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Studio Ghibli -

Studio Ghibli was founded in 1985 by long-time friends and collaborators, directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, as well as producer Toshio Suzuki. After nearly two decades of working under other production companies, the three decided to step out on their own, and brought into the world the animation studio that has delivered some of the most beloved animated features in history.

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Hayao Miyazaki -

Hayao Miyazaki, born in Tokyo on January 5, 1941, has been the beloved face of Studio Ghibli since its conception, and has directed the vast majority of the studio's best films.

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Hayao Miyazaki -

Miyazaki's films are frequently focused on noble topics such as humanity's encroachment on nature, the importance of kindness, and the wisdom and strength of children. These qualities have allowed his films to infiltrate the hearts of millions of people around the world.

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Isao Takahata (1935 - 2018) -

While perhaps a notedly less instantly recognizable figure to the public, Miyazaki's long-time partner Isao Takahata was no less of a prolific director and storyteller, with an equally impassioned view of humanity.

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Isao Takahata (1935 - 2018) -

Takahata's films occasionally dealt with darker subjects in less fantastical settings than those of his partner, such as war and the uncertainty of adulthood. His films have pushed the boundaries of what animated movies can express on more than one occasion. Now, let's look at some of the greatest films that came out of the partnership between Miyazaki and Takahata.

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‘Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind’ (1984) -

While technically Miyazaki's post-apocalyptic fairytale 'Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind' was made and released in 1984, one year before the founding of Studio Ghibli, it is widely considered to be the start of the Ghibli legacy.

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‘Castle in the Sky’ (1986) -

'Castle in the Sky,' released in 1986, was the first film officially made under the roof of Studio Ghibli. Directed by Miyazaki, it is still considered one of the greatest feats of hand-drawn animation in the world, and is noted as a seminal work in the steampunk genre.

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'Spirited Away’ (2001) -

As of 2022, Miyazaki's 2001 masterpiece 'Spirited Away' was the second-highest grossing film in Japan's history. It is widely considered to be one of the greatest animated movies ever made.

Other records set by 'Spirited Away,' which was entirely drawn by hand, include becoming the first and so far only non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

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‘My Neighbor Totoro’ (1988) -

While the dark themes of 'Spirited Away' might make it unsuitable for younger viewers, 1988's 'My Neighbor Totoro' is the perfect comfort movie for audiences of all ages.

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‘My Neighbor Totoro’ (1988) -

Written and directed by Miyazaki, 'Totoro' tells the story of two young sisters who move to the countryside to be closer to their ailing mother. Just barely old enough to understand their impending familial tragedy, the girls find peace, understanding, and adventure in the magic of the surrounding nature and woodlands.

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‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ (2004) -

One of Studio Ghibli's most popular films in the West, 2004's Miyazaki-directed 'Howl's Moving Castle' is a feast for the eyes and tells an incredible story of the horrors of war and the liberating powers of love. In 2013, Miyazaki claimed that 'Howl's Moving Castle' is his personal favorite out of all his works, stating, "I wanted to convey the message that life is worth living, and I don't think that's changed."

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‘Grave of the Fireflies’ (1988) -

Considered by many to be Isao Takahata's magnum opus, 1988's 'Grave of the Fireflies' is easily the darkest and most harrowing film to come out of Studio Ghibli.

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‘Grave of the Fireflies’ (1988) -

This anti-war film follows two young boys who struggle to survive in Japan in the months leading up to the end of World War II. It is widely considered to be one of the greatest war movies ever made, animated or otherwise.

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‘Princess Mononoke’ (1997) -

After its release in 1997, 'Princess Mononoke' was the highest-grossing film in Japanese history, until writer-director Miyazaki beat his own record four years later with 2001's 'Spirited Away.'

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‘Princess Mononoke’ (1997) -

Set in 14th-century Japan, 'Princess Mononoke' tells the story of a young prince who finds himself caught in the crosshairs of an elemental war between the spirits of the forest and a booming industry town that seeks to strip the land of its resources. The film drives home a powerful statement on the necessity of cooperation with, and respect towards, nature.

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‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’ (1989) -

A charming and endearing story of friendship and adolescent independence, 1989's 'Kiki's Delivery Service' tells the story of a young witch during her mandatory year of independence away from her coven.

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‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’ (1989) -

In the big city, Kiki navigates the ups and downs of mainstream society with the help of her cat Jiji, while making ends meet through her broom-powered delivery service.

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‘The Tale of Princess Kaguya’ (2013) -

'The Tale of Princess Kaguya' proved in 2013 that the Ghibli team was still capable of producing masterpieces that pushed the boundaries of storytelling and animation. Based on an old Japanese tale from the 10th century and directed by Takahata, 'Princess Kaguya' is animated by hand using traditional water color techniques, a process that took eight years to complete.

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‘Ponyo’ (2008) -

'Ponyo' marked a landmark for Hayao Miyazaki as his 10th film, and it was one of Studio Ghibli's most successful features. The story of 'Ponyo' revolves around a goldfish girl who dreams of becoming a human.

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‘Porco Rosso’ (1992) -

One of Miyazaki's first war films, 'Porco Rosso' tells the story of an Italian ex-fighter pilot from World War I who has been mysteriously cursed with numerous pig-like features, earning him the nickname "Porco Rosso."

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‘Porco Rosso’ (1992) -

After the end of the Great War, Porco Rosso makes his living as a bounty hunter, hunting down and fighting pirates equipped with airships. Miyazaki's fascination with and reverence for aircraft and pilots would make many more appearances in his films over the years.

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‘Pom Poko’ (1994) -

A criminally underrated addition to the Ghibli canon, Takahata's 1994 film 'Pom Poko' follows the story of a community of tanuki, raccoon dogs who must put their personal differences aside and unite in order to fight off the bulldozers and human construction workers looking to raze their forest home to build a new housing development.

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‘Only Yesterday’ (1991) -

Another prime example of Takahata's genius is 1991's 'Only Yesterday,' a film that proved animation could handle real-world, adult topics with grace and maturity. The film follows the memories of 27-year-old Taeko Okijama, which overtake her intermittently as she travels from Tokyo to her sister's house in the countryside.

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'The Red Turtle' (2016) -

A favorite of critics and audiences around the festival circuit, 2016's 'The Red Turtle' was a Studio Ghibli co-production directed by Danish animator Michaël Dudok de Wit. The film was praised for its breathtaking animation and inventive dialogue-free narrative.

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‘Tales from Earthsea’ (2006) -

'Tales From Earthsea,' released in 2006, is the first film directed by Goro Miyazaki, Hayao Miyazaki's son. The film pays homage to the seminal fantasy 'Earthsea' series of novels, by American author Ursula K. Le Guin.

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‘The Secret World of Arrietty’ (2010) -

'The Secret World of Arrietty,' with a screenplay written by Miyazaki, was directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, who became the youngest Studio Ghibli director at the age of 37. The English-language release marked the official film debut of Tom Holland, who voiced a lead character.

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‘The Wind Rises’ (2013) -

The year 2013 saw the release of what was supposed to be Hayao Miyazaki's 11th and final feature film, 'The Wind Rises'. Based on Miyazaki's novel of the same name, 'The Wind Rises' follows the story of an aspiring pilot who is held back by his nearsightedness.

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The Boy and the Heron (2023) -

Despite the fact that Miyazaki announced his retirement, he returned for another masterpiece: 'The Boy and the Heron.' It tells the story of a young boy grieving his mother's death, but he meets a talking Heron who says she's still alive and takes him on a journey to another world. 

Sources: (Screen Rant) (BFI) (IMDb)

See also: Life lessons from iconic animated movies

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