Studio Ghibli Movies Ranked: A Comprehensive Tier List

Studio Ghibli Movies Tier List

Tier S

• Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
  • Renowned for its environmental themes and strong character development.
  • Early film by Hayao Miyazaki which paved the way for future Studio Ghibli style.
• Whisper of the Heart
  • Celebrated for its touching coming-of-age story.
  • Notable for its realistic character portrayal and the inspirational pursuit of dreams.
• Grave of the Fireflies
  • Heart-wrenching war film that showcases the brutal impact of war on children.
  • Widely acclaimed for its emotional depth and powerful storytelling.
• Porco Rosso
  • Known for its unique protagonist, a pig pilot, and themes of redemption.
  • Regarded as a fun and adventurous film with deeper underlying themes of war and loss.

Tier A

• Pom Poko
  • Explores the impact of urbanization on nature through the tale of shape-shifting raccoons.
  • Mixes humor with serious environmental messages.
• The Wind Rises
  • A fictionalized biography of Jiro Horikoshi, the designer of Japanese fighter planes.
  • Combines historical elements with personal drama and romance.
• Princess Mononoke
  • Acclaimed for its complex narrative and environmental themes.
  • Balances action with deep philosophical and moral questions.
• Howl's Moving Castle
  • Known for its visually stunning animation and fantastical story.
  • Deals with themes of war, love, and the consequences of aging.
• The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
  • Recognized for its unique art style inspired by traditional Japanese painting.
  • Tells the story of a princess who must choose between her celestial origins and life on Earth.
• Spirited Away
  • Widely considered as one of Studio Ghibli's masterpieces.
  • Follows a young girl's journey through a mysterious spirit world.

Tier B

• The Secret World of Arrietty
  • A charming take on the small world of borrowers living hidden lives among humans.
  • Noted for its beautiful animation and delicate storytelling.
• Ocean Waves
  • A coming-of-age story dealing with romantic relationships and friendship.
  • Known for its realistic portrayal of teenage life.
• When Marnie Was There
  • An exploration of loneliness and friendship through a mysterious ghost story.
  • Lauded for its emotional depth and mystery.
• Kiki's Delivery Service
  • Follow the story of a young witch finding her place in the world.
  • Loved for its positive messages and charming characters.
• Ponyo
  • A heartwarming tale inspired by "The Little Mermaid."
  • Highlighted for its stunning underwater visuals and child-friendly narrative.
• My Neighbor Totoro
  • Perhaps one of the most iconic Ghibli films, celebrated for its whimsical story and characters.
  • Regarded as a family film that captures the magic of childhood.
• Castle in the Sky
  • An adventurous story with strong themes of technology versus nature.
  • Known for its imaginative world-building and action scenes.
• From Up on Poppy Hill
  • A nostalgic look at postwar Japan and teenage love.
  • Praised for its beautiful visuals and reflective narrative.
• Tales from Earthsea
  • Takes place in a fantasy world dealing with themes of balance and darkness.
  • While not universally acclaimed, it presents a rich and complex storyline.
• Only Yesterday
  • A reflective story about a woman reminiscing about her childhood.
  • Noted for its mature themes and realistic portrayal of adult life.

Tier C

• The Cat Returns
  • A lighter, more whimsical Ghibli film.
  • Follow the adventures of a girl who saves a cat and finds herself in a magical cat kingdom.

Yet to Watch

• The Boy and the Heron
  • An upcoming Ghibli film that has yet to be seen.
• The Red Turtle
  • A collaboration between Studio Ghibli and European animators.
  • Known for its quiet, meditative narrative style and stunning animation.
• My Neighbors the Yamadas
  • Features a series of vignettes about a Japanese family.
  • Recognized for its unique art style and humor.
• Earwig and the Witch
  • A new Ghibli film exploring a young girl's magical adventures.
  • Noted for its unique 3D animation style, a departure from traditional Ghibli films.

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