Studio Ghibli, the most iconic animation studio in anime history, turned 38 years old since its creation on June 15. To celebrate this anniversary, I have prepared an exciting top with the best films from this studio. If you are an anime lover and you love the art of Studio Ghibli, you cannot miss this list.
5. The Sky Castle:
We start this exciting top with "El Castillo del Cielo", also known as "Laputa: The Castle in the Sky". This film directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki is the first production of Studio Ghibli. Originally released in 1986, it arrived in Spain on October 15, 2003. Although it is important to note that in the old Spanish dubbing, the name "Laputa" was changed to "Lapuntu" due to its meaning.
The story follows Pazu, a young miner who finds a mysterious girl named Sheeta, bearer of a pendant with the secret of the floating island Laputa. Pursued by various organizations, both embark on an exciting adventure full of mystery and action. This movie is a perfect combination of exciting adventures and beautiful animated landscapes that will make you reflect on topics like friendship and the environment.
4. Grave of the Fireflies:
In fourth position, we find "Grave of the Fireflies", a film directed by Isao Takahata and released in Japan in 1988, arriving in Spain in 2003. Considered one of the best anti-war films of all time, this moving work is based on in a novel of the same name written by Akiyuki Nosaka.
Set in World War II, it narrates the harsh experiences of Seita and Setsuko, two siblings who are caught up in the horrors of war after losing their mother during a bombing raid. The film addresses deep and heartbreaking themes such as war, loss and abandonment, and through its animation and soundtrack, it conveys feelings of sadness and despair in a moving way. Undoubtedly, a film that will make you reflect on the devastating consequences of war.
3. Howl's Moving Castle:
We continue with another fascinating castle in "Howl's Moving Castle", also known as "The Incredible Vagabond Castle". Directed by Hayao Miyazaki and released in 2004, this film is the adaptation of the homonymous novel written by Diana Wynne Jones. It was a great success in Japan and Spain, obtaining the third best opening at Studio Ghibli.
The plot follows Sophie, a young hatmaker, who meets Howl, a mysterious wizard. A spell turns her into a ninety-year-old woman, and from there, her life changes completely. Searching for a solution to break the curse, Sophie embarks on an adventure filled with fantasy and romance. The film touches on deep themes such as personal identity and self-acceptance, and its detailed animation and immersive soundtrack will draw you into this exciting story. 
2. Spirited Away:
In the second position, we have "Spirited Away", also known as "Spirited Away: Spirited Away". Directed by the master Hayao Miyazaki, this film is the twelfth production by Studio Ghibli and was released in 2001. A year later, in Spain, it became a great success.
The story follows Chihiro and her family, who find themselves on a magical adventure after arriving in a mysterious abandoned town. Chihiro faces numerous challenges as she searches for a way to free her parents from a spell and return to the real world. This film is an enchanting journey that combines childhood innocence with the complexity of the adult world. Its carefully detailed animation and exceptional storytelling make it an anime masterpiece that earned recognition with an Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film.
1. Princess Mononoke:
Finally, the top gold medal goes to "Princess Mononoke", written and directed by the genius Hayao Miyazaki. This sixth film directed by Miyazaki for Studio Ghibli was released in Japan in 1997 and became the highest grossing Japanese film until the arrival of "Spirited Away".
The film features an epic struggle between the guardians of the forest and the humans, who need its resources to survive. In the midst of this conflict, Prince Ashitaka, searching for a cure for a curse, meets the enigmatic Princess Mononoke. Through this exciting plot, the film addresses themes of human selfishness and the devastating consequences for nature and people. Its animation and character design are splendid and make this work a benchmark in the anime and film industry in general.
Enjoy the incredible world of Studio Ghibli with these five films that will amaze you with their exciting stories, beautiful animation, and profound reflections on life and the world around us!
