Hayao Miyazakiis one of the most influential animators and writers of all time. Born in Japan, he has dedicated his life to bring forth wonderful stories to his audiences. He started his career at Toei Animations and went on to later found Studio Ghibli, with his partner, where he produced his own films. The studio is one of the most distinct studios in the world due to its fairytale-like films, that exude imagination, world-building, and originality. Miyazaki is known for his stunning artwork, which is done through hand drawings.
He opposes the use of CGI, and his films have taken the traditional route of animation, making each of his films a massive accomplishment. His films are known for their protagonists, timelessness, and deep themes that recreate our world through immersive, fantastical universes. On this list, you’ll find some of the most rewatchable Hayao Miyazaki movies.
10Spirited Away (2001)
Spirited Away
Oscar-winning film,Spirited Away,is a story about finding your strength and saving those you love from danger. In this otherworldly production, young Chichiro has to move with her parents to a new little town. She’s finding the idea difficult and disheartening. On the way, her parents lose their way and park their car in front of an eerie tunnel. While Chichiro is reluctant to go in, her parents insist on entering. They find an abandoned area full of shops, and delicious-looking food. However, they have just entered a worldfull of spirits and witchcraft, and are in great danger. Now Chichiro must save them and make sure they return to their world.
What Makes it Rewatchable?
Spirited Awayis epic in scope. It builds a world full of weird creatures and spirits, building up a mood of its own in a truly immersive experience. Aside from the vivid imagery, Chichiro, the protagonist, goes through a major character development, which adds to the depth of the story. The film deals with themes such as identity, love, greed, the past and present, fear, hardship, courage, and perseverance. Miyazaki’s elegant piece earned an Oscar for best animated feature, and a Golden Berlin Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival, among many other awards.
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9Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
Kiki’s Delivery Service
Kiki’s Delivery Servicealso follows a young female protagonist, who sets out on a journey to find her strengths and become independent. Kiki is a 13-year-old witch, and now she must harness her magical skills to the best of her ability. She embarks on a trip with her best friend, her speaking cat, and they decide to travel to a seaside village their new home. However, things don’t go as smoothly as planned, and Kiki must find a way to be resourceful and accepted in this new environment. This story is one of Miyazaki’s most simple stories, as it is a personal journey, rather than one that is amplified by many external elements.
Kiki’s Delivery Serviceis the kind of movie that is very well-thought-out.Every little detailadds to the story, and even if two variables don’t seem to be related to each other, Miyazaki links them in the most cohesive way. It’s impressive, given that Miyazaki stated that he usually develops the story and its ending after starting the movie. Having no finished script can be dangerous, but Miyazaki has always had hard-hitting endings that are touching and conclusive. It really shows the director’s gifted imagination. The film won the Special Award at the Japanese Awards Academy.
8Princess Mononoke (1997)
Princess Mononoke
Princess Mononokeis one of the most beloved films to ever come out of Studio Ghibli. Set in the 14th century, the premise follows a prince, who, after being infected by a curse in the forest, sets out to find the cure and, on the way, finds himself entangled in the bigger struggle of nature vs. man ; and how greed has upset the harmonious balance between them both.
The film has a deeply embedded message about the environment and the introduction of technology. This is highlighted through the grand adventure ofPrincess Mononoke.This film takes attention to detail to another level. It won two awards at the Japanese Academy, one of them for “Best Film”.
7Ponyo (2008)
Ponyois a tale of falling in love with someone from another world. When a five-year-old boy (Sosuke) rescues a goldfish named Ponyo from being trapped in a bottle, the two develop a sweet friendship. On the other hand, Ponyo is no ordinary goldfish, she possessesgreat magical abilities. As she grows attached to Sosuke, she wishes she could become human. In attempting to do so, she upsets the world’s equilibrium, and now the two of them must restore its harmonious balance.
This film is known for its entertainment quality, beautiful visuals, and is especially suited for children. Watching it more than once will no doubt allow you to pick up on many pieces of the story that you missed the first time through.
6My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
My Neighbor Totoro
My Neighbor Totorois a soothing piece of work that will boost your morale. In this charming animation, two young girls move in with their father to a house in the countryside, to be closer to their hospitalized mother. With their curious nature, they begin to explore the area surrounding the house and come across a big bunny-like creature, who turns out to be a spirit called Totoro. They befriend him and embark on magical and exciting adventures that turn their days into more delightful ones.
The endearing film will remind you of the simplest pleasures of life and the beauty of innocence and play. The film’s musical score complements this beautiful tale.
5The Wind Rises (2013)
The Wind Rises
The Oscar-nominated film,The Wind Rises, looks at the life of Jiro Horikoshi, a Japanese figure who designed some of the most innovative planes in history. Young Jiro used to be fascinated by airplanes. It was a dream come true for him that he would get to design airplanes that would be used in the real world. However, little did he know that these planes would be used as fighter planes in the war. The film looks at how he achieved his dreams, how life was like duringthe pre-war period, and how it feels to see his creations being used for war.
Romance also pulses in this beautifully animated film. Interestingly, Miyazaki’s father was an aeronautical engineer, and the director of Miyazaki airplanes firm, a manufacturer of airplane parts. It is evident that Miyazaki was influenced by his father’s career, as his love for airplanes shines through in many of his movies, soaring to its peak inThe Wind Rises.
4Castle in the Sky (1986)
Castle in the Sky
InCastle in the Sky,you’re in for a great fantasy adventure. When a young boy (Pazu) comes across a girl (Sheeta) who was floating in the sky, he becomes intrigued. He connects with her and learns that she has been fleeing from pirates and the government. They are after her because she holds the key to the magical city of Laputa. With their own worrying agendas for the city in mind, Sheeta is scared they would catch her and find her city. Hence, she embarks on a floating journey with the boy, trying to find her city before it’s too late.
The imagination and the visuals that express the director’s vision inCastle in the Skyare breathtaking, and it’s a treat to soak in on subsequent watches due to the innovative animation.
3Porco Rosso (1992)
Porco Rossois one of Miyazaki’s underrated films. Porco Rosso is a former brave World War I flying ace who was turned into a pig by a curse during the war. He now courageously tries to stop sky pirates from terrorizing wealthy cruise ships. The film zooms in on his journey as he fights battles arising fromhis desire for love and stability. He is challenged by another pilot in a battle where the winner gets to win the admiration of Gina, Porco’s subject of affection and former lover. Through this journey, he battles his inner demons and comes out stronger.
The film depicts the wounds and the scars that the war leaves on people, the pressure of societal norms, the struggle with identity, and the power of love.
2Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
Howl’s Moving Castle
Howl’s Moving Castletells the story of a young woman who turns into an old woman when she gets cursed by a witch. Distressed, she flees to Howl’s Moving Castle, where she believes that she will somehow be able to break the curse. In the castle, she faces unusual creatures, and goes through dangerous adventures. Again, the visual symphony is amazing, and the film catches your attention throughout the two hours.
The film was nominated for an Oscar and won the Golden Osella for Best Animation at the Venice Film Festival. It’s widely recognized for being one of Miyazaki’s best films.
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1Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
Nausicaä ofthe Valley of the Windis yet anothernature-loving film that is more timely than ever. Set in the future, following an apocalyptic event, the world has become polluted, with the world’s ecosystem almost completely destroyed and depleted. Meanwhile, there still remain surviving humans here and there, one of whom is the brave princess Nausicaä, who is in charge of a place called the Valley of the Wind.
However, next to her, there is a toxic jungle with giant insects that other leaders from other valleys are threatened by, and are trying to destroy. Even though this jungle seems dangerous, Nausicaä tries her best to spread peace and understand this toxic jungle instead of destroying it.
The film gently handles the conflict and is inspiring in its message. With the current climate crisis that has caused our ecosystem to be terribly upset, this movie was way ahead of its time. It was also a reminder that we have the power to turn things around, depending on how we view our surroundings and relate to them.
