By now, you’ve probably seen social media posts about the much-anticipated The World of Studio Ghibli exhibition at ArtScience Museum. If you’re among the rare few who have only watched one or two of Studio Ghibli’s critically acclaimed animations that have touched the hearts of millions worldwide, it’s time to get acquainted with the studio’s solid canon of works before the ongoing exhibition ends in early 2025.
Make some time to indulge in the magical worlds created by Studio Ghibli, which was founded in 1985 by directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, and producer Toshio Suzuki. To truly understand the hype and to fully appreciate the excitement surrounding The World of Studio Ghibli exhibition, here are six of the most popular and beloved films you should watch and familiarise yourself with. We also include some of the major awards each of these films have garnered. Be spirited away by the magic of Studio Ghibli!
1. Spirited Away (2001)
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Plot: A pouty 10-year-old girl, Chihiro, finds herself trapped in an enchanted world and embarks on a journey of self-discovery filled with fascinating characters like Yubaba and No-Face, making friends along the way. As Chihiro develops self-reliance, she learns the importance of hard work and ultimately frees herself and her parents.
Why watch: Chihiro’s bravery and transformation make for a compelling narrative, especially enhanced by the beautifully vivid hand-drawn animation by Hayao Miyazaki. Beyond its countless international awards, Spirited Away is regarded as a work of art with cultural, commercial, and critical impact, solidifying its position as one of the best-loved films of all time.
Awards:
- Won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003, the first (and only) non-English language film to win this category.
- First anime to win the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2002.
- Won the Annie Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Animation.
- Won the Japanese Academy Awards for Best Film.
2. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Plot: Two sisters navigate the challenges of moving to an unfamiliar neighborhood without the calming presence of a motherly figure. They find friendship in the bear-like friendly forest spirit, Totoro.
Why Watch: Weaving a touching tale through the mundane, My Neighbor Totoro did not become an instant hit with the global audience like Spirited Away did. However, it has gained resonance over time and eventually became the unofficial mascot of Studio Ghibli. The director conveys warmth and friendship through Totoro’s non-verbal gestures, winning the hearts of young and old alike worldwide.
Award:
- Won the Mainichi Film Award for Best Film in 1988.
3. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Plot: A young woman, Sophie, battles the curse of becoming an old woman and befriends a dashing wizard, Howl. Loosely based on the 1986 novel by British author Diana Wynne Jones, Hayao Miyazaki takes creative liberties in this animated adaptation.
Why watch: Addressing themes of romance, inner and outer beauty, as well as aging, this animation is multilayered, with the director blending pacifism and environmentalism into the work. We delve deep into the psyche and personal struggles of Sophie and Howl as they navigate emotional turmoil and eventual transformation. Once again, Hayao Miyazaki’s rich visual storytelling, coupled with stunning depictions of magical fantasy such as the moving castle and the memorable Calcifer, pushes Studio Ghibli’s artistic achievements to new heights.
Awards:
- Won the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year (2005).
- Won the Osella Award for Technical Achievement (2004) at the Venice Film Festival.
- Nominated for the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, a rare honor for an animated film.
4. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Plot: More than just a coming-of-age story, this animation follows Kiki, a 13-year-old young witch who sets up a delivery service in a foreign land. Faced with adolescence and the responsibilities of independence, Kiki grapples with self-doubt and the burdens of adulthood.
Why watch: Take flight with Kiki’s broomstick and admire the sweeping vistas depicted by Hayao Miyazaki’s skillful world-building. The film beautifully captures the tumultuous ups and downs of adolescence through Kiki’s adventures, ultimately leading to her personal growth.
Awards:
- Won the Animage Anime Grand Prix in 1989.
- Won the Best Film Award at the Mainichi Film Awards.
5. Princess Mononoke (1997)
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Plot: Departing from his usual gentle and heartwarming themes, this film represents a move toward darker and more mature storytelling for Hayao Miyazaki. San, also known as Princess Mononoke, is a human raised by wolves who defends her home in the forest with fervor. She confronts Lady Eboshi, whose love for her people surpasses her love for nature. Prince Ashitaka, cursed by a demon, becomes embroiled in the struggle between these two strong female protagonists.
Why watch: The director cleverly portrays two strong women without passing judgment on their methods, allowing the audience to draw their conclusions. Intertwined with themes of war and ecological preservation, the film forces viewers to confront pressing global issues. It delves deep into environmentalism and industrialisation while presenting the moral ambiguity of its protagonists.
Awards:
- Won the Japan Academy Prize for Picture of the Year (1998) — a rarity for an animated film to win this top honour.
- Won the Mainichi Film Award for Best Animation Film (1997).
- Won the Animage Anime Grand Prix (1997).
6. The Boy and the Heron (2023)
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Plot: Studio Ghibli’s latest animation, The Boy and the Heron, is set against the backdrop of war-torn Japan in 1943. Loosely based on the novels The Book of Lost Things by Irish author John Connolly and Ghost Tower by Edogawa Ranpo, this film blends themes of war, coming-of-age, and loss. It follows a boy who learns to cope with the painful reality of growing up without his mother as he adjusts to a new environment and the people he must learn to call home and family.
Why watch: A meditation on life, this film confronts the growing pains of adolescence and the inevitability of death.
Awards:
- Awarded the Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Academy Award for Best Animated Feature (2024).
- Won Outstanding Achievement for Character Animation in a Feature Production at the Annie Awards (2024).
- The studio received the Honorary Palme d’Or at the 77th Cannes Film Festival (2024).
Though films produced by Studio Ghibli have received international recognition and acclaim, many other animations by the studio are less well-known but equally deserving of your attention. Discover more as you step into The World of Studio Ghibli at ArtScience Museum and be swept away into a fantastical realm like no other.
The World of Studio Ghibli at ArtScience Museum runs from now till Feb 2, 2025. For more details and to buy tickets, visit here.
