The emergence of Studio Ghibli Films marked a turning point in the Japanese animation industry. With a unique and artisanal concept, Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata founded one of the most prestigious production companies in the world in 1985.

Its cornerstone was the magnificent 'Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind,' released in 1984 and considered part of the studio's legacy, but it was 'Castle in the Sky' that truly launched Miyazaki, demonstrating that his vision of the seventh art was different. Since then, Ghibli has become synonymous with quality, prestige, dedication, passion, and idealism.

Despite the great popularity of Studio Ghibli Films, many people haven't seen them yet. Maybe you've always wanted to try them, but don't know where to start. Well, there's no need to say anything else: today we're going to tell you about the titles in the Japanese animation studio's extensive offering. are more worth it

10- Pompoko

Threatened by urban development plans for their forest, the Tanuki—a species of mischievous and mocking Japanese raccoon dog capable of transforming its appearance—will wage war on humans to prevent them from using their powers and even resort to eco-terrorism. The message is once again about environmentalism and deforestation, but also about passive resistance movements, all peppered with abundant references to Japanese tradition and mythology.

9- My Neighbors the Yamadas

The film is a series of vignettes following the daily life of the Yamada family: Takashi and Matsuko (the father and mother), Shige (Matsuko's mother), Noboru (approximately 13 years old, the son), Nonoko (approximately 5 years old, the daughter) and Pochi (the family dog).

Each of the vignettes is preceded by a title such as "Father as Role Model," "A Family Torn Apart," or "Patriarchal Supremacy Restored." These vignettes cover issues such as losing a child in a department store, the relationship between father and son, or husband and wife, the wisdom of age, getting your first girlfriend, and much more.

Each character is portrayed with humor, presenting a believable picture of family life that transcends cultural boundaries. The relationships between Matsuko, Takashi, and Shige are particularly well-observed, with Shige offering advice and proverbs to all family members and displaying great strength of character.

Takashi and Matsuko's relationship is often the focus of the episodes, their rivalries, such as the argument over who has control of the television, their frustrations and difficulties, but the prevailing theme is their love for each other, despite their flaws, and their desire to be the best parents possible for their children.

8- The Tale of Princess Kaguya

One day, a bamboo cutter discovers a little princess inside a bamboo pole. He takes her home, thinking she's a gift from heaven, and gives her to his wife. The little creature then transforms into a baby, whom the peasant couple raises in the mountains.

The local children nicknamed him "bamboo shoot" because, like bamboo, he visibly grows. But the peasant finds a mountain of gold coins while cutting down bamboo and becomes convinced it is his duty to make his daughter a princess. So he snatched the child and her friends from his mountain to impose a noble education in the capital.

Melancholic, the girl dreams of her lost friends and has no interest in the aristocracy. During her adulthood ceremony, she is called "Princess Kaguya of the Graceful Bamboos" because of her flexibility and "luminous" beauty. Her beauty becomes incredibly famous, although no one has ever seen her face. The five great princes of the capital ask for her hand.

She refused their offers and the emperor's. Later, she realizes that she comes from the Moon and was sent to Earth to punish her for wanting to discover this forbidden planet.

7- Porco Rosso (1992)

Porco Rosso is a veteran World War I fighter pilot turned bounty hunter who was transformed into an anthropomorphic pig by a rare curse. He was once known as Marco Pagot while still in human form, but adopted a new pseudonym that better fits his current image: "Red Pig."

At the beginning of Kurenai no Buta, Porco reunites with his longtime friend Gina at a hotel and unexpectedly falls in love with her. Despite her strange appearance, Gina shows him all the affection she can muster. But Porco has a love rival to contend with.

An American wrestler named Curtis is also after Gina's heart, and although she rejects his advances, he's not about to let her go so easily. During their flight back to Milan, Curtis sneaks up behind Porco's plane and shoots him.

The plane is completely destroyed and Porco is declared dead, but by a stroke of luck, he barely managed to survive the crash, unbeknownst to anyone else.

Porco must now continue his journey back by train and suddenly discovers that a warrant has been issued for his arrest in Italy. He not only needs to find Gina, but also seek revenge and deal with the looming war that threatens all of Europe.

6- When Marnie Was There

Anna Sasaki suffers from constant asthma attacks. As a result, she is antisocial, quiet, and isolated from her peers, which worries her adoptive parents. Following a doctor's advice, Anna is sent to a rural area, hoping that the fresh air and a more relaxed lifestyle will improve her health and help clear her mind.

Indulging her passion for drawing, Anna spends her summers living with her aunt and uncle in a small coastal town. One day, while hiking, Anna discovers an abandoned mansion known as Marsh House. However, she soon discovers it's not as empty as it seems, thanks to a mysterious girl named Marnie. The girl's cheerful and effervescent nature manages to take Anna out of her comfort zone, leaving the house every night to see her new friend.

5- Howl's Moving Castle (2004)

In this unconventional love story, the infamous magician Howl lives in a traveling castle that never stops moving and creaking. He seems to be a Casanova, or at least that's what Sophie Hatter often hears. Sophie is the Hatter's daughter and doesn't expect much from her future, except to inherit her father's shop.

However, Sophie's simple life is completely changed when a witch curses her for attracting Howl's attention, transforming her into an old woman. To return to normal, Sophie must accompany Howl and his eccentric companions in his traveling castle on a dangerous adventure during the war that is destroying their kingdom.

Based on the novel of the same name by British writer Diana Wynne Jones and influenced by Miyazaki's strong opposition to the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, the film covers themes such as war, pacifism, and feminism. Witches, scarecrows, and other amusing characters populate this eccentric film with a steampunk aesthetic that is a favorite of the Japanese director.

4- My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

Set in post-war Japan, this story of a family and a giant, cat-like forest spirit named Totoro, has become a cultural icon. Satsuki and Mei are two girls who move with their father to a new home while their mother recovers from an illness in a nearby hospital.

There they'll meet the furry protagonist, the Gatobús, and the rest of the forest creatures that only they can see thanks to their pure hearts. Despite the inevitable sad moments, it's a captivating and funny title in equal parts, with a vision of childlike wonder that few films can offer.

3- The Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

This may be the best Studio Ghibli film… that no one wants to see. Why? Because it's as beautiful as it is incredibly sad. This story of two orphans' struggle for survival during World War II is undoubtedly the most disturbing on this list.

Seita and Setsuko are homeless and have no choice but to travel to the countryside, surviving hunger and disease. Ignored by the apathy of adults, they discover that desperate circumstances can turn the kindest people into cruel beings, but their hope continues to shine through their sorrows, preventing these siblings from succumbing to a fate that seems inevitable. The story is based on Akiyuki Nosaka's autobiography and is sure to break your heart.

2- Princess Mononoke (1997)

Miyazaki's longest film and also your most An epic, dark, and complex adventure with a powerful appeal to balance with nature, it centers on the struggle between the supernatural guardians of a forest and the humans who desecrate its resources. The film, which would mark a turning point in Miyazaki's career, was a box office success.

It tells the story of a young man, cursed by a demon, who must travel to an area at war between humans and nature to save his life. More than ever, Miyazaki embraces his more environmentally friendly side, reviving the forest gods of Japanese myth and blending them with one of his most charismatic heroines. the wolf girl who gives the film its name .

But no less fascinating is the village of ironworkers, ruled by a matriarchy of former prostitutes.and with technology made by lepers. Everything is rich, imaginative, and surprising in Miyazaki's most violent story.

But if one thing shines above all, it's the Japanese's ability to reflect the darkness of the world while still maintaining a passion for life. This is reflected in one of the film's most famous lines: “Life is suffering and hardship, the world and man are cursed, but we still insist on living .”

1- Spirited Away

Studio Ghibli's most acclaimed film and the only one to win the award Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film. tells the story of Chihiro, a young and innocent girl who, during a move, becomes trapped in a supernatural world in which she must save her parents - who have been transformed, once again, into pigs for eating food they shouldn't have after the sun sets.

The girl's mission is to muster the courage to work and live, with the help of the enigmatic Haku and the rest of the cast she meets during her journey to return to the real world. The animation is gorgeous. The music is fantastic. The characters are delightful. The storyline is phenomenal. It's fun, cute, inspiring, and sometimes even scary. In short: an animated masterpiece that you absolutely must see.