As an artist, I love to look at Studio Ghibli’s filmography for inspiration. Their hand-drawn animation and delicately painted backgrounds blow me away. Studio Ghibli is a Japanese animation studio founded by Miyazaki Hayao and Takahata Isao in 1985. This studio is renowned for its remarkable artistry, musical scores, and narrative storytelling. Here are a few Ghibli films we have here at Wells Library Media Services!
Spirited Away is the studio’s best-known film winning several awards, such as the Golden Bear 2002 Berlin International Film Festival and the 2003 Academy Award for best animated feature.
On the way to their new hometown ten-year-old Chihiro and her family get lost and end up at what they believe is an abandoned theme park. Unaware they’ve stumbled into the spirit world, Chihiro parents gorge themselves on mysterious food which transforms them into pigs. Young Chihiro is now left in a town filled with eerie creatures who are out to get humans. With the help of a boy, Haku, Chihiro devises a plan to work for the spirt worlds bathhouse in order to free her herself and rescue her parents. Spirited Away (2001) – IMDb
#2 Ponyo (2008)
This story follows of 5-year-old boy, Sōsuke, who finds a fish stuck in a glass jar on the shore by his home. He saves her and names her Ponyo, who isn’t any regular goldfish. She has a human-like face, likes ham from sandwiches, and heals the cut on Sōsuke’s finger.
Ponyo is the daughter of a sorcerer and a sea-goddess giving her magical powers. Through her determination to become a real human girl, Ponyo upsets the delicate balance of nature, causing a tsunami and potentially the end of the world! Ponyo (2008) – IMDb
#3 KiKi Delivery Service (1989)
Like the other films on this list, Kiki’s delivery service follows a resilient youth on a journey of growth and self-discovery. Kiki is a 13-year-old, who in order to become a full fledge witch must follow the tradition of leaving her home for the witch-less city. Joining her is her witty black cat, Jiji. Kiki befriends the owners of a bakery in the city and with their help starts her own delivery business, using her broomstick to travel. Kiki’s Delivery Service: Kiki & Jiji (Video 2010) – IMDb
Taking place in another magical world, we follow 18-year-old Sophie who is working at her late father’s hat shop, a simple job compared to that of her sisters. One day while in town she stumbles into a charming wizard named Howl who offers to buy her a drink, which she declines. Jealous, the Witch of Waste turns Sophie into a 90-year-old-woman. Sophie must set out on a mission to break the curse enlisting the help of Howl, the fire demon Calcifer, and Howl’s kid apprentice. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004) – IMDb
Ghibli films depict mythical worlds with empowering themes, often highlighting the bravery of young characters and the importance of building meaningful relationships. Check out these films and more at IUCAT!
Camille Dekydtspotter is a freshman a Indiana University majoring in Studio Art and minoring in Psychology. She is excited to be working for Media Services and sharing her love of animation!
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