The films of Studio Ghibli are among the most well-respected and beloved anime films in existence. For nearly 40 years, Studio Ghibli has been on the forefront of animation, putting out classic after classic. The studio's characters have become iconic and instantly recognizable, even far beyond the usual anime fandom. Ghibli's films are known for their inventive fantasy elements as well as their overwhelmingly wholesome content, often focusing on family, friendship, and coming-of-age stories.

The best Studio Ghibli films mix these various elements together to create an experience that's unlike anything else, bringing together beautiful visuals, fitting music, and well-written stories into one cinematic bundle. Because Ghibli's output has been so consistently high over the years, it's pretty difficult rank their films in any objective sense, but these ten films are commonly considered to be some of the best work that the studio has ever put out.

10 Porco Rosso (1992)

Porco Rosso tells the story of an Italian fighter pilot from World War 1 who has been cursed to take on the appearance of an anthropomorphic pig. In the years following the war, the eponymous Porco Rosso, as he comes to be known, takes on the job of bounty hunter, facing off with air pirates who threaten planes and other vehicles attempting to cross the skies near Europe. The film is a beautiful blend of history and fantasy, offering a unique take on European life from a Japanese perspective. Porco Rosso's strong themes of loyalty and friendship are well-executed, and the setting offers some exciting action that's not always present in Ghibli films.

9 Whisper of the Heart (1995)

Whisper of the Heart is a romance film about young Shizuku Tsukishima, a 14-year-old girl who loves to read. She meets a boy, Seiji Amasawa, who has checked out nearly every book from the library that she chooses to read. The two grow closer, and each pursue their own artistic desires, inspiring one another to keep working. Much of the fantasy element comes from Shizuku's writing, and anyone who has ever tried their hand at writing fiction will be able to relate to Shizuku's struggles.

8 Castle in the Sky (1986)

Castle in the Sky is an adventure film that follows two kids in possession of a powerful crystal, as they search for the Castle in the Sky, all while dodging villains ranging from pirates to secret agents. It was the first film released after the creation of Studio Ghibli, and as such bears a special place in their history. The movie is an exciting romp through many fantastical vistas, and is often praised for having outstanding animation quality, particularly for its era. Castle in the Sky helped set the standard for what Ghibli movies would eventually become, and is well deserved of the honor.

7 Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)

Kiki's Delivery Service is a coming-of-age story about a young witch, who must set off on her own to establish a life for herself with only her magic broom and cat familiar to accompany her. Kiki makes use of her powers to start up a delivery business, flying packages around town to earn a living. The film's themes of growing up and maturing are strong, present not only in Kiki's journey, but that of her cat and her newfound friends as well. The movie also paints an interesting relationship between tradition and modernity, with Kiki having to bridge the gap between a modern world and her traditional upbringing.

6 My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

For many people, My Neighbor Totoro is THE Studio Ghibli film, and the movie is so iconic that the studio actually took Totoro as their mascot following the film's success. The film tells the story of two young girls living in the countryside, who get to know some of the nature spirits in the area, such as Totoro. It perfectly captures feelings of childhood, able to provoke nostalgia that goes beyond cultural barriers to become an almost universal experience. My Neighbor Totoro was something of a turning point for the studio, and it's no exaggeration to say that without it, many of the Ghibli films that followed might never have existed.

5 Howl's Moving Castle (2004)

Howl's Moving Castle is an unabashedly fantastical film that follows Sophie, a young girl who is cursed to look like an elderly woman, who is then scooped up into a massive conflict by the wizard Howl, who refuses to take a side. The setting offers a unique mix of modern technology and magic, creating a complex world where magic castles are bombed by airplanes. Howl's Moving Castle has some powerful anti-war themes to it, showing the futility and absurdity of fighting as viewed through the lens of the pacifistic Howl.

4 Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)

While technically predating Studio Ghibli's founding, Nausicaä is the archetypical Ghibli film, capturing many of the elements that would go on to define the studio's work in early form. Its post-apocalyptic setting makes for the perfect vehicle for the film's anti-war and environmental themes, showcasing how abandoning these principles can lead to disaster. Nausicaä herself, as a strong female character, is also emblematic of the many Ghibli protagonists who would follow her, forging a path for herself even when all seems lost.

3 Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

Grave of the Fireflies may be one of the saddest movies of all time, so heartbreaking that it's difficult to watch a second time, knowing what lies ahead. The film follows two orphaned siblings struggling to survive in World War 2-era Japan, a nation ravaged by bombings and attacks as a result of the war. It offers a very personal, human look at the suffering that warfare can cause, even for those not actively engaged in the fighting. For rights reasons, the film is often overlooked as part of Ghibli's catalog, but it's the kind of film that everyone should watch at least once.

2 Princess Mononoke (1997)

Princess Mononoke is one of Studio Ghibli's best known films, and like many others, contains heavy themes of environmentalism and the spirit that resides in all things, as drawn from Japanese Shinto beliefs. Set in the distant past of Japan, Princess Mononoke tells the tale of a forest god coming into conflict with the humans who are using up the resources of the forest without regard for the future. It marked a major leap forward for Ghibli's animation technology, incorporating CGI elements for the first time to accomplish some impressive effects. The English script for Princess Mononoke, written by Neil Gaiman, is also celebrated as one of the best translated scripts of all time.

1 Spirited Away (2001)

If someone's only seen one Ghibli film, there's a solid chance it's Spirited Away. Anime was beginning to hit it big in the US when Spirited Away was first released, and the film rapidly became a classic, now regarded as one of the best of all time. The movie follows young Chihiro who, after her parents are magically turned into pigs, must enter a fantastical world and find a way to return them to normal. Chihiro works hard and faces many challenges out of love, and her wisdom and courage are what ultimately allow her to find a happy ending. While the film may have been built for young girls like Chihiro to relate to, the fact is that Spirited Away is an extremely relatable film to almost anyone who loves their family.

There are many more incredible films in Ghibli's library, but these are consistently considered some of the best that the studio has ever produced. Looking at them all together, some commonalities begin to emerge: young girls as protagonists, themes of environmentalism and anti-war messaging, and a dedication to creating beautiful worlds through colorful yet subdued animation. Studio Ghibliis certainly deserving of the reputation that they've built up over their nearly 40-year existence, and these films will forever stand as a testament to the quality that excellent animation can offer.