Underrated Studio Ghibli Movies That Deserve More Love

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In discussions about Studio Ghibli, it often feels natural to mention renowned titles like Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and Howl’s Moving Castle, as they are undoubtedly masterpieces with captivating fantasy elements and stunning visuals. However, there are lesser-known but equally profound and introspective Studio Ghibli films that sometimes get overshadowed by the more famous ones.

Essentially, certain Studio Ghibli productions are sometimes underrated since they might not feature epic journeys, mystical beings, or pose questions that resonate differently with each spectator. If you’ve been captivated solely by more famous or emblematic titles, you may have inadvertently overlooked some of the studio’s lesser-known masterpieces.

Here is a list of underrated films from Studio Ghibli that deserve more attention.

7.
When Marnie Was There

The Power Of A Great Friendship

The tale revolves around a 12-year-old named Anna, who struggled with asthma and was moved to reside with relatives in a tranquil coastal village for recuperation. While there, Anna stumbles upon an ancient manor nestled near the marshland, where she encounters Marnie, a girl who dwells within it.

A remarkable friendship blossoms between Anna and Marnie, gradually evolving into a profound connection. The narrative delves into the topics of solitude, sorrow, desertion, and recovery, portraying emotional turmoil as something significant instead of trivial, thereby leaving a lasting impact even after it concludes.

2014 saw the debut of this movie, but despite its acclaimed storyline, it didn’t garner the international fame or emotional impact similar to classics such as Totoro and Spirited Away. In my opinion, the film has been underappreciated because it deviates from typical Ghibli expectations, lacking the enchanting creature found in Totoro or the fantastical setting present in Howl’s Moving Castle.

6.
The Tale Of The Princess Kaguya

The World Tried To Define Her, Only To Lose Her Entirely

The movie is based on the ancient Japanese story, “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter,” and centers around a small, radiant girl discovered within a bamboo shoot by a bamboo harvester. Together with his spouse, they nurture her in the rural area as their own child, affectionately referring to her as the Princess.

The country girl, who was fond of rural living, finds herself being brought up as ‘Princess Kaguya’ in the city by a bamboo cutter. Yet, she wrestles with her sense of self and misses the past life and companionship she left behind in the countryside for this urban existence.

Eventually, she is summoned back to where she originally hailed from – the moon. However, she doesn’t reappear without causing a tender sadness as she departs. Kaguya revels in her peaceful life among the countryside, not in the affluence and nobility thrust upon her. The narrative serves as a commentary on how societal expectations and the pursuit of material success can rob one of their happiness and individuality.

5.
The Wind Rises

The Dreamer Who Built For War

Hayao Miyazaki’s animated film, The Wind Rises, follows the imaginative biography of a gifted Japanese aircraft designer named Jiro Horikoshi. His aspirations revolve around crafting stunning aircraft, yet unbeknownst to him, his creations were utilized as weapons during World War II.

In simpler terms, the poignant aspect of this movie is that Jiro’s lifelong ambition to craft stunning machinery culminates in the production of warplanes during World War II. At the film’s conclusion, he achieves success yet finds himself devoid of happiness, only haunted by the remnants of the destruction his dreams inadvertently wrought.

One reason the movie is often overlooked is its gentle portrayal of Japan’s militaristic aspirations, leading to charges of historical revisionism. To my perspective, this film isn’t primarily about aviation or romance; instead, it encapsulates a deep sense of regret. Jiro was a man who pursued the aesthetic appeal of his dream amidst an era that sought only war, and Miyazaki masterfully conveyed this essence.

4.
Nausicaa of The Valley of the Wind

A Poisoned World

In my enthusiasm, I’d like to share that I’m currently immersed in one of Hayao Miyazaki’s early masterpieces. Set in a world scarred by war and pollution fallout, it’s a post-apocalyptic landscape where harmony between nature and humanity seems but a distant dream. As Princess Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, I find myself on a quest to decipher the mysteries of this poisonous jungle, hoping to restore balance and peace.

The movie boasts a robust female protagonist, an uncommon trait in genres typically portraying women as fragile or over-assertive. Notably, Nausicaa served as this strong female character. However, this film was produced prior to the establishment of Studio Ghibli, which often leads to it being overlooked during discussions about Ghibli’s remarkable works.

For those familiar with the vivid beauty found in movies such as Princess Mononoke or Spirited Away, they might initially perceive this film as visually outdated. However, upon closer examination, they will discover its deep thematic foundations, including its anti-war messages and its emphasis on environmental preservation.

3.
My Neighbors The Yamadas

A Slice Of Life Story Of The Imperfect Family

The Yamadas Neighborhood series presents a collection of brief scenes, with episodes only loosely tied together, depicting the everyday life of the Yamada family. Each scene within their household showcases common family struggles, like disagreements over TV remotes, misunderstandings, and challenges with housework – it seems remarkably similar to my own household, filled with its unique blend of imperfections.

As a gamer, what struck a chord with me in this flick was its raw, authentic vibe that never forcefully tried to tug at heartstrings. It resonated deeply, reminding me of my own kin, the funny misinterpretations that turned into laughter, and those childhood moments that only make sense when you’ve grown up.

Isao Takahata’s Yamada family tale lacks the visual spectacle found in numerous other Ghibli productions, but its art design gives it a cozy feel. As time goes on and life experiences accumulate, the film seems to carry greater significance, which is likely why I appreciate it more now than when I first viewed it.

2.
From Up on Poppy Hill

A Tribute To Resilience

The movie takes place in 1963 Yokohama and centers around Umi Matsuzaki, a high school student who’s grieving the loss of her father, and her connection with Shun Kazama. Umi gets involved in Shun’s effort to save their school’s clubhouse from being torn down.

Over time, their blossoming romance unearths hidden familial mysteries for them, and they strive to find a path through their early love amidst these challenges. The movie captivatingly illustrates how Umi and Shun struggle to preserve their youth, and in doing so, shield themselves from being overwhelmed by the heavy burden of family secrets and unresolved sorrow.

Unlike some of Studio Ghibli’s better-known productions, Up on Poppy Hill didn’t gain as much popularity because it was profoundly and unashamedly rooted in Japanese culture. The post-war atmosphere, student activism, cultural subtleties, and emphasis on family obligations all resonate deeply with Japan’s post-WWII recovery.

1.
Ocean Waves

Looking Back At The Love We Did Not Understand

In an account of his past, Taku Morisaki reminisces about his time in high school, which was marked by a tangled romantic involvement with a newcomer student named Rikako. The movie delves into the emotional turmoil, strained friendships, and lingering ties that characterized the adolescent experience.

One of Ghibli’s movies didn’t instantly hook me, but after rewatching it and giving it some time, I came to appreciate its genuine nature. Maybe critics of Ghibli films find it less appealing due to a perceived slowness or simplicity in the narrative.

If you’ve found yourself reflecting on someone who has perplexed, annoyed, or touched you in a manner that left you puzzled, then this movie is intended for your viewing pleasure.

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2025-05-22 21:11