Japanese animation director, Hayao Miyazaki, announced he is coming out of retirement to make one last feature-length anime film! Here is a list of his previous films that you must watch!

Written by: Abby Wu – December 3rd, 2021 6:41 pm pst

Spirited Away, anime, My friend totoro

Credit: Studio Ghibli

Spirited Away

This is one of Miyazaki’s most famous works which was first released back in July 2001 and is still currently a commonly watched film. Spirited Away is a Japanese fantasy film that tells the story of Chihiro Ogino, a ten-year-old girl who accidentally enters the world of Kami. Her parents turned into pigs and left her stranded and alone in the spirit world and find herself trying to save her parents but also learning what the spirit world was like. The entire film is super aesthetic and really shows off what amazing work Miyazaki is able to create.

My Neighbor Totoro

This film was released back in 1988 and like Spirited Away, is still a commonly watched anime because it is that good. It tells the story of a professor’s two young daughters, Mei and Satsuki, and their adventures with wood spirits which are super cute in the film. The spirit, Totoro has become a huge symbol for Studio Ghibli and is a must-watch!

Princess Mononoke

Like all of Miyazaki’s other works, the animation is impeccable and Princess of Mononoke is an example of what amazing minds can create. This film was released back in 1997 and has been one of his most iconic films to this day. The story follows a young Emishi prince named Ashitaka in the Muromachi period and tells the story of his journey between the gods of the forest and the humans who use it to consume its resources. It is a super touching film and is a must-watch for Studio Ghibli lovers.


Howl’s Moving Castle

No other animation director does it like Miyazaki. Howl’s Moving Castle is again, another amazing work of art that came out in 2004 and was a sensational hit. The story is set in a fictional kingdom where there is magic and follows the story of a young girl named Sophie who turned into an old lady by a witch but later meets a wizard named Howl and joins him in the journey to fight for the king. What’s most amazing about this film are the animations that are clearly works of art and super detailed.

Kik’s Delivery Service

Another super-famous film of his, Kik’s Delivery Service, released back in 1989, follows the story of a young witch who uses flying to make money after moving to a new town. The simplicity of the film is what makes it so calming and nice to watch. Make sure you look out for the black kitty in the film, it’s Kiki’s partner in crime!

Abby Wu is a senior broadcast journalism major at Emerson College and an intern at Afterbuzz TV. She is obsessed with all things entertainment and hope to be working in the entertainment industry one day.

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