If you loved the whimsical yet poignant storytelling of Pom Poko (1994), this article is for you. Dive into 10 movies and shows that capture the same blend of folklore, environmental themes, and heartfelt humor. Whether you're a fan of Studio Ghibli or just adore tales with a touch of magic, these picks will enchant and inspire you.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
Description: A post-apocalyptic fantasy with strong environmental themes, featuring a brave princess who seeks harmony between humans and nature.
Fact: Although often associated with Studio Ghibli, it was actually made before the studio was officially founded.


My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Description: A heartwarming tale blending fantasy and reality, featuring magical creatures coexisting with humans in rural Japan, emphasizing themes of nature and childhood wonder.
Fact: Totoro became the mascot for Studio Ghibli and is one of the most iconic characters in Japanese animation.


Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)
Description: A charming coming-of-age story about a young witch finding her place in the world, filled with whimsy and a gentle exploration of independence and community.
Fact: The film is loosely based on a novel by Eiko Kadono, who initially disliked the changes made for the movie but later approved them.


Whisper of the Heart (1995)
Description: A grounded yet magical story of a young girl's artistic aspirations and first love, interwoven with subtle fantasy elements and a deep emotional core.
Fact: This was the only film directed by Yoshifumi Kondō, who passed away shortly after its release.


Princess Mononoke (1997)
Description: An epic story of conflict between humans and nature, featuring forest spirits and a deep ecological message, wrapped in breathtaking animation.
Fact: It was the highest-grossing film in Japan until Titanic was released later the same year.


Spirited Away (2001)
Description: A visually stunning journey into a spirit world filled with bizarre creatures and transformative experiences, highlighting themes of identity, growth, and environmental respect.
Fact: It won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, the first and only hand-drawn and non-English film to do so.


Howl's Moving Castle (2004)
Description: A magical adventure with a strong anti-war message, featuring a dynamic, ever-changing castle and themes of self-acceptance and love.
Fact: The film was partly inspired by the director's opposition to the Iraq War.


The Cat Returns (2002)
Description: A whimsical story about a girl transported to a feline kingdom, blending humor, fantasy, and a light-hearted take on self-discovery.
Fact: It originated as a spin-off from Whisper of the Heart, featuring the cat statue Baron from that film.


Ponyo (2008)
Description: A delightful fairy tale about a fish-girl's transformation and her bond with a human boy, celebrating innocence, love, and the beauty of the sea.
Fact: The animation of the ocean in Ponyo was done entirely by hand, with no computer-generated imagery.


The Red Turtle (2016)
Description: A dialogue-free, visually poetic tale of survival and connection with nature, exploring themes of life cycles and human impact on the environment.
Fact: It was a co-production between Studio Ghibli and European studios, marking a departure from their usual style.
