Popular Japanese animation film house Studio Ghibli is known all over the world for its feature films. Playing with the elements of magic and fantasy, Studio Ghibli has always created movies that end up taking the viewers on a journey to another universe. Studio Ghibli has a wide range of movies under its belt, and most of them have been included among the highest-grossing animated films.

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For those who are yet to start their Studio Ghibli journey, the number of movies may seem overwhelming. While most of the movies under the film studio are worth a watch, there are definitely a few which should be seen first to know the magic of Studio Ghibli.

10 The Tale Of The Princess Kaguya (2013)

137 Minutes

Written and directed by Isao Takahata, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is a fantasy drama film based on The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter. The story follows the life of Princess Kaguya, who was mysteriously found inside a bamboo tree by a local bamboo cutter. Princess Kaguya grows up at a supernaturally fast pace, and her adopted father soon realizes that she is special. Despite Princess Kaguya's protests, her father takes her away to the city to live as noble people and soon destroys Kaguya's innocent view of mortal life.

The Tale of the Princess Kaguya's animation style is quite different from the regular Studio Ghibli productions, however, just like the other movies, it has a message for its viewers. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is a great watch if the viewers are getting to know the movies produced by Studio Ghibli.

9 The Secret World Of Arrietty (2010)

95 Minutes

The Secret World of Arrietty tells the story of a family of tiny people, also known as The Borrowers, who secretly live on the floors and walls of a human household. Since they need to borrow items to survive, The Borrowers are dependent on humans but also cannot be exposed to them. The main protagonist, Arrietty, befriends a human boy, Sho, who helps her family escape after they are discovered.

For those who are just discovering Studio Ghibli movies, The Secret World of Arrietty is a great movie to start with. Most Studio Ghibli movies focus on the value of friendship, and The Secret World of Arrietty is a great example of it.

8 Ponyo (2008)

101 Minutes

Ponyo is one of the movies written and directed by Studio Ghibli's mastermind, Hayao Miyazaki. The movie follows the journey of a magical goldfish, Ponyo, who wishes to become a mortal after meeting a human boy, Sosuke. However, Ponyo's desire brings heavy consequences since she uses magic to transform herself into a human girl. Both Sosuke and Ponyo try to save their loved ones and remain together despite all their troubles.

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Ponyo is one of the Studio Ghibli movies which received critical acclaim from all over the world. The movie was deemed as a sweet escape for the children along with people of all ages.

7 Whisper Of The Heart (1995)

111 Minutes

Released in 1995, Whisper of the Heart is a coming-of-age romantic movie animated by Studio Ghibli. Whisper of the Heart follows the journey of Shizuku Tsukishima, as she realizes her dreams and the efforts she needs to make to achieve them. At the beginning of the movie, Shizuku is a carefree girl who loves to read books and write. However, after she meets Seiji, an aspiring violin-maker, Shizuku also decides to pursue her dreams seriously.

Whisper of the Heart is a heartwarming tale of adolescent dreams and romance. It truly transcends the message that Studio Ghibli usually wishes to give to its viewers. Many have also been wanting a sequel to the movie to know more about Shizuku and Seiji's blossoming romance.

6 Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)

103 Minutes

Kiki's Delivery Service is often deemed to be one of the best slice-of-life movies to exist. The movie tells the story of a young witch, Kiki, who has to live in a new town alone as per the customs of her community. Kiki, accompanied by her talking cat, Jiji, starts working at a local bakery and opens up her own delivery service.

Kiki's Delivery Service is a very relatable movie, especially for young children and teenagers. The idea of searching for your own identity and feeling demotivated is something everyone goes through while growing up. This is one of the reasons why Kiki's Delivery Service is considered to be one of the best movies by Studio Ghibli.

5 My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

86 Minutes

My Neighbor Totoro is one of the most iconic movies from Studio Ghibli. Another masterpiece by Hayao Miyazaki, the movie introduced the world to the most famous mascot of Studio Ghibli, Totoro. The story is set in post-war rural Japan, where a professor and his two daughters move into an old house. With their mother at a nearby hospital, the two sisters soon get to know about the spirits that live in the nearby forest and befriend them.

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My Neighbor Totoro has been deemed a heartwarming masterpiece by critics all over the world. The story of the two sister's adventures and true friendship with the forest spirits makes the movie a must-watch.

4 Grave Of The Fireflies (1988)

89 Minutes

One of Studio Ghibli's most heart-wrenching movies, Grave of the Fireflies is a tragic story, set during the final months of the Second World War, of two siblings, Seita and Setsuko, as they struggle to survive under the harsh conditions. After losing their mother and their house, both Seita and Setsuko move away to an abandoned bomb shelter, where they try to find their happiness amidst hunger and pain.

Grave of the Fireflies is one of the most popular Studio Ghibli movies. While the story can turn out to be very heartbreaking, it should definitely be watched for the simple narrative and to witness the unconditional love between the siblings.

3 Howl's Moving Castle (2004)

119 Minutes

Loosely based on a British novel of the same title, Howl's Moving Castle is a fantasy movie by Studio Ghibli. In a fictional kingdom, where magic and technology exist together, Sophie is cursed by a witch, and she transforms into an old woman. To break the curse, Sophie goes on a journey and enters a moving castle, where she meets a powerful wizard, Howl. Caught in a war, Sophie and Howl work together to survive and save the people they love.

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Howl's Moving Castle is a perfect dose of Studio Ghibli magic. It is one of the best movies to start the Studio Ghibli journey with since it is a story that touches the hearts of both the young and the old.

2 Princess Mononoke (1997)

133 Minutes

Princess Mononoke is one of the most popular Studio Ghibli movies to be created to date. With a strong female protagonist, Princess Mononoke is considered one of the classic movies by Hayao Miyazaki. Princess Mononoke tells the story of an Emishi prince, Ashitaka, who travels to the western lands to find a cure for his curse. However, along the way, he meets San, a human who has been raised by wolves. Unknowingly, Ashitaka gets involved in a war between the forest spirits and the humans.

Princess Mononoke's theme of industrialization versus preservation of nature is very much relevant to the current times. The resonating theme of the movie is what makes it one of the best Studio Ghibli movies to watch.

1 Spirited Away (2001)

125 Minutes

For anyone who wants to take their first step into the Studio Ghibli world, Spirited Away is the movie to watch. Considered to be one of the best movies by Studio Ghibli, Spirited Away is a magical tale of a young girl's journey in the spirit realm. Chihiro finds herself in the spirit realm after her parents are turned into pigs by Yubaba, a powerful witch. Determined to leave the spirit realm and save her parents, Chihiro finds herself on a tough road but ultimately makes it out with the help of her friends.

Spirited Away is everything that defines Studio Ghibli. The fantasy world mixed with magical elements along with a young strong female protagonist is a perfect introduction to those who wish to delve deeper into the Studio Ghibli world.

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