Studio Ghibli Has Lots of Great Movies, But New Data Reveals Its One True Masterpiece

Feb 9, 2025 - 16:00

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Studio Ghibli

Few animation studios can claim the same level of artistry, influence, and acclaim as Studio Ghibli. Since its inception, the studio has released a string of beloved films, many of which have become favorites for animation fans worldwide. Ghibli’s ability to blend touching stories with breathtaking animation has cemented its place in cinematic history. However, while all of its films have their unique strengths, new data from ranking.net suggests that one title stands above the rest as the studio’s definitive masterpiece.

Analyzing the ratings from thousands of viewers, it is easy to see how Ghibli's films stack up against one another. While classics like My Neighbor Totoro and Howl’s Moving Castle are classic fan favorites, the numbers reveal a clear winner amongst fans overall.

10 The Cat Returns (77.4 points from 952 ratings)

Anime Directed by Hiroyuki Morita; Based on the Manga by Aoi Hiiragi

The Cat Returns

Release Date July 13, 2005

Director Hiroyuki Morita

Writers Aoi Hiiragi, Reiko Yoshida, Hayao Miyazaki, Cindy Davis, Donald H. Hewitt

A charming yet often overlooked entry in Ghibli's catalog, The Cat Returns is a loose spinoff to Whisper of the Heart. It follows a young girl named Haru who finds herself whisked away to a whimsical kingdom of cats after saving a feline prince. The film’s playful tone and vibrant animation make it an enjoyable watch, though it lacks the depth found in some of Ghibli’s more critically acclaimed works.

Ghost Cat Anzu looking at Karin with a Totoro outline

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Despite its delightful plot and fluid animation, The Cat Returns does not quite reach the emotional heights of the studio’s best films. Its lighthearted storytelling and brief runtime make it feel more like a fun side story rather than a defining masterpiece, which is reflected in its relatively lower rating among Ghibli’s works.

9 Whisper of the Heart (79.8 points from 1,046 ratings)

Anime Directed by Yoshifumi Kondō; Based on the Manga by Aoi Hiiragi

Unlike Ghibli's more fantastical films, Whisper of the Heart is a grounded, heartfelt story of self-discovery and young love. The film follows Shizuku, a book-loving student who dreams of becoming a writer, as she forms a meaningful connection with a boy pursuing his own craft of violin-making. The film’s emphasis on personal growth and creative passion resonates deeply with audiences.

While it may not have the grand spectacle of some of Ghibli’s higher-rated films, Whisper of the Heart excels in making viewers care about the characters and giving them development. Its quiet, slice-of-life approach has won over many fans, even if it doesn’t dominate the rankings.

8 Porco Rosso (81.5 points from 832 ratings)

Anime Directed by Hayao Miyazaki; Based on His Own Manga

Porco Rosso

Release Date July 18, 1992

Runtime 93 minutes

One of Ghibli's most unique protagonists, Porco Rosso follows a World War I pilot cursed to have the appearance of a pig. Combining adventure, aerial combat, and a touch of romance, the film delivers an entertaining blend of action and inner thoughts. Its stunning animation, particularly in the flying sequences, remains one of Ghibli’s most visually appealing films.

Despite its technical brilliance and intriguing lead character, Porco Rosso has a more niche appeal compared to Ghibli’s most beloved films. Its themes of war, loss, and personal redemption are thought-provoking, but the film does not capture the same universal adoration as some of its contemporaries.

7 Howl's Moving Castle (82.7 points from 1,732 ratings)

Anime Directed by Hayao Miyazaki; Based on the Novel by Diana Wynne Jones

Howl's Moving Castle

9/10

Release Date November 20, 2004

Runtime 119minutes

Writers Diana Wynne Jones

A mesmerizing fantasy filled with magic, romance, and an anti-war message, Howl's Moving Castle is a fan favorite that proves Miyazaki’s talent for world-building. The story follows Sophie Hatter, a young woman cursed into an old woman’s body, and her journey with the charming wizard Howl. The film’s breathtaking animation and dynamic characters make it a standout entry in Ghibli’s selection.

Hayao Miyazaki smiling in front of a still from Howl's Moving Castle.

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Despite its worldwide appeal, some critics argue that the film’s plot becomes convoluted, particularly in its latter half. While Howl’s Moving Castle is undeniably a visual and emotional feast, its story and theme complexity keep it from achieving the top spot.

6 Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (83.7 points from 1,160 ratings)

Anime Directed by Hayao Miyazaki; Based on His Own Manga

Though technically released before Studio Ghibli was officially formed, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is often considered a must-watch part of the studio's legacy. The film has a richly developed post-apocalyptic world where nature and humanity are at odds. Its protagonist Nausicaä is one of Miyazaki’s strongest heroines, embodying intelligence, compassion, and bravery.

Nausicaä is based on the manga series by Miyazaki himself, though the two differ in many respects.

With its environmental themes and epic storytelling, Nausicaä is still a beloved film, but its early animation style, while still beautiful, lacks the refined polish of Ghibli’s later works. This may explain why it falls just short of the highest-rated films in the data.

5 My Neighbor Totoro (84 points from 1,772 ratings)

Anime Directed by Hayao Miyazaki; Original Story by Studio Ghibli

Arguably the face of Studio Ghibli, My Neighbor Totoro is a heartwarming tale about childhood wonder and family bonds. The film’s cutest character, Totoro, has become an enduring icon of Japanese animation, beloved by audiences worldwide. Its simple yet emotional story continues to enchant viewers decades after its release.

Despite its status as one of Ghibli’s most recognizable films, Totoro's lack of a traditional plot structure may be why it does not rank at the very top. However, its influence and timeless charm keep it among the studio’s best.

4 Princess Mononoke (84 points from 1,773 ratings)

Anime Directed by Hayao Miyazaki; Original Story by Studio Ghibli

A darker and more mature Ghibli film, Princess Mononoke tackles themes of environmental destruction, conflict, and morality. The film’s breathtaking animation and intricate story make it one of the studio’s most ambitious works. Ashitaka and San’s journey through a world caught between industrial progress and nature’s wrath is deeply impactful.

Despite being a near-perfect film in terms of scope and execution, Princess Mononoke may not be as appealing or understandable to younger audiences. This could explain why it shares a rating with My Neighbor Totoro rather than surpassing it, though it is funny that two movies so far on the opposite end of Ghibli's style could share a spot among the highest-rated Ghibli movies.

3 Kiki's Delivery Service (84.4 points from 1,538 ratings)

Anime Directed by Hayao Miyazaki; Based on the Novel by Eiko Kadono

An absolutely must-watch coming-of-age story, Kiki's Delivery Service captures the struggles of independence and self-discovery. Following Kiki, a young witch setting out to find her place in the world, the film’s quiet, reflective storytelling has earned it a special place in many hearts.

Anya smiling as she holds her stuffed animal while Kiki flies behind her. Behind them, the city of Koriko can be seen.

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Though it ranks highly, Kiki’s Delivery Service does not quite reach the epic scale of some of Ghibli’s other top contenders. However, its gentle, uplifting nature makes it one of Ghibli's lasting top films.

2 Castle in the Sky (85.8 points from 1,671 ratings)

Anime Directed by Hayao Miyazaki; Original Story by Studio Ghibli

Castle in the Sky

Release Date August 2, 1986

Runtime 125 minutes

Producers Hideo Ogata, Isao Takahata, Tatsumi Yamashita, Toshio Suzuki

Keiko Yokozawa
Sheeta (voice)
Mayumi Tanaka
Pazu (voice)
Minori Terada
Muska (voice)
Kotoe Hatsui
Dola (voice)

A high-flying adventure blending fantasy and steampunk elements, Castle in the Sky is a thrilling showcase of Miyazaki’s imagination. The film’s breathtaking visuals and intriguing story make it one of the studio’s strongest offerings.

Though it might not share the same universal recognition that some of Miyazaki's later films enjoy, Castle in the Sky is still an incredibly influential movie whose legacy can even be seen today in Miyazaki-esque films like The Wild Robot. Its themes of power, greed, and discovery are explored very deeply, but the film is often overshadowed by one Ghibli works that refined these ideas further.

1 Spirited Away (87 points from 2,476 ratings)

Anime Directed by Hayao Miyazaki; Original Story by Studio Ghibli

Spirited Away

10/10

Release Date July 20, 2001

Runtime 125 minutes

At the very top of the rankings is Spirit Away, Ghibli's magnum opus, and the highest-rated film according to the ranking.net. Winning the top spot according to fan votes, the film's breathtaking animation, imaginative world, and profound coming-of-age story make it a true masterpiece. The film eventually earned Ghibli, and anime in general, its first Oscar. Though it now shares that honor with The Boy and the Heron, Spirited Away's historical significance is indisputable.

With its universal appeal and deep emotional story, Spirited Away stands as Studio Ghibli’s definitive masterpiece. There's a reason Spirited Away was the highest-grossing anime film for more than a decade before it was dethroned by Demon Slayer: Mugen Train. It's undeniable that all of Studio Ghibli’s films have their own merits, this film’s ability to blend creativity, complexity, and accessibility makes it the crown jewel of the studio’s legacy.

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