When it comes to Studio Ghibli films, everyone has their favorites. After all, each film is designed to appeal to different audiences at different stages of their lives, so what one person may like, another may prefer something else. This keeps the opinions of each of these films forever changing and may even shed new perspectives that might not have been thought of before.
The above is the case with Rotten Tomatoes, as the site compiled a list of all the Studio Ghibli films and where they rank in terms of best to worst in scores. Some films were expected, while others are usually unsung heroes in the community. All the titles, however, are certainly worth the watch.
Without further ado, here are the best Studio Ghibli films to watch according to Rotten Tomatoes!
Three Studio Ghibli films fight for the top spot
Grave of the Fireflies, Only Yesterday, and The Tale of Princess Kaguya are the three films that Rotten Tomatoes reviewers deem the best Studio Ghibli films of all time. All films have a perfect score of 100% for reasons that are vastly different but are still testaments to the powerful minds that the creators behind these films inhabit.
Grave of the Fireflies is a film that details the horrors that come with wars and showcases the many innocent lives who are victims of senseless violence. Only Yesterday is a feel-good title that makes you think about how far you've come in life and why you shouldn't view life as something that's running away from you but something that's coming from you. And The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is a story that highlights the power of love.
It's easy to see how these films have aged beautifully and are considered timeless masterpieces that will always have a new life lesson to teach.
In addition to Rotten Tomatoes' big three, here are the many other Studio Ghibli films that the site reviewers believe should go down in the Hall of Fame:
- Kiki's Delivery Service (1989) - 98%
- The Boy and the Heron (2023) - 97%
- Castle in the Sky (1986) - 96%
- Porco Rosso (1992) - 96%
- Spirited Away (2001) - 96%
- Whisper of the Heart (1995) - 95%
- The Secret World of Arrietty (2010) - 94%
- My Neighbor Totoro (1988) - 93%
- Princess Mononoke (1997) - 93%
- When Marnie Was There (2014) - 92%
- Ponyo (2008) - 91%
- Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (1984) - 90%
The rest of the Studio Ghibli library hold scores under 90%, with the lowest likely not coming as a surprise to fans of the studio: Earwig and the Witch is rated at a low 28% at the time of this writing.
If these high-rated titles sound up your alley, head to Max to stream nearly every one. For Grave of the Fireflies and The Boy and the Heron, however, we're hoping these films find a streaming service soon. Stay tuned!