Exploring Studio Ghibli's Top-Rated Films on Rotten Tomatoes

Article Key Points

Studio Ghibli is known for its critically acclaimed animated films, with big-name American actors often providing voices for the English dubs.

Although Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle are well-known films, it is the lesser-known films from Studio Ghibli that receive the highest critical acclaim.

The Tale of Princess Kaguya, Only Yesterday, and Grave of the Fireflies, mentioned in the article, captivate audiences with their emotionally profound narratives, ensuring a lasting impression on viewers.

Studio Ghibli is globally renowned as one of the top animation studios. Over the years, they have consistently produced highly acclaimed animated stories. The captivating and visually stunning work, coupled with the masterful storytelling, has made it a dream for many American actors to lend their voices to Studio Ghibli films. Notable actors like Christian Bale, Kirsten Dunst, and Chloe Grace Moretz have eagerly taken on this opportunity.

Even if people may not be aware that Studio Ghibli is the creative force behind some of their favorite movies, chances are they have enjoyed at least one of their major hits. Films such as Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke, and Ponyo are widely recognized. However, there are other lesser-known gems in Studio Ghibli's collection that have garnered critical acclaim. These films offer an exciting chance for new fans to make delightful discoveries.

What Is The Tale Of Princess Kaguya About?

The Tale Of Princess Kaguya, released in 2013, is an animated film that tells the story of The Tale Of The Bamboo Cutter, a well-known Japanese folklore. The protagonist, a man, discovers a young girl while cutting bamboo and decides to raise her as his own. As she grows up, her life transitions from simple and content to a more grand and royal one as the man bestows her with luxuries fit for a divine princess. Eventually, she is named Princess Kaguya, attracting attention from men far and wide who seek to win her over with extravagant gifts.

Despite her attempts to find joy in the simplicity of life, Princess Kaguya is constantly reminded of her divine and regal nature, which brings her sadness. Even a reunion with a childhood friend fails to go as planned, further deepening Princess Kaguya's melancholy. The return of her suitors, who had embarked on a quest to retrieve mythical objects she had requested, only adds to the darkness in the young girl's life, leaving her in a worse state than before. Tragically, one of the men she tasked with obtaining impossible items perishes on his journey, shocking Princess Kaguya.

Eventually, Kaguya discloses her true identity as a being from the dark side of the Moon and reveals that she will soon return to it, despite her enjoyment of many aspects of Earth. This revelation is a result of the unwanted advances of a dubious emperor. Seeking one last moment of bliss on Earth, Princess Kaguya turns to her childhood friend, Sutemaru, only for him to dismiss it as a dream. As the full moon ascends, Princess Kaguya bids her family a final farewell before departing for the Moon, leaving behind all her earthly experiences in the process.

What Is Only Yesterday About?

Based on a manga from 1982, the 1991 animated drama Only Yesterday tells the story of Taeko Okajima, a young woman who embarks on an adventure to the Japanese countryside in the early eighties. Seeking a break from her city job, Taeko volunteers to help with farm work, specifically Safflowers, at an extended family's farm. The film highlights Taeko's reflections on her childhood in the sixties, where her friends would go on trips outside of Tokyo while she remained in the city.

Upon her arrival in the rural town of Yamagata, Taeko is greeted by a stranger named Toshio. Despite their initial unfamiliarity, their connection quickly develops. As Taeko embarks on simple adventures in Yamagata, she finds herself reflecting on her childhood and questioning whether her current life aligns with her younger self's aspirations. Taeko delves into various memories that have shaped her into the woman she has become, evoking both nostalgia and unease. Recollections of her crushes, experiences during puberty, and academic challenges resurface amidst her time in the Yamagata countryside. Through introspection, Taeko reconciles with her present self and ultimately decides to stay in the countryside instead of returning to her life in Tokyo.

What Is Grave Of The Fireflies About?

Grave Of The Fireflies, the 1988 animated movie, is a profound and chilling creation by Studio Ghibli. It holds a significant place in shaping the anime industry. Set in Japan during the final days of World War II, the film narrates the heartbreaking tale of two orphaned siblings. Regarded not only as one of the greatest animated films of all time but also as one of the finest war movies, Grave Of The Fireflies portrays the unimaginable hardships faced by Seita and Setsuko. It is a poignant and emotional journey that deeply affects anyone who watches it.

The two orphans, haunted by their past in Kobe, recount the events of their lives as they embark on a train journey. Following their mother's death, Seita is burdened with the responsibility of caring for his younger sister amidst the chaos of war, as everyone else is preoccupied. Eventually, feeling unwelcome in their aunt's home, the siblings decide to leave, leaving Seita with no choice but to resort to theft in order to survive. Tragically, their scarcity of food results in Setsuko's malnutrition and eventual demise, with Seita unable to provide any assistance.

Confronted with the harsh reality of his solitary existence, Seita battles to carry on. Eventually succumbing to malnutrition, he joins the ranks of other starving individuals in Japan. In a poignant conclusion, the spirits of Seita and Setsuko find solace in each other's embrace, surrounded by fireflies, and take a final glimpse of Kobe. These films and more, courtesy of Studio Ghibli, offer hours of entertainment and contemplation.

Studio Ghibli is a renowned Japanese production company that was established in Tokyo in 1985. Known for its critically acclaimed films, Studio Ghibli has captivated audiences worldwide with iconic titles such as Ponyo, Howl's Moving Castle, and Kiki's Delivery Service.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have grown up watching Studio Ghibli films and have always been captivated by their magical storytelling and beautiful animation. The three lesser-known films mentioned in the article, The Tale of Princess Kaguya, Only Yesterday, and Grave of the Fireflies, are some of my favorites from the studio.

The Tale of Princess Kaguya is a beautifully animated film that tells a heartwarming and tragic story about a princess who is raised by a bamboo cutter and his wife. The film explores themes of identity, love, and loss, and features some of the most stunning animation I've ever seen. Only Yesterday is a more realistic film that follows a young woman named Taeko as she travels to the countryside to help with the harvest. The film is full of nostalgia and beautifully captures the feeling of being young and carefree. Grave of the Fireflies is a heartbreaking film that tells the story of two siblings who are orphaned during World War II. The film is a powerful reminder of the horrors of war and the importance of family.

All three of these films are must-sees for any fan of Studio Ghibli or animation in general. They are beautifully animated, emotionally powerful, and thought-provoking. I highly recommend checking them out.