I Binged All 22 Studio Ghibli Films And Ranked Them From Worst To Best

    I knew I could put my insomnia to good use.

    Joshua Correa
    by Joshua Correa

    BuzzFeed Contributor

    As somebody who is a lifelong anime junkie, it was hard for me to admit that I never saw Studio Ghibli's films in their entirety. But that all changed when I binged their entire catalog recently.

    The sisters from "My Neighbor Totoro" standing in the rain with Totoro, holding umbrellas
    50th Street Films / Everett Collection

    I was excited to view them through the lens of an adult with a better appreciation for anime — outside of the popular shonen subgenre. For those who aren't familiar with the shonen subgenre, it is an anime that is mainly aimed at a younger male audience and features a male protagonist. This genre delivers plenty of action and adventure — think Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, Yuyu Hakusho, and so much more. 

    The beautiful thing about Studio Ghibli films is that they actually covered a wide variety of subgenres of anime that people adore, while also focusing on having a strong female protagonist to lead the film, which is partly why the studio seems to be so revered.

    Not to mention, they've got eye-catching animation and heart-tugging soundtracks that give Danny Elfman a run for his money. So without further ado, let's dive into my rankings of all the Studio Ghibli films!

    Porco from "Porco Rosso" giving a thumbs up un his red fighter plane
    Buena Vista Pictures / Everett Collection

    In case you were wondering, all these movies are available on HBO Max for your enjoyment. 

    22. Tales From Earthsea (2006)

    Two dragons fighting in the air with one dragon biting the other in the throat
    Buena Vista Pictures / Everett Collection

    Like with any film studio, not every movie is going to be a home run. This one, unfortunately, won Japan's Bunshun Raspberry Award for "Worst Movie." That should say enough about this film.

    21. Ocean Waves (1993)

    Rikako Muto playing tennis looking fierce
    Gkids / Everett Collection

    If you're into high school love triangles and that sort of CW drama, this film might be up your alley. 

    20. My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999)

    Matsuko Yamada holding a tv remote, smiling with her arms open
    Studio Ghibli / Via yaydrienne.tumblr.com

    A family comedy set with vignettes to show different parts of the Yamada's life. The animation took some getting used to for me, and the overall theme was OK.  

    19. Pom Poko (1994)

    Tanukis high in the air about to glide into action
    Studio Ghibli

    A comedy-drama that pits shapeshifting racoons against the humans that are trying to take over their habitat. The ending was unexpected, to say the least. 

    18. Arrietty (2010)

    Arrietty standing on a flower as a towering Sho is looking back at her
    Walt Disney / Everett Collection

    This film gave me serious Ratatouille and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids vibes! Arrietty is a 6-inch "borrower" whose family borrows things from the "human beans" house — which happens to be right above their cozy, miniature, under-the-floorboard home! I just wish the ending wasn't so anti-climactic.  

    17. From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)

    Shun offering Umi some food while holding his food in his mouth
    Studio Ghibli

    Just your average, "I might be related to the person I have feelings for" type of movie. Although, the drama that comes with this theme and how they navigate around that is what really makes it interesting. 

    16. The Cat Returns (2002)

    Haru looking down at the cat Baron as he is about to explain something to her
    Buena Vista Pictures / Everett Collection

    A spinoff film from Whispers of the Heart, this film gives you just the right amount of animal whispering and adventure you might like. Especially if you're a cat lover! 

    15. When Marnie Was There (2011)

    Anna and Marnie standing in the forest while Marnie holds a picnic basket
    Gkids / Everett Collection

    An interesting story about a young foster child, who after meeting a young girl named Marnie, discovers more and more about herself and where she is from.

    14. Ponyo (2008)

    Ponyo looking excited to be coming up from the water with several other Ponyo look a likes
    Walt Disney / Everett Collection

    Ponyo's journey to becoming human is one that will feel familiar, but visually, more modern than the The Little Mermaid we grew up with. 

    13. Whisper of the Heart (1995)

    Shizuku looking off in to the distance in a bright red dress standing with the Baron in a full suit and top hat
    Gkids / Everett Collection

    A nice coming-of-age story about a girl whose talents lead her to discover more about herself and her passions. It also includes a great rendition of "Take Me Home, Country Roads." 

    12. Howl's Moving Castle (2004)

    Sophia as her older version at the fish market looking through the fish that are on sale
    Buena Vista Pictures / Everett Collection

    This is a film filled with magic and wizardry, while somehow also capturing the underlying tones of director Hayao Miyazaki's disdain for the Iraq War. I'd say this was an interesting formula for diverse film production. 

    11. The Wind Rises (2013)

    Naoko standing in some grass while holding her hat from blowing off her head
    Touchstone Pictures / Everett Collection

    A beautiful drama set in the early 1900s that takes you on the journey of protagonist Jiro Horikoshi's life. Set in a time where designing planes was groundbreaking but also thrillingly dangerous. The perfect concoction for all the adrenaline junkies out there! 

    10. Only Yesterday (1991)

    A young Taeko staring happily at a pineapple
    Gkids / Everett Collection

    This movie does a great job of showing how the past and present have made Taeko Okajima the woman she is today. Filled with the complexities of becoming an adult and the regrets of the past, she questions whether or not she has taken the right path.

    9. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

    Setsuko standing in a field surrounded by fireflies
    Gkids / Everett Collection

    A hauntingly beautiful movie about two siblings surviving after their home has been destroyed. It's a film that's not for the faint of heart. Have some tissues ready! 

    8. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013)

    Princess Kaguya uncomfortably holding a yellow bag on her head while also holding a cherry blossom branch in her hand
    Gkids / Everett Collection

    A historical fantasy about a nymph who's discovered in a bamboo tree and groomed to be a princess. This film shows the tedious struggles of what it takes to be considered royalty amongst nobles and what happens when you're considered a mystical treasure. 

    7. Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)

    Kiki leaning on the counter of a bakery waiting for something
    Buena Vista Pictures / Everett Collection

    A great family movie about a young witch's delivery company. This film is full of adventures, and you get to see the stakes of having a successful business. 

    6. Princess Mononoke (1997)

    San sitting on top of her wolf mother Moro
    Miramax / Everett Collection

    One of the more violent films out of the collection — it pushed the PG-13 line it was given. The dynamic between Ashitaka and San, who come from opposite worlds but find a bond that helps them fight evil, is nothing new. But it SURE is entertaining. 

    5. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

    Sisters, Satsuki and Mei going down a grassy hill with Totoro holding his umbrella
    50th Street Films / Everett Collection

    This film not only succeeded in creating a wonderful story about two sisters coping with having an ill mother in the hospital, but also built an amazing fantasy element that introduces us to Studio Ghibli's mascot, Totoro.

    4. Castle in the Sky (1986)

    Sheeta and Pazu in a glider overlooking the floating island Laputa
    Buena Vista Pictures / Everett Collection

    The first of Studio Ghibli films, this one delivers on so many levels. From the moment the film starts, you are thrown into the danger that young Sheeta and Pazu are facing. It's an adventure that reminded me a lot of watching Indiana Jones as a kid, minus the snakes. 

    3. Porco Rosso (1992)

    Porco smirking while he is surrounded by angry pirates as they point their weapons at him
    Studio Ghibli

    Set in World War I, this film follows a fighter pilot bounty hunter who is on the run from the Italian government as well as the pirates he's been hunting down. I should mention, Porco is definitely a man pig, but that doesn't stop him from being a lady's man and overall badass. 

    2. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (1984)

    Nausicaa riding her glider through a canyon while her pet Teto sits on her shoulder
    Buena Vista Pictures / Everett Collection

    Technically, this film was done before Studio Ghibli was established, but this film was the catalyst for the studio, and I can see why. It has a strong heroine who tries to solve her society's problems without violence. Her world is filled with deadly insects and factions trying to gain control of a weapon that would give them ultimate power. This is a must-see. 

    1. Spirited Away (2001)

    Chihiro looking worried while holding Haku in his white dragon form
    Walt Disney / Everett Collection

    What can be said about this film that hasn't already been said? It won an Oscar for Best Animated Feature and also held the highest-grossing film record in Japan until 2020. Not only did Studio Ghibli deliver on the amazing animation that we've grown to love, but the Alice in Wonderland vibes that have Chihiro falling deeper into the spiritual realm keep you glued to the screen. I always heard this was the best film that Studio Ghibli ever released, and now I know why.  

    What was your favorite Studio Ghibli film? Let us know in the comments below!