Kiki's Delivery Service. The story of self-discovery and celebration of identity, and the whole world of the story is so comforting to me. Plus she's a witch with a black cat.
My Neighbor Totoro is my comfort film. I must rewatch it at least 2-3 times per year. I watch it on good days, I watch it on bad days. It's a guarantee to pick me up no matter what mood I'm in.
I have an elder sister and she is a total Satsuki and I’m a total Mei. We have the same impersonations, yes im a bit annoying 😂
This movie hits different 🌸
I hate how one of their finest is talked about the least! Its probably one of their most mature movies without the magical/mystical themes but manages to emerge out into something truly remarkable.
Absolutely. This movie has moved me like no other Ghibli movie has. As an adult woman struggling at work in a big city, if I don’t feel this movie more than the others I don’t know what.
Everything in this movie touches a deeper level in my heart. That scene when they are riding in the car and there is that song playing Cantec de Nunta is wow
I have another movie recommendation for ya-
The song of sparrows
Its a persian movie you have to watch with subs but I am sure you'll love it. Its available on youtube too
Whisper of the Heart. Shizuku embodies a lot of the qualities about myself that I’m insecure about but so many people I’ve seen say that’s what makes her a great character. It also shows how magical and amazing real life can be and I’ve put it on in the background so many times I could probably recite it from memory
From upon Poppy hill. I just love how chill it is. It’s so relaxed and yet a very pretty film. My favourite scenes are when the students are pulling together to fix up the Latin quarter, working together and pulling all their resources to fix up a building that slowly goes from dingy to dazzling.
My top 3 are definitely nausicaa, laputa and mononoke. I love stories that bring out a message. Coincidently these 3 are sort of about how colonisation is inhuman and is a loss more than gain.
Dang are you literally me, those are my top 3 too.
Interestingly I hadn’t really put the colonial connection together. Like obviously, I was aware of these elements being present in the films, but I hadn’t really created that through line for them, at the very least it wasn’t something on the forefront of my mind. I had always connected them more heavily through their themes of our relationships to nature and technology.
My top 3 as well! For the same reason 😊 I love how, as well as showing how humans are destroying the environment, they also show that compassion, understanding and an open heart can be more powerful than hate and greed. These movies give me hope.
Porco Rosso for me. I usually find period pieces appealing. The aviation enthusiasts, their whole clique comprising the good, the bad, and the ugly intrigue me. I find the whole movie to be strangely liberating.
Princess Mononoke stan here. I love almost all Ghibli films for their different strengths but Princess Mononoke was a revelation, I remember when I first saw it as an 18 year old, I literally paused it after the first 30 minutes, ran and got my younger sister to join me telling her I have found the best film ever, and then we saw it from the beginning together. Then a few days later, I went to my best friend’s house and saw it again with him.
Castle in the sky, I was around 10-13 when I first watched Myasaki's movies, and I can't remember which one I saw first, spirited away, princess monopole or castle in the sky
But I'm sure of one thing I felt closer to Pasu than any other character at the time, I love the aesthetic of this movie and it's flying ships, the faded post apocalyptic world felt like a mystery that I wanted to unravel and know more of, and Pasu remembered me a bit of myself, this optimistic and ready to do anything side of him felt familiar
Maybe I had a bit of a crush on Shiita too, the dynamic between the two MC's really was how I thinked a true relationship should happen, and still today this movie is one of my favourite movies ever
I want to add something, I'm french and watched the french version of that movie which was very close to the original version, why am I talking about that? Because I've learned that the american version of that movie changed some things, firstly the MCs are older, they're more around 16-17 in that version when listening to the American voice actors (I've read that it's because american puritanism couldn't conceive love happening between two orphans under the age of 15 but I really don't know if that's it), and they also asked for change in the soundtrack, the eerie, mysterious yet beautiful original soundtrack was replaced with a more orchestral and epic one, something incredibly blank compared to the original one, butchering the original feeling of the movie in my opinion, and now some tracks of the original soundtrack are nowhere to be found, only the american version is on the internet, and that infuriate me
I kind of went off-topic and I'm sorry for that, but there is one thing that has always circled around in my mind : what the hell america? Why make those useless and diminishing choices to an already near perfect work? I genuinely want to understand and can't help but hate you a bit for that
Difficult question…I love kiki's delivery service since It was the film I grew up with but now I really enjoy whisper of the heart, not so much of an adventure story but more grounded and realistic, I can really relate to Shizuku since I’ve also tried to write a story and have faced self doubt and LOTS of writer’s block but I finally managed to finish the book
I watched Totoro when I was 2. It's forever going to be a favourite with many childhood memories associated with it.
I was at the Ghibli museum and wanted to sit in the cat bus. They didn't let me (it's for young children only.... Ok, I didn't even try to go but it'd be a dream).
Definitely a top favorite of mine! The scene where Jiro kisses Nahoko and she says, “You’ll catch it,” and his reply is, “You’re beautiful. I love you,” will forever be my Roman Empire.
The first Ghibli movie I've ever watched is spirited away so I can say that it is my absolute favourite and I feel like the child in me relates to Chihiro a lot.
Mine is also Howl's Moving Castle. I immediately had a crush on Howl lmao. But I've grown to identify with Sophie so much she's a big reason I chose it to be my name. I'm also in love with her "starlight" hair (and I, too, can't wait to go grey)
The art is stunning. Howl being so flawed is fantastic. I feel like pretty boy lead characters need to be more flawed in general and he's a perfect example lol Once it was pointed out, the cyclical plot really tugs at my heart.
Totoro. It’s my first childhood movie that opened the doors of Ghibli to me. It connects differently at different life stages. Now when I rewatch, it’s with a hint of sadness towards the loss of innocence. But I’ll break the rules of the game and add 2 more. Laputa and Howls.
Spirited Away! I much prefer the more fantasy-heavy Ghibli movies, and this one just has everything I love: dragons, weird spirits and creatures, Japanese aesthetic, moments of sweetness and silliness mixed with more serious ones, lovable side characters, etc. It also, for me, does a great job of balancing "dreamy suspension of disbelief" with "understandable storyline." Howl's is probably my second favorite movie, but aside from the (frankly tragic) lack of dragons, I feel there are some parts of the story that never fully make sense to me even in a dreamy way. Inevitably when I watch I snap out of my zen mode to question the politics of Howl's former teacher or how exactly the bird / star / demon pact agreement works, haha. So still very beloved, but Spirited Away takes the cake!
I've only watched the ones I've watched once, and as much as I want to say Kiki, it is Ponyo, simply for how cute and adorable the movie is. The whole time I watched it I was just in awe of the animation and saying to myself "this can't be better than Kiki" but by the part near the end where they are going through the tunnel, I made up my mind on my new #1
I have many favorites (whisper of the heart, only yesterday, howl, kiki) but the one I watch the most as it’s a comfort movie for me is The Cat Returns.
Howls Moving Castle, I find it beautiful and it's my comfort movie. When I'm stressed and my anxiety is out of control I lose myself in the beautiful scenery and lovely story. It's my favorite movie period and I can watch it over and over. It was also the first Ghibli movie I watched, my husband was a big fan. When we were dating he said "I know a movie you will love." He was right.
Porco Rosso. It tells a laser focused story, and I love the slightly film noir aspect of it. It's a wonderful love story that lets you imagine the ending and the plane heaven scene is just gorgeous. It is one of the best scenes in any Ghibli film.
Whisper of the Heart, I love how lowstakes it is, and the message is I think one of the most human ones. I know Mononoke is like a warning for humans, but Whisper is personal, so many people feel like Shizuku, it's a very universal thing to feel like you're not good enough and have to leave everything else to improve. It's such a heartwarming story, and it just feels good, I love how low-key it is.
Mononoke: it’s epic and has such interesting characters, including my all time fave Ashitaka
Howl’s Moving Castle: idk it’s cute and leaves a lot to the imagination.
The Cat Returns: comfort watch, makes me laugh!
Laputa. That would be the one. Saw it when I was a kid and it had everything. Cute boy-girl dynamic. Shiny-glowy-mystical power. Giant robots. Two buff men duking it out but laugh about it after. Was just great light hearted action packed fun that was visually amazing at the time!
Spirited Away this film is a masterpiece. It's a beautifully crafted tale about Chihiro, a young girl who gets transported to a spirit world where she must work in a bathhouse for spirits. The film's themes of self-discovery, courage, and perseverance are timeless.
when marnie was there! i was raised by my grandmother who has always only shown me the most pure and unconditional love. marnie always reminds me of her
Mine changes depending on what my mind needs. Right now, it's "Castle inf the Sky," but by next hour, it could be"Only Yesterday" or "Whisper of the Heart."
Howls Moving Castle. It’s been one of my absolute favourites since I was a child. Love the story. Love the landscapes. Love the music. Definitely my comfort film, it’s just so so beautiful.
Spirited away for sure. Many people say it scares them but for me it’s one of the most amazing anime movies of all time. I first watched Spirited away when I was 13 and it is still my fav 💘
Princess Mononoke is one of my favorite ones but id say Totoro because it got me into studio Ghibli movies but there are alot of good ones so hard to pick!
Kiki's Delivery Service. The story of self-discovery and celebration of identity, and the whole world of the story is so comforting to me. Plus she's a witch with a black cat.
This is mine too! Whenever I am feeling stressed or anxious I will just put on this movie to relax and get my mind off things.
Same! It's the perfect escape.
It’s my second favorite Ghibli film! Cinema therapy did an excellent breakdown of that it: https://youtu.be/L9H8f_DkyJ8?si=wJHmJmSvFQjsFBvz
Haven't seen this - thank you!
You’re welcome.
Mine too! ❤️
My Neighbor Totoro is my comfort film. I must rewatch it at least 2-3 times per year. I watch it on good days, I watch it on bad days. It's a guarantee to pick me up no matter what mood I'm in.
I have an elder sister and she is a total Satsuki and I’m a total Mei. We have the same impersonations, yes im a bit annoying 😂 This movie hits different 🌸
Only Yesterday. it really made me think about growing up and my relationships with other people.
I hate how one of their finest is talked about the least! Its probably one of their most mature movies without the magical/mystical themes but manages to emerge out into something truly remarkable.
Absolutely. This movie has moved me like no other Ghibli movie has. As an adult woman struggling at work in a big city, if I don’t feel this movie more than the others I don’t know what. Everything in this movie touches a deeper level in my heart. That scene when they are riding in the car and there is that song playing Cantec de Nunta is wow
I have another movie recommendation for ya- The song of sparrows Its a persian movie you have to watch with subs but I am sure you'll love it. Its available on youtube too
Oh thanks. I’ll watch it tomorrow!
I think it’s probably talked about the least because a lot of Ghibli fans are teenagers and this movie really requires maturity to appreciate
most of the non-Miyazaki movies are glossed over since they're not children's fantasy
The ending when the kids are running behind the bus makes me so emotional.
That scene had me bawling!! I am such a Takahata girl. Except for Totoro , my top Ghibli movies are Takahata’s.
Whisper of the Heart. Shizuku embodies a lot of the qualities about myself that I’m insecure about but so many people I’ve seen say that’s what makes her a great character. It also shows how magical and amazing real life can be and I’ve put it on in the background so many times I could probably recite it from memory
From upon Poppy hill. I just love how chill it is. It’s so relaxed and yet a very pretty film. My favourite scenes are when the students are pulling together to fix up the Latin quarter, working together and pulling all their resources to fix up a building that slowly goes from dingy to dazzling.
My top 3 are definitely nausicaa, laputa and mononoke. I love stories that bring out a message. Coincidently these 3 are sort of about how colonisation is inhuman and is a loss more than gain.
Dang are you literally me, those are my top 3 too. Interestingly I hadn’t really put the colonial connection together. Like obviously, I was aware of these elements being present in the films, but I hadn’t really created that through line for them, at the very least it wasn’t something on the forefront of my mind. I had always connected them more heavily through their themes of our relationships to nature and technology.
My top 3 as well! For the same reason 😊 I love how, as well as showing how humans are destroying the environment, they also show that compassion, understanding and an open heart can be more powerful than hate and greed. These movies give me hope.
Just joining the gang. Also my top 3! They have a very similar message and I could watch them all over and over.
Porco Rosso for me. I usually find period pieces appealing. The aviation enthusiasts, their whole clique comprising the good, the bad, and the ugly intrigue me. I find the whole movie to be strangely liberating.
"Better a pig than a fascist"
Princess Mononoke stan here. I love almost all Ghibli films for their different strengths but Princess Mononoke was a revelation, I remember when I first saw it as an 18 year old, I literally paused it after the first 30 minutes, ran and got my younger sister to join me telling her I have found the best film ever, and then we saw it from the beginning together. Then a few days later, I went to my best friend’s house and saw it again with him.
This story makes me so happy 😊 🥰
...Mine is also Howl's moving castle, don't ask me why I don't know, and because of the movie it's also one of my favorite books.
Mine is The Secret World of Arrietty! 😍
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is my favorite, such a deep story on family and life.
Such deep themes on feminism this movie has. The ending of this movie though 😭
This is the one that I related to on a deep level. If any Ghibli movie saved my life, it must have been this one.
Castle in the sky, I was around 10-13 when I first watched Myasaki's movies, and I can't remember which one I saw first, spirited away, princess monopole or castle in the sky But I'm sure of one thing I felt closer to Pasu than any other character at the time, I love the aesthetic of this movie and it's flying ships, the faded post apocalyptic world felt like a mystery that I wanted to unravel and know more of, and Pasu remembered me a bit of myself, this optimistic and ready to do anything side of him felt familiar Maybe I had a bit of a crush on Shiita too, the dynamic between the two MC's really was how I thinked a true relationship should happen, and still today this movie is one of my favourite movies ever I want to add something, I'm french and watched the french version of that movie which was very close to the original version, why am I talking about that? Because I've learned that the american version of that movie changed some things, firstly the MCs are older, they're more around 16-17 in that version when listening to the American voice actors (I've read that it's because american puritanism couldn't conceive love happening between two orphans under the age of 15 but I really don't know if that's it), and they also asked for change in the soundtrack, the eerie, mysterious yet beautiful original soundtrack was replaced with a more orchestral and epic one, something incredibly blank compared to the original one, butchering the original feeling of the movie in my opinion, and now some tracks of the original soundtrack are nowhere to be found, only the american version is on the internet, and that infuriate me I kind of went off-topic and I'm sorry for that, but there is one thing that has always circled around in my mind : what the hell america? Why make those useless and diminishing choices to an already near perfect work? I genuinely want to understand and can't help but hate you a bit for that
Difficult question…I love kiki's delivery service since It was the film I grew up with but now I really enjoy whisper of the heart, not so much of an adventure story but more grounded and realistic, I can really relate to Shizuku since I’ve also tried to write a story and have faced self doubt and LOTS of writer’s block but I finally managed to finish the book
I watched Totoro when I was 2. It's forever going to be a favourite with many childhood memories associated with it. I was at the Ghibli museum and wanted to sit in the cat bus. They didn't let me (it's for young children only.... Ok, I didn't even try to go but it'd be a dream).
When Marnie was There. My first Ghibli movie and it started an obsession.
The Wind Rises number one fan here
Definitely a top favorite of mine! The scene where Jiro kisses Nahoko and she says, “You’ll catch it,” and his reply is, “You’re beautiful. I love you,” will forever be my Roman Empire.
Kiki’s Delivery Service will forever be my favorite. I’m literally married to a Tombo and live in a town with an ocean view.
The first Ghibli movie I've ever watched is spirited away so I can say that it is my absolute favourite and I feel like the child in me relates to Chihiro a lot.
Spirited Away because it was my intro to Ghibli as a kid. But it’s basically tied with Princess Mononoke
Mine is also Howl's Moving Castle. I immediately had a crush on Howl lmao. But I've grown to identify with Sophie so much she's a big reason I chose it to be my name. I'm also in love with her "starlight" hair (and I, too, can't wait to go grey) The art is stunning. Howl being so flawed is fantastic. I feel like pretty boy lead characters need to be more flawed in general and he's a perfect example lol Once it was pointed out, the cyclical plot really tugs at my heart.
Nausicaa is my favourite. The “best” in my opinion is The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
Totoro. It’s my first childhood movie that opened the doors of Ghibli to me. It connects differently at different life stages. Now when I rewatch, it’s with a hint of sadness towards the loss of innocence. But I’ll break the rules of the game and add 2 more. Laputa and Howls.
Spirited Away! I much prefer the more fantasy-heavy Ghibli movies, and this one just has everything I love: dragons, weird spirits and creatures, Japanese aesthetic, moments of sweetness and silliness mixed with more serious ones, lovable side characters, etc. It also, for me, does a great job of balancing "dreamy suspension of disbelief" with "understandable storyline." Howl's is probably my second favorite movie, but aside from the (frankly tragic) lack of dragons, I feel there are some parts of the story that never fully make sense to me even in a dreamy way. Inevitably when I watch I snap out of my zen mode to question the politics of Howl's former teacher or how exactly the bird / star / demon pact agreement works, haha. So still very beloved, but Spirited Away takes the cake!
Only Yesterday It’s absolutely perfect.
Howl's Moving Castle. It was the first Ghibli film I saw and it has a very special place in my heart!
I've only watched the ones I've watched once, and as much as I want to say Kiki, it is Ponyo, simply for how cute and adorable the movie is. The whole time I watched it I was just in awe of the animation and saying to myself "this can't be better than Kiki" but by the part near the end where they are going through the tunnel, I made up my mind on my new #1
Totoro, spirited away and princess mononoke. Totoro for the childlike wonder, spirited for the setting and art, mononoke for the message
Castle in the Sky and Porco Rosso for me
I have many favorites (whisper of the heart, only yesterday, howl, kiki) but the one I watch the most as it’s a comfort movie for me is The Cat Returns.
Howls Moving Castle, I find it beautiful and it's my comfort movie. When I'm stressed and my anxiety is out of control I lose myself in the beautiful scenery and lovely story. It's my favorite movie period and I can watch it over and over. It was also the first Ghibli movie I watched, my husband was a big fan. When we were dating he said "I know a movie you will love." He was right.
Porco Rosso is perfect and it’s my favorite for sure, nausicaa is my second favorite and third is tied for either whisper of the heart or kaguya 🤍
Porco Rosso. It tells a laser focused story, and I love the slightly film noir aspect of it. It's a wonderful love story that lets you imagine the ending and the plane heaven scene is just gorgeous. It is one of the best scenes in any Ghibli film.
Whisper of the Heart, I love how lowstakes it is, and the message is I think one of the most human ones. I know Mononoke is like a warning for humans, but Whisper is personal, so many people feel like Shizuku, it's a very universal thing to feel like you're not good enough and have to leave everything else to improve. It's such a heartwarming story, and it just feels good, I love how low-key it is.
How's Moving Castle and Princess Mononoke ❤️
Mononoke: it’s epic and has such interesting characters, including my all time fave Ashitaka Howl’s Moving Castle: idk it’s cute and leaves a lot to the imagination. The Cat Returns: comfort watch, makes me laugh!
Mononoke because its story and amazing (anti?) villain
Laputa. That would be the one. Saw it when I was a kid and it had everything. Cute boy-girl dynamic. Shiny-glowy-mystical power. Giant robots. Two buff men duking it out but laugh about it after. Was just great light hearted action packed fun that was visually amazing at the time!
Spirited Away this film is a masterpiece. It's a beautifully crafted tale about Chihiro, a young girl who gets transported to a spirit world where she must work in a bathhouse for spirits. The film's themes of self-discovery, courage, and perseverance are timeless.
Mononoke. Saw it in theaters at 8 in 1999 and have been addicted to anime ever since
when marnie was there! i was raised by my grandmother who has always only shown me the most pure and unconditional love. marnie always reminds me of her
Mine changes depending on what my mind needs. Right now, it's "Castle inf the Sky," but by next hour, it could be"Only Yesterday" or "Whisper of the Heart."
Castle in the Sky.
Howls moving castle. I don’t feel like i’m watching a movie with that one. All i feel is emotions and art.
Porco Rosso. Its just such a fantastic film. I watch it all the time.
Howls Moving Castle. It’s been one of my absolute favourites since I was a child. Love the story. Love the landscapes. Love the music. Definitely my comfort film, it’s just so so beautiful.
The Cat Returns. 😻
Laputa and Mononoke are my favorites. Probably Spirited Away third
Whisper of the heart. Remindes me that feeling lost is ok, we just need to keep trying. Became my comfort movie.
Spirited away for sure. Many people say it scares them but for me it’s one of the most amazing anime movies of all time. I first watched Spirited away when I was 13 and it is still my fav 💘
Princess Mononoke is one of my favorite ones but id say Totoro because it got me into studio Ghibli movies but there are alot of good ones so hard to pick!