I'm Counting Down My 7 Favorite Studio Ghibli Films So That You Can Have The Ultimate Movie Marathon

With stunning animation, storytelling, and characters, no one does it like Studio Ghibli.

7. Only Yesterday (1991)

Disney / Studio Ghibli

During the safflower harvest, Taeko travels to the countryside to visit her family where she meets and learns from Toshio, a young farmer. Taeko begins to understand her place in life and how her experiences from the past affect her present. An incredibly beautiful, complex, and emotionally charged film, Only Yesterday is a heartfelt ode to nostalgia and growing up.

6. The Cat Returns (2002)

Disney / Studio Ghibli

After Haru rescues a cat, she discovers that the cat, named Lune, is actually the prince of the Cat Kingdom. Extremely grateful, Lune's farther asks her to marry his son. As she starts to develop feline features, she'll need the help of her friends to escape. The Cat Returns is a whimsical and charming movie about discovering one's courage and self-worth.

5. Ponyo (2008)

Disney / Studio Ghibli

A goldfish by the name of Ponyo befriends Sosuke. As their friendship grows, she becomes more human-like, but in the process she poses a threat to Sosuke’s village. If you like The Little Mermaid, you'll love this film.

4. Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)

Disney / Studio Ghibli

In the tradition of witches, Kiki's 13th birthday means it's time for her to leave home, venture to a new town, and start her year-long journey of learning to control her magic. She starts a delivery service — delivering by broomstick — all while dealing with the typical feelings of being a teenager.

3. Spirited Away (2001)

Disney / Studio Ghibli

After Chihiro and her parents gets stuck in the spirit world, she must find the strength within herself to defeat the gods and face her fears if she has any hope of saving them all. Along the way she meets Haku, another stuck soul who wants to help Chihiro.

2. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

Disney / Studio Ghibli

After moving to the countryside, sisters Satsuke and Mei meet playful spirts that live around their new home, including a magical forest spirit named Totoro. Through a series of fantastical adventures, the sisters learn to appreciate the wonders of the natural world and the power of family bonds. The adorable creatures in this film will have you wanting to cuddle up with a cozy blanket or a stuffed animal (I know you secretly have a few).

1. Howl's Moving Castle (2004)

Disney / Studio Ghibli

A young girl named Sophie and a powerful wizard named Howl embark on a quest to break the curse on Sophie's life, which causes her to rapidly age. When you turn on this film, you're entering a world full of whimsy, adventure, and romance! This is my all-time favorite Studio Ghibli film and I watch it whenever I need comfort. Who knows, maybe it will become one of your go-to movies as well!