In the world of animation, few companies have earned as much respect as Studio Ghibli. Founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, Toshio Suzuki, and Yasuyoshi Tokuma, Studio Ghibli has spent the best part of 35 years crafting visually stunning and narratively dense movies, ones that have helped introduce anime to western nations. Its pedigree is beyond doubt, with Miyazaki’sSpirited Awaybeing the first (and currently only) anime film to win an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
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Miyazaki is synonymous with Ghibli, as the filmmaker was behind a large majority of the studio’s most celebrated works. However, the company’s portfolio does not start and end with the director ofPrincess MononokeandMy Neighbor Totoro; in fact, even without Miyazaki’s films, Studio Ghibli’s resume is nothing short of remarkable. How do all these projects rank according to theirRotten Tomatoesscores?
14Earwig and the Witch (33%)
Ghibli’s most recent film is a stark departure from the norm for the company. While the studio has occasionally experimented with unique art styles,Earwig and the Witch’s switch to3D animationseems motivated by external influences rather than narrative ones. All things considered, the film’s visuals are about average, but they lack any of the endearing whimsy often found in Ghibli’s projects. Unfortunately, the characters are also not fleshed out enough, even if they are quite likable.
While there are worse ways to spend 90 minutes,Earwig and the Witchmarks a disappointing and forgettable low for Studio Ghibli.
13Tales From Earthsea (43%)
Hayao Miyazaki’s son, Gorō Miyazaki, made his directorial debut with 2006’sTales from Earthsea, Studio Ghibli’s lowest-rated film at that point in time. Tackling themes of nature and balance,Tales from Earthseavery much feels like an attempt to replicate the magic of Hayao Miyazaki’s films, albeit one that is largely stripped of the human core or playfulness found in the latter’s works.
Tales from Earthseais by no means a terrible debut for a first-time director, it is just not an especially engaging one.
12My Neighbors the Yamadas (78%)
Isao Takahata is a highly influential director that not only helped shape Studio Ghibli’s voice as a co-founder but the anime industry in general. Takahata’s films tend to be rather intimate affairs, often revolving around relationships and families.My Neighbors the Yamadasconsists of a series of mostlyself-contained storiescentering around the titular family, with the film covering events that many people should be able to relate to.
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Nowadays, slice of life is one of the most common genres explored in anime, but that was not the case in 1999. While not the director’s greatest project,My Neighbors the Yamadasis an incredibly easy sit.
11Pom Poko (85%)
Pom Pokotells the timeless tale of tanuki trying to protect their natural homes from humans and, by extension, modernization. At nearly two hours,Pom Pokois perhaps a touch too long for its own good, but this is still a journey worth taking.
The film is at its most entertaining during its early stages when the focus is primarily on lightheartedly depicting the tanuki’s way of life. Once things take a turn for the more serious,Pom Pokobecomes a somber cautionary tale that (wisely) offers no solutions.
10From Up on Poppy Hill (86%)
WhileTales From EarthseaandEarwig and the Witchfail to meet Studio Ghibli’s standard of quality, Gorō Miyazaki’sFrom Up on Poppy Hillrests comfortably as a respectable mid-tier entry in the company’s filmography.
Set in the early 1960s,From Up on Poppy Hillpays a lot of respect to the past through its authentic presentation and deft characterization of its players. Telling a cute and small story, this 2011 release offers a glimpse into an era many people did not experience directly.
9Ocean Waves (88%)
A TV movie directed by Tomomi Mochizuki,Ocean Waveswas designed to be a smaller entry in Studio Ghibli’s portfolio. With a brisk running time and a grounded story about young love, this 1993 film explores, through a flashback, the relationship between two teenagers and the way they would go on to influence each other, notably the impact Rikako has on Taku.
Ocean Wavesis a comfortable watch, as there is very little in the way of tension despite the presence of a love triangle.
8When Marnie Was There (91%)
At the moment, it could be argued that 2014’sWhen Marnie Was Therewas the last traditional film released by Studio Ghibli, although that should change in a few years' time when Hayao Miyazaki’sHow Do You Live?hits the scene.
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Tackling grief, depression, and isolation,When Marnie Was Thereis an emotionally captivating tale about maturity and innocence, all told through the endearing (and complex) relationship that forms between the titular girl and Anna.
7The Cat Returns (91%)
Studio Ghibli has mastered the act of balancing child-like wonder with adult concepts, crafting films that can be enjoyed by all ages in the process. In many ways,The Cat Returnsis the studio’s only children’s film, as it lacks the ambition and depth of most of the company’s other projects.
That said,The Cat Returnsalso happens to be extremely charming and entertaining. Sometimes, a fun movie is just enough.
6The Red Turtle (93%)
Co-produced by Studio Ghibli and Wild Bunch,The Red Turtleis a parable movie about a man stranded on an island who comes to appreciate his new surroundings through the influence of a (shapeshifting) turtle.
Stripped of any dialogue,The Red Turtleis very much a mood piece that aims to engross audiences in its lively (and mesmerizing) environment. This 2016 film is a magical experience that is quite unlike anything else that makes up Studio Ghibli’s resume.
5Whisper of the Heart (94%)
The only feature film directed by Yoshifumi Kondō prior to his untimely passing in 1998,Whisper of the Heartis a beautiful exploration of adolescence, the creative arts, and self-discovery. The story primarily revolves around Shizuku Tsukishima, a young girl with a passion for writing but who is also hesitant to embrace it, and her friendship with Seiji Amasawa, a violinist who is already pursuing his dreams.
Whisper of the Heart’s animation isnaturally gorgeous, but its characters are the ones that steal the show.
