Studio Ghibli, a Japanese animation studiofounded by Hayao Miyazaki, has been enchanting audiences for over 30 years with its whimsical and imaginative stories. From the adventures of a young witch inKiki’s Delivery Serviceto the magical realism ofSpirited Away, Studio Ghibli movies have captured the hearts of viewers worldwide.
Although some of these lesser-known Studio Ghibli movies may have been forgotten by the public, they are truly gems that deserve to be rediscovered. Let’s dive into the world of Studio Ghibli and discover some of the best forgotten movies that this legendary studio has to offer.
7Whisper of the Heart
The plot ofWhisper of the Heartis a beautiful story of love in all its forms. Shizuku is a bookworm who discovers a boy who seems to share her taste in literature. As they get to know each other, they inspire each other to follow their dreams. Seiji is an aspiring violin maker, and Shizuku is an aspiring writer. Both of them are struggling to find their place in the world. They both have to overcome obstacles to pursue their passions, and they do so with the help of each other.
Their friendship is the heart of the movie, and it’s beautifully portrayed.Whisper of the Heartdeals withthemes of self-discovery, friendship, and love. It encourages its viewers to follow their dreams, even if it means taking a risk. The movie also explores the idea of finding your passion and working hard to achieve it.
Whisper of the Heartis often overlooked because it’s not as well-known as other Studio Ghibli movies. However, it’s a beautiful and heartwarming movie that would not disappoint. It has relatable characters, beautiful animation, and a great soundtrack. It’s a movie that will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.
Related:20 Movies That Teach Us a Lot About Friendship
6Only Yesterday
Released in 1991,Only Yesterdayis a coming-of-age drama directed by Isao Takahata. It tells the story of Taeko, a 27-year-old office worker who takes a trip to the countryside to visit her relatives. As she travels, Taeko reflects on her childhood memories and begins to question the direction her life is taking. Through Taeko’s journey, we’re able to reflect on our own childhood experiences and the choices we’ve made as adults.
One of the main themes ofOnly Yesterdayis thesearch for identity. Taeko is at a crossroads in her life, and she’s not sure which direction to take. Through her memories, she begins to understand the experiences that shaped her, and how they’ve influenced the person she’s become. It’s a theme that many people can relate to, and one that is explored with sensitivity and nuance.
Despite its many strengths,Only Yesterdaywasn’t a commercial success when it was first released. It received limited distribution in the US and was only recently made widely available to Western audiences. This may be due in part to the fact that it’s not a typical Studio Ghibli movie. It lacks the fantastical elements that are often associated with the studio’s work, and it deals with more mature themes than many of its counterparts.
However, it’s precisely because of these differences thatOnly Yesterdayis worth watching. It’s a beautiful and thought-provoking movie that explores the trials and tribulations of human life in a way that few animated movies do. It’s areminder that animation isn’t just for kids, and that there are stories that can only be told through this medium.
5Ocean Waves
Ocean Wavesis a coming-of-age story that follows the lives of two high school friends, Taku and Yutaka. When a new student named Rikako transfers to their school, Taku is tasked with showing her around. As the three of them become friends, tensions arise when Rikako’s past is revealed, and Taku realizes that he has feelings for her.
At its core,Ocean Wavesis astory about the complexities of young loveand friendship. It explores the themes of unrequited love, jealousy, and the pain of growing up. It also delves into the issues of class differences and the expectations placed on students in Japan’s education system.
Ocean Waveswas originally made as a television movie, rather than a theatrical release, which may had contributed to its lack of recognition. However, it is a beautifully crafted film, with stunning animation and a poignant storyline. It offers a unique perspective on adolescence and the struggles that come with it and is definitely worth a watch for fans of Studio Ghibli’s work.
4My Neighbors the Yamadas
My Neighbors the Yamadasis a charming family comedy that tells the story of the Yamada family, who live in a suburban neighborhood in Japan.The movie follows their daily livesand the various challenges they face as a family. From dealing with the trials of parenthood to finding a lost child, the Yamadas go through a variety of experiences that are both humorous and heartwarming.
The characters inMy Neighbors the Yamadasare all unique and lovable in their own way. The father, Takashi Yamada, is a salaryman who tries his best to provide for his family, while his wife, Matsuko Yamada, is a homemaker who sometimes feels unappreciated. The couple has two children, Noboru and Nonoko, who are both dealing with the challenges of growing up. Grandma Shige is the wise and funny matriarch of the family, who often dispenses valuable advice to her loved ones. The movie explores various themes, such as family dynamics, the struggles of parenthood, and the importance of appreciating the little things in life. It shows that even though life may not always be perfect, there is always something to be grateful for.
My Neighbors the Yamadasmay have been overlooked due to its more simplistic animation style compared to other Studio Ghibli movies. However, the movie’s unique visual aesthetic and charming storyline make it a must-watch for any fan of the studio. It’s a movie that is both heartwarming and hilarious, and it’s guaranteed to leave viewers with a smile on their face.
Related:20 Best Comedy Movies About Dysfunctional Families
Pom Pokotells the story of a group of tanuki (Japanese raccoon dogs) who are facing a crisis as their habitat is being destroyed by humans. In an effort to save their home, they must use their shape-shifting abilities to scare off the humans and preserve their way of life.
The tanuki inPom Pokoare a diverse group, with a range of personalities and motivations. Some are more traditional and resistant to change, while others are more open-minded and willing to try new things. Their interactions and conflicts provide a rich tapestry of characters that are both relatable and entertaining.Pom Pokodeals with a number of themes, including environmentalism, tradition vs. modernization, and the impact of urbanization on wildlife. It also explores the idea of identity and the role that myths and legends play in shaping our sense of self.
Pom Pokowas not as successful as some of Studio Ghibli’s other films, possibly due to its more serious themes and lack of a clear-cut protagonist. However,it is a beautifully crafted movie, with imaginative animation and a thought-provoking storyline. It offers a unique perspective on the relationship between humans and nature and is a must-watch for fans of environmentalism and folklore.
2The Cat Returns
The Cat Returnsfollows the story of a young girl named Haru who saves a cat from being hit by a truck. The cat turns out to be a prince from a magical kingdom of cats, and he thanks Haru by showering her with gifts. Soon, Haru is swept away to the Kingdom of Cats, where she is showered with even more gifts and treated like a queen. However, she soon realizes that she needs to escape the kingdom and return to her own world.
The Cat Returnsexplores the themes of self-discovery and the importance of being true to oneself. Haru is initially thrilled with the attention she receives in the Kingdom of Cats, but she soon realizes that she doesn’t belong there. She must find the strength to stand up for herself and return to her own world. The Cat Returns draws heavily from Japanese folklore, particularly the story of the “Bakeneko”, a cat that can transform into a human. The movie also includes references to “Maneki-Neko”, the Japanese figurine of a cat that is believed to bring good luck.
The Cat Returnswas overshadowed by other Studio Ghibli movies such asSpirited AwayandHowl’s Moving Castle, which were released around the same time. However, it’sworth watching for its beautiful animation, engaging storyline, and unique take on Japanese folklore.
Related:Best Studio Ghibli Movies, Ranked
1When Marnie Was There
When Marnie Was Theretells the story of a young girl named Anna who is sent to live with relatives in the countryside after experiencing health problems. While exploring the area, she comes across an abandoned mansion that is said to be haunted. There, she meets a mysterious girl named Marnie, with whom she forms a deep bond.
When Marnie Was Thereexplores the themes of friendship, loneliness, and family. Anna is initially a lonely and isolated character, but her friendship with Marnie helps her to open up and connect with others. The movie is based on a novel by Joan G. Robinson, but it also draws inspiration from Japanese literature. The movie also features several nods to traditional Japanese architecture and design.
When Marnie Was Therewas the last film released by Studio Ghibli before the studio went on hiatus, and it didn’t receive the same level of attention as some of the studio’s earlier films. However, it’s a beautifully animated movie with a touchingstory that will leave you thinkinglong after the credits roll.
These movies may not have the same popularity as some of their better-known counterparts, but they offer unique themes and charming characters that make them stand out. These forgotten gems from Studio Ghibli should be rediscovered and appreciated for the beautiful and thought-provoking stories they tell.
