Few animation studios can claim the same level of artistry, influence, and acclaim as Studio Ghibli. Since its inception, the studio has released a string of beloved films, many of which have become favorites for animation fans worldwide. Ghibli’s ability to blend touching stories with breathtaking animation has cemented its place in cinematic history. However, while all of its films have their unique strengths, new data from ranking.net suggests that one title stands above the rest as the studio’s definitive masterpiece.
- Where to Find the Jade Pedestal in Dave the Diver
- Who are Hamza Ali Abbasi Parents? Meet Mazher Ali Abbasi And Begum Nasim Akhter Chaudhary
- Is Ash in the New Evil Dead? Truth Revealed
- Who are Teofimo Lopez Parents? Meet Teofimo Lopez Sr and Jenny Lopez
- Who Plays Doc in Virgin River? Who is Tim Matheson?
Analyzing the ratings from thousands of viewers, it is easy to see how Ghibli’s films stack up against one another. While classics like My Neighbor Totoro and Howl’s Moving Castle are classic fan favorites, the numbers reveal a clear winner amongst fans overall.
You are watching: Studio Ghibli Has Lots of Great Movies, But New Data Reveals Its One True Masterpiece
10
The Cat Returns (77.4 points from 952 ratings)
Anime Directed by Hiroyuki Morita; Based on the Manga by Aoi Hiiragi
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
See more : Is Street Outlaws Not on Discovery Plus? Where to Watch Street Outlaws?
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
The Cat Returns
G
Animation
Adventure
Comedy
Family
Fantasy
9.5/10
Release Date
July 13, 2005
Director
Hiroyuki Morita
Writers
Aoi Hiiragi, Reiko Yoshida, Hayao Miyazaki, Cindy Davis, Donald H. Hewitt
Cast
See more : Is Akutagawa Dead BSD? What Happened to Akutagawa BSD?
See All
-
Chizuru Ikewaki
Haru
-
Yoshihiko Hakamada
Baron
The Cat Returns is a Japanese animated fantasy film directed by Hiroyuki Morita and produced by Studio Ghibli. The story follows a young girl named Haru who saves a cat from traffic, only to find herself whisked away to the Cat Kingdom where she is honored for her bravery. The film explores themes of self-discovery and courage, featuring whimsical characters and imaginative settings.
Main Genre
Animation
Character(s)
Haru, Baron, Yuki, Lune, Hiromi, Natori, Natoru, Muta, Toto, Haru’s Mother, Cat King
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
A charming yet often overlooked entry in Ghibli’s catalog, The Cat Returns is a loose spinoff to Whisper of the Heart. It follows a young girl named Haru who finds herself whisked away to a whimsical kingdom of cats after saving a feline prince. The film’s playful tone and vibrant animation make it an enjoyable watch, though it lacks the depth found in some of Ghibli’s more critically acclaimed works.
Related
Studio Ghibli Fans, Your Next Anime Obsession Is Finally Live and Here’s Why
Ghost Cat Anzu is the perfect next-watch for any Ghibli fan looking for a comedic and heartbreaking film.
Posts
Despite its delightful plot and fluid animation, The Cat Returns does not quite reach the emotional heights of the studio’s best films. Its lighthearted storytelling and brief runtime make it feel more like a fun side story rather than a defining masterpiece, which is reflected in its relatively lower rating among Ghibli’s works.
9
Whisper of the Heart (79.8 points from 1,046 ratings)
Anime Directed by Yoshifumi Kondō; Based on the Manga by Aoi Hiiragi
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
See more : Is Street Outlaws Not on Discovery Plus? Where to Watch Street Outlaws?
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Whisper of the Heart
G
Drama
Family
10/10
Release Date
July 15, 1995
Runtime
111 Minutes
Director
Yoshifumi Kondō
Writers
Hayao Miyazaki, Aoi Hiiragi
Sequel(s)
The Cat Returns
Cast
See more : Is Akutagawa Dead BSD? What Happened to Akutagawa BSD?
See All
-
Yoko Honna
-
Issei Takahashi
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
Unlike Ghibli’s more fantastical films, Whisper of the Heart is a grounded, heartfelt story of self-discovery and young love. The film follows Shizuku, a book-loving student who dreams of becoming a writer, as she forms a meaningful connection with a boy pursuing his own craft of violin-making. The film’s emphasis on personal growth and creative passion resonates deeply with audiences.
While it may not have the grand spectacle of some of Ghibli’s higher-rated films, Whisper of the Heart excels in making viewers care about the characters and giving them development. Its quiet, slice-of-life approach has won over many fans, even if it doesn’t dominate the rankings.
8
Porco Rosso (81.5 points from 832 ratings)
Anime Directed by Hayao Miyazaki; Based on His Own Manga
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
See more : Is Street Outlaws Not on Discovery Plus? Where to Watch Street Outlaws?
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Porco Rosso
PG
Animation
Adventure
Comedy
Family
8.7/10
Release Date
July 18, 1992
Runtime
93 minutes
Director
Hayao Miyazaki
Writers
Hayao Miyazaki
Cast
See more : Is Akutagawa Dead BSD? What Happened to Akutagawa BSD?
See All
-
Shûichirô Moriyama
-
Tokiko Katô
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
One of Ghibli’s most unique protagonists, Porco Rosso follows a World War I pilot cursed to have the appearance of a pig. Combining adventure, aerial combat, and a touch of romance, the film delivers an entertaining blend of action and inner thoughts. Its stunning animation, particularly in the flying sequences, remains one of Ghibli’s most visually appealing films.
Despite its technical brilliance and intriguing lead character, Porco Rosso has a more niche appeal compared to Ghibli’s most beloved films. Its themes of war, loss, and personal redemption are thought-provoking, but the film does not capture the same universal adoration as some of its contemporaries.
7
Howl’s Moving Castle (82.7 points from 1,732 ratings)
Anime Directed by Hayao Miyazaki; Based on the Novel by Diana Wynne Jones
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
See more : Is Street Outlaws Not on Discovery Plus? Where to Watch Street Outlaws?
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Howl’s Moving Castle
8-12 years
Animation
Action
Adventure
Family
Fantasy
Romance
9/10
7.6/10
Release Date
November 20, 2004
Runtime
119minutes
Director
Hayao Miyazaki
Writers
Diana Wynne Jones
Cast
See more : Is Akutagawa Dead BSD? What Happened to Akutagawa BSD?
See All
-
Chieko Baisho
-
Takuya Kimura
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
A mesmerizing fantasy filled with magic, romance, and an anti-war message, Howl’s Moving Castle is a fan favorite that proves Miyazaki’s talent for world-building. The story follows Sophie Hatter, a young woman cursed into an old woman’s body, and her journey with the charming wizard Howl. The film’s breathtaking animation and dynamic characters make it a standout entry in Ghibli’s selection.
Related
Studio Ghibli Fans Still Misunderstand One Detail About Hayao Miyazaki That Makes Him Such a Gifted Director
Studio Ghibli fans believe that Hayao Miyazaki’s films are optimistic in spite of their creator, but the visionary director is sorely misunderstood.
Posts
Despite its worldwide appeal, some critics argue that the film’s plot becomes convoluted, particularly in its latter half. While Howl’s Moving Castle is undeniably a visual and emotional feast, its story and theme complexity keep it from achieving the top spot.
6
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (83.7 points from 1,160 ratings)
Anime Directed by Hayao Miyazaki; Based on His Own Manga
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
See more : Is Street Outlaws Not on Discovery Plus? Where to Watch Street Outlaws?
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
PG
Animation
Adventure
Sci-Fi
9.6/10
Release Date
March 11, 1984
Runtime
117 Minutes
Director
Hayao Miyazaki
Writers
Hayao Miyazaki, Cindy Davis, Donald H. Hewitt, Kazunori Itô
Cast
See more : Is Akutagawa Dead BSD? What Happened to Akutagawa BSD?
See All
-
Sumi Shimamoto
-
Gorô Naya
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
Though technically released before Studio Ghibli was officially formed, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is often considered a must-watch part of the studio’s legacy. The film has a richly developed post-apocalyptic world where nature and humanity are at odds. Its protagonist Nausicaä is one of Miyazaki’s strongest heroines, embodying intelligence, compassion, and bravery.
Nausicaä is based on the manga series by Miyazaki himself, though the two differ in many respects.
With its environmental themes and epic storytelling, Nausicaä is still a beloved film, but its early animation style, while still beautiful, lacks the refined polish of Ghibli’s later works. This may explain why it falls just short of the highest-rated films in the data.
5
My Neighbor Totoro (84 points from 1,772 ratings)
Anime Directed by Hayao Miyazaki; Original Story by Studio Ghibli
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
See more : Is Street Outlaws Not on Discovery Plus? Where to Watch Street Outlaws?
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
My Neighbor Totoro
5+
Fantasy
Family
8.7/10
Release Date
April 16, 1988
Runtime
86minutes
Director
Hayao Miyazaki
Writers
Hayao Miyazaki
Cast
See more : Is Akutagawa Dead BSD? What Happened to Akutagawa BSD?
See All
-
Dakota Fanning
-
Elle Fanning
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
Arguably the face of Studio Ghibli, My Neighbor Totoro is a heartwarming tale about childhood wonder and family bonds. The film’s cutest character, Totoro, has become an enduring icon of Japanese animation, beloved by audiences worldwide. Its simple yet emotional story continues to enchant viewers decades after its release.
Despite its status as one of Ghibli’s most recognizable films, Totoro’s lack of a traditional plot structure may be why it does not rank at the very top. However, its influence and timeless charm keep it among the studio’s best.
4
Princess Mononoke (84 points from 1,773 ratings)
Anime Directed by Hayao Miyazaki; Original Story by Studio Ghibli
Success!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
See more : Is Street Outlaws Not on Discovery Plus? Where to Watch Street Outlaws?
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Princess Mononoke
PG-13
Animated
Epic
Historical
Fantasy
9.8/10
Release Date
July 12, 1997
Runtime
133 Minutes
Director
Hayao Miyazaki
Writers
Hayao Miyazaki
Cast
See more : Is Akutagawa Dead BSD? What Happened to Akutagawa BSD?
See All
-
Yôji Matsuda
-
Yuriko Ishida
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
A darker and more mature Ghibli film, Princess Mononoke tackles themes of environmental destruction, conflict, and morality. The film’s breathtaking animation and intricate story make it one of the studio’s most ambitious works. Ashitaka and San’s journey through a world caught between industrial progress and nature’s wrath is deeply impactful.
Despite being a near-perfect film in terms of scope and execution, Princess Mononoke may not be as appealing or understandable to younger audiences. This could explain why it shares a rating with My Neighbor Totoro rather than surpassing it, though it is funny that two movies so far on the opposite end of Ghibli’s style could share a spot among the highest-rated Ghibli movies.
3
Kiki’s Delivery Service (84.4 points from 1,538 ratings)
Anime Directed by Hayao Miyazaki; Based on the Novel by Eiko Kadono
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
See more : Is Street Outlaws Not on Discovery Plus? Where to Watch Street Outlaws?
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Kiki’s Delivery Service
G
Animation
Family
Fantasy
8/10
7.8/10
Release Date
July 29, 1989
Runtime
103 Minutes
Director
Hayao Miyazaki
Writers
Hayao Miyazaki
Cast
See more : Is Akutagawa Dead BSD? What Happened to Akutagawa BSD?
See All
-
Minami Takayama
-
Rei Sakuma
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
An absolutely must-watch coming-of-age story, Kiki’s Delivery Service captures the struggles of independence and self-discovery. Following Kiki, a young witch setting out to find her place in the world, the film’s quiet, reflective storytelling has earned it a special place in many hearts.
Related
Studio Ghibli Recruits Spy x Family Creator For the Most Gorgeous Anime Crossover
Tatsuya Endo, creator of the Spy x Family manga series, worked with Studio Ghibli to give their popular witch Kiki a makeover.
Posts
Though it ranks highly, Kiki’s Delivery Service does not quite reach the epic scale of some of Ghibli’s other top contenders. However, its gentle, uplifting nature makes it one of Ghibli’s lasting top films.
2
Castle in the Sky (85.8 points from 1,671 ratings)
Anime Directed by Hayao Miyazaki; Original Story by Studio Ghibli
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
See more : Is Street Outlaws Not on Discovery Plus? Where to Watch Street Outlaws?
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Castle in the Sky
PG
Adventure
Fantasy
Animation
Action
Family
Release Date
August 2, 1986
Runtime
125 minutes
Director
Hayao Miyazaki
Writers
Hayao Miyazaki
Producers
Hideo Ogata, Isao Takahata, Tatsumi Yamashita, Toshio Suzuki
Cast
See more : Is Akutagawa Dead BSD? What Happened to Akutagawa BSD?
See All
-
Keiko Yokozawa
Sheeta (voice)
-
Mayumi Tanaka
Pazu (voice)
-
Minori Terada
Muska (voice)
-
Kotoe Hatsui
Dola (voice)
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
A high-flying adventure blending fantasy and steampunk elements, Castle in the Sky is a thrilling showcase of Miyazaki’s imagination. The film’s breathtaking visuals and intriguing story make it one of the studio’s strongest offerings.
Though it might not share the same universal recognition that some of Miyazaki’s later films enjoy, Castle in the Sky is still an incredibly influential movie whose legacy can even be seen today in Miyazaki-esque films like The Wild Robot. Its themes of power, greed, and discovery are explored very deeply, but the film is often overshadowed by one Ghibli works that refined these ideas further.
1
Spirited Away (87 points from 2,476 ratings)
Anime Directed by Hayao Miyazaki; Original Story by Studio Ghibli
Movie
My Favorite Movies
My Watchlist
Success!
Your Rating
close
10 stars
9 stars
8 stars
7 stars
6 stars
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
See more : Is Street Outlaws Not on Discovery Plus? Where to Watch Street Outlaws?
2 stars
1 star
Rate Now
0/10
Leave a Review
Your comment has not been saved
Spirited Away
PG
Animation
Family
Fantasy
10/10
11
9.6/10
Release Date
July 20, 2001
Runtime
125 minutes
Director
Hayao Miyazaki
Writers
Hayao Miyazaki
Cast
See more : Is Akutagawa Dead BSD? What Happened to Akutagawa BSD?
See All
-
Rumi Hiiragi
-
Miyu Irino
Powered by
Expand
Collapse
At the very top of the rankings is Spirit Away, Ghibli’s magnum opus, and the highest-rated film according to the ranking.net. Winning the top spot according to fan votes, the film’s breathtaking animation, imaginative world, and profound coming-of-age story make it a true masterpiece. The film eventually earned Ghibli, and anime in general, its first Oscar. Though it now shares that honor with The Boy and the Heron, Spirited Away‘s historical significance is indisputable.
With its universal appeal and deep emotional story, Spirited Away stands as Studio Ghibli’s definitive masterpiece. There’s a reason Spirited Away was the highest-grossing anime film for more than a decade before it was dethroned by Demon Slayer: Mugen Train. It’s undeniable that all of Studio Ghibli’s films have their own merits, this film’s ability to blend creativity, complexity, and accessibility makes it the crown jewel of the studio’s legacy.
Source: https://truongnguyenbinhkhiem.edu.vn
Category: Entertainment