Writers: Mary Norton, Hayao Miyazaki
- Cast: Mirai Shida, Tatsuya Fujiwara, Tomokazu Miura, ShinobuOtake, Kirin Kiki, Luke Allen Gale, Steve Alpert, Moises Arias, Carol Burnett, Ray Gillon, David Henrie, Peter Jason
- IMDb: 7.6/10
- Rotten Tomato: 95%
- Where to Watch: Netflix
This film is based on tiny creatures. Arrietty was one of them. They used to live in hidden places. Even the house owners didn’t know that they are living beneath their houses. They used to come out of their house very rarely when they needed something to borrow. One day, a boy whose name was Shawn met her. They both fall into friendly relation. This relation could be a threat to Arrietty’s family. Will this relationship go ahead? This film is written by one of Ghibli’s famous writers, Hayao Miyazaki. This Ghibli movie could be streamed on Netflix.
We have come to the end of this article. Ghibli studios are one of the world’s best anime movie studios, which has been producing mind-blowing movies that directly connects with the viewers. We collected the best amongst them for you. We can guarantee you that you would get amazed to watch these movies. And Netflix has taken the contract for showing most of the Studio Ghibli films. You can binge-watch all these movies on Netflix. This festive season, try binge-watching these mind-blowing movies with your loved ones and friends. Hope you have a good time watching these movies.
