All 40 Hayao Miyazaki Movies (in Order)
Get ready to embark on a captivating journey through the world of Hayao Miyazaki, a renowned animator and filmmaker known for his magical and thought-provoking movies. In this roundup article, we’ll explore some of Miyazaki’s most iconic works, diving deep into the enchanting stories and intricate animation that have made him a legend in the film industry.
1. Doggie March (1963)
In the heartwarming and adventurous world of “Doggie March” (1963), Rock, an innocent and spirited puppy, experiences a harrowing loss as his mother is mercilessly killed by a vicious tiger and a treacherous fox. Filled with an urge for vengeance, Rock embarks on an epic quest to unite a multitude of animals in pursuit of justice for his fallen family member.
2. Gulliver’s Space Travels: Beyond the Moon (1965)
Join young Gulliver and his new friend on a thrilling journey to the far reaches of space in “Gulliver’s Space Travels: Beyond the Moon” (1965). This imaginative adventure, filled with animation, sci-fi intrigue, and heartwarming camaraderie, follows an excitable boy who befriends the legendary Lemuel Gulliver. Together, they build a rocket ship and embark on a quest to the Star of Hope.
3. Horus: Prince of the Sun (1968)
Horus: Prince of the Sun, a Japanese animated adventure film from 1968, follows the journey of a young boy with a mythical sword, who seeks to protect a Norse village from an evil ice wizard and his minions. The village, suspicious of his intentions, doesn’t fully trust him.
4. Puss in Boots (1969)
Puss in Boots, “ a 1969 Japanese animated film, follows the charismatic Pero, also known as Puss in Boots, on a thrilling adventure. After coming to the aid of a young peasant boy, Pero helps him win the heart of a beautiful princess, all while saving her from the malevolent grasp of an evil wizard.
5. Animal Treasure Island (1971)
Animal Treasure Island” is a timeless animated adventure released in 1971, which captivates the hearts of children and adults alike. This Japanese masterpiece is filled with thrilling action, clever humor, and a heartwarming sense of camaraderie.
6. Conan, the Boy in Future (1979)
Conan, the Boy in Future, “ also known as “Mirai shônen Konan, “ is a gripping animated adventure film from 1979. The movie is set in a post-war world, where magnetic weapons have caused catastrophic earthquakes. Amidst the chaos, a spirited young boy named Conan finds himself caught up in a thrilling quest.
7. Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro (1979)
Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro is a thrilling animated adventure that takes viewers on a daring quest to uncover a hidden treasure. The story follows a suave and skilled thief, Lupin III, and his motley crew of accomplices as they attempt to rescue a captive princess while discovering the secret behind her possession of an enigmatic ring.
8. Space Adventure Cobra (1982)
Space Adventure Cobra is a thrilling 1982 film that combines the genres of animation, action, and fantasy. Directed by Osamu Dezaki, this thought-provoking masterpiece follows a legendary space pirate as he joins forces with a determined bounty huntress on an extravagant quest to save her world.
9. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
Experience the thrilling adventure of an epic post-apocalyptic saga as Princess Nausicaä, set amidst a polluted world, fights to save her dying planet from the destructive claws of two warring nations. This heartwarming and animated masterpiece weaves together the journey of a noble and fierce princess who faces extreme adversity but never loses hope. Aimed at exploring themes such as pollution, pacifism, and unity, director Hayao Miyazaki leaves an unforgettable mark on anime and sci-fi films through his storytelling prowess.
10. Castle in the Sky (1986)
Embark on an epic adventure in “Castle in the Sky, “ a 1986 masterpiece by iconic anime director Hayao Miyazaki. Set in an era of steam-powered machines, pirate ships, and foreign invasion, this animated film follows a young boy and a girl as they embark on an unforgettable journey to find a legendary floating castle. Armed with a magical crystal, the duo must outwit treacherous pirates and cunning foreign agents, all while navigating a lost civilization and an otherworldly tunnel that holds the key to their discovery.
11. The Story of Yanagawa’s Canals (1987)
The Story of Yanagawa’s Canals”, a live-action documentary film from 1987, is an insightful look into the history and community spirit of the town of Yanagawa. Produced by Nibariki, the film traces the intriguing story behind the numerous canals that transformed the region into a thriving ecosystem.
12. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
In the magical world of Studio Ghibli’s “My Neighbor Totoro, “ young sisters Satsuki and Mei embark on a heartwarming adventure that blends whimsy and wonder. Moving to the country to be near their sick mother, these spirited siblings quickly discover the enchanting creatures that inhabit the forests around them — including the gentle, friendly Totoro. As Satsuki and Mei forge relationships with their newfound forest friends, they learn valuable lessons about the importance of family, friendship, and hope.
13. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
Kiki’s Delivery Service, released in 1990, is a charming Japanese animated family film that follows a young witch named Kiki. As part of her training, Kiki spends a year living on her own.
14. Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland (1989)
Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland” is a delightful animated adventure-comedy, released in 1992 with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. Based on the popular book series by Winsor McCay, this movie follows the young protagonist, Nemo, who embarks on thrilling nightly journeys through the mystical world of Slumberland. Here, he befriends the wise King Morpheus, but soon discovers the terrifying existence of Nightmare Land and its cruel ruler, throwing the balance of Slumberland into peril.
15. Only Yesterday (1991)
Only Yesterday” is a wistful animated drama from Studio Ghibli that takes audiences on a nostalgic journey through the memories of its twenty-seven-year-old protagonist, Taeko. As the story unfolds, Taeko leaves her bustling city life behind to explore the tranquil Japanese countryside, and in doing so, begins to reminisce about her childhood spent in Tokyo.
16. Porco Rosso (1992)
Hayao Miyazaki’s unique anime masterpiece, “Porco Rosso”, takes us to 1930s Italy where a former World War I pilot finds himself cursed to appear as a talking pig. Named after a famous World War I Italian pilot, this engaging tale follows the adventures of the anthropomorphic pilot named Porco Rosso as he takes to the skies as an air pirate.
17. Pom Poko (1994)
Pom Poko, released in 1994, is a captivating animated film that delicately weaves together elements of comedy, drama, and subtle commentary on environmental issues. Directed and written by Isao Takahata, this touching and heartwarming tale follows a group of magical raccoon dogs, known as tanuki, as they attempt to preserve their idyllic forest home from the impending threat of urban development.
18. Whisper of the Heart (1995)
In “Whisper of the Heart, “ a heartwarming tale unfolds in a quaint Japanese town, bringing together an avid book lover and a curious book collector. As the young protagonist, Shizuku, discovers her passion for reading, she stumbles upon a mysterious boy’s name that appears in the books she borrows. This chance encounter sparks a series of events that will forever change Shizuku’s life, as she navigates the challenges of love, ambition, and the journey of self-discovery.
19. Princess Mononoke (1997)
Princess Mononoke” is a riveting animated adventure film from Studio Ghibli, released in 1997. Directed by visionary Hayao Miyazaki, this masterpiece revolves around the story of Ashitaka, who embarks on a quest to find a cure for a mystical curse. His journey leads him into the midst of a raging war between the forest gods and humans from a mining colony.
20. Princess Mononoke: How the Film Was Conceived (1998)
Princess Mononoke: How the Film Was Conceived” is a captivating documentary that explores the journey of Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpiece, from inception to its monumental impact on Japanese society. The film meticulously delves into the behind-the-scenes production process at the studios, showcasing the vocal cast’s overdubs and ADR sessions in both Japanese and English.
21. Spirited Away (2001)
Experience the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli with the captivating animated adventure, Spirited Away. Following the story of a 10-year-old girl named Chihiro, who stumbles into a mystical realm of gods, witches, and spirits, this heartwarming film showcases an unforgettable journey filled with wonder and discovery.
22. The Cat Returns (2002)
The Cat Returns” is a whimsical and enchanting animated adventure comedy from Studio Ghibli. The story follows a 17-year-old girl named Haru, who inadvertently becomes engaged to a charming cat prince in the magical realm of Catbus. After helping a lost, injured cat, Haru discovers that the creature holds her fate in its paws and must now navigate the peculiar world of feline rule-makers to free herself.
23. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
Howl’s Moving Castle” takes us on an enchanting journey into a world where magic is real, and anything is possible. The film follows the story of a young woman who is cursed with an old body by a wicked witch, and her only hope of breaking the spell lies in the hands of an eccentric young wizard and his companions in their extraordinary walking castle. This captivating animated adventure, brought to life by the world-renowned Studio Ghibli, seamlessly blends love, friendship, and a touch of steampunk, all set against the backdrop of a fantastical world.
24. Tales from Earthsea (2006)
Dive into the mystical land of Earthsea, a wondrous world filled with magic, dragons, and unimaginable mysteries, as you join a man and a young boy on a thrilling adventure to uncover the secrets behind a series of peculiar events. In “Tales from Earthsea, “ directed by Gorô Miyazaki and produced by the legendary Studio Ghibli, you’ll be captivated by the breathtaking animation, intricate storytelling, and the epic clashes between powerful wizards and fearsome dragons.
25. The Pixar Story (2007)
Delve into the world of Pixar, the groundbreaking animation company that revolutionized filmmaking with The Pixar Story. This compelling documentary takes you behind the scenes of this influential organization, as it charts its rise from humble beginnings to cinematic triumph. Led by industry pioneers John Lasseter and Brad Bird, The Pixar Story is a captivating and inspiring look at the science and technology that propelled a new generation of animation.
26. Ponyo (2008)
Experience the enchanting world of “Ponyo” as a young goldfish princess named Ponyo longs to become human. When a touching love affair develops between her and a five-year-old boy, she goes on a magical quest, defying the sea goddess and unleashing a dangerous tsunami on her small seaside town.
27. Anne of Green Gables: Road to Green Gables (2010)
Anne of Green Gables: Road to Green Gables” is a heartwarming animated adaptation of L. M. Montgomery’s beloved classic, Anne of Green Gables. Set in the picturesque Prince Edward Island, the film follows the journey of Anne, an imaginative and spirited orphan, as she navigates her new home and its challenges.
28. Toy Story 3 (2010)
Join Woody, Buzz, and their whimsical band of toys as they embark on a thrilling adventure in Toy Story 3! . When the gang is mistakenly delivered to a daycare center instead of the attic, Woody rallies his friends to convince each other that they haven’t been abandoned.
29. The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)
The Secret World of Arrietty” is a captivating animated adventure that transports viewers into an unseen world inhabited by four-inch-tall beings. Directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, the film tells the story of the Clock family, who live unnoticed among us, borrowing simple items from their human hosts to create a home of their own.
30. From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)
From Up on Poppy Hill is a heartwarming animated film that captures the essence of the 1960s in Japan. Set in the charming town of Yokohama, a group of teenagers band together to save their school’s beloved clubhouse from being torn down in preparation for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Filled with laughter, drama, and a touch of Studio Ghibli’s magic, this film showcases the power of friendship and teamwork in the face of adversity.
31. Two People (2011)
Two People” is an riveting Japanese documentary that delves deep into the complex relationship between father and son, Hayao Miyazaki and Goro Miyazaki. Set against the backdrop of their groundbreaking work in animation history, the film chronicles a journey of 10 life-changing months, as Hayao and Goro worked together on the recently released film Kokuriko-Zaka Kar (From Up on Poppy Hill).
32. Isao Takahata and His Tale of Princess Kaguya (2013)
Isao Takahata and His Tale of Princess Kaguya” is a captivating documentary that delves into the groundbreaking world of animation, exploring the creative process behind Studio Ghibli’s most legendary work. The film traces the journey of the legendary animator Takahata as he embarks on the creation of his first feature film in fourteen years, ‘The Tale of Princess Kaguya’.
33. The Wind Rises (2013)
The Wind Rises, directed by Hayao Miyazaki, is a highly acclaimed 2013 animation film that delves into the life of Jiro Horikoshi, the engineer who designed Japanese fighter planes during World War II. The movie is set in the 1930s and follows Jiro’s journey, blending historical events with surreal dream sequences.
34. The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness (2013)
Dive into the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli as the film “The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness” takes viewers behind the scenes of their magical productions. Directed by Mami Sunada, this documentary provides an intimate look at the lives of renowned filmmakers Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki as they work tirelessly to release two remarkable films, “The Wind Rises” and “The Tale of the Princess Kaguya”, simultaneously. With a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes, this captivating documentary delves into the art of filmmaking, offering a glimpse into the unique creative processes and dedication of the Studio Ghibli team.
35. The Oscars (2014)
Experience the glitz, glamour, and heartfelt moments of Hollywood’s most prestigious event, The Oscars (2014). This year, the Academy celebrated the achievements of the film industry in 2013.
36. The Oscars (2015)
The Oscars” is a celebration of the year’s achievements in film, produced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, the event features musical and comedy performances, as well as tributes to the year’s most memorable films and actors. The show is filled with unexpected surprises, showcasing the magic of cinema and the passion of the film community.
37. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
Avengers: Age of Ultron” sees Earth’s mightiest heroes unite once more to stop the villainous Ultron from enacting his devastating plan. When Tony Stark and Bruce Banner attempt to jump-start a peacekeeping program called Ultron, things quickly spiral out of control. Amidst the chaos, it falls to the Avengers to prevent Ultron from carrying out his terrible scheme.
38. Never-Ending Man: Hayao Miyazaki (2016)
Never-Ending Man: Hayao Miyazaki” is a riveting documentary that takes us into the life of the legendary Japanese animator, Hayao Miyazaki, following his retirement in 2013. This film, directed by Kaku Arakawa and featuring the stars of Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli, is an unscripted tale of creativity, determination, and the never-ending quest for innovation.
39. Mary and the Witch’s Flower (2017)
Mary and the Witch’s Flower, “ an enchanting animated adventure, based on Mary Stewart’s “The Little Broomstick, “ follows a young girl named Mary as she discovers the power of a mystical flower granting her magical abilities. Joined by an unlikely broomstick-riding friend, they embark on a spellbinding journey filled with wonder and excitement.
40. The Boy and the Heron (2023)
In “The Boy and the Heron, “ a young boy named Mahito is consumed by grief following his mother’s passing. In a world where the living and the dead coexist, he encounters a heron, a parakeet, and the fire that gives life a new purpose.
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