Studio Ghibli Movies Ranked: The 12 Best Films From Worst to Best

Studio Ghibli, founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata and Toshio Suzuki, makes films that feel like magic. Here are the 12 best Ghibli movies, counting down to number one.

12. Ponyo (2008)

A goldfish who wants to become human. Bright, sweet and perfect for kids.

11. Whisper of the Heart (1995)

★ 7.9▶ Watch Trailer

A quiet story about a girl discovering her dream to write. Directed by Yoshifumi Kondō.

10. The Boy and the Heron (2023)

★ 7.4▶ Watch Trailer

Miyazaki’s personal, dreamlike film that won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature.

9. Porco Rosso (1992)

A WWI pilot cursed to look like a pig. Funny, cool and full of flying.

8. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013)

Takahata’s watercolor masterpiece based on a Japanese folk tale.

7. Castle in the Sky (1986)

Ghibli’s first official film — floating cities, pirates and pure adventure.

6. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)

A young witch starts a delivery service in a seaside town. Warm and comforting.

5. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

★ 8.4▶ Watch Trailer

A girl cursed to be old meets a mysterious wizard. Romantic and magical.

4. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

★ 8.5▶ Watch Trailer

Two siblings survive the end of WWII. One of the most powerful anti-war films ever. Read more.

3. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

★ 8.1▶ Watch Trailer

Two sisters meet forest spirits. Totoro became Ghibli’s logo for a reason.

2. Princess Mononoke (1997)

★ 8.3▶ Watch Trailer

An epic battle between humans and nature gods. Full movie guide.

1. Spirited Away (2001)

★ 8.5▶ Watch Trailer

Chihiro enters a spirit world bathhouse to save her parents. Winner of the Oscar and the Golden Bear. Full movie guide.

Where to Watch Ghibli Movies

Ghibli films are on Netflix in many countries and on Max in the United States. Availability changes by region, so check your local service. Blu-ray collections are also widely available.