25 Studio Ghibli Films That Will Change the Way You See Animation

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25 Studio Ghibli Films That Will Change the Way You See Animation
25 Studio Ghibli Films That Will Change the Way You See Animation

🎥 25 Studio Ghibli Films That Will Change the Way You See Animation

Have you ever watched a movie that made you feel like you were in a dream?

That’s exactly how Studio Ghibli movies feel. 🌸

Studio Ghibli is a famous animation company from Japan.

It was started in 1985 by two amazing artists—Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata.

Their movies are not just cartoons.

They are full of magic, emotions, beautiful art, and strong messages. 🌍

These films teach us about kindness, nature, bravery, and even how to believe in ourselves.

Many people, young and old, all over the world love Ghibli movies.

Even if you are just 10 years old or 60, there’s something special waiting for you in every story.

In this blog, let’s look at 25 Studio Ghibli films that will change how you think about animation.

You’ll see that cartoons aren’t just for kids; they are for dreamers, thinkers, and anyone with a heart.

Best 25 Studio Ghibli Films

Best 25 Studio Ghibli Films

🎞️ 1. Spirited Away (2001)

This is Studio Ghibli’s most famous movie.

It even won an Oscar Award!

It’s about a girl named Chihiro who enters a magical world full of spirits and strange creatures.

She must find the courage to save her parents, who have turned into pigs.

👉 It teaches bravery, love, and finding yourself in tough times.

Watch Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByXuk9QqQkk

🍃 2. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

Meet the cute and fluffy forest spirit, Totoro!

Two sisters move to the countryside and find magical creatures in the forest.

This movie is simple and peaceful, like a hug in film form.

👉 It’s perfect for younger kids and shows the beauty of nature and imagination.

Watch Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92a7Hj0ijLs

🐺 3. Princess Mononoke (1997)

This is a powerful story about the fight between humans and nature.

A warrior named Ashitaka meets San, a girl raised by wolves.

👉 This film teaches us to respect nature and think about the planet.

Watch Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OiMOHRDs14

🏠 4. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

A young girl named Sophie is cursed and turns into an old woman.

She meets a magical wizard named Howl who lives in a moving castle.

👉 This movie is full of flying castles, love, and anti-war messages.

Watch Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwROgK94zcM

✈️ 5. The Wind Rises (2013)

This is the story of Jiro, a man who dreams of building airplanes.

It’s based on a real person and is more for older kids or teens.

👉 It shows how dreams can be beautiful but also come with tough choices.

Watch Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzSpDgiF1QU

🐟 6. Ponyo (2008)

Ponyo is a magical fish-girl who wants to become human.

She befriends a kind boy named Sosuke.

👉 This is like a gentle version of “The Little Mermaid” and is full of color and joy.

Watch Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsR3KVgBzSM

👧 7. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)

Kiki is a 13-year-old witch who starts a delivery business on her broom.

It’s a story about growing up, finding your place, and not giving up.

👉 Great for kids who feel unsure or shy.

Watch Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bG17OYs-GA

🏰 8. Castle in the Sky (1986)

Sheeta and Pazu try to find a floating island called Laputa.

They face bad guys, flying ships, and big robots.

👉 An exciting adventure with a strong message about greed and peace.

Watch Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McM0_YHDm5A

🌸 9. Whisper of the Heart (1995)

This movie is about a girl who loves to write stories.

She meets a boy who makes violins and follows her heart.

👉 It shows the magic of dreams, books, and believing in yourself.

Watch Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pVkiod6V0U

🐈 10. The Cat Returns (2002)

A girl saves a cat and ends up in the world of cats!

She almost becomes a cat herself.

👉 A fun and strange story about being true to who you are.

Watch Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gp-H_YOcYTM

👵 11. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

This is a sad movie about a boy and his little sister during World War II.
It shows how war hurts children the most.
👉 It’s emotional and powerful—not for very young kids.

Watch Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vPeTSRd580

🐢 12. The Red Turtle (2016)

This movie has no talking, but it’s beautiful.
It shows a man stuck on an island and a red turtle who changes his life.
👉 It’s about nature, family, and the circle of life.

Watch Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sw7jVGFg0A4

👧 13. When Marnie Was There (2014)

A lonely girl named Anna meets Marnie, a mysterious friend.
But Marnie holds a secret.
👉 A soft and mysterious story about friendship and healing.

Watch Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjmrxqcQdYg

🌲 14. Pom Poko (1994)

This is about a group of magical raccoons fighting to save their forest.
They can transform into people!
👉 Funny but has a serious message about saving nature.

Watch Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7cowIHjCD4

🍵 15. Only Yesterday (1991)

Taeko, a woman from the city, remembers her childhood while visiting the countryside.
👉 This film is calm and full of memories—good for teens and adults.

Watch Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfkQlZArxw0

🦆 16. Porco Rosso (1992)

This movie is about a flying pig who was once a human pilot.
He fights sky pirates and searches for love.
👉 It’s funny, stylish, and full of action.

Watch Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awEC-aLDzjs

🖊️ 17. From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)

A girl and boy work to save their school’s old clubhouse.
It’s set in the 1960s in Japan.
👉 It shows teamwork, history, and young love.

Watch Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nzpk_Br6yo

💬 18. Ocean Waves (1993)

This one is about two boys and a girl dealing with friendship and feelings in high school.
👉 It’s simple, quiet, and shows real emotions of growing up.

Watch Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VJSZK0CkmI

🌕 19. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013)

A tiny baby girl is found in a bamboo stalk and grows up very fast.
It’s based on an old Japanese tale.
👉 The art style looks like a painting. It’s beautiful and sad.

Watch Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W71mtorCZDw

🌻 20. Arrietty (2010)

Tiny people live under the floor and borrow things.
Arrietty is a brave little borrower who meets a human boy.
👉 It teaches about courage and being different.

Watch Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzBBIBSi2Vo

🐤 21. Ghiblies Episode 2 (2002)

This is a short and funny film showing a day at a silly animation studio.
👉 Good for Ghibli fans who want a quick laugh.

Watch Clip (Unofficial): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kZQnYwz9F0

🚂 22. Mei and the Kittenbus (2003)

This is a short sequel to My Neighbor Totoro.
Mei meets the Kittenbus, a cat that’s also a bus.
👉 Only shown in the Ghibli Museum, but it’s super cute.

Watch Clip (Unofficial): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oe9TG9-Y-b4

🌅 23. Yamada’s First Time (My Neighbors the Yamadas) (1999)

This film looks different—like a comic strip.
It’s about a funny family and their daily life.
👉 It’s heartwarming and lighthearted.

Watch Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1C9ujuCPlnY

🍁 24. On Your Mark (1995)

A music video-style short about two men saving a girl with wings.
No talking, but lots of meaning.
👉 It’s magical and emotional.

Watch Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvI9JFdHkag

📚 25. The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness (2013)

This is not a cartoon but a documentary.
It shows how Studio Ghibli works behind the scenes.
👉 Great for anyone who wants to learn how these magical films are made.

Watch Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ov9_7192nY

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💭 Final Thoughts on 25 Studio Ghibli Films That Will Change the Way You See Animation: Why Ghibli Films Are Different

Studio Ghibli movies are not like other cartoons.
They are peaceful, thoughtful, and full of love.
They often show strong girls, nature, magic, and real-life feelings.
Unlike loud action films, Ghibli stories stay in your heart. 💖

Whether you’re a child or a grown-up, these movies make you think, dream, and smile.

📌 Why This Blog Matters

  • Studio Ghibli films are perfect for families and schools.
  • They teach life lessons in fun ways.
  • These movies are perfect for children, students, teachers, and animation lovers.
  • If you haven’t watched any yet, start with Totoro or Spirited Away.

✅ What You Can Do Next

  • 📺 Watch the movies on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or DVD.
  • 🎨 Draw your favorite Ghibli character.
  • ✍️ Write a short story like a Ghibli film.
  • 🎒 Show these movies in school movie clubs.
  • 💬 Share this blog with your friends who love animation.

Let the magic of Studio Ghibli stay with you forever. 🌟
Have you watched any of these? Which one is your favorite? Comment below, and let’s talk Ghibli!

Deepak Kumar

About the Author — Deepak Kumar

Blogger Crypto Trader (since 2018) Career & Finance Mentor

I’m Deepak Kumar, a passionate blogger and crypto trader since 2018. On KnowledgeHubForAll, I share practical tips on personal finance, career growth, and smart online earning. My mission is to simplify complex ideas into easy steps — so students, hustlers, and entrepreneurs can learn faster, grow smarter, and earn better in today’s digital age.

Updated Aug 2025 • knowledgehubforall.com

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