Studio Ghibli has long held a unique place in the global animation world, renowned for its imaginative worlds, heartfelt stories, and rich hand-drawn artistry. Founded by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki, the studio has produced some of the most beloved animated films of all time. Whether viewers are a longtime fan or a newcomer diving into the Ghibli library, ranking these masterpieces is no easy feat. Every film brings something unique to the table, and all of them deserve to be watched at least once.

With a catalog that spans decades, Studio Ghibli has left an indelible mark on the world of animation. Its films often blend fantasy and reality, touching on themes of environmentalism, pacifism, childhood wonder, and human connection. Whether set in a whimsical bathhouse, a floating castle, or post-war Japan, these stories are brought to life with rich visuals and emotional depth. They have inspired generations of filmmakers, artists, and audiences around the globe, elevating animation into an art form that transcends age and culture. The impact of these films continues to resonate long after the credits roll.

24 Earwig and the Witch

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

Studio Ghibli's first fully 3D CGI outing, Earwig and the Witch, falls short of the studio's traditionally high standards. Directed by Goro Miyazaki, the film suffers from a rushed plot, underdeveloped characters, and lackluster animation that feels more like a prototype than a polished release. Its modern visual style does not mesh well with Ghibli's signature storytelling warmth. For fans accustomed to the studio's painterly backdrops and fluid character animation, the digital textures and rigid expressions can feel disorienting.

While it does contain some whimsical elements and a mischievous protagonist reminiscent of classic Ghibli heroines, the film never fully finds its footing. Fans hoping for a magical tale steeped in emotion may come away disappointed, making Earwig and the Witch a rare misstep in the studio's storied history. The film feels more like an experiment than a fully-realized narrative, offering few memorable moments and lacking the soul that defines even the studio’s lesser-known gems.

23 My Neighbors the Yamadas

Anime Film Directed by Isao Takahata; Based on the Manga by Hisaichi Ishii

My Neighbors the Yamadas is a unique experiment in minimalism, showcasing a slice-of-life narrative told through a watercolor-style animation. Directed by Isao Takahata, it breaks from the lush visuals typical of Ghibli and instead presents a series of vignettes chronicling the daily life of a quirky Japanese family. The film’s simplicity is part of its charm, but it may leave some viewers yearning for a more structured or emotionally resonant story.

Although the humor and observational wit offer a charming diversion, the episodic structure lacks a cohesive arc, which can leave viewers feeling detached. It is a film that rewards patience and a taste for subtle, understated humor, but it does not carry the emotional resonance or narrative depth of Ghibli's more celebrated works. However, its experimental nature makes it a fascinating study in storytelling form, showing that Takahata was unafraid to take creative risks within the Ghibli framework.

22 Pom Poko

Anime Film Directed by Isao Takahata; Original Story by Studio Ghibli

Pom Poko, directed by Isao Takahata, blends ecological themes with folklore, following shape-shifting tanuki as they resist urban development. While it is thematically ambitious, the film struggles to balance its whimsical and tragic tones. The message is clear but occasionally undermined by jarring tonal shifts and narrative clutter. One moment it is a slapstick comedy, the next it is a harrowing tragedy, which can make the emotional impact inconsistent.

Despite this, Pom Poko remains memorable for its bold creativity and cultural specificity. The animation is lively and expressive, especially during the tanuki transformations. Still, the film’s uneven pacing and moral heavy-handedness prevent it from reaching the narrative cohesion of other Ghibli efforts. Yet, it remains a daring and distinctive entry that speaks volumes about the intersection of tradition and modernity in Japanese society, earning it a spot in the studio's canon even if it is not universally beloved.

21 Grave of the Fireflies

Anime Film Directed by Isao Takahata; Based on the Semi-Autobiographical Novel by Akiyuki Nosaka

A powerful and heartbreaking war story, Grave of the Fireflies is possibly the most emotionally devastating entry in the Ghibli catalog. Directed by Isao Takahata, the film tells the story of two siblings struggling to survive during World War II. Its realistic depiction of suffering is both a strength and a challenge for viewers. Few animated films confront the horrors of war with such unflinching honesty.

For those seeking emotional catharsis, Grave of the Fireflies remains an unforgettable and harrowing testament to resilience and loss.

While beautifully animated and narratively strong, its bleakness makes it a difficult rewatch. Grave of the Fireflies lacks the escapism that defines much of Ghibli's work, and for that reason, it ranks lower, not for lack of quality, but because it is a film many ire more than they enjoy. It is a must-watch experience that underscores the power of animation to convey deep, painful truths. For those seeking emotional catharsis, Grave of the Fireflies remains an unforgettable and harrowing testament to resilience and loss.

20 Tales From Earthsea

Anime Film Directed by Goro Miyazaki; Based on the Novels by Ursula K. Le Guin

Directed by Goro Miyazaki, Tales From Earthsea is a film with an ambitious narrative but uneven execution. Adapted loosely from Ursula K. Le Guin’s Earthsea novels, it attempts to weave philosophical musings on balance, mortality, and darkness into a fantasy adventure. However, the pacing is erratic, and the characters often feel like archetypes rather than fully fleshed individuals. The story’s complexity is hampered by exposition-heavy dialogue and unclear motivations.

That said, the animation retains the signature Ghibli touch, with breathtaking landscapes and intricate details. There are moments of beauty and insight, particularly in its quieter scenes. Unfortunately, Tales From Earthsea lacks the emotional core and coherence of its peers. While it is commendable that Goro Miyazaki aimed high for his directorial debut, the film feels weighed down by its own ambition. Still, it offers glimpses of thematic depth and a few striking sequences that hint at the director’s potential.

19 Only Yesterday

Anime Film Directed by Isao Takahata; Based on the Manga by Hotaru Okamoto and Yuko Tone

A contemplative slice-of-life film by Isao Takahata, Only Yesterday follows 27-year-old Taeko as she revisits her childhood memories while traveling to the countryside. The dual narrative structure, split between her adult life and memories from fifth grade, allows the film to explore themes of identity, growth, and femininity with rare nuance. It is a quiet film, rich in introspection, that eschews conventional plot in favor of emotional realism.

Its appeal lies in its gentle pacing and character-driven storytelling. While some viewers might find its introspective tone slow, others will appreciate its mature reflection on how our past shapes our present. The film’s naturalistic animation, including subtle facial expressions and lifelike movement, elevates its emotional resonance. Though less fantastical than typical Ghibli fare, Only Yesterday offers an emotionally rich experience that rewards viewers willing to slow down and listen.

18 The Cat Returns

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

As a spiritual successor to Whisper of the Heart, The Cat Returns is a whimsical and lighthearted fantasy about a girl whisked away to a magical kingdom of cats. Directed by Hiroyuki Morita, it is a fun, breezy adventure that charms with its quirky characters and fast-paced story. Baron Humbert von Gikkingen steals the show once again, providing a suave anchor in the midst of feline absurdity.

Though the film lacks the emotional depth of Ghibli's top-tier works, it stands out for its vibrant imagination and accessibility, making it a favorite among younger audiences. Its dreamlike quality and tight 75-minute runtime make it feel like a fairy-tale book come to life. While not one of Ghibli most viewed films, The Cat Returns remains an enjoyable detour into fantasy, showing the studio’s lighter, more playful side.

17 When Marnie Was There

Anime Film Directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi; Based on the Novel by Joan G. Robinson

When Marnie Was There is a tender and mysterious tale of friendship and memory. Directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, it follows Anna, a withdrawn girl sent to the countryside, where she meets the ethereal Marnie. The film skillfully blends psychological drama with ghostly mystery, gradually revealing the emotional scars both girls carry in a beautifully written story that brings out a lot of emotion in viewers.

The animation is gorgeous, particularly the marshland settings and nighttime sequences, which imbue the film with a haunting atmosphere. Some viewers may find the story overly sentimental or slow to start, but its emotional payoff is deeply rewarding. The twist may divide opinion, but it adds a profound layer of meaning to the narrative. When Marnie Was There is a graceful, melancholic swan song that emphasizes Ghibli’s gift for quiet, intimate storytelling.

16 Ocean Waves

Anime Film Directed by Tomomi Mochizuki; Based on the Novel by Saeko Himuro

Originally produced as a television film, Ocean Waves is a grounded coming-of-age story about friendship, misunderstandings, and unspoken feelings. Set in the 1990s Kochi, it centers on two teenage boys and the enigmatic transfer student Rikako. Its realism and slice-of-life storytelling offer a refreshing contrast to Ghibli's more fantastical works.

The animation is more limited compared to the studio’s theatrical releases, but it captures the mood of adolescence with sincerity. Emotional complexity unfolds subtly, making it more rewarding on repeat viewings. Although not as visually dazzling or thematically ambitious as other Ghibli films, Ocean Waves holds quiet power in its portrayal of teenage uncertainty and nostalgia.

15 Whisper of the Heart

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

A love letter to creativity and youthful ambition, Whisper of the Heart follows a teenage girl’s journey of self-discovery as she writes her first novel. Directed by Yoshifumi Kondo, it's one of Ghibli’s most grounded and emotionally relatable films. The budding romance between Shizuku and Seiji is sweet and unforced, grounded in mutual iration and personal growth.

Though it lacks fantasy elements for most of its runtime, the film’s realism is its greatest strength. It captures the bittersweet beauty of adolescence and the yearning to find one’s path. The brief, fantastical sequence featuring the Baron adds a whimsical touch that later inspired The Cat Returns. Whisper of the Heart is an underappreciated gem that deserves its place among Ghibli’s best and any fan who has not seen it yet should do so immediately.