Studio Ghibliis a name synonymous with enchanting storytelling, lush animation, and unforgettable characters. From the global success ofSpirited Awayto the heartfelt magic ofMy Neighbor Totoro, Ghibli films have carved a permanent place in the hearts of anime lovers around the world. But beyond the well-known classics lies a treasure trove of lesser-celebrated works that deserve equal admiration. These hidden gems offer a broader look at the studio’s artistic range, often tackling themes and styles that differ from their more mainstream counterparts.
Whether fans are a long-time Ghibli lover or a newcomer eager to explore its legacy, it is time to give some overdue attention to the studio’s more obscure creations.There are many underrated Studio Ghibli animethat every true fan should know, each one a unique window into the rich world the studio continues to shape.These lesser-known titles often go unnoticed by mainstream audiences, yet they contain the same heart, imagination, and attention to detail that define the studio’s more popular films.From bold artistic experiments to heartfelt coming-of-age tales, these works reveal Ghibli’s commitment to storytelling in all its forms.
7On Your Mark
Short Film by Studio Ghibli; Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki,On Your Markis a short film that often flies under the radar despite its powerful visuals and storytelling. Released in 1995 as a music video for the Japanese rock duo Chage & Aska, this seven-minute animation showcases Ghibli’s capacity to tell a moving story without any dialogue. Set in a dystopian future, the plot revolves around two policemen who discover a winged girl in an underground lab and risk everything to help her escape. Though brief, the film has a gripping story through its imaginative visuals and emotional beats.
What makesOn Your Markparticularly amazing is how it compresses a full cinematic arc into a few short minutes. Its ambiguous timeline and dream-like sequences invite multiple interpretations, making it a work that is endlessly re-watchable.Miyazaki uses this piece to explore themes of freedom, technology, and hope, often contrasting the sterile, oppressive world with the liberating flight of the mysterious girl.It serves as a fascinating experiment in nonlinear storytelling and a compelling display of Ghibli’s ability to push creative boundaries even in the shortest formats.
Often met with mixed reviews since and on its release,Tales from Earthseais one of Ghibli’s most misunderstood films. Directed by Goro Miyazaki, the film adapts elements from Ursula K. Le Guin’s beloved fantasy series. The plot follows a young prince named Arren who joins forces with the archmage Ged to restore balance to a world teetering on the edge of chaos. Unlike the studio’s more whimsical offerings,Tales from Earthseadives into darker themes such as mortality, identity, and the struggle between light and darkness.
Despite its flaws, the film has moments of stunning beauty and philosophical depth that echo the thematic weight of classic high fantasy. Goro Miyazaki’s directorial debut may not have achieved the critical acclaim of his father’s work, but it was a bold attempt to carve a new direction for the studio. The richly detailed world-building and contemplative tone makeTales from Earthseaa worthwhile watch for those interested in the deeper, more brooding side of Ghibli’s catalog. With time, it has gained a cult following that appreciates its ambition and aesthetic grandeur.
5-Zen- Grogu and Dust Bunnies
Short Film by Studio Ghibli; Collaboration with Lucasfilm Featuring Grogu
A delightful blend of East and West, -Zen- Grogu and Dust Bunniesis a recent and highly unusual Ghibli short.Created in collaboration with Lucasfilm, this charming black-and-white film stars Grogu, more commonly referred to as Baby Yoda, alongside Ghibli’s iconic soot sprites.Released on Disney+, it marks a rare foray into cross-franchise storytelling and showcases the studio’s ability to blend seamlessly into different universes while retaining its unique charm. The hand-drawn animation and minimalist aesthetic have a sense of playfulness and simplicity that is quintessentially Ghibli.
-Zen- Grogu and Dust Bunniesserves as a love letter to fans of both Star Wars and Studio Ghibli, and proves that even the most unexpected collaborations can result in something magical.
Despite its brevity and light-hearted tone, -Zen- Grogu and Dust Bunniesspeaks volumes about the universal appeal of kindness and curiosity. The short relies on visual storytelling and expressive animation to build a whimsical interaction between two beloved characters from vastly different mythologies.-Zen- Grogu and Dust Bunniesserves as a love letter to fans of both Star Wars and Studio Ghibli, and proves that even the most unexpected collaborations can result in something magical. This short isa reminder of how Ghibli continues to innovate and surprise, even in the ever-expanding landscape of pop culture.
Directed by Isao Takahata,My Neighbors the Yamadasis a slice-of-life comedy that stands out for its unconventional animation style and episodic structure. Unlike the studio’s more polished and detailed aesthetic, this film adopts a watercolor look that mirrors traditional Japanese manga strips. The story revolves around the daily lives of the Yamada family, capturing both mundane and heartfelt moments with humor and warmth. Its charm lies in its relatability and its gentle, observational storytelling.
What makes this film so underrated is its deviation from what audiences typically expect from Ghibli. There is no overarching plot or fantastical adventure, just a series of vignettes that paint a vivid picture of familial life. Takahata uses these segments to explore themes like generational gaps, marital dynamics, and the small victories and frustrations of everyday existence.My Neighbors the Yamadasis a quiet masterpiece, one that rewards viewers with its honesty, wit, and emotional resonance.It is proof that Ghibli does not need grand narratives to create deeply moving cinema.
3Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter
Anime Series by Studio Ghibli and Polygon Pictures; Based on the Novel by Astrid Lindgren
Ronja, the Robber’s Daughteris a television series co-produced by Studio Ghibli and Polygon Pictures, directed by Goro Miyazaki. Based on the novel by Astrid Lindgren, the series tells the story of Ronja, a spirited girl growing up among a band of robbers in a magical forest. The 26-episode series combines Ghibli’s signature storytelling with a 3D animation style that, while initially jarring for fans of the studio’s traditional look, ultimately makes the show’s fairy-tale atmosphere even better.
This series deserves more recognition for its complex characters and strong emotional core.Ronja’s journey is one of self-discovery, courage, and reconciliation as she navigates the tensions between her love for her family and her desire for independence.The forest itself is a character that is mysterious, beautiful, and sometimes dangerous, mirroring Ronja’s internal struggles. The show explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the loss of innocence with a depth rarely seen on children’s television or children’s anime. It is a testament to how Studio Ghibli’s storytelling magic can thrive across different formats and audiences.
Ocean Waves,also known by the name ofI Can Hear the Sea,is a television film directed by Tomomi Mochizuki and stands as one of Ghibli’s more grounded works. Set in a coastal town, it follows the story of a love triangle between two high school boys and a transfer student named Rikako. Unlike Ghibli’s usual fantastical fare,Ocean Wavesis rooted in the realism of adolescence and its awkwardness, emotional highs and lows, and the bittersweet nature of growing up.
Ocean Wavesoften flies under the radar because it lacks the visual spectacle of Ghibli’s blockbusters and was not originally released in theaters, yet it provides a poignant exploration of memory, regret, and the complexity of young love.
Though modest in scope, the film excels in capturing the nuances of teenage relationships and the unspoken tensions that define them. The subdued art style and quiet pacing may not appeal to everyone, but they are done that way intentionally and suit the story’s introspective tone.Ocean Wavesoften flies under the radar because it lacks the visual spectacle of Ghibli’s blockbusters and was not originally released in theaters, yet it provides a poignant exploration of memory, regret, and the complexity of young love.It is a must-watch for those who appreciate character-driven narratives and the subtle emotional rhythms of real life.
Pom Pokois one of Ghibli’s most daring films, blending folklore, environmentalism, and absurd humor into a singular cinematic experience.Directed by Isao Takahata, the film tells the story of shape-shifting tanuki, which are Japanese raccoon dogs who wage a battle to save their forest from urban development. The tanuki use their supernatural powers to play tricks on humans, leading to a series of comedic and tragic events that underline the tension between nature and modernization.
While it may seem whimsical on the surface,Pom Pokotackles serious themes with surprising gravity. The film does not shy away from showing the consequences of environmental destruction, nor does it offer easy solutions. Its tonal shifts, from lighthearted mischief to somber reflection, challenge viewers to think critically about humanity’s impact on the natural world. The animation is vibrant and inventive, especially in the transformation scenes, showcasingStudio Ghibli’sflair for the fantastical.Pom Pokois an underrated gem that balances entertainment with a powerful ecological message, making it both a visual treat and a thoughtful commentary.
