Top 10 Hayao Miyazaki Movies That Teach Us Priceless Life Lessons

If you know something about anime, you are most likely familiar with the name Hayao Miyazaki. But if you have absolutely no idea about what this genre is, you came to the right place. We are adamant that any person new to anime should meet its greatest creator. Legendary Japanese director and animator Hayao Miyazaki is mostly known for his outstanding work Spirited Away (2001), which is considered to be the fourth best film of this century by famous film critics.

We recommend getting familiar with anime by watching this absolutely magical piece of art. Spirited Away is a story about a 10-year-old girl, who somehow entered the spirit world when moved to a new neighborhood with her parents. This surrealistic, kind, and visually weird film won an Academy Award for the best animated feature and is simply out of any rankings.

© Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi (2001) / Studio Ghibli

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Top 10 Hayao Miyazaki movies

1. The Wind Rises (2013) Kaze Tachinu

The first anime we want to include in this Hayao Miyazaki list of masterpieces is a story of a Japanese engineer, Jiro Horikoshi, who created the most famous fighter plane during World War II. The Wind Rises teaches us love, sacrifices, and dedication.

2. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984) Kaze no Tani no Naushika

Hayao Miyazaki is a pacifist, and he raises the question of war and peace in lots of his works. One of the best examples of his position is the story about Princess Nausicaä, who tried to bury the hatchet between two warring nations before they completely destroy the planet.

3. Ponyo (2008) Gake no Ue no Ponyo

Ponyo is the name of a goldfish princess, given by a human boy Sosuke. This anime is a story of love and trust. Get your family together this evening and watch this colorful overload of wonderful emotions. Many believe Ponyo is by far the cutest Miyazaki’s film.

4. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989) Majo no Takkyûbin

We bet you’ve never seen witches like this little 13-year-old girl Kiki. Due to the training traditions for witches, she was sent to a new neighborhood to spend a year alone. In a beautiful seaside town, she set up a flying courier service. But what would happen if she lost her powers?

5. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004) Howl no Ugoku Shiro

Howl’s Moving Castle is one of the best Miyazaki’s works, and its financial success proves exactly this (the third-highest-grossing anime of all time). Surrealistic characters, magic, stunning animation, amusing storyline, and life wisdom – this anime has it all.

6. Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro (1979) Rupan Sansei: Kariosutoro no Shiro

Apparently, Miyazaki really loves castles. We added this anime to the list for two main reasons: because it is an absolutely wonderful interpretation of the old stories about princesses in captivity and also because it can teach our children so many great lessons!

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7. Whisper of the Heart (1995) Mimi wo Sumaseba

Yet another masterpiece created by Hayao Miyazaki and his Studio Ghibli, Whisper of the Heart, is a profoundly entertaining story about a girl’s dream of becoming a writer and challenges in her life. You will definitely fall in love with the characters and the romantic atmosphere.

8. My Neighbor Totoro (1998) Tonari no Totoro

Hayao Miyazaki’s world is full of different weird-looking spirits and surreal characters. But with the help of these creatures, he teaches us simple, natural things. My Neighbor Totoro is a wonderful anime to start with. It is a story of two girls having adventures in the world of spirits.

9. Princess Mononoke (1997) Mononoke Hime

Princess Mononoke is one of the most brilliant hand-drawn films. When watching Miyazaki’s works, there’s just one thought that cannot give you a break: “Where is the end to this man’s imagination?”

10. Castle in the Sky (1986) Tenkū no Shiro Rapyuta

And the last Hayao Miyazaki’s anime in this list would be Castle in the Sky. Why? Mainly because the experience you receive after watching it, is simply incomparable. Moreover, the questions that are raised in this anime are extremely relevant in today’s world.

Hayao Miyazaki’s immortal movie quotes

And if you are still not sure whether you should watch Hayao Miyazaki’s movies, these 3 brilliant quotes below will surely inspire you the way his anime inspired millions of people.

1. Sheeta from Castle in the Sky:

No matter how many weapons you have. No matter how great your technology might be. The world cannot live without love!

2. Osa from Princess Mononoke:

Life is suffering. It is hard. The world is cursed. But still you find reasons to keep living.

3. Zeniba from Spirited Away:

Once you've met someone you never really forget them. It just takes a while for your memories to return.

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The world of cinematography and animation is full of different wonderful films, but Hayao Miyazaki’s works most certainly stand out. See it for yourself! Pick any of the presented films and enjoy the evening with your family!

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