My Favorite Studio Ghibli Movies
Studio Ghibli movies have always been a part of my life. I remember watching My Neighbor Totoro with my sister and my mom for the first time in 1st grade, the three of us huddled around the computer to watch Satsuki and Mei sit in a cat bus. I remember watching The Secret Life of Arrietty with my sister, replaying the part where she runs into her house with a bay leaf to take note of all the details of her little house. Today, some of my favorite memories from summer break were going to Mitsuwa with friends and looking at Studio Ghibli themed products that I would never be able to afford. So today, I am going to talk about all of my favorite Studio Ghibli movies.
My Neighbor Totoro
This movie was probably the defining film of my childhood. I’ve watched it in the original Japanese, Korean dub, and English dub. I think the reason why I love this film so much is because it’s so relatable, yet unrealistic at the same time. I could really relate to the relationship between Satsuki and Mei. As an older sister, seeing them spend so much time fighting, forgiving, and maturing together was so heartwarming. My favorite scene was when Satsuki was making a bento box for the family and Mei got really excited about it.
Howl’s Moving Castle
This movie was so beautiful.What I especially loved about it is the attention to detail. Studio Ghibli movies in general do a fantastic job with world building. If you look at a scene from a movie with multiple people, you’ll notice that everyone seems as if they have something to do. Every character, no matter if they’re a background character or the main character, has so much detail with their tasks and movement. I also really loved the film’s music. I think it added to the sense of majesticism and mystery that surrounded Howl. My favorite scene has to be when Howl shows Sophie the field of flowers he created just for her. (Can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZ4N18r_sUk)
The Secret Life of Arrietty
I think this has to be one of my favorites because of the attention to detail. I loved to see how little people (Borrowers) navigated the world. I think with the process of the movie, there was a lot of deep thinking behind the house and setting to mirror the functions of everyday items for the lives of the Borrowers. For example, using a pot as an oven, or crushing crackers to make flour, or using a pin needle as a sword. I also really like the main characters. I liked how curious and adventurous Arrietty is. I also liked how she is quick to admit her own faults, and how quick she is to learn from them. I also liked Sho a lot because he was very kind and understanding. Starting as an ally to Arrietty, it was nice to see them finally become friends.
Princess Mononoke
I loved this film because of its depiction of the idea that there’s truly no good/evil. Every side/character has their own faults, and every character has a motive they’re willing to fight for. For example, the antagonist of the film, Lady Eboshi, exhausts the resources the forest gives her and is incredibly ambitious with her quest to get the Forest Spirit’s head for protection from other villages. But, she’s extremely kind to her people, and she’s a strong leader who ultimately just wants the best for her town, despite her lack of ability to think far ahead into the future.
Honorable Mentions:
Ponyo
Ocean Waves
Kiki’s Delivery Service
Princess Kaguya
Whisper of the Heart
When Marnie Was There
Spirited Away
Over this past summer, I finally got around to watching some of Studio Ghibli’s films and I was really impressed with what I saw. I agree with you that one of the standout elements of movies like Howl’s Moving Castle is the immensely powerful orchestral soundtrack that places significance and beauty to whatever is happening on screen. Watching movies like Kiki’s Delivery Service and Ponyo reminded me how powerful animation is as a tool to tell evocative stories that describe emotions that can’t be portrayed by real actors. Good blog 10.3/10
Hi Esther!
I could really relate to this blog since when I was a kid, I watched Studio Ghibli movies all the time with my family. I also really enjoy My Neighbor Totoro for how whimsical it is and the careful attention it pays to depicting play and exploring from the perspective of young girls, who aren’t often the protagonists of media. Princess Mononoke is also one of my favorites for the same reasons that you mentioned. I also thought it was super interesting to see the split between Lady Eboshi’s relentless quest for iron even though she knew it was destroying the forest coupled with the care she offered for the lepers and women under her. I also think that Princess Mononoke is one of the most visually appealing Studio Ghibli films, especially in the scene where Sen finds Moro after she’s been shot. One of my personal favorites, even though it’s not as well-known as the more famous Studio Ghibli films, is From Up on Poppy Hill, which I think could be because it’s just a sweet and nostalgic story for me that I remember watching with my sisters. Other than Ocean Waves, which I haven’t seen yet, I also really enjoy all the other movies you mentioned, especially Spirited Away, which is another one of my favorites.
Esther, I am so disappointed to not see Ponyo and Whisper of the Heart on your list. Ponyo is literally the most profound movie in the history of the world and Whisper of the Heart is top 5 in romance. They deserve more than an honorable mention.
Esther, thanks for sharing your top picks – I too can put My Neighbor Totoro as a top childhood favorite. The remarkableness of the film I think came in large part from the silently affectionate, cuddly spirits of the film, from Totoro, mini Totoro, to the Susuwatari. Tangentially, Totoro somewhat reminds me of Baymax from Big Hero 6, both serving as this soft protector role in their films. I’ll have to rewatch it sometime second semester!