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Watch: Best Anime Movies If You Like Studio Ghibli

Company Ghibli, Inc. is a Japanese animation studio based in Koganei, Tokyo.

It is primarily known for its animated feature films, but it has also made a number of short films, television advertisements, and two television films.

Totoro is its mascot and most known emblem, who’s a colossal spirit influenced by raccoon dogs (tanuki) and cats from the 1988 anime film My Neighbor Totoro.

Fun Fact: The name “Ghibli” is derived from the Italian word, Ghibli, which has Arabic roots, Ghibli refers to the “hot and deadly winds of the desert“. They used this term to refer to themselves as the pioneers that blow a new breeze through the Anime industry.

TypePrivate 
IndustryMotion pictures
Video games
TV commercials
FoundersHayao Miyazaki
Toshio Suzuki
Isao Takahata
Net income1.426 billion yen (2011)
Data table on Studio Ghibli

You might not recognize this studio’s name, but If you’ve been in the anime game for a while, you would have already recognized or even seen their best-selling movie i.e Spirited Away. If you haven’t I’d recommend you give it a watch, it’s truly breathtaking.

Spirited Away (2001), Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), and Ponyo are among the studio’s highest-grossing films (2008).

Luckily for us, Studio Ghibli isn’t a one-pump chump, besides Spirited Away they have plenty of other movies that are worth watching. So I’ll list the lesser-known but equally great movies published by this consistent studio.

So without any other delay, let’s get onto the listing.

What is Studio Ghibli?

Studio Ghibli, Inc. is a Japanese animation studio situated in Koganei, Tokyo.

It is primarily known for its animated feature films, but it has also produced a number of short subjects, television advertisements, and two television films. Totoro, a huge spirit inspired by raccoon dogs (tanuki) and cats from the 1988 anime film My Neighbor Totoro, is its mascot and most known symbol. Spirited Away (2001), Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), and Ponyo (2006) are among the studio’s highest-grossing films (2008).

After acquiring Topcraft’s assets, directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, as well as producer Toshio Suzuki, created the company on June 15, 1985. It has also operated on the visual creation of various games alongside video game firms.

Are Studio Ghibli films worth seeing?

Absolutely, and some of them have received multiple prizes.

Every single Ghibli film is inspiring, moving, poignant, and full of meaning for both children and adults.

Every Ghibli film has its own universe. A universe consisting of dreams, goals, stories from all over the world, and, most importantly, sentiments that we all share and to which we can all relate.

They all follow the same formula: a hero who faces a difficulty and does his or her best to overcome it. It’s no coincidence that all of the heroes are kids. It’s no coincidence that all of the heroes are kids. Because they are still full of innocence as they explore the world, and at the conclusion of the adventure, they have partly matured.

Because Ghibli’s films give you life lessons. Consider the case of Kiki’s Delivery Service. The little witch has reached the age where she must learn to work on her own. She must leave her house to find a new home, a new city where witches are not always well-regarded. It’s the story of how a child is confronted with reality and society one day.

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013)

Princess Kaguya, a celestial begin
The protagonist of the story is Kaguya-Hime (princess), a Moon princess who was found as an infant inside the stem of a vivid bamboo plant.

If you’re well-acquainted with Japanese mythology and folklore, You would surely have heard about the tale of Kaguya.

If not, allow me to give a brief description.

It is said to be the oldest extant work in the Monogatari form, written by an unidentified person in the late 9th or early 10th century during the Heian era.

The plot revolves around Kaguya-Hime (princess), a Moon princess discovered as a newborn inside the stem of a bright bamboo plant.

After she matures, her beauty draws five suitors wanting her hand in marriage, whom she rejects by presenting each with a difficult challenge; she subsequently wins the Emperor of Japan’s devotion.
Kaguya-Hime discovers her heavenly origins and returns to the Moon at the end of the story.

Fun Fact: If you’ve watched Naruto, The final villain Kaguya (Rabit goddess) is heavily inspired by this folklore, hence why she was sealed in the moon.

Plot

Okina, a guy from the village, works as a bamboo cutter in a forest, hacking away at the hollow stalks day after day. He discovers a little infant within a bright shoot one day. He instantly takes her home, certain that she is a princess sent from heaven to bless Earth.

Okina and his wife Ouna decide to nurture the child as their own, caring for her as she develops into a lively young lady. She fits perfectly in with the hamlet she has come to call home, going on excursions with the other youngsters and enjoying everything that youth has to offer.

But when Okina discovers a vast fortune of money and treasure in the jungle, Kaguya’s world is turned upside down. Believing this to be yet another divine gift, he takes it upon himself to transform his daughter into a true princess, transferring the family to a palace in the capital.

Kaguya’s origins and purpose gradually become apparent as she abandons her companions to pursue an unwelcome life as a princess, Later on, discovers her celestial origin and roots, At the end of the movie, she returns back from where she originated from i.e The Moon.

The tale of princess Kaguya

When Marnie Was There (2014)

Anna and Marnie on a boat
Young Anna Sasaki, who experiences frequent asthma attacks, is quiet, withdrawn, and isolated from her friends, which feeds her father’s never-ending worries.

When Marnie Was There is a moving narrative of a young girl’s journey of self-discovery and companionship, as well as the summer she will remember for the rest of her life.

Unlike the older classics published by Studio Ghibli, this addition to the list is a relatively newer release. Although this movie cant matches the quirks, narrative, and intricacies of award-winning predecessors, it is still a great movie nonetheless and is definitely worth a watch.

Plot

Young Anna Sasaki, who suffers from recurrent asthma attacks, is silent, unsociable, and secluded from her friends, causing her to foster her father’s unending anxiety.

Anna is sent to the countryside on the doctor’s advice, hoping that the cleaner air and more relaxed atmosphere will enhance her health and help free her mind. Anna spends her summer days painting and living with her uncle and aunt in a tiny village near the sea.

While strolling outside one day, Anna comes across the Marsh House, an abandoned estate. However, she quickly discovers that the house isn’t as empty as it looks, and she meets an enormous girl named Marnie.

Marnie’s upbeat nature gradually draws Anna out of her shell as she comes night after night to see her new friend. However as Anna’s time in this quiet town starts to come to a halt, she discovers that there are more unanswered questions about Marnie’s life than she initially thought.

During her final days, Anna begins to uncover the truth beyond the Marsh House’s walls, I can’t go in without completely spoiling you, so if this short narrative was enough to intrigue you, give this movie a watch.

Only Yesterday (1991)

The classic Only Yesterday never gets old.
The classic Only Yesterday never gets old.

Only Yesterday is a great example of how a great plot and narrative can beat even the best of animations.

This is yet another timeless classic. Although the animation is garbage compared to Anime of today such as Demon Slayer, you can’t really blame the animation as It debuted in 1991it’s probably older than you.

This movie is wholesome, nostalgic, and even bittersweet at some moments, I can’t describe the emotions I went through watching this movieit’s magical.

Plot

Taeko Okajima, 27, is a self-sufficient lady who has lived in Tokyo her whole life. To get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, she chooses to visit her relatives in the country and assist with the harvest.

Taeko clearly recalls her recollections as a schoolgirl in the early stages of puberty on the train there, as if she is on a vacation with her youthful self. Toshio, a young farmer, meets her at the station and they immediately become friends.

Taeko builds close ties with family and friends during her stay, understanding the differences between urban and rural living, as well as the hardships and joys of farming.

I know I know, the plot feels bland and boring, I mean who would want to watch an anime about farming, but please don’t be fooled by only the plot and animation, give it a try, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

It also serves many life lessons including lessons such as never taking things for granted, and enjoying the little quirks that life has to offer.

Conclusion

  • Company Ghibli, Inc. is a Japanese animation studio based in Koganei, Tokyo.
  • It is primarily known for its animated feature films, but it has also made a number of short films, television advertisements, and two television films.
  • The plot of the movie (The Tales of Princess Kaguya) revolves around well, Kaguya-Hime (princess), a Moon princess discovered as a newborn inside the stem of a bright bamboo plant.
  • Kaguya’s origins and purpose gradually become apparent as she abandons her companions to pursue an unwelcome life as a princess.
  • Omoide no Marnie is a moving narrative of a young girl’s journey of self-discovery and companionship, as well as the summer she will remember for the rest of her life.
  • Only Yesterday is a great example of how a great plot and narrative can beat even the best of animations.

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