13 Best and Emotionally Draining Studio Ghibli Anime Recommendations That Must Be Watched

Kapanlagi.com - Anime lovers are certainly very familiar with Studio Ghibli, which has a series of the best and most popular anime films. A number of Studio Ghibli anime recommendations present touching and emotionally draining stories.

Studio Ghibli is an animation film studio in Japan. Where this Japanese animation studio is famous for its cool, emotional, and highly imaginative anime works. The popularity of Studio Ghibli anime recommendations has led to a number of works successfully winning awards.

If you are a fan of anime films, you may not realize that some of the anime you have watched are actually Studio Ghibli productions. That's why below are the best and emotionally draining Studio Ghibli anime recommendations. Curious about what the best Studio Ghibli anime recommendations are? Let's check it out here KLovers.

1. 'EARWIG AND THE WITCH'

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EARWIG AND THE WITCH is a Studio Ghibli anime released in 2020 and is considered the latest film released by Ghibli after almost 6 years of hiatus since their work in 2014. EARWIG AND THE WITCH is directed by Goro Miyazaki and adapted from the novel by Diana Wynne Jones.

The anime film tells the story of a child named Earwig in an orphanage. Earwig is the child of a witch and is forced to leave her child due to the chaotic situation in the midst of a chase by witches. Years later, Earwig's name has changed to Eriga Wigg and she has grown into a beautiful teenage girl.

One day, Earwig has to live with her foster parents after they decide to adopt her along with a couple of witches named Bella Yaga and Mandrake. Unfortunately, it is not a sweet treatment like parents to their child, but Earwig faces an unexpected situation when she is employed as a maid. Earwig, who has magical blood, begins to be interested in learning her own magic. This is where the fun of the EARWIG AND THE WITCH movie lies, which will not make you bored. Moreover, EARWIG AND THE WITCH uses 3D animation that looks like real.

2. 'GRAVE OF FIREFLIES'

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GRAVE OF FIREFLIES is the best Studio Ghibli anime recommendation. GRAVE OF FIREFLIES was released in 1988. Although GRAVE OF FIREFLIES is an old movie, it is a must-watch anime if you are a fan of Studio Ghibli animated films. Moreover, this anime is recognized by the world as a Japanese animation.

GRAVE OF FIREFLIES tells the story of the lives of siblings after World War II. Seita and Setsuko have to struggle and survive in the midst of a cruel world. They choose to live in a cave after their relatives do not want the two siblings to live in their house. To fill their empty stomachs, Seita and Setsuko have to consume food as much as they can.

They even have to steal food sometimes just to fill their empty stomachs. One day, Setsuko gets sick due to malnutrition. This makes Seita devastated, especially since their father also died in the war. The movie GRAVE OF FIREFLIES will make you feel touched and even drain your emotions when you see the struggle of these siblings to survive in the midst of a chaotic world.

3. 'MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO'

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The next Studio Ghibli anime recommendation is MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO. This anime was first released in 1988 and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO is one of the best Studio Ghibli anime recommendations that you must watch.

MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO tells the story of a friendship between humans and an animal named Totoro. However, Totoro turns out to be a magical creature. But the two siblings say they are never afraid of ghosts. Full of exciting adventures and touching feelings. Interested in watching MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO? You can watch it on Netflix.

4. 'FROM UP ON POPPY HILL'

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FROM UP ON POPPY HILL is a recommendation for the best Studio Ghibli anime. FROM UP ON POPPY HILL was released in 2011. The film was adapted from a comic series titled KOKUNIKOZAKA KARA. There are many awards that the anime film FROM UP ON POPPY HILL has won, one of which is the Animation Of the Year category from the 35^th Japan Academy Prize.

The synopsis of FROM UP ON POPPY HILL is about the romance of teenage children set in the past of the 1960s. The sweet and romantic love story will make you emotional as you watch the relationship between these two teenagers on Poppy Hill. Not only romantic, but the love story of Shun and Umi also experiences various problems, of which Poppy Hill is a witness to their love affair.

5. 'PONYO ON THE CLIFF'

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PONYO ON THE CLIFF is the next Studio Ghibli anime recommendation released in 2009. This anime film was directed by Hayao Miyazaki, who brought an interesting story about a child named Ponyo.

Ponyo turns out to be a fish child whose home is in the sea. However, she desires to become human. Until one day she was stranded on the beach and met Sousuke. The two then became close friends. Having a big ambition to become a human, Ponyo finally succeeded in realizing her dream by drinking the magic potion from her father. However, she faced a difficult situation when deciding to become human and receiving a curse. Want to know the excitement?

6. 'ONLY YESTERDAY'

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The next Studio Ghibli anime recommendation is ONLY YESTERDAY. This film was released in 1991. The film is an adaptation of the manga with the same title by Hotaru Okamoto and Yuko Tone. Meanwhile, the synopsis of ONLY YESTERDAY is about Taeko, a 27-year-old woman.

Her age is considered suitable for marriage. However, she has not thought about it yet. Taeko's childhood itself was also faced with disappointment when her desire was not approved by her father. But time goes on, and Taeko lives her life until adulthood. Gradually, the feeling of disappointment begins to fade away. Until she meets Toshio, a young man from the village. In the anime film ONLY YESTERDAY, there are many moral messages that you can take, where past events can have an impact on future life.

7. 'SPIRITED AWAY'

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SPIRITED AWAY is the next best recommendation from Studio Ghibli anime that is also popular. This anime was released in 2001 and was directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The story of SPIRITED AWAY revolves around Chihiro Ogino who is trapped in a fantasy world. She experiences many unexpected events in the fantasy world called Kami.

Chihiro Ogino tries hard to return to the human world with her parents who have turned into pigs. The film SPIRITED AWAY is very exciting to watch, especially since it has won many awards.

8. WHISPER OF THE HEART

WHISPER OF THE HEART is a Studio Ghibli anime recommendation that is full of fantasy stories with a light touch of romance. The character in this anime is named Shizuku Tsukishima, a junior high school student who loves to read. Later, she meets a character named Seiji Amasawa. This meeting makes her determined to find her identity.

Why does Seiji Amasawa look so influential in her life? Well, you will find the answer when you watch it. You will also be spoiled with the beauty of Shizuku's imagination. The message in it makes this anime worthy of recommendation for teenagers to be more enthusiastic in facing the future.

9. PRINCESS MONONOKE

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PRINCESS MONONOKE can be said as a more challenging Studio Ghibli anime recommendation than the previous title. This is because this anime combines action and fantasy genres. It's no wonder that you will find many tense scenes when watching it.

You will find fighting, injuries, and even bloodshed when witnessing the struggle of Prince Ashitaka to find a cure for the curse that afflicts him. It is told that Prince Ashitaka left his village and met San or Princess Mononoke. He became involved in the fighting between the villagers and the spirits in the forest.

10. THE WIND RISES

THE WIND RISES is an anime set during World War II. The main character is named Jiro who wants to create a strong and competent aircraft design. Because it is full of motivation to pursue love and ideals at the same time, this film deserves to be on the list of the best Studio Ghibli anime recommendations this time. Not only is the story full of spirit, but you also have to face scenes that are full of sadness. Yes, Jiro had to lose his wife while designing the aircraft.

11. KIKI'S DELIVERY SERVICE

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The next Studio Ghibli anime recommendation is titled KIKI'S DELIVERY SERVICE. This anime tells the story of a young witch named Kiki who runs a delivery service business. The business is run with her flying broomstick. Yes, she delivers cakes from a bakery on the outskirts of town.

It is also told that she has a friend who is a regular human named Tombo. However, she gets into trouble because she starts losing her flying ability. So, what does she do to overcome this problem? Instead of being curious, just watch this anime yourself!

12. HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE

Next, there is a Studio Ghibli anime recommendation for those of you who love imaginative stories. This anime titled HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE tells the story of a character named Sophie Hatter, the eldest daughter of three hat makers for people in Ingary. Ingary is the name of a city full of magical powers.

Initially, Sophie and all the young women in the city were not allowed to leave the house. If they violated this rule, they were threatened to be taken by Howl, an evil witch who owned a walking castle. However, Sophie instead left home and went on an adventure with Howl and his castle. Sounds exciting, doesn't it?

13. THE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA

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Another excellent Studio Ghibli anime recommendation is titled THE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA. Not only does it offer visual beauty, but the storyline is also touching. The main character herself is a little girl who was found inside a bamboo by an old bamboo cutter and his wife.

Next, the baby grows into a beautiful girl who is captivating but also has to be ready to face her destiny and punishment. When watching it, you will be carried away by the dramatic atmosphere.

Those are some Studio Ghibli anime recommendations that you must watch. Hopefully, they can be a reference for you KLovers.

(kpl/gen/nlw)