Japanese animator and artist Hayao Miyazaki is the genius behind Studio Ghibli, a Japanese animation company that was founded in 1985. In 2013, Miyazaki retired from Studio Ghibli after directing 11 animated films. 

On Feb. 23, 2017, Miyazaki came out of retirement to work on a new animated film, as was confirmed by Studio Ghibli’s co-founder Toshio Suzuki at the time. This new film, which has the working title “How Do You Live,” is set to release in July and is inspired by a novel written by Genzaburo Yoshino in 1937. 

To prepare for Studio Ghibli’s new feature film, it is only fair to catch up on Miyazaki’s previous films, especially the more iconic ones. Miyazaki’s films consist of recurring themes such as human connection, respecting nature and friendship. There is a soft, gentle presence in all of the films that can be felt through the characters and artistic animation. The stories will take you through worlds unknown and dreams unimagined.

Though his films target a younger audience, Studio Ghibli can be watched and enjoyed by viewers of all ages. All of Studio Ghibli’s films are streaming on HBO Max. 

For beginners

“Spirited Away” is where all who are new to the world of Studio Ghibli should start. 

The movie follows young Chihiro (Rumi Hiiragi) as she follows her parents into an old amusement park and enters the Spirit World after her parents are turned into pigs. While trying to save her parents, she gets cursed by one of the realm’s witches and now must reclaim her name to return to the human world. 

Released in 2001, it is one of Miyazaki’s masterpieces and beautifully conveys his imagination. The film won an Oscar in 2003 for Best Animated Feature.

“My Neighbor Totoro” is a classic and should be one of the first Studio Ghibli movies watched. 

Two girls, Satsuke (Dakota Fanning) and Mei (Elle Fanning), move out into the countryside with their father to be closer to their mother who is ill in the hospital. While exploring the new house and surroundings, they come across all sorts of odd little creatures, such as sprites and totoros. 

“My Neighbor Totoro” is a feel-good family film that is all joy and no conflict. It explores the Japanese countryside and delivers visually stunning animation.

“Ponyo” is another film for starters that encapsulates human connection and childlike innocence. 

Ponyo (Noah Cyrus) is a goldfish that looks more human than fish who swims to the ocean’s surface and meets Sosuke (Frankie Jonas), a young boy. As she learns the way of humans with Sosuke, her wish comes true. Ponyo hopes to become human and leave her sea life behind. After fleeing, her father goes on a manhunt for her, and is determined to see his daughter back with him in the ocean. 

Contrary to expectations, living on the surface is not all that perfect, and magic, when used to an extreme, has dire consequences. 

Must-see

“Howl’s Moving Castle” is an all-time favorite and can’t not be mentioned. 

Hat maker Sophie (Emily Mortimer) gets transformed into an old woman by the Witch of the Waste after having an interaction with the famous wizard Howl (Christian Bale). As Sophie travels aboard Howl’s moving castle that can walk and fly, she and a few of Howl’s companions try to return Sophie back to her previous age. But, Howl and his other companions are cursed, and Sophie may unknowingly hold the key to saving them.

“Princess Mononoke” is one of Miyazaki’s more graphic films and is more suited toward young adults. Though there are battle scenes and conflict, the animated feature still has Miyazaki’s recurring elements, such as spirits and talking animals. 

Prince Ashitaka (Billy Crudup) teams up with San (Claire Danes), a girl who grew up with wolves, during his journey to find a cure for his curse. The two team up to try to defeat an evildoer who plans to kill all animals. 

“Kiki’s Delivery Service” is a magical coming-of-age film about a young witch learning to love and accept herself. 

Kiki (Kirsten Dunst) is a witch who moves away from her village with her cat Jiji to complete her training. With a flying broomstick, Kiki starts her own delivery service but soon starts to doubt herself and loses her magic. This film is another buoyant tale that will capture the hearts of all audience types.

“Castle In The Sky” is Studio Ghibli’s first animated feature film, released in 1986. A floating empire in the sky, which contains treasures, has humans on the ground searching relentlessly for this city called Laputa. When a girl falls from the sky wearing a unique gem around her neck, young Pazu (James Van Der Beek) teams up with her and tries to locate this mysterious Laputa. 

At its core, “Castle In The Sky” is about friendship and protecting nature. Miyazaki crafts a breathtaking world that shows how humans are determined to destroy the nature around them for their own personal gain.