Studio Ghibli's 3 Best Masterpieces Are the Ones Fans Ignore the Most
Studio Ghibli is famous in the anime industry for its beautiful hand-drawn art and its exploration of universal themes such as environmentalism, war, and self-discovery. Films like Spirited Away or My Neighbor Totoro have come to represent the studio’s identity, shaping many to view Ghibli works as whimsical and fantastical. However, these films only tell part of Studio Ghibli’s story. Some of the studio’s lesser-known and less talked-about works shine as some of the greatest it's ever made. These films are more grounded in realism and address mature themes, redefining what casual fans know about Ghibli works. These anime films stand out for their complexity and unflinching portrayal of mature themes, making them masterpieces that are criminally overlooked.
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya adapts the tenth-century Japanese folktale, The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter. The story centers on a girl discovered inside a glowing bamboo stalk who is raised by a humble bamboo cutter and his wife. As Kaguya grows at an impossible rate, she’s brought to the city where her beauty attracts unwanted suitors and imperial attention. The film stands out for its watercolor animation style, giving it a distinct visual identity among Studio Ghibli’s works. Paired with themes of freedom, agency, and impermanence, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is a moving and resonant work that many viewers find remarkable and breathtaking. Kaguya’s longing for freedom, connection, and self-expression is shared through her gestures, expressions, and even her silence. The film often lingers on fleeting happiness, enhanced by the music, creating a story that centers on the idea that many things can’t always last. Directed by Isao Takahata, the film offers a beautiful exploration of humanity, emotion, and the weight of societal expectation. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is an artistic and emotional experience that doesn’t shy away from a tragic ending, making it one of Ghibli’s most daring and mature works ever released.
Porco Rosso
Porco Rosso follows Marco “Porco” Pagot, a former World War I fighter ace who lives as a freelance bounty hunter in the Adriatic Sea. He lives largely in seclusion after being transformed into an anthropomorphic pig and spends his days battling air pirates and avoiding political entanglements amid the rise of fascism. At its core, the film’s brilliance lies in how it handles Porco’s cynicism, isolation, and dry humor, effectively portraying them as survival mechanisms that were shaped by the loss of his comrades in the war and his disillusionment with humanity. His survivor’s guilt is what leads to his transformation as a physical manifestation of his self-loathing. Beyond Porco’s complexities as a character, the film stands out for its exploration and commentary on authoritarianism and anti-war messages. One of the film’s most famous lines is Porco’s declaration, "Better to be a pig than a fascist," representing his rejection of nationalistic violence and the rise of fascism following the First World War. Porco Rosso stands out as one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most mature works and an underrated masterpiece due to its real-world context and willingness to explore heavy themes that deal with overcoming trauma and finding peace while grappling with immense personal burdens.
Only Yesterday
Only Yesterday Animated Movie
Only Yesterday centers on Taeko Okajima, a 27-year-old office worker who takes a trip from Tokyo to the rural countryside to help with the safflower harvest. There, she finds herself revisiting vivid memories from her childhood in 1960s Japan, with the film fluidly switching between the past and present as Taeko reconciles with her upbringing. The film is best known for its exploration of memory, growth, and self-discovery. It doesn’t shy away from heavy or awkward moments, but rather embraces each memory for what it was and how it played a role in shaping who Taeko became. From uncomfortable moments at school to family tensions, many of these recollections serve as windows into Taeko’s journey.
Unlike many other Studio Ghibli films, Only Yesterday doesn’t take place in a whimsical setting, nor does it include any magical elements whatsoever. Instead, it remains grounded in realism. This approach allows its universal themes of memory, nostalgia, and growth to resonate more closely with viewers around the world. The film is directed by Isao Takahata and stands as one of Studio Ghibli’s most acclaimed works ever created. However, it remains one of the least discussed films in Ghibli’s catalog, with many casual fans having never watched it. While it may not be as celebrated as other Ghibli works, it easily stands among the best. Only Yesterday is one of the studio’s most important works precisely because of its honest, raw depiction of growing up and reflecting on the past. Taeko’s journey may not involve fantastical creatures or supernatural elements, yet it delivers one of the most magical experiences through its grounded, emotionally resonant portrayal of growing up.
