films to watch if you're a studio ghibli fan

six animated non-ghibli films

Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

I was cleaning and emptying the photos and videos on my phone gallery because I needed to clean them out and decided that a nice warm day would do the trick. I would say this if I cared about being perceived as productive and put-together. In reality, I went through my gallery and did eeny-meeny-miny-moe with photos and videos to delete because my iCloud sent a message to me that my storage space was full. During that process with my external hard drive connected to my humming laptop and phone in hand, I stumbled across a screenshot I took where someone claimed that the film, The Polar Express, is the closest that a Western film ever got to being like Studio Ghibli. As someone who’s watched The Polar Express, I can testify that the magic, storyline, and warm feelings from that film were similar to the feelings I had during The Cat Returns and Kiki’s Delivery Service. I pondered this idea further, especially nowadays, that many big Western animation studios and companies have just been putting out cash-grabbing sequels and live actions, but no original projects. This may be a big claim, and my love-for-Ghibli-bias showing, but I think the likes of Disney and Pixar would bring back a lot of people who fell in love with their charm back then if they took a few notes from Studio Ghibli and made a film similar to them. Just a thought.

This provided me with a wonderful opportunity to go down memory lane and pull up some of my favourite films that remind me of Studio Ghibli. Get some popcorn, enjoy!

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the polar express (2004)

While the animation style could be equated to a video game, I don’t think it takes away the whimsicalness surrounding the film. In many ways, it has its own pockets of mystery and unforeseen future which is also evident in Studio Ghibli films. Our protagonist goes on a train with other children to restore his belief in Santa Claus, and Christmas, in general. He eventually goes home, finally believing in the magic of Christmas and never seeing those kids on the train again. Our protagonist also narrates the story, but obviously, it’s him when he’s older. Watching this film feels like a fever dream caught on a breathless rollercoaster, but you stay on the ride because there’s a future you’re chasing at the dusky dawn. The animation style is not as sophisticated as the average Studio Ghibli film but the lessons you’ll get are worth it. And if there is ever an official LEGO set of The Polar Express, I will buy it.

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peter pan (1953)

I’ve always found Peter Pan a peculiar character. A boy who doesn’t want to grow up finds his destiny in flying across to the second star to the right with pixie dust, fighting pirates on mermaid lagoons, and finding new companions to be a part of his crew. It’s no wonder why as a child, I always admired him and wanted to be just like him—exploring Neverland and playing pranks on Captain Hook. Peter is the sort of character that would pop up in a Ghibli film as the mischievous character. I found the Heron in the Boy and the Heron oddly like Peter. I think they would get along until Peter would do something naughty to the Heron and then they would fight so maybe they wouldn’t get along. I find the songs sung in Peter Pan just scream ‘Studio Ghibli!’

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the little prince (2015)

The Little Prince is a film that made such an impact on my life that I watched it four more times and then decided to read the book. It made sense when I found out how much Hayao Miyazaki admires Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, given how prevalent the theme of aviation and flight is in many Studio Ghibli films. This film’s animation style is so unique and heartwarming. I cried so many times during this film, and I generally only cry that much when watching Studio Ghibli films. If you’re a Studio Ghibli fan looking for something outside of Ghibli or Hayao Miyazaki, please watch The Little Prince. It has many important themes regarding childlike wonder and the importance of staying connected to who you truly are, as well as, rebirth, themes I find in Ghibli.

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wall-e (2008)

Arguably one of the best films in the 21st century. The biggest theme in this is the passage of time regarding the environment. Studio Ghibli has produced films that address environmental issues and the relationship that humans have with nature, such as Princess Mononoke, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, etc. Miyazaki has also been very clear about his stance regarding nature, in that we should cherish and love it. Wall-E does an excellent job of combining the connections between the environment, the future of technology and robots, as well as how time can impact the relationship we have with nature. I adored Wall-E and Eve’s relationship and how their bond grew stronger as the film progressed; it reminds me how in many Studio Ghibli films, despite what may be going on in the world around us, love and friendship still prevail.

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astro boy (2009)

I recently watched this film and was not expecting to cry the way I did. I think one of the reasons why I find many of Studio Ghibli’s films comforting is the inherent kindness and goodness of many of its characters, which this film has. Astro Boy raises interesting and perhaps, controversial questions about whether robots and machines are capable of feeling or even being “real.” In a way, it does fit the reason why Miyazaki produces and directs films—he does it not to fit people’s expectations but to confront people’s point-of-view and strike up conversations around certain topics. An extremely sweet film that pulled at my heartstrings. I would love to read the manga.

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big fish & begonia (2016)

I found this film through social media, it was a short clip and I was immediately captured by the stunning animation style so I searched it up online and watched it. If you’re looking for a happy film with no tears, this is not the film for you. The ending left a bittersweet taste in my mouth, and I was left with many questions and feelings that I couldn’t explain—a sensation I grew accustomed to after watching many Studio Ghibli films. The storyline, links and references to traditional Chinese customs and symbols were very educational for me. Very symbolic, much like Miyazaki’s films.

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“Whenever someone creates something with all of their heart, then that creation is given a soul.” — The Baron, Studio Ghibli film, The Cat Returns (2002)