In this series, we take a look at the best anime of all time. This year’s selection features some of the most popular and well-known titles, but there are plenty of other great anime out there that you may not have heard of. So if you’re looking for something new to watch, be sure to check out our list and see which ones come to mind.
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Grave of the Fireflies
In the end of World War II, Japan is in a state of chaos as American bombings continue. The result is the massacre of innocent people and the destruction of multiple cities. Our protagonists, Seita and Setsuko, are among those affected by this war. Their lives are ruined as a result.
The two orphans, Seita and Setsuko, have lost their parents in the war. They are now homeless and must wander the countryside looking for a place to stay. However, they soon realize that war changes people and that hope for a bright future is a mere fairy tale. ..
This is a brutal film and doesn’t include the happy-go-lucky atmosphere seen in most Studio Ghibli works. If you go into this film expecting nothing but the worse for its protagonists, then you’re in for a satisfying yet cruel time.
Princess Mononoke
Princess Mononoke is an animated film that tells the story of a battle between a demonic boar and a small village of Emishi. The film has been praised for its strong environmentalist message, as well as its likable characters. It is sure to captivate fans of Studio Ghibli films. ..
Prince Ashitaka of the Shikon no Tama is willing to do whatever it takes to protect his people. Before the demon boar fades away, it implants a curse on Ashitaka’s arm, granting him demonic powers. This exchange forces Ashitaka to head west to locate a cure. When Ashitaka arrives at Tatara he finds himself in a pickle. ..
Tatara’s Lady Eboshi and Princess San are arguing about something important. The former is promoting deforestation while the latter and the sacred forest spirits are against her wishes. Ashitaka battles the latent demon within him as the different groups clash in a dangerous struggle for survival. ..
Princess Mononoke is a film that has deep messages about life and why it’s important to cherish it all. The action sequences are exciting and well-animated, and the characters have wonderful attributes and designs that help them stand out. If you’re looking for a captivating film that will make you appreciate the outside world and its beauty, Princess Mononoke is definitely worth checking out. ..
Spirited Away
The Tales of Princess Kaguya
Okina takes in a baby he found inside a glowing shoot and names her Kaguya. He believes she is a princess from heaven who has come to Earth to be with him. ..
This anime is about a 10-year-old girl named Chihiro who is traveling with her parents to their new home. While on their way, they discover an abandoned amusement park and Chihiro gets whisked away to some fantasy world where her parents get turned into pigs after eating some food.
Chihiro learns that she has entered the spirit world and must summon the courage to live and work amongst the other spirited figures. With the help of a boy named Haku, Chihiro must locate a way back to her world while also figuring out how to return her parents back to normal. This anime is full of exploration and unfamiliarity.
After finding the gold and treasure, Okina decides to invest the money in a business venture with her husband. She starts a small business that provides services to the villagers. The business is successful and Okina is able to provide for her family. Kaguya continues to enjoy her life in the village and loves spending time with her friends.
With this newfound wealth, Okina forces his daughter to become a real princess by abandoning their rural lives in favor of something more fashionable and wealthy. Now forced into an unwanted livelihood by her adoptive father, Kaguya undergoes a philosophical journey to discover her true purpose and origins.
Studio Ghibli’s newest film, Kaguya-hime, features a visually distinct watercolor art style that sets it apart from other films in the studio’s repertoire. The character of Kaguya reacts authentically to her parents’ selfishness, which will convince fans to empathize with her. This is a film that will resonate with those who have experienced strict household environments and were forced to make difficult decisions in order to please their parents or other family members. ..
The Tales of Princess Kaguya is a visually engaging film that tackles relatable themes and follows a likable female protagonist. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for a film that will keep them entertained and engaged.
Kiki’s Delivery Service
Kiki’s Delivery Service is an anime that will resonate well with people who adore fantasy, magic, and romance. Its female protagonist Kiki is a wonderful bundle of joy that will have you smiling during its runtime. ..
Kiki’s Delivery Service is a charming anime that is perfect for all ages. Our story follows 13-year-old witch-in-training Kiki as she lives alone in a remote town for a year to become fully qualified. Jiji, her black cat, helps her along the way. ..
In Koriko Town, Kiki struggles to adapt and wanders the streets with nowhere to stay. However, a kind soul named Osono offers Kiki a place to stay in exchange for Kiki making deliveries for her small bakery. After completing several deliveries, Kiki opens her own courier service in an attempt to gain independence and understand the meaning of responsibility.
My Neighbor Totoro
My Neighbor Totoro is one of the most iconic works from Studio Ghibli. It has a likable human cast and a magnificent world. ..
Our film follows a father and his two daughters as they move to the countryside to start a new life. One day, Mei meets a small bunny-like creature in her yard and chases it into the forest. She stumbles upon Totoro, a giant forest spirit who she befriends. Totoro helps Mei learn about the world and how to live in it, and together they make new friends.
Satsuki notices her sister’s disappearance, leading her to head into the same forest. Eventually, Satsuki meets Totoro, and the two girls’ magical journey with him and the fantastical woodland creatures begins. This film feels like the animated manifestation of a child’s imagination. All the creature’s designs feel unique and creative. ..
This world is a magical place where Totoro and his friends add an extra layer of charm. The girls on the Catbus go on an adventure that makes My Neighbor Totoro a classic Studio Ghibli film for many fans.
Howl’s Moving Castle
Sophie must find a hat that can be worn by the king and queen in order to win their favor. She travels to different parts of the world, each with its own unique challenges, in order to find the hat. Along the way, she meets interesting people and makes new friends. The film culminates with a dance performance by the king and queen.
Sophie gets into a brief exchange between robbers and ends up hurling toward her doom. Thankfully, a handsome wizard named Howl saves her. Seeing Howl save Sophie enrages a nearby witch who places a curse on Sophie out of sheer jealousy. Sophie travels with Howl aboard his iconic flying castle in search of a cure.
Sophie’s magical endeavors are thrilling. From magical fire demons to wandering scarecrows, Sophie meets many bizarre yet friendly entities while aboard Howl’s giant mechanical contraption. The film excellently builds upon her romance with Howl, ensuring viewers don’t have to worry about the film rushing their romance to the ground. An exciting tale about romance and magic awaits you in Howl’s Moving Castle. ..
Ponyo
Ponyo is a delightful anime that’ll calm anyone’s nerves. This is the perfect anime to watch with your children because of its cutesy designs and the companionship that blossoms between its protagonists.
Ponyo, a goldfish who lives with jellyfish, meets Sousuke, a five-year-old boy who lives with his parents along the shore. Ponyo heals Sousuke’s finger and he names her Brunhilde. ..
Ponyo’s journey begins after her father Fujimoto catches her. She rejects her birth name and aims to become a human. With Sousuke’s blood, she gains arms and legs and escapes to the surface. However, numerous consequences unfold due to Ponyo’s decision. To secure her humanity and save the world, Sosuke endures an ancient test.
This anime is as imaginative and grand as My Neighbor Totoro. The characters in this anime have wonderful personalities and chemistry with each other. The art style is cutesy, which will warm the hearts of many fans. If you’re looking to get wrapped up in an anime that feels akin to Disney’s The Little Mermaid, check out Ponyo.
Porco Rosso
Porco Rosso is a Studio Ghibli film that is often overlooked. It has a lot of comedic elements and an epic adventure. It manages to stay on track and has a satisfying ending. ..
Marco, a young man infected with a curse that turns him into an anthropomorphic pig, spends his days hunting sky pirates and collecting their bounties. One day, Porco Rosso (Marco’s new alias) gets gunned down by the young American pilot Donald.
Donald spread false rumors about murdering Porco to gain fame. Unbeknownst to him, Porco remains alive and has fled the area to take out a loan to repair his fighter plane. With the help of a young chief engineer, Porco must challenge Donald to regain his pride and status. This anime features a great blend of comedy, romance, and slice-of-life elements.
Donald is an unlikable villain with a humorous personality who rivalry with Porco is fun to watch and makes for a phenomenal time.
Castle In The Sky
Castle In The Sky is an anime that follows Sheeta, a young girl who is kidnapped by government agents in search of her amulet. Sheeta finds herself trapped aboard an airship with no way to escape and soon discovers that the pirates who raided the ship are actually her friends. ..
Sheeta, a young girl, takes advantage of the catastrophic situation and flees from her captors. She’ll run into Pazu, who wants to reach the fabled flying castle, Laputa. Unfortunately, the government agents are after Laputa too. Therefore, our tale revolves around Sheeta and Pazu’s quest to find Laputa before the government agents do.
This anime spends time growing Sheeta and Pazu’s feelings for each other. The mishaps they get involved in during their quest for Laputa are magical and somewhat funny. While the comedic exchanges may break up the epicness of their adventure, it never reduces the film’s overall quality.
Here are our picks for the best Studio Ghibli anime of all time:
- The Wind Rises
- Princess Mononoke
- The Cat in the Hat
- The Lion King
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