10 Reasons Why Everyone Should Know About Studio Ghibli

It created some of the best animated films ever made (Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke just to name two). Plus it's Japanese. Who doesn't love anything Japanese?

1. It was founded by the iconic Hayao Miyazaki.

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He is one the most talented filmmakers (not just animators or directors) out there, period. Sadly, he's decided to retire in his early 70s, and we couldn't be more heartbroken.

2. And not to mention his partner in crime Isao Takahata

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He spends years working on his films for Studio Ghibli because he's such a perfectionist. But it's always worth the wait. Check out his 1988 classic Grave of the Fireflies to catch my drift.

3. Twelve of their movies feature a female lead or heroine.

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From the stubborn yet courageous Chihiro (Spirited Away), to the fearless Princess Mononoke, the Studio tends to give great importance to its female protagonists. Strong and determined, it's never necessary for them to need to get the man by the end of the movie.

4. It gave birth to Totoro.

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One of the most lovable and adorable characters of all time is now the Studio's official logo, and in the 1988 film My Neighbor Totoro the woodland creature didn't say a single word.

5. Spirited Away broke every single record.

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It's the highest grossing film of all time in Japan, it was the first (and so far only) anime and non-English film to win the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, and many have named it one of the best animated films of all time, if not the best.

6. Their traditional art style is pure awesomeness.

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To the point where you have to pause any of their movies every few seconds to appreciate the beauty in front of you.

7. The music scores will give you eternal chills.

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Joe Hishaishi is the name of the genius behind the soundtracks of pretty much every Studio Ghibli picture. And he gives Alexandre Desplat and Hans Zimmer a run for their money. Suggestion: listen to the main track for Castle In The Sky. It will change your life.

8. Their movies can be SO sweet and charming, it hurts.

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Ponyo. My Neighbor Totoro. Whisper of the Heart. If you do not at least smile at the sheer cuteness of these films, something might be seriously wrong with you.

9. But they can also get deep and personal in a life-changing way.

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By the end of Spirited Away, you will want to jump into the screen and hug the main character after everything she endures and the amazing journey she goes through. You might also end up forgetting that you're watching a movie, even though it's animated.

10. And you might enjoy them more than Disney or Pixar.

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There, I've said it. The American counterparts have some amazing movies, but sometimes nothing beats Japan.