We’ve Ranked 10 Out Of The 21 Studio Ghibli Movies Available On Netflix - Here Are Our Picks!

Founded in 1985, Studio Ghibli is a Japanese animation film studio based in Tokyo, Japan best known for its animated feature films led by visionary Hayao Miyazaki. For the uninitiated, six of Studio Ghibli’s films are among the 10 of Japan’s highest-grossing anime films, five of which have received Academy Award nominations. 

All that said, you know you’re in for a treat. As of writing, 21 out of the 22 Studio Ghibli films are available on Netflix for fans to stream. Check out our top ten picks to help you decide which film to stream first! 

As the highest grossing film in the history of Japan, Spirited Away put Studio Ghibli on the map. The film’s story revolves around a young girl who passes through to another world full of gods, monsters and magic. The hand-drawn animation is mesmerizing and is definitely a treat for art enthusiasts. As a trademark to Ghibli films, this is a story that shows wonders of the natural world and the fantastical monsters that inhabit it.

Both children and adults will fall in love with this enchanting coming-of-age tale. The film follows a father and two young girls who move into an old house closer to the hospital where their mother recovers from a long-term illness. The two girls then meet Totoro, a spirit disguised as a rabbit-like creature.

Howl's Moving Castle was adapted from a novel of the same name. It’s seen as an anti-war film where a young hat maker is cursed by a witch that turned an old woman. She heads to the countryside in search of a cure where she encounters a troublesome wizard called Howl. This is considered one of Miyazaki's darkest films, however it still holds a remarkable story that viewers will enjoy.

Proco Rosso was set in Italy in the 1930s and is considered one of Miyazaki’s underrated films. Porco Rosso or the Crimson Pig is a hotshot pilot who was cursed with the face of a pig. He competes with the sky pirate Curtis for the love of Gina, a cabaret singer. This film features old-fashioned good fun sure to make you smile.

Ponyo might just be the cutest of all Ghibli films; so if you’re a sucker for anything Kawaii, this is the one to watch. The film offers a simple, yet sentimental story with influences from Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Mermaid. Ponyo, much like Ariel, resides underwater and aspires to become human. She later meets a human boy, who ultimately changes the course of her life. The film will get you giggling and overall offer a fun time. 

Princess Mononoke is an epic story set in 13th century Japan. The story depicts the struggle between the animal gods who protect the forest and the humans who want to cut it down for mining. Caught between them is a prince named Ashitaka whose attempts to reconcile the adversaries are stopped by deceitful humans and vengeful gods. The Ghibli film is a treat for those who love action-packed films.

The film follows Kiki, a young witch and her sarcastic cat Jiji as she moves to a new town on her own as part of her witches in training requirements. Here she encounters hardships that lead to self-doubt, which end up costing her her magical powers. Kiki’s story is sure to inspire both young and older viewers.

Laputa: Castle in the Sky is a classic Ghibli film. The story follows a young miner named Pazu and a girl named Sheeta as they search for a castle beneath the clouds. Their adventure is met with villains in Colonel Muska and the military, portraying themes of greed, courage and sacrifice. This is one Ghibli masterpiece that you cannot miss!

Pom Poko is a child-friendly Ghibli movie that features ghoulish moments suitable for adults as well. It follows Tanukis, beloved folktale shape-shifting characters, who also happen to be protectors of the natural environment, as they encounter urban developers who threaten their forest home. 

The film is inspired by one of Japan’s oldest folk stories, “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter”. The film pulls focus on the story of a princess from the moon who grows strangely fast. Ghibli’s signature watercolour and animated sketch lines featured in the film are so overwhelmingly beautiful, making it a must-see film in our list.

The Ghibli Museum in Japan has always been shrouded in an aura of mystery due to its no-photography policy. Recently, the museum released a series of free virtual tours on their Youtube channel to allow fans to peek inside its whimsical walls despite the museum being closed temporarily due to the pandemic!