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The 10 Saddest Studio Ghibli Movies

The magical movies of Hayao Miyazaki, also known as the films of Studio Ghibli, an acclaimed Japanese animation film studio founded in 1985, have distinguished themselves over the years due to the distinctive ways they depict universal emotions and portray memorable characters, in addition to being extraordinarily artistic and visually pleasing with meticulous attention to detail.

These cherished films have captivated the attention and won the hearts of many moviegoers, especially those who adore the animation genre, because they frequently carry forth profound messages on environmentalism and pacifism while simultaneously tackling themes of friendship, love, family, and culture. And while there are many humorous and lighthearted Studio Ghibli films, there are also those that undoubtedly tug at the heartstrings.

‘Ocean Waves’ (1993)

One of the earliest and most underrated Studio Ghibli films is Ocean Waves. This 1993 television coming-of-age drama, which is based on the same-named novel, tells a sweet story of love and friendship at high school in the sleepy town of Kochi while highlighting a love triangle that develops between two close friends and a recently transferred lady.

Despite its premise, Tomomi Mochizuki’s animated picture explores teen relationships and offers viewers a multifaceted view of love. It has been hailed as one of Studio Ghibli’s most sophisticated, real, and nostalgic works.

‘Porco Rosso’ (1992)

The remarkable 1992 animated picture Porco Rosso, which is set in 1930s Italy, offers viewers to take a peek into the life of a veteran World War I pilot who is cursed to resemble an anthropomorphic pig.

Porco Rosso, while appropriate for both younger and older audiences, will undoubtedly appeal to the latter more because of the anti-fascist, societal standards, and war-related issues it addresses; these themes are typically easier for adult viewers to understand. This well-written 1992 film is also very melancholy because of its powerful yet somewhat tragic message.

‘The Red Turtle’ (2016)

In the movie The Red Turtle about a deserted island, a man gets lost and must use his resources to construct a home and survive. Meanwhile, he meets a strange red turtle that finally transforms his life.

The Red Turtle is a suitable choice for both children and adults, like many other Studio Ghibli films. In the end, what makes it so affecting is how it addresses environmentalism by spotlighting the never-ending need for meaning and purpose as well as the beauty of nature and the circle of life.

‘Princess Mononoke’ (1997)

Princess Mononoke is still one of Studio Ghibli’s most recognizable and unforgettable films. It tells the story of a young Emishi prince who becomes caught up in a battle between the forest gods and people who use up all of the forest’s resources.

The 1997 movie’s portrayal of man vs. nature and emphasis on how humanity can’t coexist with the natural environment without going overboard on greed and turning to violence is what makes it so iconic and devastating. Overall, the enduring Princess Mononoke demonstrates how nature is vastly superior than humanity.

‘Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind’ (1984)

Similar to Princess Mononoke, this expertly executed movie by Hayao Miyazaki, which is still regarded as a masterpiece of animated film, portrays a warrior and pacifist who fights to stop two at war nations from annihilating themselves and their dying planet.

All things considered, the visually stunning classic Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is yet another epic story that conveys a magnificent, timeless message on empathy and kindness for all living beings, as well as the significance of safeguarding, appreciating, and maintaining the environment. It serves as a heartbreaking and forward-thinking warning to both the present and coming generations.

‘Only Yesterday’ (1991)

Viewers get a glimpse into the life of twenty-seven-year-old office worker Taeko Okajima as she takes a 10-day vacation in the country and reflects on her youth in Tokyo in Isao Takahata’s highly poignant yet unappreciated Only Yesterday.

Only Yesterday is perhaps one of the most sensible and realistic films of all Ghibli productions, which is what makes it so memorable. It provides viewers with an engrossing narrative that highlights the significance of connecting with our inner child and the way people change over time (especially when transitioning from childhood to adulthood).

‘When Marnie Was There’ (2014)

Beautifully animated fantasy The novel When Marnie Was There tells the tale of Anna, a twelve-year-old asthmatic who is sent to live with her relatives in rural Japan as a result of her persistent illness. There, Marnie, a new friend with stunning long blonde hair, and the reserved Anna forge an odd friendship.

This intimate and sensitive story of loneliness and alienation offers spectators an engrossing and moving narrative that stimulates feelings of melancholy and nostalgia in viewers while also reflecting on the healing path. It is full of twists and turns, especially near its ending.

‘The Wind Rises’ (2013)

Aviation-obsessed engineer Jirô Horikoshi ultimately succeeded in realizing his dreams of building his ideal aircraft after years of daydreaming about doing so and drawing inspiration from Italian aeronautical designer Caproni. But when he finds out that his cherished invention will be put to use in battle during World War II, his entire world collapses.

The historical melodrama by Miyazaki has a captivating idea in addition to being wonderfully beautiful. In addition to stirring up intense feelings in viewers, it also makes them think about the past and present. It emphasizes the value of working toward one’s objectives and recognizes creativity and skill.

‘The Tale of Princess Kaguya’ (2013)

A small girl is found hidden within a stalk of bamboo by an elderly bamboo cutter and his wife, who tell the remarkable account of her discovery in The account of Princess Kaguya, an endearing family tale. The young girl develops quickly and becomes a stunning young lady. Eventually, five wealthy men approach her with marriage proposals, but they fall short. The Emperor of Japan makes her a marriage proposal in the interim.

Like many other Ghibli movies, this one from 2013 is exquisitely made with gorgeous animation and a terrific score. Princess Kaguya is surely a tragic and affecting film that deserves a high rank on this list due to its thought-provoking issues, such as the challenges a young girl is forced to go through and the social pressure on how to behave as a lady.

‘Grave of Fireflies’ (1988)

Grave of the Fireflies is undoubtedly one of the most heartbreaking animated films ever made, largely because it tackles the delicate subject of war by focusing on two brothers and war orphans who try to survive the last few months of the Second World War.

The unforgettable heartbreaking 1988 film, which depicts the loss of innocence and familial ties, is sure to make spectators reach for the tissues. It is based on the Japanese author Akiyuki Nosaka’s semi-autobiographical short narrative as well as Nosaka’s personal experiences leading up to, during, and following the 1945 firebombing of Kobe.

The magical movies of Hayao Miyazaki, also known as the films of Studio Ghibli, an acclaimed Japanese animation film studio founded in 1985, have distinguished themselves over the years due to the distinctive ways they depict universal emotions and portray memorable characters, in addition to being extraordinarily artistic and visually…

The magical movies of Hayao Miyazaki, also known as the films of Studio Ghibli, an acclaimed Japanese animation film studio founded in 1985, have distinguished themselves over the years due to the distinctive ways they depict universal emotions and portray memorable characters, in addition to being extraordinarily artistic and visually…