If Studio Ghibli is known for anything, it’s for their magical stories and breathtaking animation. The style of their 2D animation is so evocative and detailed, and there are so many moments from individual films that stick out in people’s minds long after they’ve seen them. The design of the Borrowers’ house from The Secret World of Arrietty, or the bus stop sequence from My Neighbor Totoro are big moments that come to mind when thinking of visually captivating moments from Studio Ghibli movies.
While every film has its moments, and most could absolutely be labeled as beautiful with no argument, some films stand out above the others in the visual imagery department. It’s difficult to choose only a few to talk about because every film is so rich with eye candy. The messages of the movies also serve to enhance the visual elements, because the stunning animation is made all the more gorgeous by a magical or emotional story. So which Ghibli films have stood the test of time and continue to be some of the most beautiful stories ever put to animation?
This film is one of a few Ghibli movies that really feels aimed at an older audience, mostly because of its more serious theme and the violence that pervades it. However, it is also one of their most beautiful, and has a ton of brilliant visual elements. The forest spirits have fantastic designs, and every shot of this film, particularly scenes that take place in the forest, is gorgeous.
Part of this may be because of the environmental message of the story, so extra care was taken to portray the natural world as rich and lush. Even the violence of the movie seems beautiful, in a strange way, perhaps because it is just striking rather than overly gross or gory.
This movie, unlike Princess Mononoke, is definitely a movie that has a light tone and is geared towards children. Ponyo is an absolute delight to watch, partially because of that levity and its fun nature, but also because of the animation. Ponyo really stands out against its more serious or intricate Ghibli brethren because of how bright and colorful it is, even if the design is a bit simpler overall.
While it has this more child-like tone (which is emblematic of Ponyo herself), there are a number of scenes that highlight that iconic Ghibli artistry. One of the most famous is the scene of Ponyo running across water that also takes the shape of fish. It’s a striking moment not just because of the animation, but because of the intensity of the scene and the high emotion that comes with it. Despite being a little less austere than some of the other Ghibli films on this list, Ponyo is still incredibly charming, and boasts a very underrated and memorable animation style.
Everything about Howl’s Moving Castle feels sweeping and romantic, from the storyline to the swelling score, to the character of Howl himself. This film also includes some superb animation, and some of the most intricate visuals to be found in a Ghibli film. First of all, there’s the design and animation of the titular moving castle itself, which is complex, but works to perfectly give you a sense of the grandeur of the mechanism and the story as a whole.
Then there’s the secret garden that feels grand and peaceful all at once, or the intricacy of Howl’s bedroom, where every single frame is full of detail and whimsy. “Whimsical” really is the best word to describe the style of this film, because you feel like you’re watching a fairytale come to life in front of your eyes.
This is a slightly lesser-known Ghibli movie but was one of acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki’s early works. It has the environmental theme that many of Miyazaki’s films share, and it also has some truly stunning animation. From the intricate design of the giant Ohmu, to the haunting blue glow of the toxic jungle, to the lush beauty of Nausicaa’s workshop full of the flora and fauna, this movie is chock-full of amazing imagery that sticks in the viewer’s mind long after they’ve seen it.
Miyazaki’s movies in particular are known for their beautiful landscape shots, and his ability to create an environment that feels real and lived-in but also magical and otherworldly at the same time is truly masterful.
Spirited Away is probably the most widely-heralded Studio Ghibli film for its beautiful animation and story, which was significant enough to earn it an Oscar. Every environment and setting is so fleshed out and detailed, and full of magic. There are the big sequences, of course, like Chihiro riding Haku in his dragon form, or any scene in the bathhouse (which is absolutely breathtaking), but Spirited Away stands out in its quieter moments as well, such as the train sequence.
The character designs for the spirits are also incredible, and so wonderfully unique and otherworldly. This film is truly one of the greatest masterpieces of the studio, and it’s evident in every single frame.
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