Whenever discussions arise about Studio Ghibli, the same films tend to dominate the conversation — Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and My Neighbor Totoro. While I appreciate these movies just as much as anyone else, hidden behind these mainstream hits is a treasure trove of overlooked masterpieces that seldom receive the recognition they warrant.
Some were overlooked for feeling too ordinary, while others faced criticism for deviating too much from the studio’s classic style, yet each of these underappreciated Ghibli films possesses the potential to leave a lasting impression on viewers.
If you’re eager to explore a different aspect of the iconic studio, here are the most underrated Ghibli movies that truly deserve your attention.
1. Ocean Waves
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When I reflect upon Studio Ghibli’s collection, Ocean Waves is typically the title that people forget. However, it’s one of those films that struck a chord with me when I first viewed it.
Set in the serene coastal town of Kochi, the narrative centers on high school student Taku Morisaki as his life intertwines with a moody transfer student from Tokyo named Rikako and his best friend Yutaka.
Though a love triangle unfolds, it is nuanced, and it would be unfair to categorize this film solely as a romance.
Ghibli entrusted this project to their younger staff for a TV broadcast, thus it lacks the enchanting fantasy elements of their larger successes. Additionally, there’s Rikako herself, who can be frustrating with her self-centered demeanor.
Nevertheless, I appreciate its authenticity in depicting the chaos of adolescence. The awkward silences, minor rivalries, and unspoken emotions make this slow-burning story a beautifully mundane experience. It serves as a charming little time capsule, enveloped in a nostalgic aura.
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2. My Neighbors the Yamadas
My Neighbors the Yamadas often feels like a hidden treasure in many respects. Instead of crafting lush, realistic visuals, director Isao Takahata opted for minimalist sketch lines and soft watercolor washes to bring a beloved newspaper comic strip to life.
The film showcases short, humorous glimpses into the everyday lives of the Yamada family, from silly squabbles over the TV remote to forgotten groceries and lazy weekends.
I can see why it splits opinions, as there’s no grand adventure or epic quest. Two hours of simple episodic vignettes can feel a bit loose to some viewers. But each time I revisit it, I can’t help but grin widely. That’s the beauty of this film.
Its insights on parenting, marriage, and family disputes feel incredibly warm, delivering pure comfort for the heart.
3. Only Yesterday
Few anime films serve as a reflective homage to adult life, and Only Yesterday is one of them. Directed by Isao Takahata, it chronicles the journey of twenty-seven-year-old office worker Taeko, who embarks on a summer trip to harvest safflowers in rural Yamagata.
During her train journey and throughout the countryside, vivid memories of her ten-year-old self resurface (rendered in pastel hues), urging her to reassess her life decisions, childhood aspirations, and feelings for a local farmer named Toshio.
Some might find the leisurely pace and lengthy discussions about farming a bit sluggish, but I was thoroughly captivated from start to finish. By the time the credits rolled, I was left with a fulfilling yet poignant sensation. It’s an emotionally honest masterwork about reconciling with one’s younger self.
4. Porco Rosso
Set against the shimmering Adriatic Sea in the late 1920s, Porco Rosso features Marco, a disillusioned World War I pilot inexplicably transformed into an anthropomorphic pig, who operates as a freelance bounty hunter targeting air pirates.
What I truly love about this film is its mature and clever narrative. In a vibrant Italian landscape, Miyazaki weaves a robust tale of survivor’s guilt, infused with quiet defiance against encroaching fascism.
While the film doesn’t clarify why Marco was cursed (with themes revolving around disillusionment with humanity), its ambiguous conclusion may frustrate viewers looking for neat resolutions. That said, its subtle, world-weary appeal makes it a Ghibli classic that deserves greater appreciation.
5. From Up on Poppy Hill
For a film that has garnered such critical acclaim, I was honestly taken aback by the relatively quiet status of From Up on Poppy Hill compared to Ghibli’s other successes. Directed by Goro Miyazaki from a script co-written by his father Hayao, this story set in 1963 Yokohama follows high schoolers Umi and Shun as they mobilize their classmates to clean and preserve an old clubhouse facing demolition.
I will admit the midpoint twist feels a bit melodramatic and somewhat clumsy. Still, the breezy seaside setting, fantastic jazz score, and hopeful tone about post-war recovery are bound to resonate with your heart. It’s undoubtedly one of the most undervalued Ghibli films ever.
6. Pom Poko
Don’t approach Pom Poko expecting a lighthearted comedy featuring magical raccoons, because it is a film that will astound you with its raw sentiment. Directed by Isao Takahata, the film centers around a group of shape-shifting tanuki in the Tama Hills striving to protect their forest home from encroaching suburban Tokyo.
To be fair, the nearly two-hour runtime does meander in the second half, and the heavy use of traditional folklore may surprise casual viewers. However, the film refuses to deliver a glossed-over, simplified fairytale ending.
The conclusion is surprisingly genuine and heartrending, making it one of the boldest environmental narratives Ghibli has ever delivered alongside Princess Mononoke. Yet, this film never achieved the same level of acclaim as the latter, rendering it a lamentably underrated piece.
7. When Marnie Was There
When Marnie Was There tells the tale of Anna, a solitary, asthmatic foster child burdened with self-doubt, who is sent to a serene seaside town in Hokkaido for the summer. There, she encounters Marnie, a mysterious girl in an old mansion who provides Anna with unconditional affection.
Although the slower start demands patience and the twist in the third act may catch some off guard, the emotional culmination will devastate even the most stoic viewers. I still recall crying my heart out the first time I watched this film. The ambiance aligns perfectly with Anna’s melancholic mood, offering no escape.
It stands out as one of the studio’s most poignant films, delving into themes of anxiety, separation, and self-love. It undoubtedly merits far more recognition.
8. Tales from Earthsea
I realize Tales from Earthsea receives a lot of criticism from anime enthusiasts, but each time I watch it, I find myself enchanted by its quiet, ethereal universe.
Directed by Goro Miyazaki and loosely based on Ursula K. Le Guin’s fantasy novels, the plot centers on Prince Arren, a troubled young runaway grappling with inner demons, who joins the wise Archmage Sparrowhawk on a wandering quest through a deteriorating kingdom.
Though the film diverges significantly from its source material and can feel sluggish or unclear for viewers expecting well-defined high fantasy worldbuilding, it carries an endearing, whimsical charm that felt like I was simply drifting alongside the wandering characters.
With hauntingly beautiful melodies sung by Teru (performed by the talented Aoi Teshima), the medieval towns, and the journey itself possess a gentle allure that deserves a more favorable reception.
9. The Cat Returns
Originally conceived as a light-hearted spin-off of Whisper of the Heart, this breezy seventy-five-minute adventure follows Haru, a clumsy schoolgirl who rescues a cat from being hit by a car, only to discover he is of royal lineage.
When the quirky Cat King attempts to entangle her in an arranged marriage within the Cat Kingdom, the stylish Baron and the irritable white cat Muta come to her aid. The film employs a simpler animation style and somewhat lacks the intricate detail of peak Miyazaki, with the storyline also falling short of grand themes. However, I believe that simplicity enhances the film’s charm, allowing it to stand out in its own right.
Haru’s journey toward self-acceptance is genuinely heartwarming, the humor consistently lands, and the entirety of the experience is pure, unpretentious fun deserving of more adoration.
