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Throughout his career, Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki has created anime films with independent, forward-thinking female protagonists, many of whom are viewed as idyllic role models for young women. According to Toshio Suzuki, who has served as Ghibli's main film producer since its founding, Miyazaki's admiration for women stems from his relationship with his mother.

Per The Observer, Suzuki recently sat down to an interview in the UK to discuss his decades-long partnership with Miyazaki, who is known primarily for works such as My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Kiki's Delivery Service (1989), Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (1984), PrincessMononoke (1997) and Spirited Away (2001). Prior to Ghibli's opening, Suzuki also worked alongside Miyazaki on...

If the 1980s saw the increased proliferation of anime in the west, and the 2000s saw them becoming part of the cultural zeitgeist, the 1970s were a period of great change for the industry at home. In a piece for Sight and Sound in its Summer 2020 issue, historian Jonathan Clements traces technological and ideological changes through each decade — the ’70s, in his words, saw anime as a TV phenomenon, “developing a series of tropes and styles designed to stretch limited budgets as far as they would go.”

The dominance of television and the sparseness of film production — predicated on the market created by Osamu Tezuka and the cheap production of “Astro Boy” — is hard to overstate, even if we try to steer the conversation back to cinema. When surveying the best anime films of the 1970s, one has to reckon with the fact that some of the TV compilation films...

My Neighbor Totoro has long stood as one of Studio Ghibli's most beloved works, but for Hayao Miyazaki, the film carried a more personal weight, as he described the movie as being born from a feeling of "accumulating a debt."

Before working on My Neighbor Totoro, Miyazaki had directed two films, both of which were set in foreign or fictional regions. This made the legendary animator feel that he had accumulated a debt to Japan, the country where he was born and raised. "Up until now, I had continuously made works set in foreign countries or fictional countries of unknown nationality, and I gradually began to feel like I...

Genndy Tartakovsky’s ‘Fixed’ is an adult animated film on Netflix that deals with the adventures of a sexually active dog named Bull who finds out that he will soon be neutered. The revelation turns the world of the canine upside down as he realizes that he only has one epic night of sexual adventure and fun left with his friends. The film is an exploration of change and acceptance that delves into the aspects of desire, fulfillment, and friendship between dogs. Bull’s friends Rocco, Fetch, and Lucky help their mate by providing him with the necessary inspiration for his last night of pleasure. As the group ventures into a chaotic night, they face increasingly hilarious and absurd situations that deepen their bond. Essentially, the film is about existential issues centered around happiness. If you loved watching the adult animated drama and its thematic concepts, these films, similar to ‘Fixed,...

Japan has a long-standing reputation for expertly crafted cinema dating back to the silent movie era, with the Japanese movie industry rebounding in a big way following World War II. Whether it's sharply honed samurai movies or absolutely gruesome horror flicks, Japan has produced countless films acclaimed worldwide for decades. This distinction carries over to the country's animation industry, with anime renowned as some of the most popular and widely lauded animated projects in the history of the medium. Simply put, Japan has consistently earned international recognition for its artistic output, with its cinematic productions, in particular, receiving well-deserved accolades.

Japanese filmmakers, be it visionaries like Akira Kurosawa or prolific animation studios like Madhouse, continue to leave an impact on global cinema. With their influence visible in some of the biggest Hollywood movies and franchises, Japanese movies lead the country's culture being embraced abroad. Here are the 15 best Japanese movies...

Popular Shonen anime like Sakamoto Days and Naruto might draw massive watch time on Netflix, but Studio Ghibli’s timeless movies have quietly stolen the spotlight yet again. According to a Netflix report, Ghibli classics like Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle have garnered 6 million viewing hours each, which is a staggering number for any film. On the other hand, Sakamoto Days season 1 has received 24 million view hours while Naruto has attracted 45 million view hours across all seasons.

It is visible that Hayao Miyazaki’s magic continues to capture the hearts of people decades after his movies have been released. The enchanting storytelling unique to Ghibli has stolen the hearts of Netflix households, even amidst a massive anime boom. Netflix is streaming Ghibli movies in most countries outside of the United States and Japan.

Ghibli Outshines Competitors Like Naruto or Sakamoto Days

Hayao Miyazaki might have released his latest title...

Studio Ghibli is one of the most beloved animation studios of all time, foundational in the rise in popularity of anime both in Japan and internationally. Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata have been responsible for some of the best anime movies ever made, no matter what metric you use to judge that.

But as famous and popular as their work with Ghibli is, Takahata and Miyazaki's pre-Ghibli work is just as important. The duo (but particularly Takahata) had already established themselves as legends in their own right, with movies and TV shows that challenged what was thought possible at the time. They drew inspiration not just from Walt Disney's work, but also from French animation and the emerging Soviet landscape. They created something unique that continues to inspire animators (and live-action filmmakers) everywhere. I've already written about some of Miyazaki's pre-Ghibli work and how unique that work is, but there...

In 1988, Studio Ghibli and director Isao Takahata released Grave of the Fireflies -- a movie that showcased the devastating consequences of war through the experiences of two orphaned siblings. Later this year, the semi-autobiographical work that inspired the film's story will finally become available for English-speaking audiences worldwide.

As detailed by French animation enthusiast Catsuka, Akiyuki Nosaka's 1967 novel, Grave of the Fireflies, is slated for an international release via UK-based publisher Penguin Classics. This 80-page story originally debuted as a periodical in an issue of Oru Yomimono, or "All for Reading," magazine. In the same year of its publication, it also won the prestigious Naoki Prize for Literature. Until now, the only official English translation was featured in a 1978 issue of Japan Quarterly, a prominent Japan-based academic journal. A French version by translators Patrick De Vos and Anne Gossot was also released in January 2015. The upcoming English translation by...

L. M. Montgomery’s 1908 novel “Anne of Green Gables” has gained much love in Japan over the years. First translated into Japanese in 1952 by Hanako Muraoka, it has been a part of school curriculums ever since. There is even a replica of the Green Gables farm at an amusement park in Hokkaido. The story of a plucky and imaginative orphan sparked with the Japanese public. In 1979, Nippon Animation produced “Akage no An” or “Red-haired Anne”. This was a 50-episode series directed by future Studio Ghibli founder Isao Takahata. It was also a hit and has appeared more than once on lists of the public’s favourite anime. “Anne Shirley”, produced by The Answer Studio and directed by Hiroshi Kawamata, is a new anime adaptation that looks to bring the classic story to life once more.

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On Prince Edward Island off the coast of Canada,...

Alright, anime fans, let’s get this out of the way first: Grave of the Fireflies is emotional destruction in movie form. It’s the type of movie that devastates you, leaves you staring at your ceiling for hours, and then somehow makes you say, “That was beautiful.” And yeah, it rightfully deserves all the respect. But guess what? That movie wasn’t even directed by Hayao Miyazaki.

Yup. That soul-crushing war drama was made by Isao Takahata. And when we’re talking about Studio Ghibli’s darkest film? Oh no no no, that cannot be Totoro or Kiki’s Delivery Service or even the slightly sad Howl’s Moving Castle. The real answer is Princess Mononoke. That movie? That’s where Miyazaki went full “I’ve seen the world and it sucks” mode.

Princess Mononoke: Not Just a Fantasy, But a Warning

So let’s rewind. Miyazaki used to...

Over three decades ago, one of the most poignant animated films of all time, produced by Studio Ghibli, premiered to widespread acclaim. Over the years, it has been released in theaters once more, as well as in various media formats, including VHS and DVD. That production is Grave of the Fireflies, which, based on new reports, is set to return to theaters soon to mark a tragic milestone. The pic debuted on April 16, 1988, to modest commercial success, while at the same time was hugely favored by critics, who praised its sentimental tone.

According to Anime News Network, Grave of the Fireflies will be rereleased in Japanese theaters on August 10 and 11, as announced by the Hiroshima City Cinematographic and Audio-Visual Library. Tickets are priced at 510 yen (approximately US$3.50) for adults and 250 yen (approximately US$1.70) for seniors aged 65 and older. However, admission is free for those under 25. Furthermore, on each screening day,...

In August 1945, the Japanese city of Hiroshima was hit by a 9,700-lb atomic bomb, destroying millions of lives and changing the course of history forever. To impart the devastating reality of war to the next generation, Studio Ghibli is collaborating with the city of Hiroshima to host free screenings of its 1988 WWII feature, Grave of the Fireflies.

Per Anime News Network and Comic Natalie, the Hiroshima City Cinematographic and Audio-Visual Library is showcasing Ghibli's iconic wartime masterpiece as part of its "Cinematheque of Peace." This event is designed to commemorate the 80 years that have passed since the bombing of Hiroshima. From July to September 2025, the library will showcase numerous educational works about WWII and the atomic bombs. An original 35mm print of Grave of the Fireflies will be screened on Aug. 10 and 11. Additionally, the standard admission fee will be waived for viewers under 25 years of age. Adults over 25 and seniors...

It’s not an easy task to rank the best Studio Ghibli films. After all, how can anyone put numbers in front of the iconic and inspiring movies created by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata? Yet, people need a starting point, and this list might help its readers understand what exactly works in their favor.

Ghibli movies have various recurring themes like environmentalism, anti-war, friendship, and the romanticization of a simple life and mundane activities. With these themes, Ghibli has brought forth new stories time and again. Sometimes it explores childish innocence, or a coming of age story, and at other times it shows conflicts between humans and nature. Yet, one might be able to find a favorite in this list of best Studio Ghibli movies.

10. Ponyo

Despite there being several contenders, Ponyo deserves a spot on the list of best Studio Ghibli films. It’s a movie that parents...

When Netflix dropped the trailer for its upcoming anime Leviathan, the internet lit up with comparisons to Studio Ghibli. Thanks to the soaring orchestral theme by Joe Hisaishi. Yes, the legendary composer behind Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle. But if you stop there, you’re only seeing half of the picture.

While Ghibli-esque music may catch your ear, the heart of Leviathan is rooted in a different kind of anime legacy. It draws inspiration from the rich Western literature-inspired storytelling of the 1980s, particularly World Masterpiece Theatre. This alternate history World War I epic includes flying ships, walking war machines, and two teens caught in the chaos.

Netflix’s Leviathan, a Steampunk War Epic with Inspiration From World Masterpiece Theatre A still from Netflix’s Leviathan | Credit: Netflix

Premiering on July 10, Netflix‘s Leviathan is based on Scott Westerfeld’s alternate history trilogy. It reimagines World War I as...

The Boy and the Heron was Studio Ghibli’s most recent movie, and it was also the most different of Hayao Miyazaki’s works. For most of his films, the symbolism and messages are quite clear and emotionally impactful. His latest movie, however, lacks the clarity of his previous masterpieces.

The root of why the movie was an incoherent mess is Hayao Miyazaki’s grief. The Boy and the Heron is hailed as his most personal work yet, despite his previous movies having elements of his life infused into them. So, what was different about the way he portrayed it in this movie?

While his other works have subtle references to his life and experiences, Mahito wasn’t just anyone; He was Hayao Miyazaki himself. That’s why the audience couldn’t relate to it.

Hayao Miyazaki’s Most Personal Ghibli Movie Feels Emotionally Flat

Grief is a powerful emotion.

Hayao Miyazaki’s popularity is a side effect of directing worldwide hits like Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service and more. The director has a tendency to touch the hearts of his audience and even change a few lives while he is at it. But before he became the renowned Oscar winner and Ghibli’s soul, he contributed to works that rarely get any mention these days.

Like most others, Miyazaki did not make his debut as an anime director and worked his way up from the bottom. He first worked as an in-betweener for Toei with Isao Takahata. The two struck up a quick friendship, but Miyazaki was not happy with his position and moved up to being a key animator. However, he kept longing for creative fulfillment and finally worked on a cult classic project with Takahata.

Hayao Miyazaki worked with Isao Takahata on a cult...

As Netflix cranks it up a notch with its growing number of anime films, we’re here to tell you what’s the best from the bunch.

Netflix has continued to delve deeper and deeper into Japanese animation by licensing several major titles and crafting its own original works. It’s the very reason why the streamer has become a force in the entertainment sector, as it now boasts a slate that satisfies the everyday anime lover.

And because of that, TheWrap decided to outline the seven best titles Netflix has in its library right now. Here are the titles we think you should watch.

“Mary and the Witch’s Flower” “Mary and the Witch’s Flower” (GKids)

If you’re a fan of animator and director Hiromasa Yonebayashi’s work, which includes mega anime film hits “Ponyo,” “The Boy and the Heron,” “Howl’s Moving Castle,” and more, then “Mary and the Witch’s Flower...

Studio Ghibli is one step closer towards finally receiving an official Lego release. Recently, a prototype design inspired by Ghibli's beloved fantasy film, My Neighbor Totoro, made it onto the official 'Lego Ideas' review chart for 2025.

Lego Ideas is an official site where fan-created models are frequently put in the running to become Lego sets if approved by staff. There, a user known as Brickasso99031 recently had their "My Neighbor Totoro" design reach over 10k supporters. Shortly after reaching this milestone, the set became #18 on Lego's second set review list for 2025. "My Neighbor Totoro" features a cute gray-and-tan brick model of the film's titular icon with a purple umbrella in his hand. He is also set on a flat base containing grass pieces, a bus stop sign, and models of Totoro's small and medium-sized counterparts. Cbr readers can check out the images below.

New Studio Ghibli Totoro Lego Prototype...

Last summer, fans saw this Certified Fresh Studio Ghibli anime movie return to theaters over a decade following its original release, and this year, we’re having the same treat! Per Gkids Films' official X (formerly Twitter) account, The Secret World of Arrietty will head back to theaters as part of this year's Ghibli Fest. It will be available in select theaters for a limited-time run, both in its original Japanese with English subtitles and in English dubbed form.

Beginning Sunday, June 22, The Secret World of Arrietty plays in theaters but will sadly conclude its run on Tuesday, June 24. This comes a year after the film returned to theaters on June 9 and 11, 2024. Its re-release was announced alongside another fan-favorite, When Marnie Was There, which was also celebrating its tenth anniversary at the time. Plus, it was re-released in both Japanese and English dubbed audio on June 10 and 12, 2024.

For those unfamiliar with the popular Ghibli Fest,...

Studio Ghibli’s prestigious reputation consists of truths and exaggerations. The company has spent 40 years as a world leader in quality animation while independently funding projects based on prior successes — until their sale to Nippon TV in 2023.

Behind every great library of art is a machine that needs to sell it, and Ghibli, which turns 40 this June, is no different. As much as we laud the altruistic, ethical enterprise established by Toshio Suzuki, Isao Takahata, and Hayao Miyazaki, Ghibli can be just as cynical as its Western counterparts.

Ghibli’s branding as an ethical animation studio isn’t unfounded. Rayna Denison, author of “Studio Ghibli: An Industrial History,” has admired the thoughtful way Suzuki, Takahata, and Miyazaki constructed the studio.

“They put deep thought into what they wanted to do with their studio before they founded it,” Denison told IndieWire. “You get early interviews with Miyazaki saying things like, ‘If...

Anne Shirley (2025) is an interesting little remake, especially when comparing it to its 1979 original counterpart, Anne of Green Gables . At first glance, these two anime appear to be more or less identical stories as they’re adaptations of the same source material but with different animation quality and visual aesthetics. However, when further dissecting them and analyzing what’s underneath the surface level, the differences become so much more stark and apparent. Anne of Green Gables primarily focuses on the first novel in Lucy Maud Montgomery’s iconic series, while Anne Shirley has a much loftier goal of adapting the first three novels of the book series. This is important to note because not only do they highlight the rest of the differences, both obvious and subtle, that exist between these two shows, but they also showcase that these are ultimately not the same story. While Anne Shirley and Anne of Green Gables...

Europe-based distributor Pom Anime has acquired rights to upcoming Japanese anime Lupin The IIIrd The Movie: The Immortal Bloodlineand classics Akira and Grave Of The Fireflies as it prepares to open Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye in several territories.

The highly-anticipated Lupin The Third: The Movie marks the first 2D feature in the acclaimed franchise for nearly 30 years. Pom Anime plans to release the film in Q4 2025 in territories including Benelux, Poland, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania.

It builds on Pom’s partnership with Japanese animation studio Tms Entertainment after releasing 1979 classic Lupin III: The Castle Of Cagliostro,...

Europe-based distributor Pom Anime has acquired rights to upcoming Japanese anime Lupin The Third: The Movie and classics Akira and Grave Of The Fireflies as it prepares to open Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye in several territories.

The highly-anticipated Lupin The Third: The Movie marks the first 2D feature in the acclaimed franchise for nearly 30 years. Pom Anime plans to release the film in Q4 2025 in territories including Benelux, Poland, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania.

It builds on Pom’s partnership with Japanese animation studio Tms Entertainment after releasing 1979 classic Lupin III: The Castle Of Cagliostro, directed by Hayao Miyazaki,...

If someone tells you that Your Lie in April is the saddest anime ever, and you agree, is it because you have never watched Grave of the Fireflies, or you simply don’t want to mention or revisit it ever again! It would be completely understandable if you belong to the second category. Isao Takahata captured the saddest aspect of war in the most realistic way possible with Grave of the Fireflies.

Your Lie in April is undoubtedly heartbreaking and sad, but it doesn’t come close to the horrors of Grave of the Fireflies. Realism is the reason why that is the case. Your Lie in April explores many elements and a wide range of emotions, whereas Grave of the Fireflies is just pure suffering, and it gets unbearable very quickly.

The sadness and pain of Your Lie in April vs. Grave of the Fireflies

The fans of Your...

When The Answer Studio first announced it was working on a new anime adaptation of Anne of Green Gables, longtime fans reacted with cautious intrigue. Could anyone build on the legacy of the iconic 1979 version—especially one touched by early Studio Ghibli brilliance from legends like Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki?

Anne Shirley, which premiered in April 2025, joins a growing wave of new anime series debuting in 2025 and has accomplished something unexpected. It managed to honor both the Canadian source material and Japanese cultural sensibilities through anime's subtle beauty and emotional resonance, while creating something that feels fresh.

A Cultural Bridge Nearly 50 Years in the Making Read full article on The Direct.

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The genre of war cinema has taken many forms over the decades ever since it sprung up into being alongside narrative cinema itself. Whether by exploring real historical and present-day conflicts or fictional ones, movies have time and again proven capable of mining the tension, violence, and unimaginably high stakes of war for pathos, action, and political critique.

Incidentally, Netflix has a solid roster of great war films from across the decades available to subscribers, and we've compiled a list of the best. Each of these movies concerns itself with real-life wars (four of them being World War II movies), although some tell wholly fictional stories within those frameworks. The two earliest-set among them take place in ancient India and China, while another looks at the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the early half of the 2010s. From everywhere across the centuries,...

As the weekend approaches, it's time once again for the Bam Smack Pow team to bring you the biggest anime news of the past week. This week, we're ramping up to the Summer 2025 anime season with new trailers and information, and taking a look at a showcase of the career of the one of the most important figures in the history of anime.

More information about Dan Da Dan season 2

Last week, Bam Smack Pow reported that the Dan Da Dan movie Evil Eye trailer went live. The movie itself will be a special early look at the first three episodes of the anime's second season, released as a compilation movie. This week, the official trailer for the full season of the anime has been released, which you can watch above.

Also notable is the announcement from Netflix that "On The Way", the opening for Dan Da Dan season 2 will...

A rare piece of Studio Ghibli artwork by Neon Genesis Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno has been rediscovered and will soon make its public debut.

Per Oricon, the image is an original layout of the heavy cruiser Maya, intended for Studio Ghibli's landmark anime movie Grave of the Fireflies,which Anno worked on as a key animator ahead of its 1988 premiere. The artwork will be exhibited at the Takahata Isao Exhibition: The Man Who Planted Japanese Animation, which opens June 27 at Azabudai Hills Gallery and runs through Sept. 15. Anno's Maya layout will be presented alongside a harmony cel based on the sketch, which features a painterly technique "for greater realism, resembling fine art."

Rare Studio Ghibli Artwork Rediscovered for Grave of the Fireflies Image via Akiyuki Nosaka / Shinchosha / Isao Takahata / Studio Ghibli

When Anno's long-lost Studio Ghibli artwork makes its exhibition debut, it will be a part of a larger gallery...

This summer in Japan will see Takahata Isao Exhibition - The Man Who Planted Japanese Animation open at Tokyo’s Azabudai Hills Gallery, showcasing the production works of one half of Studio Ghibli’s creative genius. Today, two visuals were released featuring the characters from Takahata-directed works, Grave of the Fireflies and Pom Poko . What’s more, for the first time ever, the layout drawing of the Ijn Heavy Cruiser Maya, drawn by Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno for Grave of the Fireflies, will be on display along with the finished harmony cels, which combine the Maya background art with the character cel. Each visitor who goes to the exhibition on a weekday will receive one of five paper cases that have an insert of Takahata drawn by manga artist Hisaichi Ishii, best known for his series Nono-chan , which was adapted into My Neighbors the Yamadas . Hideaki Anno’s Maya Layout...

You can't talk about Studio Ghibli modern classics without mentioning Grave of the Fireflies. The 1988 anime movie might not be as popular as other titles like Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke, but it certainly ranks among the saddest and most brutal entries that the Japanese animation studio produced. Due to its importance, you'd think that Grave of the Fireflies would be available to stream everywhere — which makes it a surprise that the movie will arrive on Netflix for Japanese audiences for the first time ever on July 15.

In the rest of the world, Ghibli feature films are already taken for granted because you can pretty much press play on almost all of them. However, this was not the case in Japan. And there are still a lot more developments to come, since Grave of the Fireflies is so far the only Studio Ghibli movie that will become available to stream on Netflix.

Legendary Studio’s Saddest Tale Now Streaming (Photo Credit – Netflix)

Studio Ghibli’s Grave of the Fireflies has long carried a weight unlike anything else in the studio’s catalogue. The anime masterpiece, released in 1988 under the direction of Isao Takahata, offered a sobering lens on World War II through the quiet suffering of two siblings, drifting through a world shattered by conflict.

This film, which is far removed from the fantastical creatures or enchanted forests Ghibli is known for, built its legacy on raw, human truth and, for decades, remained the only major Ghibli work that couldn’t be streamed in its home country.

Grave of the Fireflies Finally Coming Home to Streaming

Grave of the Fireflies’ long absence ends on July 15, when Netflix Japan finally adds the movie to its library. This marks a significant first as no full-length Studio Ghibli film has ever been available for streaming in Japan before.

In 1988, Studio Ghibli released Grave of the Fireflies -- an anime now reputed as one of the most heartbreaking WWII films ever made. The anime's historical and thematic significance has compelled Netflix Japan to add it to its expansive streaming catalog.

Per Oricon US, Grave of the Fireflies is scheduled to become available on the platform in Japan starting July 15. Ghibli's landmark war film, which has earned glowing praise from prominent film critics like Roger Ebert, will be the first-ever Ghibli feature to land a streaming home on Netflix Japan. According to Kazutaka Sakamoto, Vice President of Content at Netflix, his company's decision was driven by an acknowledgment of the "overwhelming response" that Grave of the Fireflies has garnered from viewers worldwide. "Since 2020, we've brought Ghibli films to the world through Netflix, but the overwhelming response to Grave of the Fireflies reminded us of the film's enduring impact. We're thrilled...

For decades, Grave of the Fireflies has stood as one of Studio Ghibli’s most haunting and revered works. Directed by the late Isao Takahata, the 1988 film is a poignant portrayal of wartime survival and the human cost of conflict, based on Akiyuki Nosaka’s semi-autobiographical novel. Despite its critical acclaim and influence, it has long remained the only Ghibli feature not available to stream in Japan, until now.

On July 15, Grave of the Fireflies will finally join Netflix Japan’s lineup, marking a significant moment in the film’s history, according to Anime News Network. This release makes it the first full-length Studio Ghibli feature to stream domestically in Japan, a surprising first considering the studio’s immense cultural footprint. While short projects and documentaries have streamed in Japan before, such as Zen – Grogu and Dust Bunnies on Disney+ and the Ghibli Park documentary on Amazon Prime Video, this...

For decades, Grave of the Fireflies has stood as one of Studio Ghibli’s most haunting and revered works. Directed by the late Isao Takahata, the 1988 film is a poignant portrayal of wartime survival and the human cost of conflict, based on Akiyuki Nosaka’s semi-autobiographical novel. Despite its critical acclaim and influence, it has long remained the only Ghibli feature not available to stream in Japan, until now.

On July 15, Grave of the Fireflies will finally join Netflix Japan’s lineup, marking a significant moment in the film’s history, according to Anime News Network. This release makes it the first full-length Studio Ghibli feature to stream domestically in Japan, a surprising first considering the studio’s immense cultural footprint. While short projects and documentaries have streamed in Japan before, such as Zen – Grogu and Dust Bunnies on Disney+ and the Ghibli Park documentary on Amazon Prime Video, this...

When you think of anime adaptations, your mind probably goes straight to manga or light novels. But from global masterpieces to obscure gems, anime has a rich, often overlooked history of bringing classic literature to life. These adaptations don’t just retell familiar stories; they reinterpret them with bold visuals, emotional nuance and cultural twists that make them feel entirely new. You might not expect to see characters like Sherlock Holmes, Anne Shirley, or the Count of Monte Cristo on an anime screen, and yet, here they are. From high school mysteries to sci-fi revenge tales, from Swiss Alps nostalgia to literary action fantasy, anime has proven time and again that great stories transcend borders. Here’s a list of must-watch anime inspired by novels, literary icons and the authors behind them. Anne Shirley Based on: Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery (1908) Anime: Nippon Animation (1979), The Answer Studio (2025) L.

Grave of the Fireflies is one of the most acclaimed and tragic anime movies of all time. Once oddly paired with the far more lighthearted My Neighbor Totoro, the classic anime movie is now set for an upcoming combo release.

Gkids is giving Grave of the Fireflies a new Blu-Ray/DVD combo release this summer and a steelbook version on the same day. Loaded with special features, this version is a must-have for Studio Ghibli enthusiasts, as it's one of the studio's darkest films. This also comes 20 years after a similar release for the beloved movie.

One of Studio Ghibli's Best Movies Is Getting a New Steelbook Release Image via Studio Ghibli

Originally released in theaters in 1988, Studio Ghibli's Grave of the Fireflies is getting a dual DVD/Blu-ray combo release on July 8, 2025. There will also be a steelbook version of the movie by Gkids. The upcoming home media releases...

A Look At Studio Ghibli’s 10 Highest-Grossing Movies! (Photo Credit – Netflix/Instagram)

Studio Ghibli, founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki, is the world’s most acclaimed and famous animation studio. The studio has entertained global audiences for several decades now and is renowned for its sheeny hand-drawn artistry and imaginative storytelling.

Studio Ghibli has changed the global dynamics of the film industry with its numerous critically and commercially successful movies, and its works have transcended age and culture. Below are the top 10 highest-grossing Studio Ghibli movies of all time, a testament to the studio’s global influence and enduring legacy.

1. Spirited Away ($358M)

At the top of the list sits Hayo Miyazaki’s most famous masterpiece, Spirited Away. It is the story of a young girl named Chihiro who becomes trapped in a mysterious spirit world. There, she encounters a host of enchanting and eerie characters...

Hollywood may dominate the global box office, but for true cinephiles, the real rite of passage begins with exploring non-English films, which are, by definition, international movies. Stories from countries/regions introduce us to different cultures and broaden our perspectives, offering a new way to see the world.

Movies like Slumdog Millionaire, from Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle, are prime examples of people, culture, and struggles shown from a foreigner’s lens. For the real taste of the world, audiences have to dive into cinema beyond Hollywood. When Bong Joon-ho accepted the Academy Award for Best Director for Parasite, he famously said, “Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.”

From action and romance to slice-of-life genre, including animated ones, this list consists of some of the best non-English films that one must definitely watch before they die. Without further ado,...

Hayao Miyazaki is a true maverick when it comes to storytelling and animation. His ideas, thoughts, and approaches have shaped people’s outlook on life, art, and society as a whole. It isn’t surprising that his films inspire awe and self-reflection.

He blends fantastical elements with realism, which makes every story unique. The same goes for Studio Ghibli co-founder Isao Takahata, who was in a league of his own. He gave us one of the most jarring movies, underlining the realities of war.

While both are seasoned animators, it was clear that Miyazaki was scared of his colleague. This had to do with Takahata’s different way of living and his key approach. But this also means that both Ghibli directors are visionaries in every aspect.

Hayao Miyazaki is scared of Isao Takahata

While the internet calls him a grumpy old man, we know one thing about Hayao Miyazaki:...

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One of Studio Ghibli’s most beloved — and devastating — movies is getting a new Blu-ray Steelbook release. Grave of the Fireflies will be released as a Steelbook Blu-ray from Shout Factory, featuring a new cover design. The Blu-ray is available for preorder now from Walmart and Barnes & Noble and drops on July 8.

The Blu-ray rerelease arrives amid news that Grave of the Fireflies will also get a theatrical rerelease.

A heartbreaking Studio Ghibli classic returns to home video with this summer's arrival of Grave of the Fireflies . The 1988 anime film from director Isao Takahata is coming back to Blu-ray in a standard edition and a limited edition SteelBook from Gkids, both of which are now available to pre-order via the Crunchyroll Store ahead of a July 8 launch. Check out more information on both, including special features and cover art, below. Grave of the Fireflies Movie (Blu-ray + DVD) As the Empire of the Sun crumbles upon itself and a rain of firebombs falls upon Japan, the final death march of a nation is echoed in millions of smaller tragedies. This is the story of Seita and his younger sister Setsuko, two children born at the wrong time, in the wrong place, and now cast adrift in a world that lacks not the care to shelter them, but simply the resources.

Exploring The Tragedy Behind Studio Ghibli’s Animated Masterpiece, Grave Of The Fireflies ( Photo Credit – Netflix )

1988 could be called Studio Ghibli‘s defining year. It is the time when they released not just one but two cinematic juggernauts as a double feature, so opposite in tone that they practically orbit different emotional planets. One was Hayao Miyazaki’s My Neighbor Totoro, a soft breeze of joy wrapped in childhood wonder, and the other was Isao Takahata’s Grave of the Fireflies, which felt like getting your soul wrung out and left to dry in the aftermath of war.

Where Grief Becomes Story

While Totoro danced through sun-soaked fields and soot sprites, Grave of the Fireflies dropped like an emotional bomb. Don’t get me wrong, it is not the kind that explodes outward but the kind that detonates quietly in your chest, echoing long after the credits roll. It is...

Studio Ghibli is the best animation studio in the world, and whenever there is a topic about anime movies, Ghibli Studio comes up first.

Anyone who has ever watched a single Ghibli movie must have imagined themselves as the movie’s characters because the creative animation and artwork it creates make everyone feel so alive and fresh. However, in recent times, everything has been trying to be a Ghibli character by using different AI.

Hayao Miyazaki and Toshio Suzuki founded Studio Ghibli and invited another amazing animated movie director, Isao Takahata, who worked with Miyazaki to produce movies like Grave of the Fireflies.

Ghibli Movies Ranking From Worst To Best Some of the Best Studio Ghibli Movies in the Image: Image Credit: Studio Ghibli

This list will discuss Studio Ghibli Movies Ranked from Worst to Best, including the IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Fandomwire ratings.

RankMovie TitleYearDirectorIMDb RatingFandomwire Rating24Earwig and...

Studio Ghibli's North America-based film distributor, Gkids, has revealed its official theatrical slate for Ghibli Fest 2025. Starting next month, anime lovers will get to see some of the studio's biggest hits -- and some of its most underrated -- return to U.S. and Canadian theaters.

Gkids' official X (Twitter) page showcases the selection, which includes seven anime films directed by world-renowned Ghibli co-founders Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata. In addition to several of the studio's most well-known movies, the lineup also features comparatively lesser-known works such as The Secret World of Arrietty -- an adaptation of The Borrowers novel series by Mary Norton. This movie was directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi (Mary and the Witch's Flower). Ponyo -- Hayao Miyazaki's imaginative retelling of The Little Mermaid -- will also be shown. Screenings of both the original Japanese and English-dubbed versions will be held from May to November 2025. The full...

Before Studio Ghibli, 1972's Panda! Go Panda! brought together anime legends Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki. Starting today, you can pick up a new fan book all about the history, making and influence of the legendary children's film. The Panda! Go Panda! Fanbook is 128 pages of stills and story summaries, plus behind-the-scenes materials including image boards, character designs, lobby cards and ads: Related: Detective Conan TV Anime 30th Anniversary Project Launches The book also includes a new illustration gallery featuring art by a variety of well-known artists and animators, including: Masashi Ando ( Princess Mononoke / Spirited Away character designer) Toshiyuki Inoue ( Magnetic Rose character designer) Takayuki Goto ( Ghost in the Shell: Stand-Alone Complex character designer/chief animation director) Yoshiharu Sato ( My Neighbor Totoro character designer/animation director) Hiroshi Shimizu ( Megalobox character designer/chief animation director) Kazuhide Tomonaga ( Lupin the 3rd Part IV chief director) And many others. The Panda! Go Panda!

In 1997, amateur animator David Encinas received a special opportunity to train under the leadership of Studio Ghibli co-founders Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata during the production of Princess Mononoke. He also witnessed a single-minded creative determination in Miyazaki that almost caused the studio's financial ruin.

Per Vulture, David Encinas is a French animator known for his work on major productions such as Disney's A Goofy Movie (1995). He was also one of the first Westerners to join Ghibli's staff in the '90s. While he currently works as an animation instructor at Gobelins, Paris, he vividly remembers the period he spent working as a trainee under the supervision of Hayao Miyazaki. "Bouncing ball exercises and drawing hands," he stated, recalling the various training tasks he was given to refine his basic skills. "In less than three months, I learned more than in all my years combined at Gobelins and Disney." He...

Many have argued that AI technology poses an existential threat to the modern animation industry. In the midst of a new AI-art trend inspired by the legendary Studio Ghibli, Goro Miyazaki -- Ghibli's managing director and the son of studio co-founder Hayao Miyazaki -- is still confident that Ghibli's continued success is dependent on both his father and Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki.

As reported by Japan Today, the popular AI-based program ChatGPT recently released a new image creator that allows users to instantly generate illustrations based on Ghibli's iconic animation style. Goro Miyazaki, who directed Tales of Earthsea (2006) and From Up on Poppy Hill (2011) at Ghibli, acknowledged in a recent interview how sophisticated AI generators have become in just a few short years. Consequently, he believes that filmmakers will continue to use it as both a conceptual and a production tool. "It wouldn't be surprising if, in two years' time,...

Just like how Oppenheimer and Barbie were released around the same time, leading to the Barbenheimer phenomenon, Japan’s anime scene has its own version of it. How? Studio Ghibli released My Neighbor Totoro and Grave of the Fireflies on the same date in 1988.

My Neighbor Totoro is marked by its delightful vibe that is able to entertain and touch viewers of all ages. It is one of the most popular works of Hayao Miyazaki, with Totoro being Ghibli’s mascot. Grave of the Fireflies, on the other hand, is an anti-war movie by director Isao Takahata.

My Neighbor Totoro and Grave of the Fireflies were released as double feature | Credits: Ghibli

Both movies have completely different themes and visuals. One has the ability to leave its audience grieving, while the other gives viewers a ray of hope.

Grave of the Fireflies and My Neighbor Totoro were the predecessors to...

Revival screenings of anime movie Anne of Green Gables: Road to Green Gables , written and directed by Isao Takahata, will be held at 66 movie theaters in Japan for a limited time of two weeks starting May 30, 2025. The 100-minute film is a compilation of the first six episodes of the 50-episode TV anime adaptation of Lucy Maud Montgomery's classic novel Anne of Green Gables . The main staff included legends in the history of Japanese animation, such as Isao Takahata (director), Hayao Miyazaki (scene setting and layout), Yoshifumi Kondo (animation director), and Masahiro Ioka (art director). This theatrical version was not officially released when it was re-edited in 1989 under the supervision of Takahata himself, but was released theatrically in July 2010 , 20 years later. These screenings are part of a revival screening project sponsored by Filmarks to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Nippon Animation, the company that produced the original TV anime. This...

Before Hayao Miyazaki was a beloved film auteur responsible for classics like “Princess Mononoke” and new masterpieces like “The Boy and the Heron,” the Studio Ghibli co-founder was a veteran of the early Japanese TV anime industry, working as a storyboard and key animation artist for shows like “Lupin III.” And, while most call 1979’s Lupin film “The Castle of Cagliostro” Miyazaki’s directorial debut, the honor actually belongs to “Future Boy Conan,” a post-apocalyptic sci-fi series that ran for 26 episodes the year before. Now, that hidden gem of Miyazaki’s career will be available to stream in the United States for the first time ever.

IndieWire can exclusively reveal that “Future Boy Conan” will begin streaming this April on RetroCrush, a subscription service dedicated to classic anime. The first episode of the series will premiere on Friday, April 18, followed by weekly releases of the remaining 25 episodes. Additionally, episodes of...