For many people, the gateway to the world of animation is the work of Studio Ghibli. This giant animated film is loved by viewers all over the world, young and old alike. Founded in 1985 by directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, and producer Toshio Suzuki, the studio's work has consistently received praise from critics and audiences alike for its quirky and playful style. Most of the company's films are hand-drawn, and many feature musical compositions by Joe Hisaishi. Music is also a big part of why people love this movie. From the first movie, castle in the skyUntil recently, boy and heronCountless fans around the world are devoted to this history of animation.
Each decade since the 1980s has seen a number of amazing Studio Ghibli films released, with the '90s being notable for its more experimental and somewhat lesser-known releases, especially in the West. Different people may have different opinions, but The Best 90s Studio Ghibli ReleasesOne particular film stands out as one of Miyazaki's most influential films.
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Pompoko
Pompoko It may not be the most well-known Studio Ghibli film to Western fans. The 1994 film begins in 1960s Japan and follows the story of a pack of tanuki (Japanese raccoon dogs) whose home is one day threatened by a massive suburban development project. Fast forward to the early 90s and it is becoming increasingly difficult for tanuki to find food and a place to live. A group of these kinds of creatures band together to prevent further development, and the film's themes of protecting the environment and fighting against oppression are very relevant in 2026.
It is a work written and directed by Isao Takahata, co-founder of Studio Ghibli. Pompoko It quickly became a commercial and critical success, and the film marks the company's first experiments with computer-generated imagery. Many have called this film one of Ghibli's strangest and darkest films. This is because fighting against humans is not without casualties.
waves of the sea
It was released as a direct-to-TV movie in 1993. waves of the sea It often flies under the radar of Studio Ghibli fans because it abandons fantasy and takes a more traditional slice-of-life approach. High school student Taku and his friend Yutaka become instantly smitten with new transfer student Rikaku. This emotional tension drives the plot forward, driving the friends to fight each other and inspiring growth and self-reflection among the entire cast. Any audience member who has memories of a school crush will be able to sympathize with the characters in this film.
Based on the novel of the same name by Saeko Himuro. waves of the sea There was a curious attempt by Studio Ghibli to make movies more cheaply, and the higher-ups allowed their younger employees to give it their all. Somewhat unsurprisingly it went over budget and took longer to make than first expected, but reviews were largely positive despite the less flashy plot and characters. It is one of the few Ghibli films that is available in the West but does not have an English dub.
Porco Rosso
Porco RossoReleased in 1992, it tells the story of Marco Pagot, a former World War I fighter ace who now works as a freelance bounty hunter tracking down air pirates in the Adriatic Sea. For unknown reasons, Marco was transformed into an anthropomorphic pig. When American pilot Donald Curtis is hired to defeat him in battle, Marco must rebuild his trusty aircraft with the help of young engineer Pio Piccolo. A mix of fantasy, comedy, romance, and drama, Porco Rosso is one of Hayao Miyazaki's favorite films, and is full of the director's passions, including his love of flight.
Rearranges covers into correct US release order.
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Rearranges covers into correct US release order.
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From strong female characters to pacifist spirits, there are endless reasons to watch. Porco Rosso today. The film won several awards upon its release, and some critics considered it one of the most underrated films in the Ghibli catalog. In 2011, Miyazaki shared his interest in creating a sequel, with the working name being: Porco Rosso: The Last Sortie. Unfortunately, it looks like this is no longer part of the studio's plans.
my neighbor yamada
It's easy to see at a glance my neighbor yamada One of Studio Ghibli's more bizarre releases, featuring a cartoon style rather than a typical anime aesthetic. The short comedy-drama film written and directed by Isao Takahata is based on the ongoing four-panel manga. Nono-chanWritten by Hisaichi Ishii. As the title suggests, the film follows the daily life of the Yamada family, and is a series of short vignettes rather than a full story. These range from arguments over who owns the TV remote control to the trials and tribulations of raising children.
Although it did not perform particularly well at the Japanese box office compared to other Studio Ghibli releases, my neighbor yamada It has found a cult following in the years since its release. The witty writing and friendly characters have made it a huge fan of those who give it a chance, and those looking for a glimpse into daily life in Japan may want to gift this diamond a proper watch in 2026.
whisper of the heart
An unforgettable coming-of-age drama from 1995. whisper of the heart It is the story of two young people, Shizuku Tsukishima and Seiji Amasawa, who meet and fall in love. That's all well and good, but although they've decided to stay together forever, they don't realize that their future careers will take them in very different directions. Seiji eventually leaves for Italy to study under a violin master, Shizuku strives to become a writer in Japan, and the two dream of the day when they can be together properly. This heartbreakingly beautiful and poetic film continues to be a favorite of many Studio Ghibli fans.
whisper of the heart Inspired a spin-off in 2002 the cat is backAnd the live-action film was released in 2022. Hayao Miyazaki wrote the screenplay, and it was directed by Yoshifumi Kondo, who worked on several Ghibli films as an animation director. Although Miyazaki and Takahata hoped Kondo would be their successor, whisper of the heart This was the only film he directed, as he sadly passed away in 1998 at the age of 47.
only yesterday
Taeko Okajima, 27, lives alone in Tokyo and makes a living as a simple office worker. One day, she decides to visit her older sister Nanako's in-laws, and while traveling to Yamagata on a night train, she begins to reminisce about her life as a child. The memories become more vivid and intense, from first love to awkward adolescence. When she arrives, she is greeted by Toshio, her brother-in-law's second cousin, and although the two barely know each other, their relationship begins to blossom and develop as Taeko continues to confront her past self.
10 Underrated Studio Ghibli Movies, Ranked
This is Studio Ghibli's greatest hidden gem, a lesser-known film with rich storytelling, artistic animation, and emotional impact.
only yesterday is Studio Ghibli's timeless masterpiece, maintaining a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and continuing to inspire audiences decades after its release. Critics and audiences alike applauded the film's powerful themes of memory and nostalgia, and it also provides an accurate glimpse into rural Japanese life. A live-action sequel was released in Japan in 2021, and the stage musical also toured Japan in 2011.
princess mononoke
princess mononoke This is a Studio Ghibli film that needs no introduction. Released in 1997, this legendary historical fantasy film tells the story of Ashitaka, a young prince who travels west during Japan's Muromachi period to seek cure for his cursed arm. Soon he becomes caught up in the ongoing conflict between the Forest of Gods and a small nearby village, as well as the fight between the village's leader, Lady Eboshi, and San, a human girl raised by wolves. The film, which focuses on environmentalism and diversity, received endless applause from viewers for its depiction of Japan's medieval history.
Many people consider princess mononoke It was longer and costlier than any other film in Studio Ghibli's history at the time, making it Miyazaki's most notable feature film. Many producers have been inspired by this film, with James Cameron citing it as an influence on his own. avatar. This proved what Ghibli's true capabilities were, and well into the 2000s, the studio would continue to be responsible for some of the most beloved animated films ever released.
