Anime Ichiban: The Top Ten Studio Ghibli Films

Criteria

Twenty two movies, an entire month of films, and now it comes down to this. Did anyone honestly think Ghibli Month would end any other way?

This was the hardest list I've made. Aside from a few notable exceptions, I'm looking at you Earthsea, every film this month was at one point up for consideration. Some were easier to cut than others, but eventually decisions had to be made.

Weighing visuals against story, characters against themes, heart versus art, there was a lot to consider. Single scenes could make up for and undo a slew of problems while an entire story can stay consistently solid throughout. How do you rank gold higher than other pieces of equally pure gold?

In the past I've relied on a number of factors. While everything ultimately came down to what I thought was a better film, my biggest consideration was what movie I would pick if I were given only a second to decide.

Spoilers ahead, it was crushing to leave films like Whisper of the Heart, When Marine was There, and Nausicaä as honorable mentions because they are each brilliant in their own right. With that in mind, these ten are what I think best represent Ghibli and are the Crown Jewels of its legacy. Without any further ado, here are my Top Ten Studio Ghibli Films.

Out and About: Ghibli's Great Exhibition

Ghibli’s Great Exhibition

Alright, so the original plan was to tour the actual Studio Ghibli Museum in Tokyo. I still plan to do that one day. If you’re thinking about visiting the museum for yourself, keep in mind you’ll need to buy your tickets far in advance. I’m talking many, many month before you go.

Because apparently a month ahead of time isn’t enough; a sharp kick in the balls that realization was.

I wanted to have an Out and About for Ghibli Month and luckily one became available. Ghibli’s Great Exhibition showcases from the Studio’s 30 year history; from Nausicaä to its newest production Red Turtle. While not being able to go to the museum was a letdown, this made up for it in a big way.

We once again head back to the always impressive Tokyo City View in Roppongi Hill, the same venue which housed The Exhibition of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon. I love going here because it’s an absolutely fantastic location for both breathtaking citywide shots of Tokyo and truly one-of-a-kind displays.

What to expect? This is a glimpse in the painstaking work that went into every Ghibli production for the past three decades. Every stroke, every line, every bit of color that goes into creating one of the world’s greatest animation line ups.

Anime Hajime Review: Sanzoku no Musume Ronja

Series Synopsis

Deep with the forest, ever watchful from the trees, a band of thieves lie in wait. Led by the infamous bandit chief Mattis (voiced by Takaai Seki), those traveling through his woods best be careful. However, a great change is on the horizon and not even this notorious clan can avoid its affects.

Far and away from the eyes of the law, deep within Mattis’ castle stronghold, cries of joy and jubilation can be heard. Mattis’ wife, Lovis (voiced by Yukari Nozawa), has given birth to a precious baby girl. This loud, boisterous family of robbers has grown a little bit larger as they welcome their newest member, Ronja (voiced by Haruka Shiraishi).

Having grown up to be a energetic and loving child, Ronja is finally given the chance to explore her forest home to her heart's content. Every day she happily explores the world around her. Life couldn't get any more fun. While blissfully spending her days laughing, Ronja quickly learns how fast
everything can change.

One day, she meets a boy named Birk (voiced by Reika Uyama) who is the son of Mattis’ eternal rival. Following in the footsteps of their father’s, Ronja and Birk instantly start off despising each other. At every given opportunity, the kids clash and throw insults. Yet this doesn't last and the more time they spend together, the closer they become.

Anime Eiga Review: When Marine Was There

Film Synopsis

Anna Sasaki (voiced by Sara Takatsuki) has closed herself off from the world. Her sense of self-worth is at an all-time low and she believes there's no one she can rely on. Without a single living relative, she's lived with her foster parents for the majority of her life. 

One day, Anna is hit with a severe asthma attack. To ensure her recovery, Anna’s foster mother, Yoriko (voiced by Nanako Matsushima), sends her off to a small seaside town to live with Setsu and Kiyomasa Oiwa (voiced by Toshie Negishi and Susumu Terajima respectively).

While Anna does her best to recuperate, she doesn’t hide her distain for the situation; especially when people needless pry into her business. Not thrilled to be where she is, Anna wanders around the town looking for a place to draw in peace.

Out walking, Anna spots an old mansion across the marsh. The ageing home captivates her. Upon further inspection, Anna thinks she sees a young blonde hair girl in one of the windows. After asking about it, she's learns the house has been empty for many years and was once owned by a wealthy foreign family.

Anime Eiga Review: The Tale of the Princess Kaguya

Film Synopsis

While out harvesting, an old bamboo cutter (voiced by Takeo Chii) sees one particular stock glowing bright. Inside he finds a small girl; almost like a doll. The old man is captivated and he believes the heavens have bestowed upon him a princess.

The old man takes the girl to his home and shows her to his wife (voiced by Nobuko Miyamoto). Suddenly the girl transform into an actually baby. Overjoyed, the elderly couple gladly takes in the child and raises her as their own.

The girl quickly grows larger and larger, and within a short time she becomes a beautiful young woman (voiced by Aki Asakura).

In their hearts, the old couple knows their daughter is indeed a princess. Therefore they take her to the capital city where to learn how to be a proper lady of court. Although sad to leave her home, the girl tries to make the most out of her new surroundings. As talk of her beauty grows, she is given the name Kaguya as an official seal of her status.

Many suitors try to win Kaguya's heart, but she turns them all away. She knows all who call are only interested in her appearance, not her. As time goes on, Kaguya yearns for the simple, peaceful days of her old life.

Anime Eiga Review: The Wind Rises

Film Synopsis

Ever since he was a child, Jiro Horikoshi (voiced by Hideaki Anno) has loved planes. Due to his poor eyesight becoming a pilot was out of the question. So he turned his attention to building rather than flying.

Jiro is now considered a genius in the field of aeronautical engineering. In 1927, he's hired by the aircraft manufacturer Mitsubishi, which has been receiving large orders from the Imperial Military. Japan has been desperately trying to catch up with the Western powers, but the gap appears too great.

Jiro is sent all over the world to study the cutting edge of flight technology. He can't help feel a little disillusion knowing the machines he loves will ultimately be used as weapons of war. Making matters grimmer, the world sits on the cusps of a second horrific conflict.

Following a string of failures, Jiro decides to take a holiday to clear his head. While on retreat, he falls for the beautiful Naoko Satomi (voiced by Miori Takimoto) who he previously rescued during the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. Naoko has been suffering from the effects of tuberculosis. Though the disease is incurable, ensuring any relationship will end in heartbreak, the two marry.

Anime Eiga Review: From Up on Poppy Hill

Film Synopsis

The year is 1963, Tokyo is set to host the 1964 Olympic Games, and Japan is trying to move forward into the future. In a small boarding house overlooking the Port of Yokohama lives 16 year old Umi Matsuzaki (voiced by Masami Nagasawa). Every morning she wakes up extra early and raises a set of signal flags; a ritual she has done without fail for many years.

The life of this high school girl has always been a hectic one, but she takes it all in stride. Having to juggle house and academic work day in and day is exhausting, so a nice distraction is always welcomed. Such a opportunity comes in the form of a student protest over the fate of the old clubhouse building. One of the boys leading the fight is Shun Kazama (voiced by Junichi Okada).

Umi’s experience running her boarding house allows her to become a central figure in Shun’s cause and the two start to develop strong feelings for one another.

Then one day, as Umi shows off picture of her late father, Shun makes a devastating realization. One that wouldn't just put their relationship in jeopardy, it would make it impossible. Umi and Shun’s dad may be the same person.

If this turns out to be true, Umi and Shun must give up before they were ever given a chance.

Anime Eiga Review: The Secret World of Arrietty

Film Synopsis

Arriving at his mother’s childhood home, nestled away in a peaceful tree grove, a boy named Sho (voiced by Ryunsouke Kamiki) catches a glimpse of an unusual site. A cat seems to be looking at something hidden away in the bushes. It’s only for a second, but Sho thinks he sees a small girl running away in the leaves.

Unbeknownst to Sho, that's exactly what he saw. The young girl is a Borrower named Arrietty (voiced by Mirai Shida). Borrowers are tiny people who survive by...borrowing items no one would miss; a single sugar cube, a piece of tissue paper, a sewing needle that has been lost and forgotten. The life of a person so small is filled with dangers and the one thing a Borrower must never allow to happen is to be seen by a human.

Arrietty is brimming with excitement, for tonight is her first borrowing mission with her father Pod (voiced Tomokazu Miura). Her mother, Homily (voiced by Shinobu Otake) is naturally worried sick, but her daughter’s enthusiasm is too strong.

Arrietty can only imagine what she will see and her expectations are not disappointed. The mundane and typical items of the human world are large and imposing wonders to a Borrower. Slowly and carefully, Arrietty and her father make their way around the house. Unfortunately, one momentary lapse in attention is all it takes for everything to go wrong.

Anime Eiga Review: Ponyo

Film Synopsis

Far below the ocean waves, a small and curious fish-girl runs away from home and makes it to the shore of a rural port town. Her arrival doesn’t go smoothly as she gets caught in a passing fishing net and is trapped inside a glass bottle.

Down by the beach is a young boy named Sosuke (voiced by Hiroki Doi) who sees the tiny fish and frees her. While doing so, the boy cuts his finger on the glass, to which the girl jumps up and kisses the wound; instantly healing it.

Having never seen a fish like her before, Sosuke takes an immediate liking to the girl and calls her Ponyo. The two spend the entire day together, but all the while a mysterious man named Fujimoto (voiced by George Tokoro) is desperately trying to find the girl.

Sosuke admires how strange and amazing Ponyo is. To his surprise, Ponyo (voiced by Yuria Nara) responds and says she likes Sosuke in return. At this moment, Fujimoto finds the two and successful takes back Ponyo.

Under the sea, Fujimoto warns of how dangerous the human world is and how Ponyo should have nothing to do with it. However, Ponyo says she wants to return to Sosuke and become human. With that she begins to transform into an actual five year old girl and manages to get away.

Anime Eiga Review: Tales from Earthsea

Film Synopsis

The world is heading towards chaos. Famine, pestilence, and other hardships run ramped and magic is on the decline. Everything is out of balance.

Arriving on the outskirts of the desert, the wandering wizard known as Sparrowhawk (voiced by Bunta Sugawara) is on a quest to discover what is happening. In distance, he sees a boy being chased by a pack of wolves.

Panicking and frighten, the boy is ready to accept his fate. However, just as the wolves leap in for the kill, a furry of rage fills the young man's eyes; as though he were possessed. Sparrowhawk intervenes and the boy falls unconscious.

Upon awakening in a cold sweat, the boy frantically starts looking for something and is relieved when Sparrowhawk returns what appears to be an old rusted sword. After calming down, the boy introduces himself as Arren (voiced by Junichi Okada).

Sparrowhawk and Arren start traveling together and come across a large city where distain for magic users is high. Here Arren saves a girl by the name of Therru (voiced by Aoi Teshima) from a group of slave hunters.

Anime Eiga Review: Howl's Moving Castle

Film Synopsis

In a small, bustling town lives Sophie (voiced by Chieko Baisho), a kind, modest girl who's happy just filling her life with simple pleasures.

There's great excitement and worry in the air. The kingdom is on the brink of war and the nation is mobilizing for combat. While out one day, Sophie is stopped by a pair of soldiers who have nothing better to do then bother a young lady.

From out of nowhere, Sophie is rescued by a handsome, but mysterious man (voiced by Takuya Kimura) who has the ability to use magic.

Sophie isn’t quite sure how to process the encounter, especially when she realizes there was a good chance the man was the powerful wizard Howl who lives in strange moving house. In any case, Sophie can’t help but feel a tad smitten at the end of the day.

Unfortunately, this changes when a large, imposing woman walks into Sophie’s store after hours. The woman (voiced by Akihiro Miwa) is incredibly rude and seems to know of the run in with Howl. At her limit, Sophie sternly asks the customer to leave. The woman commends Sophie's bravery in the face of the infamous Witch of the Waste and spitefully casts a spell on her; transforming her into an old woman.

Anime Eiga Review: The Cat Returns

Film Synopsis

Haru (voiced by Chizuru Ikewaki) is like any high school girl. Her life isn't horrifically exciting and nothing unexpected ever happens. However, one simple act of kindness can have some pretty unimaginable consequences.

A strange cat with a small gift in its mouth passes Haru on the street. Suddenly the cat cross the street and mindlessly walks right into in the path of an oncoming truck.

Without thinking, Haru rushes in and manages to save the helpless feline. Relived to have made it in time, what happens next is beyond anything Haru could have imagined. The cat (voiced by Takayuki Yamada) gets up on two legs, brushes himself off, and vocally thanks his savior; with actual words and everything. Completely taken aback, Haru tries to rationalize what just happened as her imagination. But it was all too real.

The cat Haru saved is actually the crown prince of the Cat Kingdom and they couldn't be more grateful. Haru's quiet life is now filled with a bunch overly thankful cats. Though their intentions might be coming from a good place, these fur balls have a very poor understanding of boundaries.

Anime Eiga Review: Spirited Away

Film Positives

Chihiro Ogino (voiced by Rumi Hiiragi) and her parents are moving into a new home. On the way, her father takes a wrong turn and ends up in front of a strange, creepy tunnel. While mom and dad eagerly venture forward, Chihiro cannot help but feel a strong sense of dread and uneasiness.

On the other side is a wide open field which looks to be the remnants of an old amusement park. The place is deserted, but an alluring smell of hot food brings the family in closer. When they eventually find the stand, it too is void of people. This doesn’t stop Chihiro’s parents from digging in anyway, but Chihiro chooses not to partake and continues to explore the park.

As the sun begins to set, Chihiro comes across a massive bath house resort. Oddly enough there's smoke coming from the chimneys, indicating the place is operational. Before having a chance to look any further, Chihiro runs into a boy (voiced by Miyu Irino).

Looking frantic, the boy warns Chihiro to leave before the sun fully sets; otherwise she will be stuck here forever. The entire place becomes alive with a strange assortment of beast and spirits. Chihiro runs back to where she left her parents, but to her horror they both have been transformed into pigs.

Anime Eiga Review: My Neighbors the Yamadas

Film Synopsis

Meet the Yamadas, just your average suburban family.

Now to some average may be too strong of a word, but what is average anyway. Every family has its quirks and this one’s no different. These guys are simply a little bit louder about it.

Leading the lot are the husband and wife pair of Takashi (voiced by Touru Masuoka) and Matsuko (voiced by Yukiji Asaoka). Together for the past twenty years, these two have their hands full. Not only with the household, but with each other; in most loving of ways of course.

Ensuring their parents never get bored are Noboru (voiced by Hayato Isobata) and his little sister Nonoko (voiced by Naomi Uno). Noboru doesn't have any reservations about expressing his annoyance with the usual teenage problems one would face at his age and Nonoko is five so she pretty much does what she’s going to do.

Finally theirs Grandma Shige (voiced by Masako Araki) who’s always happy to share her words of wisdom; or her two cents depending on who you ask.

Anime Eiga Review: Princess Mononoke

Film Synopsis

A small village is suddenly attacked by a ragging demon. To protect his people, Prince Ashitaka (voiced by Yoji Matsuda) pleads with the spirit to calm it's anger, but to no avail. With a heavy heart, Ashitaka is forced to slay the beast, but in the process he is cursed. The effects will eventually take his life, so Ashitaka heads out on a journey to hopefully find a cure.

During his travels, Ashitaka learns of the Deer God who might be able to save him. This leads him to a town which specializes in iron crafting. The settlement is run by Lady Eboshi (voiced by Yuko Tanaka), whose leadership has provided a safe haven for society's outcasts. However, Lady Eboshi’s ambition has led to massive deforestation which has upset the spirits of nature.

In particular, a powerful and ancient tribe of wolves continuously attack Lady Eboshi and her enterprise. While there's enough anger and hatred to go around, no member of the tribe harbors more resentment than its adoptive human daughter, San (voiced by Yuriko Ishida), who Lady Eboshi has been dubbed Princess Mononoke.

Ashitaka finds himself in the middle of these two unflinching forces. Although he wishes to find a cure for the curse which has befallen him, he takes it upon himself to try and pave a way for a peaceful coexistence.

Anime Eiga Review: Whisper of the Heart

Film Synopsis

Avid bookworm, Shizuku Tsukishima (voiced by Yoko Honna), lives with her family in a small apartment in Tokyo. All things considered, Shizuku has a pretty normal life and nothing all that special ever seems to happen. Recently though she’s noticed something strange. The past few books she’s borrowed have all been previously check out by someone named Seiji Amasawa.

Shizuku constantly wonders who this person is. Are they nice, are they friendly, are they good looking? Slowly an image of the mysterious Seiji begins to form in her head. This could very well be be her prince charming. As long as it’s not this one jerk she knows (voiced Issei Takahashi) who has the very bad habit of showing up at the most annoying of times.

To her disappointment, Seiji is indeed this person. He turns out to be the grandson of the owner of a small, but unique antique shop. Shizuku finds the small boutique fascinating and ends up spending quite a bit of time there, thus gets to know Seiji a little better.

Shizuku’s distain turns into admiration and affection. Seiji has longed dreamed of perfecting his skills as violin craftsman and his dedication fills Shizuku with awe since she has no idea what she wants to with her own life. Their relationship grows deeper and when Seiji has a chance to fulfill his dream, Shizuku couldn’t be happier.

Anime Eiga Review: Pom Poko

Film Synopsis

In the late 1960s, the fields outside Tokyo were still a perfect haven for wildlife. Among these animals are the tanuki (raccoon dogs) who take pride in their laid back, fun loving lifestyle. 

This is now in jeopardy as demand for housing near the capital skyrockets and large sections of land are being cleared to make way for the massive suburban development project known as New Tama.

As the decades passed, food sources and living spaces have begun to dwindle. Infighting among the tanuki threatens to tear them apart. Their elders realize if they don't band together, they will lose everything. With that, the tanuki decide to revive the ancient art of transformation.

Since tanuki are easily distracted, mastering this technique doesn’t come easy. Slowly, the group gets better and eventually they are ready to take the fight straight to the humans.

At every opportunity, the tanuki disrupt and harass construction; causing a lot people to get injured or even killed. While this does slow down development, it doesn’t stop it. Therefore, the tanuki attacks and strategies are forced to become much more elaborate.

Anime Eiga Review: Ocean Waves

Film Synopsis

Taku Morisaki (voiced by Nobuo Tobita) is heading back to his hometown of Koichi for the summer. While waiting on the train platform, he thinks he sees a familiar face of woman on the other side of the station. The chance encounter gets him thinking about a girl he once knew in high school, Rikako Muto (voiced by Yoko Sakamoto).

Our story jumps back two years when Rikako first transferred to Taku’s school. Almost instantly, Rikako establishes herself as a top student, but is a little standoffish. She has trouble getting along with others in her class, yet she's on good terms with Taku’s best friend Yutaka Matsuno (voiced by Toshihiko Seki).

Taku and Rikako themselves have little to no interaction with each other until their class trip to Hawaii. While there, Rikako asks Taku if he could lend her a considerable about of money. Taku obliges and the two once again have almost no contact for another year; during which time Rikako never returns the money.

Out of the blue, Taku gets a call from one of Rikako’s friends who says Rikako is heading to Tokyo and it was Taku who gave her the money for plane tickets. Quickly rushing to the airport, Taku is unable to stop Rikako from going, but upon seeing her reservations about going alone he decides to join her.

Anime Eiga Review: Porco Rosso

Film Synopsis

Twenty years have passed since the end of the First World War and the Adriatic Sea has seen an increase in airborne pirates. To make ends meet, a veteran Italian fighter ace has been spreading fear in the minds of any would be marauder. His name is Marco Pagot (voiced by Shuichiro Moriyama) and a strange curse has tuned him into an anthropomorphic pig. Thus he is better known as the one and only Porco Rosso.

The the pirate gangs have become feed up with Porco’s constant interference. Since none of their own can even dream of facing him, they contract the highly skilled American pilot, Donald Curtis (voiced by Akio Otsuka), to challenge the legendary airman.

On a trip to repair his plane, Porco runs into Curtis. Due to mechanical problems, Porco isn’t able to fly at his full ability and is easily brought down. He manages to lose Curtis and makes it to an old friend’s repair shop.

There Porco meets his friend's granddaughter, Fio (voiced by Akemi Okamura), and is a little apprehensive to have someone so young, and female, fix his plane. Fio doesn't have any of that and takes up the challenge and easily proves her skills as a master mechanic.

Anime Eiga Review: Only Yesterday

Film Synopsis

Taeko Okajime (voiced by Miki Imai) has always fantasied about the countryside. Having lived in Tokyo her whole life, a simpler, quieter existence promised by a rural farming community has been her dream. These feeling go as far back as her elementary school days when her classmates would leave the city for holiday.

As an adult, Taeko decides to take a visit to her brother-in-law’s family 's farm in Yamagata. While traveling, she begins recalling her ten year old self (voiced by Yoko Honna). Strong waves of nostalgia rush in and the events of her current life stir many memories that were once forgotten.

Arriving at her destination, Taeko is met at the station by a cousin of her brother-in-law named Toshio (voiced by Toshiro Yanagiba), who is there to bring her to the family farm. Before this meeting these two were barely acquaintances, but they really hit it off.

Taeko’s short stay is rewarding, enjoyable, and appears to be exactly what she was looking for. However, reality has a way of changing our outlook without warning. As the story drifts between past and present, the older Taeko must come to terms with weather she is meeting the expectation of her younger self.