20. Kiki’s Delivery Service: IMDb (7.8) 1989
Plot: Kiki, a young witch, leaves home with her talking black cat Jiji. She flies to find a new town and encounters another witch who makes her question her own abilities. But later, Kiki loses her powers and becomes depressed until Ursula encourages her to find a new purpose. When Tombo gets into an accident, Kiki regains her flying powers to save him. With renewed confidence, she continues delivering goods and writes home happily.
My Recommendation: “Kiki’s Delivery Service” is a sweet story about a young witch who is growing up and trying to find her role in the world. The animation is lovely, the characters are lovable, and it explores themes of finding yourself and making friends. It’s a timeless movie that will make you feel good. I really think you should watch it!
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Producer: Hayao Miyazaki, Toshio Suzuki
Writer: Eiko Kadono (novel), Hayao Miyazaki (screenplay)
Released Date: July 29, 1989
Runtime: 103 minutes
Distributor: Toei Company
Production Company: Studio Ghibli
Box Office in US Dollars: Approximately $18 million (worldwide)
Where to watch: HBO Max.
19. Whisper of the Heart: IMDb (7.8) 1995
Plot: Shizuku Tsukishima is a 14-year-old student at Mukaihara Junior High School. She loves creative writing and lives in Tokyo with her family. One day, while looking through her library books, she discovers they were all checked out by someone named Seiji Amasawa. They become friends and inspire each other to pursue their dreams. Eventually, Seiji goes to study in Italy but returns earlier than expected to confess his love for Shizuku and propose marriage in the future
My Recommendation: “Whisper of the Heart” is a touching animated film that gently tells a story about finding oneself and chasing dreams. It has a beautiful plot, characters that feel familiar, and enchanting music. The movie captures our attention by showing the importance of pursuing our interests and discovering love in surprising ways.
Genre: Drama, Romance
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Yoshifumi Kondō
Producer: Toshio Suzuki
Writer: Hayao Miyazaki (screenplay), Aoi Hiiragi (manga)
Released Date: July 15, 1995 (Japan)
Runtime: 111 minutes
Distributor: Toho
Production Company: Studio Ghibli
Box Office in US Dollars: Approximately $24.8 million
Where to watch: HBO Max
18. The Wind Rises: IMDb (7.8) 2013
Plot: In 1916, Jiro Horikoshi dreams of flying but his poor eyesight stops him. He meets Giovanni Caproni in a dream, who convinces him that building planes is just as good. Seven years later, Jiro helps Nahoko during an earthquake and they meet again in 1925. Jiro becomes a designer at Mitsubishi and faces failures and disappointments. He marries Nahoko despite her illness, but she tragically passes away. In 1945, after the war, Jiro reflects on his aircraft’s use for war but finds solace in fulfilling his dream with Caproni by his side.
My Recommendation: “The Wind Rises” is a beautiful and emotional movie made by Hayao Miyazaki. It combines historical fiction with dream-like animation to tell the story of Jiro Horikoshi, who loves designing airplanes. The movie has stunning visuals and touches on deep emotions. If you enjoy art and thinking deeply, you should definitely watch it.
Genre: Historical drama, Romance
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Producer: Toshio Suzuki
Writer: Hayao Miyazaki
Released Date: July 20, 2013 (Japan)
Runtime: 126 minutes
Distributor: Toho (Japan), Studio Ghibli (International)
Production Company: Studio Ghibli
Box Office in US Dollars: $136 million
Where to watch: HBO Max
17. Kill la Kill: IMDb (7.9) 2013
Plot: Ryuko Matoi, a transfer student, comes to Honnō City seeking her father’s killer. She enrolls in Honnouji Academy ruled by Satsuki Kiryuin and her Elite Four. Ryuko finds a powerful uniform called Senketsu which enhances her abilities. Eventually, they confront Ragyo Kiryuin, Satsuki’s mother, defeat the clones created by Rei Hououmaru, shut down the academy during the sinking of Honnō City, and move on with their lives.
My Recommendation: “Kill la Kill” is an anime that looks really cool and has a lot of action. The story is different and mixes comedy, satire, and intense fights. The art style is bold and the characters are exaggerated, making it exciting to watch. But it deals with adult themes and has some sexualized content that may not be appropriate for everyone. Overall, it’s a thrilling experience.
Genre: Action, Comedy, Fantasy
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Hiroyuki Imaishi
Producer: Kazuya Masumoto, Wakana Okamura
Writer: Kazuki Nakashima
Released Date: October 3, 2013 – March 27, 2014
Runtime: Approximately 24 minutes per episode
Distributor: Aniplex of America
Production Company: Trigger
Where to watch: HBO Max
16. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind: IMDb (8.0) 1984
Plot: One thousand years after a devastating war, the Toxic Jungle has taken over the land. Nausicaä, a princess in the Valley of the Wind, explores the jungle and communicates with its creatures. When a military aircraft crashes in her valley, Nausicaä tries to save it but fails. She fights against Pejite soldiers who want to harm her people and befriends giant insects called Ohm. Eventually, she fulfills a prophecy and saves her valley with help from the Ohm and Tolmekians.
My Recommendation: “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” is a stunning movie that combines beautiful animation, important messages about the environment, and interesting characters. It was directed by Hayao Miyazaki and is highly recommended for anime fans. The powerful story and amazing visuals make it a timeless favorite for people of all ages.
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Producer: Isao Takahata, Studio Ghibli
Writer: Hayao Miyazaki
Released Date: March 11, 1984
Runtime: 117 minutes
Distributor: Toei Company
Production Company: Topcraft, Tokuma Shoten, Hakuhodo
Box Office in US Dollars: Approximately $1.48 million (Japan)
Where to watch: HBO Max
15. Castle in the Sky: IMDb (8.0) 1986
Plot: An orphan girl named Sheeta is taken aboard an airship by a government agent named Muska. The airship gets attacked by air pirate Dola and her gang, who want Sheeta’s crystal necklace. Sheeta falls from the airship but is saved by the magic of the crystal. They are pursued by Muska’s soldiers and Dola’s gang but manage to escape with the help of the crystal. Eventually, they reach Laputa and defeat Muska before escaping with Dola’s gang.
My Recommendation: “Castle in the Sky” is an adventure story that has a timeless appeal. It has a captivating plot, beautiful animation, and characters that you will remember. The movie combines fantasy and steampunk elements to create an amazing world. If you enjoy enchanting stories that make you feel amazed, this anime is something you should definitely watch.
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Producer: Isao Takahata
Writer: Hayao Miyazaki
Released Date: August 2, 1986
Runtime: 125 minutes
Distributor: Toei Company
Production Company: Studio Ghibli
Box Office in US Dollars: Approximately $15 million (worldwide)
Where to watch: HBO Max
14. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya: IMDb (8.0) 2013
Plot: A bamboo cutter finds a small girl in a glowing bamboo shoot and raises her as his own. The girl grows quickly and becomes known as “Takenoko”. They move to the capital, but Takenoko longs for her old life. When she comes of age, she is named “Princess Kaguya”. Suitors try to win her over with treasures, but she rejects them. Kaguya reveals that she is from the Moon and must return there. As she leaves, tears fill her eyes as she looks back at Earth.
My Recommendation: “The Tale of the Princess Kaguya” is a beautiful and captivating movie. It tells a touching story with amazing hand-drawn pictures. The movie explores important topics like love, sadness, and how life is short. It’s a timeless masterpiece that will leave a lasting impression on your heart and mind.
Genre: Fantasy, Drama
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Isao Takahata
Producer: Yoshiaki Nishimura
Writer: Isao Takahata
Released Date: November 23, 2013 (Japan)
Runtime: 137 minutes
Distributor: Toho
Production Company: Studio Ghibli
Box Office in US Dollars: Approximately $24.1 million
Where to watch: HBO Max
13. Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! : IMDb (8.1) 2020
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Plot: Midori Asakusa is a high school student who loves anime. She believes that the concept is important in animation. Although she constantly doodles ideas, she hasn’t started creating anime because she thinks it’s impossible alone. Her friend Sayaka Kanamori, who wants money, notices Midori’s talent and passion. Through this journey, they discover the impact of fiction and imagination on their lives and the world.
My Recommendation: “Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!” is an enjoyable anime that celebrates creativity, friendship, and the limitless imagination of young people. It has lively animation, lovable characters, and passionately explores the world of animation. If you love storytelling and dream of bringing your ideas to life, this is a show you shouldn’t miss.
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Slice of Life
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Masaaki Yuasa
Producer: Eunyoung Choi
Writer: Masaaki Yuasa
Released Date: January 5, 2020 – March 22, 2020
Runtime: 24 minutes per episode
Distributor: Crunchyroll
Production Company: Science SARU
Where to watch: HBO Max
12. My Neighbor Totoro: IMDb (8.1) 1998
Plot: In 1950s Japan, Professor Tatsuo Kusakabe and his daughters Satsuki and Mei move into an old house near the hospital where their mother is recovering. They discover small house spirits called susuwatari and Mei befriends a larger spirit named Totoro. One day, while waiting for their father’s bus, Totoro appears and Satsuki sees him too. When Mei goes missing, they plead for Totoro’s help and he summons the Catbus to reunite them. Their mother eventually returns home, bringing joy to the family while Totoro watches over them from afar.
My Recommendation: “My Neighbor Totoro” is a beautiful and touching movie that captures the hearts of both kids and adults. It has an amazing story, lovable characters, and stunning animation. It’s a timeless favorite that celebrates the joy and imagination of childhood. Watching it will take you to a magical world full of friendship and wonder. You should definitely see it!
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Family
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Producer: Toru Hara
Writer: Hayao Miyazaki
Released Date: April 16, 1988
Runtime: 86 minutes
Distributor: Toho (Japan), Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures (International)
Production Company: Studio Ghibli
Box Office in US Dollars: Approximately $41 million worldwide
Where to watch: HBO Max
11. Howl’s Moving Castle: IMDb (8.2) 2004
Plot: Sophie, a young milliner, meets a wizard named Howl. The Witch of the Waste turns Sophie into an old woman. Sophie sets off to break the curse and meets Turnip Head, who takes her to Howl’s moving castle. There, she meets Markl and Calcifer. He returns home to stop the war while Suliman decides to end it too. Later on, Sophie, Howl, and others travel in their flying castle as bombers head towards another war.
My Recommendation: “Howl’s Moving Castle” is a fantastic movie that combines fantasy, romance, and adventure. It has an enchanting story, beautiful animation, and memorable characters. It’s a must-see if you want to escape into a world of imagination. You will be captivated from beginning to end.
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Romance
Original Language: Japanese
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Producer: Toshio Suzuki
Writer: Hayao Miyazaki (based on the novel by Diana Wynne Jones)
Released Date: September 5, 2004
Runtime: 119 minutes
Distributor: Toho (Japan), Buena Vista Home Entertainment (International)
Production Company: Studio Ghibli
Box Office in US Dollars: Approximately $235 million worldwide
Where to watch: HBO Max