The Most Popular Ghibli Film, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the film you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 8, 2024 06:39
When faced with the difficult task of choosing which Ghibli movie to watch next, fans often find themselves wishing for a guide shaped by collective preferences. This site provides exactly that—a dynamic and user-driven ranking system. Here, every vote helps ascertain which film resonates the most with audiences, making your selection process a breeze.
By casting your vote, you contribute to a broader understanding of the impact each Ghibli creation has on its viewers. This ongoing tally not only reflects current favorites but also shifts with new opinions and perspectives. Engage with the list to see how your preferences compare with others', and help the community pinpoint the standout features of these beloved films.
What Is the Most Popular Ghibli Film?
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140votes
Studio Ghibli · Public domainSpirited Away
Hayao MiyazakiSpirited Away is considered by many to be the masterpiece of the Ghibli studio, Spirited Away won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest animated films of all time. Its imaginative storytelling, stunning visuals, and memorable characters have made it a favorite among fans around the world.Spirited Away is a visually stunning anime film that tells the captivating story of a young girl named Chihiro who finds herself trapped in a supernatural world after her parents undergo a mysterious transformation. As she navigates through this strange realm, Chihiro encounters a series of bizarre and magical creatures, while trying to find a way to rescue her parents and return home.- Release Date: July 20, 2001
- Runtime: 125 minutes
- Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
- Animation Studio: Studio Ghibli
- Language: Japanese
Spirited Away in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most beautiful anime movie
- Position 5 of 10 in Most beautiful anime in the world
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243votes
Studio Ghibli · Public domainMy Neighbor Totoro
Hayao MiyazakiMy Neighbor Totoro is released in 1988, My Neighbor Totoro is a heartwarming tale of two young sisters who move to the countryside and encounter a friendly forest spirit named Totoro. The film's charming characters, beautiful animation, and gentle storytelling have made it a beloved classic.My Neighbor Totoro is a Japanese animated film that tells the story of two young sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside with their father. They encounter friendly forest spirits, including the iconic creature Totoro, who becomes their gentle protector and guide through the magical world of nature. The film beautifully captures the innocence and wonder of childhood and explores themes of family, imagination, and environmental harmony.- Release Date: April 16, 1988
- Running Time: 86 minutes
- Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
- Animation Studio: Studio Ghibli
- Music: Joe Hisaishi
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327votes
Princess Mononoke
Hayao MiyazakiPrincess Mononoke is released in 1997, Princess Mononoke is an epic fantasy adventure set in a magical forest filled with gods and demons. The film's stunning animation, complex characters, and ecological themes have made it a fan favorite.Princess Mononoke is a Japanese animated fantasy film that tells the epic story of a young prince named Ashitaka who becomes involved in the struggle between the gods of the forest and the humans who consume its resources. This visually stunning film explores themes of environmentalism, as well as the balance between civilization and nature.- Release Date: July 12, 1997
- Running Time: 134 minutes
- Animation Studio: Studio Ghibli
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Music Composer: Joe Hisaishi
Princess Mononoke in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most beautiful anime movie
- Position 6 of 10 in Most beautiful anime in the world
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431votes
Hayao Miyazaki · Public domainHowl's Moving Castle
Hayao MiyazakiHowl's Moving Castle is released in 2004, Howl's Moving Castle is a visually stunning adaptation of the novel by Diana Wynne Jones, featuring a magical castle that roams the countryside and a young woman named Sophie who becomes embroiled in a conflict between wizards and the government. The film's richly detailed world-building and compelling characters have made it a fan favorite.Howl's Moving Castle is a Japanese animated fantasy film directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. Based on the novel by Diana Wynne Jones, it tells the story of Sophie, a young woman who is transformed into an old lady and embarks on a journey to break the curse. She encounters a magician named Howl and his moving castle, which becomes the center of their adventures in a war-torn world.- Release Date: 2004
- Running Time: 119 minutes
- Language: Japanese
- Country: Japan
- Animation Studio: Studio Ghibli
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514votes
Kiki's Delivery Service
Hayao MiyazakiKiki's Delivery Service is released in 1989, Kiki's Delivery Service is a charming coming-of-age story about a young witch who moves to a new town and starts her own delivery service. The film's whimsical animation, memorable characters, and themes of independence and self-discovery have made it a beloved classic.Kiki's Delivery Service is a beloved Ghibli film that follows the story of a young witch named Kiki. As per witch tradition, when she turns 13, Kiki leaves her home to begin her mandatory year of independent living. Set in a quaint seaside town, the film chronicles Kiki's adventures as she starts a delivery service using her flying broomstick. Throughout the film, Kiki encounters challenges, makes new friends, and learns valuable life lessons.- Release Year: 1989
- Runtime: 103 minutes
- Original Title: Majo no Takkyūbin
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Drama, Family, Fantasy
- Language: Japanese
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68votes
Grave of the Fireflies
Isao TakahataGrave of the Fireflies is released in 1988, Grave of the Fireflies is a devastatingly powerful anti-war film set in Japan during World War II. The film's realistic animation and heartbreaking story of two siblings struggling to survive in the aftermath of a bombing raid have made it a masterpiece of the genre.Grave of the Fireflies is a Studio Ghibli film that tells a heartbreaking story set in Japan during World War II. It revolves around the lives of two siblings, Seita and Setsuko, who struggle to survive after losing their mother and their home. The film portrays the harsh realities and challenges faced by civilians amidst war, while capturing the strong bond between the siblings as they face starvation, homelessness, and societal indifference.- Release Date: April 16, 1988
- Runtime: 89 minutes
- Genre: Drama, War
- Animation Studio: Studio Ghibli
- Language: Japanese
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78votes
Castle in the Sky
Hayao MiyazakiCastle in the Sky is released in 1986, Castle in the Sky is an epic adventure story about a young orphan boy and a girl with a mysterious pendant who set out to find a legendary floating castle in the sky. The film's thrilling action sequences, memorable characters, and imaginative world-building have made it a fan favorite.Castle in the Sky is a fantasy adventure film produced by Studio Ghibli. It was directed by Hayao Miyazaki and released in 1986. The film tells the story of a young girl named Sheeta, who possesses a magical crystal that leads her to the mythical floating city of Laputa. Along with a young boy named Pazu, she embarks on a thrilling journey to uncover the secrets of Laputa and evade the sinister forces that seek its power.- Release Year: 1986
- Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
- Running Time: 125 minutes
- Animation Studio: Studio Ghibli
- Language: Japanese
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86votes
Jaronax · CC BY 4.0Porco Rosso
Hayao MiyazakiPorco Rosso is released in 1992, Porco Rosso is a swashbuckling adventure story set in the Mediterranean in the years between World War I and World War II. The film's charismatic hero, a former air force pilot who has turned into a pig, and its beautifully rendered aerial dogfights have made it a cult classic.Porco Rosso is a Japanese animated film produced by Studio Ghibli. It was directed and written by Hayao Miyazaki. The film tells the story of a World War I pilot named Porco Rosso, who has been transformed into a pig due to a mysterious curse. Set in the Adriatic Sea during the 1930s, Porco Rosso embarks on various adventures while working as a bounty hunter against air pirates.- Release Date: June 18, 1992
- Running Time: 94 minutes
- Music Composer: Joe Hisaishi
- Animation Studio: Studio Ghibli
- Language: Japanese
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99votes
Studio Ghibli · Public domainThe Tale of the Princess Kaguya
Isao TakahataThe Tale of the Princess Kaguya is released in 2013, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is a visually stunning retelling of a traditional Japanese folktale about a princess born from a bamboo stalk who must choose between her royal duties and her own desires. The film's exquisite animation and emotional storytelling have made it a critical darling.The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is a visually stunning anime movie that tells the story of a tiny girl found inside a glowing bamboo stalk. Raised by a humble bamboo cutter and his wife, she quickly grows into a beautiful young woman and captures the hearts of many suitors. However, Kaguya longs for the simple life she once knew and resists societal expectations, causing conflict and ultimately leading to a heartbreaking fate.- Release Date: 2013
- Animation Studio: Studio Ghibli
- Running Time: 137 minutes
- Country of Origin: Japan
- Language: Japanese
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya in other rankings- Position 6 of 10 in Most beautiful anime movie
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104votes
Whisper of the Heart
Studio GhibliWhisper of the Heart is released in 1995, Whisper of the Heart is a romantic coming-of-age story about a young girl who dreams of becoming a writer and the boy who inspires her. The film's relatable characters, charming romance, and themes of creativity and self-discovery have made it a fan favorite.Whisper of the Heart is a critically acclaimed animated film produced by Studio Ghibli. It is a coming-of-age romantic drama directed by Yoshifumi Kondou.- Director: Yoshifumi Kondou
- Released: 1995
- Running Time: 111 minutes
- Genre: Animation, Drama, Romance
- Language: Japanese
Whisper of the Heart in other rankings- Position 5 of 10 in Most romantic anime movie
Missing your favorite film?
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular film
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Box Office RevenueThe total earnings of the film during its theatrical run can be an indicator of its popularity. Higher-grossing films generally signify a wider audience and greater appeal.
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Critical ReceptionThe reviews of film critics and the scores on review aggregator sites like Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic can help gauge the film's quality and its impact on the audience. Highly-rated films are generally more popular and well-regarded.
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Awards and NominationsThe accolades a film has received, such as Academy Awards or international film festival prizes, can indicate its standing in the film community and influence its overall popularity.
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Cultural ImpactThe influence of the film on popular culture, such as memorable characters, quotes, or scenes, can contribute to its popularity. Films that create a lasting impact often have a large fan base.
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Fan EngagementA film's fan community, including fan art, fan fiction, and online forums, can reflect its popularity. A loyal and active fan base is often a good indicator of a film's impact.
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Merchandise SalesThe sales of associated merchandise, such as toys, clothing, and other collectibles, can reveal a film's popularity. High merchandise sales often signify a strong connection between fans and the film.
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Home Entertainment SalesThe performance of a film's home video sales, both physical (DVD, Blu-ray) and digital (streaming, digital download), can also indicate its popularity.
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Re-releases and Anniversary EditionsA film's popularity can be further assessed by the interest it garners in re-releases or anniversary editions, including upgraded visuals, additional content, and special features.
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Social Media PresenceThe amount of discussion and engagement related to the film on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram can be a good measure of a film's popularity.
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LegacyThe lasting impact of the film on the animation industry, as well as its contribution to the Studio Ghibli brand, can factor into determining its popularity. Pioneering films or those that have advanced the art of animation often have a greater legacy and popularity.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Ghibli film. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or film is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2084 views
- 184 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each film once every 24 hours. The rank of each film is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular ghibli film
Studio Ghibli has been producing some of the most beloved animated films for over three decades. Founded in 1985 by directors Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and producer Toshio Suzuki, Studio Ghibli has been responsible for creating some of the most iconic and visually stunning animated films of all time. From the magical worlds of Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle to the heartwarming stories of My Neighbor Totoro and Kiki's Delivery Service, Studio Ghibli has captured the hearts of audiences around the world. With so many incredible films to choose from, it's no wonder that fans are eager to weigh in on which Ghibli film is the most popular. At StrawPoll, we've gathered data from thousands of users to determine which Ghibli film reigns supreme.
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