Not all of Studio Ghibli’s films are upbeat, but the majority of movies produced by the company leave viewers feeling utterly soothed. Many of them welcome those watching into whimsical worlds teeming with magical creatures, adding to the alluring sense of wonder.

As boldly fantastical as they may be, what really gives Studio Ghibli films that comforting quality is their moments of simplicity. Scenes of mouthwatering meals savored among friends, peaceful strolls through nature, and the carefree lightness of childhood represent deeply valued experiences in the real world and oftentimes recall pleasant memories for those watching.

10

The Secret World of Arrietty

Directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi

The Secret World of Arrietty takes place in a minuscule world that most humans are completely unaware of, inhabited by Borrowers, who are roughly 10 centimeters tall. The titular protagonist, Arrietty, fosters an unlikely friendship with a human named Sho, who goes to great lengths to protect his new friend when others become aware of the Borrowers’ presence.

Arrietty’s world is truly delightful, as she finds innovative uses for everyday human objects, such as fashioning a sewing pin into a sword or an earring into a hook. Because of her smaller size, Arrietty appreciates items people often take for granted and uses them to help her and her family survive.

Through experiencing Arrietty’s homey lodging nestled beneath the floorboards of a much larger house owned by humans, viewers are not just soothed, but encouraged to appreciate the mundane by seeing average household objects in a completely new light.

9

Spirited Away

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki

When 10-year-old Chihiro’s parents are transformed into pigs, she seeks a solution to the outlandish predicament and quickly finds herself working at a bathhouse solely patronized by spirits. During her time at Aburaya, working under a witch named Yubaba, Chihiro learns more about patience, kindness, and life than she ever bargained for.

Not all the spirits Chihiro meets are polite, yet she learns to treat everyone with care regardless, which helps her develop into a more mature individual by the film’s end. Between the idiosyncrasies of the various spirits and the tender moments Chihiro shares with customers, Spirited Away is one of Studio Ghibli’s most pleasant films, and its lesson is valuable.

8

Kiki’s Delivery Service

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki

Kiki’s Delivery Service is an encouraging tale about a young girl regaining her confidence and learning to trust in her own abilities again. Kiki is a witch with her own delivery business, and the key to the success of this enterprise is her trusty broomstick that helps her fly to clients’ houses so she can drop off their deliveries.

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As Kiki grows older and her belief in herself dwindles, so do her powers, and eventually, she is unable to take flight on her broomstick at all. The movie follows her frustrating but motivational journey to regain her talents, which is easier said than done, since the solution is to improve her faith in herself.

Not only is the straightforward self-esteem lesson in Kiki’s Delivery Service always relevant, the movie itself is a treat for the senses. Shots of Kiki soaring on her broomstick over the vibrant world below are sure to amaze, and her adorable interactions with her loyal but sassy pet cat, Jiji, are adorably charming.

7

From Up on Poppy Hill

Directed by Goro Miyazaki

From Up on Poppy Hill is the ultimate coming-of-age story, a genre which boasts many titles, but few as resonant as this film. Umi and Shun may be teenagers, but they are committed to a lofty goal: their school clubhouse is going to be destroyed, and they are willing to make every effort to prevent the impending demolition.

Although to some, it may look like just another clubhouse, for Umi, Shun, and many others, the building is a source of community and joy. From Up on Poppy Hill is a compelling reminder that fighting for what you believe in is never a waste, and the film’s happy ending leaves the audience with a warm, triumphant feeling.

6

My Neighbors the Yamadas

Directed by Isao Takahata

My Neighbors the Yamadas encompasses multiple stories within one film through vignettes that each illuminate different members of the Yamada family. One of the film’s greatest strengths is its relatability. Since the brief mini-episodes span across genders and generations, nearly every type of fan is given a story to connect with.

The Yamadas’ hijinks are portrayed in a slice-of-life style, and the animation gives the film the impression of a comic strip in motion. Although many of the situations represent seemingly unremarkable everyday life, that familiarity is the beauty of My Neighbors the Yamadas.

5

Ponyo

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki

Ponyo may be a goldfish, but that reality does not prevent her from wishing to experience all the world on land has to offer. When she befriends Sosuke, a human boy, she finally sees a chance to live the life of her wildest dreams away from her ocean home, but this goal is not as simple as it seems initially.

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In Ponyo, normal parts of life, like eating a piping-hot bowl of ramen or diving deep into the sea, become wondrous things of beauty. As Ponyo becomes more and more human, she continually explores two magnificent worlds, the ocean and the land, and invites viewers to treasure them both along with her.

4

The Cat Returns

Directed by Hiroyuki Morita

The Cat Returns is one of Studio Ghibli’s more humorous options, and it is a perfect choice for those looking for a laugh and a feeling of relaxation. When high schooler Haru saves a cat from imminent death, the princely cat, Lune, and his father show their gratitude by welcoming her to the Cat Kingdom.

As Haru spends time in this feline-filled environment, she gradually begins morphing into a cat too. It is not easy for her to leave the Cat Kingdom, and the film chronicles her various challenges along the way. Free of disheartening themes, The Cat Returns is a calming treat that shares some surprisingly powerful messages about self-love and its importance.

3

Howl’s Moving Castle

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki

Howl’s Moving Castle’s soundtrack is one of Studio Ghibli’s most peaceful, and Joe Hisaishi’s musical compositions, such as the melodic “Merry-Go-Round of Life,” set the calm tone for the film. Although Howl and Sophie fight battles both within their own minds and in the outside world, the movie still manages to exude an aura of tranquility.

Many of the most simple experiences in Howl’s Moving Castle, such as Howl frying up a mouthwatering pan of bacon and eggs using the Fire Demon Calcifier’s powers, or Sophie wandering through Howl’s lush Secret Garden, give the narrative that cozy quality that balances out the darker themes that creep into the story.

Although Howl’s Moving Castle contains some major conflicts, the characters cooperate to rescue one another from harm, and, at the same time, are not helpless and put in the work to change for the better and save themselves from what holds them back. Beneath its idyllic imagery, Howl’s Moving Castle is inspirational, which gives the movie another layer of enjoyment.

2

Only Yesterday

Directed by Isao Takahata

Only Yesterday transports viewers right back to childhood, and is expressed almost entirely in memories of the main character’s upbringing. Taeko Okajima has worked hard to build a successful corporate career for herself, but in Only Yesterday, she takes a break from the hustle and bustle to reflect on her youth.

While spending some much-needed time with her sister and family, Taeko begins to question the course of her life and juxtaposes her current fast-paced life with the unhurried, deliberate curiosities of her childhood. Both good and bad recollections spring to mind, and Taeko realizes that this diversity of experience is what shaped her.

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Childhood can be enjoyable to contemplate, since, for many people, everything seemed easier before adult responsibilities entered the picture. Those watching can find serenity in Taeko’s pleasant memories and sympathize with her more painful ones, as she learns to approach even her adulthood with that same sense of childlike wonder she once had.

1

My Neighbor Totoro

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki

My Neighbor Totoro is one of Hayao Miyazaki’s coziest movies. Although Satsuki and Mei do face troubling issues such as their mother’s hospitalization, the new world that Totoro and other fellow friendly forest spirits beckon them into makes the movie feel absolutely dreamlike. As Totoro consoles the two sisters during a tough time, watchers will also benefit from that comfort.

Most of My Neighbor Totoro occurs within a forest, overflowing with verdant greenery and abundant life in all varieties, from helpful Susuwatari, or Soot Sprites, to the dependable Catbus. Not only does the visual atmosphere of My Neighbor Totoro contribute to the film’s warmth, the bonds of family and friendship between characters intensify the movie’s joyful mood even further.

Because of the otherworldly forest creatures and the fact that most of the film takes place through the cheerful lens of a child’s eyes, My Neighbor Totoro feels like a whimsical, relaxing dream.