The 5 best (and worst) Studio Ghibli films according to critics

Studio Ghibli is renowned for its masterpieces that delight viewers of all ages and draw crowds to theaters. Over the years, the Japanese studio has produced a large collection of films, some critically acclaimed while others have received more mixed reviews. Let’s now see the worst and best Studio Ghibli films, according to critics!

The worst Studio Ghibli films

5. Marnie’s Memoirs (2014) – 72

Hiromasa Yonebayashi, known for directing “The World of Little People” for Studio Ghibli, returned in 2014 with the adaptation of Joan G. Robinson’s 1967 children’s novel, originally titled “When Marnie Was There.”

Despite an intriguing premise, the execution failed to meet critical expectations, leaving a feeling of dissatisfaction in audiences and placing it as one of the Studio Ghibli films that least possesses the studio’s hallmarks.

Netflix or rent it on Apple TV.

4. From Kokuriko Hill (2011) – 71

The second film directed by Goro Miyazaki, son of Hayao Miyazaki, represented a significant evolution from his previous work. Released in 2011 but set in the early 1960s, the plot revolves around two high school students who wage a campaign to preserve their school’s old clubhouse from imminent demolition.

Netflix or rent it on Apple TV.

3. The Kingdom of Cats (2002) – 70

After the events of the 1995 film “Heartbeat”, “Kingdom of Cats” brings back to life one of the supporting characters from the first film, Baron Humbert von Gikkingen. However, the plot revolves around a new character, a high school student with the ability to communicate with cats.

Hiroyuki Morita directed this 2002 film, marking his debut as a feature director, although he has not released a follow-up project to date. The animation was received very lukewarmly and is one of the most forgotten Studio Ghibli films by the public, as well as being significantly inferior to its predecessor.

Netflix.

2. Tales of Terramar (2006) – 47

Considered one of Studio Ghibli’s least acclaimed films, the 2006 adaptation of Ursula K. Le Guin’s fantasy book series “Earthsea” was directed by Goro Miyazaki, who was debuting in the role and is the son of Ghibli founder Hayao Miyazaki.

Goro and his co-writer Keiko Niwa took many liberties with the original stories, which ended up upsetting some audiences. Although it was a success in Japan in 2006, the film received unfavorable reviews when it finally arrived in Western theaters four years later.

Netflix.

1. Aya and the Witch (2020) – 46

Closing the list of the worst Studio Ghibli films is “Aya and the Witch”. After six years, Studio Ghibli has released its first full production (and the return of director Goro Miyazaki since 2011). This coming-of-age story, set in 1990s England, is an adaptation of Diana Wynne Jones’ novel.

Broadcast on Japanese television at the end of 2020, the film marks the first time in Studio Ghibli’s history that a film has been made entirely in CGI, however, the result does not fully capture the particularity and charm found in the studio’s other historical works and is actually considered the studio’s worst film to date.

Netflix.

The best Studio Ghibli films

5. My Friend Totoro (1988) – 86

Opening the list of the best Studio Ghibli films we have a true classic. Released in the same year as one of the studio’s darkest films, the war drama “Grave of the Fireflies” (which will appear again here) was one of Studio Ghibli’s lightest and most comforting productions.

“My Friend Totoro,” directed by Hayao Miyazaki, introduced the title character, a great forest spirit who became an enduring icon for the studio, to the point of being considered the Ghibli equivalent of Mickey Mouse, making appearances in numerous films and in practically every film. imaginable form of merchandising. This particular film is considered an absolute classic of animation and is revered to this day.

Netflix or rent it on Apple TV.

4. The Story of Princess Kaguya (2013) – 89

The latest film directed by Isao Takahata, co-founder of Studio Ghibli, is a 2013 hand-drawn fantasy, nominated for an Oscar. Inspired by a 10th-century Japanese folk tale titled “The Story of the Bamboo Cutter,” the film delves into the most ancient roots of Japanese culture and is widely considered one of Studio Ghibli’s best films.

Netflix or rent it on Apple TV.

Honorable Mention: The Boy and the Crane (2023) – Score: 92

After a ten-year hiatus, Hayao Miyazaki returned to the scene in 2023 with his latest masterpiece, which left a strong impression during its premiere.

Although it shares a title with a 1937 novel that is the director’s favorite book, “The Boy and the Crane” features a largely original story by Miyazaki, set during World War II, when a boy moves to the field after a family tragedy. In this new environment he discovers a fantastic world.

The film has not yet premiered in Brazil and other parts of the world and therefore appears as an honorable mention in this list of the best Studio Ghibli films, despite its current rating being enough to place it third on the list .

3. Memories of Yesterday (1991) – 90

With the bronze medal for best films from Studio Ghibli, Isao Takahata’s second film for the studio presents yet another drama, partly exploring the year 1982, when a single twenty-year-old from Tokyo visits her relatives in the countryside, evoking memories of his youth in the past. 60’s. The 1991 production, critically acclaimed for its time-jumping narrative, only arrived in Western cinemas in 2016.

Netflix or rent it on Apple TV.

2. Grave of the Fireflies (1988) – 94

Studio Ghibli’s debut not directed by Miyazaki, this 1988 film is actually the creation of its co-founder, Isao Takahata. Takahata, who would direct four other Studio Ghibli films before his death in 2018, took over direction of this feature.

“Grave of the Fireflies” also stands out for its different tonal approach compared to previous films, dealing with very real and dramatic themes: life in Kobe, Japan, for two children during the intense final months of the Second World War. This is not only one of the studio’s best films, but also one of the most exciting animations ever produced.

The animation is not currently available on streaming services.

1. Spirited Away (2001) – 96

Easily ranked among the best animated films ever produced, Hayao Miyazaki’s 2001 masterpiece features an enchanting succession of scenes. The plot follows a young girl who is transported to a fantasy realm inhabited by spirits, and she must find her way back to the real world to save her parents, who have been transformed into pigs by a witch.

Upon its release in Japan, the film earned the title of the highest-grossing film in the country’s history, and its title as one of Studio Ghibli’s best films is virtually unanimous.

Netflix.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Studio Ghibli’s lineup of films reflects the artistic diversity of the studio over the years. While some have received more mixed reviews, others have stood out as true cinematic masterpieces. Regardless of ratings, each film contributes to Studio Ghibli’s rich legacy, continuing to delight and inspire generations of viewers around the world.

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Source: Olhar Digital

Rose

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.