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YumeTwins Kawaii Culture BlogStudio Ghibli Fest: Best Movies to Watch!

Studio Ghibli Fest: Best Movies to Watch!

By Thalia Harris
July 20, 2024
My Neighbor Totoro environment. It's lush and green similar to Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.

Having a Studio Ghibli fest is a fantastic way to enjoy the enchanting world of these beloved animated films. You can gather your friends or family and spend a day or weekend watching some of the most beautiful and imaginative movies ever!

What classic Studio Ghibli movies should I watch?

If you’re looking to dive into the world of Studio Ghibli, two incredible movies to start with are Kiki’s Delivery Service and Castle in the Sky. Kiki’s Delivery Service is about a young witch named Kiki who moves to a new town to become independent. She starts a delivery service using her flying abilities, with her talking cat Jiji by her side. It’s a fun and touching story about growing up, making friends, and finding your place in the world. The movie has beautiful animation and a relaxed, magical feel.

Kiki riding her broom in the sky. She's one of many female characters that are popular.
Kiki represents someone who is trying to find herself! Image via Character Design References

Castle in the Sky is an exciting adventure movie about a girl named Sheeta and a boy named Pazu. They go on a quest to find a floating castle called Laputa. This movie has lots of action, fantastic flying machines, and amazing scenes in the sky. It’s all about friendship, bravery, and how technology affects nature. The world in this movie is super imaginative and will keep you entertained. Hayao Miyazaki directed both of these movies, and they are excellent choices for anyone who loves animation or wants to watch something different and exciting!

Which movies focus on the environment?

Studio Ghibli has created several movies that explore environmental themes. Three great examples are Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Ponyo, and Spirited Away. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind takes place in a future world where the environment has been severely damaged. Princess Nausicaä, the main character, tries to balance human survival and nature’s recovery. The movie features a Toxic Jungle, which shows what might happen if we don’t care for our planet. It’s a powerful story about respecting nature and understanding how all living things are connected.

A scene from Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.
This movie takes place in a post-nuclear world. Image via Character Design References

Ponyo is a lighter movie, but it still addresses environmental issues, especially those related to the ocean. It’s about a magical fish girl who wants to become human. The film touches on ocean pollution and how delicate the balance of sea life is. When Ponyo uses her magic, it causes a huge wave, reminding us of nature’s power and what can happen when we disturb it.

Ponyo and Sasuke on a boat.
Ponyo is about making friends with the sea! Image via Cartoon Motion

While not as directly focused on the environment, Spirited Away still includes important ecological messages. In this movie, a girl named Chihiro enters a spirit world and encounters various challenges. One part of the story involves a polluted river spirit that Chihiro helps clean. This scene represents how human actions can harm nature but also how we can work to fix the damage we’ve caused.

These films use beautiful animation and engaging stories to make us think about our relationship with nature. They encourage viewers to consider how our actions affect the environment and why caring for our planet is crucial.

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What underrated movies should I watch?

If you’re looking for hidden gems from Studio Ghibli, watch two underrated movies: When Marnie Was There and My Neighbors the Yamadas. When Marnie Was There tells the story of a shy girl named Anna who moves to the seaside and discovers an old mansion. There, she meets a mysterious girl named Marnie, and they quickly become friends. 

A screenshot from "When Marnie Was There".
“When Marnie Was There” is based on a British novel. Image via CBR

The film beautifully explores friendship, loneliness, and the importance of memories. Although it may not be as well-known as other Ghibli films, it has stunning animation and a touching story that many fans appreciate. It’s an excellent film for those who enjoy deeper emotional connections in their movies.

My Neighbors the Yamadas is a charming and humorous film that follows the everyday life of the Yamada family. Unlike other Ghibli movies, which often feature grand adventures or fantasy worlds, this film focuses on the simple moments of family life, showing their funny and relatable challenges. Its unique animation style and light-hearted storytelling make it a delightful watch. 

A scene from "My Neighbors the Yamadas", one of them is riding a tricycle.
This movie is visually unique from the rest of Studio Ghibli’s filmography. Image via Character Design References

While it may not get as much attention as other Ghibli classics, it offers a refreshing perspective on family dynamics and the little things that make life unique. Both films showcase Studio Ghibli’s creativity and storytelling talent, making them worthwhile additions to your watchlist!

Who are some popular female characters?

Princess Kaguya is the main character in a movie based on an old Japanese story. She starts as a tiny girl found inside a glowing bamboo plant. As she grows up, she becomes wonderful. Many men want to marry her, but she’s not interested. She gives them impossible tasks instead. The movie explores how Kaguya deals with love, loss, and wanting to be free. Many people connect with her because of her strong emotions and struggle between duty and personal desires.

Princess Kaguya reaching for cherry blossoms.
Princess Kaguya defies societal expectations and follows her heart! Image via Bright Wall/Dark Room

Sophie Hatter is the hero of Howl’s Moving Castle. At first, she’s a shy girl working in a hat shop. But everything changes when she meets a wizard named Howl. A witch puts a spell on Sophie, making her look like an old woman. Sophie then goes on a journey to break the spell. Along the way, she becomes braver and stronger. She learns about love and how to accept herself. Sophie also fights for what she believes is right. Many fans love Sophie because she grows as a person during the movie. 

Why should I have a Studio Ghibli fest?

Studio Ghibli films have super beautiful animation and tell great stories that people of all ages love. By watching them together, you’ll notice how the studio’s art has changed over time and some themes pop up in different movies. Each film introduces you to a unique world with characters you’ll remember long after the movie ends, like the brave Sophie from “Howl’s Moving Castle” or the mysterious Princess Kaguya.

A scene depicting the cast of Howl's Moving Castle, which discusses one of the common themes of love.
Howl’s Moving Castle focuses on love regardless of looks! Image via Pinterest

These movies cover all sorts of topics and styles. Some talk about caring for the environment, while others are about growing up. This means there’s something for everyone, whether you like exciting adventures like Spirited Away or more serious stories like Grave of the Fireflies.

Studio Ghibli movies also often deal with big ideas in ways that are easy to understand. After watching, it makes them great for talking about important stuff with your friends or family. You might find yourself thinking about things like protecting nature, the importance of friendship, or how complicated people can be.

The main protagonists from "Castle in the Sky: reaching out to a robot with a long metal arm.
Which Studio Ghibli movie is your favorite? Image via Hollywood Reporter

Lastly, making your fest means picking which movies to watch. You can invite your friends, make snacks, and create a comfy place to enjoy these fantastic films. It’s a fun way to share Studio Ghibli with others or to rediscover these classics if you’ve seen them before. Which movie is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

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Thalia Harris

Writer living in Tokyo who likes stories, music and video games. <3

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