Studio Ghibli, the renowned Japanese animation studio, has produced some of the most beloved animated films of all time. Here’s a comprehensive ranking of all 24 Studio Ghibli movies based on their Rotten Tomatoes scores, from lowest to highest.
24. Earwig and the Witch (2020)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 28%
This CGI animated film follows an orphan girl named Earwig whose life changes when she moves in with a selfish witch. Despite being Studio Ghibli’s first 3D CG animated feature, it failed to capture the magic of their traditional hand-drawn style.
23. Tales from Earthsea (2006)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 38%
Set in the fantastical world of Earthsea, this film follows a wizard named Sparrowhawk and a runaway prince as they battle an evil force threatening to plunge humanity into chaos. Despite its ambitious story, it’s considered one of Ghibli’s weaker entries.
22. My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 78%
This unique, comic strip-style animated film depicts the everyday life of the Yamada family. While it’s a departure from Ghibli’s usual style, it offers a charming and humorous look at Japanese family life.
21. Pom Poko (1994)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%
This environmentally-themed film features tanuki (Japanese raccoon dogs) using their shape-shifting abilities to save their forest home from urban development. It blends Japanese folklore with modern environmental issues.
20. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 87% (Certified Fresh)
Based on Diana Wynne Jones’ novel, this magical adventure follows Sophie, a young woman cursed with an old body, as she seeks help from the mysterious wizard Howl. It’s a visually stunning tale of love, war, and self-acceptance.
19. The Cat Returns (2002)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88%
This whimsical spin-off of “Whisper of the Heart” follows a high school girl who finds herself whisked away to a kingdom of cats. It’s a lighthearted and entertaining adventure with charming feline characters.
18. From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88% (Certified Fresh)
Set in 1963 Japan, this coming-of-age story follows two high school students as they try to save their school’s clubhouse from demolition. It offers a nostalgic look at Japan’s post-war period and the lead-up to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
17. The Wind Rises (2013)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88% (Certified Fresh)
This fictionalized biopic of Jiro Horikoshi, the designer of Japanese fighter planes during World War II, explores the intersection of art, engineering, and the costs of pursuing one’s dreams. It’s a mature, thoughtful film that marked Hayao Miyazaki’s (temporary) retirement.
16. Ocean Waves (1993)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%
This television film, rarely seen outside Japan, is a realistic portrayal of teenage life and romance. It follows a love triangle between three high school students, offering a more grounded narrative compared to Ghibli’s fantastical works.
15. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%
Though technically pre-dating Studio Ghibli’s founding, this post-apocalyptic epic is considered part of the Ghibli canon. It follows the adventures of Nausicaä, a young princess with the power to communicate with giant insects, as she tries to prevent a war that could destroy her world.
14. Ponyo (2008)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91% (Certified Fresh)
This charming reimagining of “The Little Mermaid” tells the story of a fish-girl who wants to become human after befriending a young boy. It’s a visually stunning and heartwarming tale that appeals to all ages.
13. When Marnie Was There (2014)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92% (Certified Fresh)
This ghostly coming-of-age story follows a lonely girl who befriends a mysterious blonde girl named Marnie. It’s a poignant exploration of friendship, family, and self-discovery.
12. Princess Mononoke (1997)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
Set in medieval Japan, this epic tale of humans versus nature features complex characters and stunning animation. It’s a mature, thought-provoking film that tackles environmental themes with nuance and depth.
11. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94% (Certified Fresh)
This beloved classic follows two young sisters who encounter friendly forest spirits in rural post-war Japan. With its iconic characters and heartwarming story, it’s become one of Studio Ghibli’s most recognizable films.
10. The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94% (Certified Fresh)
Based on Mary Norton’s “The Borrowers,” this film tells the story of Arrietty, a tiny girl who lives secretly in the walls and floors of a typical household. It’s a beautifully crafted tale of friendship and courage.
9. Whisper of the Heart (1995)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
This coming-of-age story follows a young girl aspiring to be a writer. It’s a realistic and touching portrayal of young love and the pursuit of one’s dreams, notable for its lack of fantastical elements common in many Ghibli films.
8. Castle in the Sky (1986)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
This high-flying adventure follows two orphans searching for a legendary floating castle. With its blend of steampunk aesthetics and classic adventure storytelling, it set the tone for many Ghibli films to come.
7. Porco Rosso (1992)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
Set in 1930s Italy, this unique film follows the adventures of a World War I pilot cursed to look like a pig. It’s a witty, action-packed film that also touches on deeper themes of war and identity.
6. Spirited Away (2001)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96% (Certified Fresh)
Often considered Miyazaki’s masterpiece, this Oscar-winning film follows a young girl working in a bathhouse for spirits to save her parents. It’s a visually stunning and emotionally rich coming-of-age story.
5. The Boy and the Heron (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97% (Certified Fresh)
Miyazaki’s latest film follows a boy named Mahito who enters a magical world in search of his deceased mother. It’s a return to form for the master animator, blending fantasy and reality in a poignant exploration of loss and growth.
4. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98% (Certified Fresh)
This charming coming-of-age story follows a young witch striking out on her own. It’s a delightful tale of self-discovery and perseverance that has become a favorite among Ghibli fans.
3. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100% (Certified Fresh)
This devastating war drama follows two siblings struggling to survive in Japan during World War II. It’s a powerful anti-war film that showcases animation’s ability to tackle serious, mature themes.
2. Only Yesterday (1991)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100% (Certified Fresh)
This introspective drama follows a 27-year-old woman reminiscing about her childhood while on vacation in the countryside. It’s a nuanced, realistic portrayal of adulthood and nostalgia rarely seen in animation.
1. The Tale of The Princess Kaguya (2013)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100% (Certified Fresh)
Based on a classic Japanese folktale, this visually stunning film tells the story of a mysterious girl found inside a bamboo shoot. With its unique, watercolor-inspired animation style and poignant story, it’s a fitting capstone to director Isao Takahata’s career.
Studio Ghibli’s films consistently receive high critical acclaim, with many achieving the “Certified Fresh” status on Rotten Tomatoes. This designation is awarded to the best-reviewed movies and TV shows, requiring a Tomatometer score of 75% or higher and at least five reviews from Top Critics. For films in wide release, a minimum of 80 reviews is required.
From magical adventures to poignant dramas, Studio Ghibli’s diverse catalog offers something for everyone, solidifying its place as one of the most respected animation studios in the world.
