While Ghibli-Style Images Go Viral, Here Are the Most Stunning Studio Ghibli Movies You Need to Watch

If you are a social media junkie, then you might have come across Ghibli-style images flooding across every platform in the last 24 hours. While Studio Ghibli needs no introduction to anime fans, this trend has welcomed many others into the serene and peaceful world of Hayao Miyazaki, the creator of Studio Ghibli. The Japanese animation studio is renowned for its enchanting storytelling and breathtaking animation and has produced films that captivate audiences and offer profound insights into life, nature, and human relationships. Here are some of the top Studio Ghibli movies that you should definately watch that can change your outlook on life:

1. Spirited Away (2001)

This Academy Award-winning film is about Chihiro, a young girl who becomes trapped in a mysterious spirit world. As she explores this unfamiliar world, Chihiro learns courage and the importance of identity. The plot mainly teaches us the importance of self-discovery and the value of hard work in overcoming adversities in life. The movie is available on Netflix.

2. Princess Mononoke (1997)

The movie tells the story of Ashitaka, a young prince from a fading tribe, who gets cursed by a demon-possessed boar god. To find a cure, he travels west in search of the Forest Spirit. On his journey, he meets San (Princess Mononoke), a fierce young woman fighting to protect the forest, and Lady Eboshi, the leader of Iron Town, who is focused on industrial progress. Caught between both sides, Ashitaka must find a way to bring balance between nature and humans.

3. My Neighbour Totoro (1988)

The movie takes place in Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture, and follows two young sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside with their father. As they explore their new home, they encounter friendly forest spirits, including the adorable Totoro. This heartwarming story captures the magic of childhood, the beauty of nature, and the strong bond between family.

4. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

Grave of the Fireflies is one of Studio Ghibli's most powerful films and is often considered one of the greatest movies ever made. More than just a beautifully crafted animation, it's an emotional and heartbreaking story about two siblings trying to survive during World War II. The film offers a deep and moving look at the harsh realities of war, highlighting themes of innocence, sacrifice, and how life is so fragile.

5. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)

Set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by a deadly toxic jungle, the movie follows Princess Nausicaä, who is determined to understand and heal the world around her. Often called Hayao Miyazaki's greatest masterpiece, this film truly lives up to its reputation.

6. Howl's Moving Castle (2004)

The movie is based on the novel of the same name, authored by British writer Diana Wynne Jones. This fantastical tale revolves around Sophie, a young woman cursed with an old body, and her journey with the enigmatic wizard Howl. The film explores themes of self-acceptance, the transformative power of love, and the futility of war.

7. The Wind Rises (2013)

This movie is a biographical story of Jiro Horikoshi, an aviation engineer who dreamed of building beautiful aeroplanes. It explores his passion, struggles, and the tough choices he had to make while pursuing innovation. The film also features a powerful scene depicting the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, the most devastating earthquake in Japan's history.

8. Whisper of the Heart (1995)

This coming-of-age story follows Shizuku, a young girl discovering her passion for writing. The movie is very intriguing, as it emphasises the importance of self-discovery, dedication, and following one's dreams.

9. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013)

Inspired by a classic Japanese folktale, this film tells the story of a mysterious girl discovered inside a glowing bamboo shoot by a humble bamboo cutter, Sanuki no Miyatsuko. As she grows, she struggles with societal expectations, the fleeting nature of happiness, and the idea of destiny. The film received critical acclaim and was even nominated for the Academy Awards because of its breathtaking animation and deep emotional storytelling.

10. The Boy and the Heron (2023)

Hayao Miyazaki's latest masterpiece follows 11-year-old Mahito as he deals with loss and discovers a surreal world guided by a mysterious heron. The film blends personal experiences with universal themes of grief and healing.