For those of you who love anime Japan with its emotional stories, beautiful visuals and evocative messages, Studio Ghibli is a name not to be missed. This legendary studio has created a variety of animated films that are not only entertaining, but also leave a deep impression on the audience. Based on the highest ratings on IMDb, here are the five best anime from Studio Ghibli that should be on your watch list.
5. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
| IMDb Rating | 8.1 |
| Genre | Slice of Life, Family |
Two girls, Satsuki and Mei, move to a village and accidentally form a relationship with a large, furry forest creature named Totoro. Amidst the uncertainties facing their family, the creature's presence brings unexpected magic and calm.
My Neighbor Totoro (Tonari no Totoro) is an animated film directed by Hayao Miyazaki and released in 1988. Although it doesn't have any major conflicts, the story manages to touch through the nuances of nature, childhood imagination, and family warmth.
The visuals are simple but iconic, and the character of Totoro is now recognized worldwide as a symbol of Studio Ghibli. The movie is suitable for all ages and is the perfect introduction to the world of Ghibli for new viewers.
4. Howl's Moving Castle (2004)
| IMDb Rating | 8.2 |
| Genre | Fantasy, Romance |
Sophie, a young girl, is cursed to become an old woman by a mysterious witch. On her journey to find a way to break the curse, she meets Howl, an eccentric wizard who lives in a walking castle full of magic and secrets.
Howl's Moving Castle (Howl no Ugoku Shiro) was released in 2004 and was again directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The movie features a rich fantasy world and blends magic, romance, and anti-war messages into one compelling narrative.
The moving castle visuals, unique character designs, and emotional music by Joe Hisaishi bring this anime to life. Sophie and Howl's story conveys a message of courage, self-change, and the true meaning of love and freedom.
3. Princess Mononoke (1997)
| IMDb Rating | 8.3 |
| Genre | Fantasy, Ecology |
Ashitaka, a prince of the east, must leave his hometown due to a mysterious curse. On his journey, he arrives in a region torn by conflict between nature-destroying humans and forest guardian spirits, including San-a girl raised by wolves and known as Princess Mononoke.
Princess Mononoke (Mononoke Hime) was released in 1997 and became one of the most thematically complex Ghibli films. The story depicts the battle between industrialization and nature conservation with a point of view that does not blame one side absolutely.
The anime features highly detailed forest landscapes and spiritual beings like Kodama and Shishigami that are full of symbolism. Its message of balance between humans and the environment remains relevant to this day.
2. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
| IMDb Rating | 8.5 |
| Genre | Drama, War |
Siblings Seita (14 years old) and Setsuko (4 years old) must survive on their own amidst the devastation of post-bombing Japan. Without their parents, they face a harsh and uncertain world, having only each other to rely on.
Grave of the Fireflies (Hotaru no Haka) is a realist animated film directed by Isao Takahata and released in 1988. Different from the usual fantasy-filled Ghibli anime, this work presents the harsh reality of civilian victims of war-with a quiet yet heart-wrenching narrative style, showing the direct impact of hunger and loss on children.
The movie will have a limited run for the first time on Indonesian Cinema starting August 29, 2025, making it a rare opportunity for Indonesian audiences to see the film on the big screen. The screening has been enthusiastically welcomed by fans of the Japanese classic, and is a precious moment for a new generation to get to know one of the most emotional stories in Japanese animation history.
1. Spirited Away (2001)
| IMDb Rating | 8.6 |
| Genre | Fantasy, Adventure |
Chihiro, a ten-year-old girl, is lost with her parents to the spirit world. When her parents turn into pigs, Chihiro must work at witch Yubaba's spirit bath in order to save them and return to the human world.
Spirited Away (Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi) was released in 2001 and became the first Japanese anime film to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, the film is globally recognized as a highly influential work of animation.
The spirit world depicted is rich and symbolic. Characters like Haku and No-Face become metaphors for identity, loss, and sincerity. Every detail-both setting and sound-is designed to provide a cinematic experience full of meaning and wonder.
With the power of deep storytelling and captivating visuals, these five Studio Ghibli anime are not just spectacles, but emotional experiences that leave a strong impression. Whether you're a fan of fantasy tales, touching dramas, or warm family stories, each title has its own way of conveying unforgettable meaning.
