Top 10 Times Studio Ghibli Movies Tackled Serious Issues

Studio Ghibli has tackled a lot of serious issues. For this list, we’ll be looking at times films released by the Japanese animation studio addressed heavy or poignant themes. Our countdown includes “Spirited Away,” “My Neighbor Totoro,” “Grave of the Fireflies,” and more! Which serious issue do YOU think Studio Ghibli tackled the best? Let us know in the comments!
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MsMojo is a leading producer of reference online video content of Top 10 Lists, Origins, Biographies, Commentary and more on Pop Culture, Celebrity, Movies, Music, TV, Film, Video Games, Politics, News, Comics, Superheroes. Your trusted authority on ranking Pop Culture.
#StudioGhibli #HayaoMiyazaki #Animation #JapaneseAnimation #Anime

[@haydendegrow945]

I think you missed a good one in Kiki's Delivery Service. The movie dapples into depression, maturing from child to adult, and finding self-confidence. It may be a simple movie, but it does subtly add in meaningful themes

[@SISKCERTWaJaVlogs]

similar to spirited away but that movie was more abt a girl evolving to become brave n stuff like how luke skywalker went from a boy to a jedi master

[@globbyakaweirdjellyguy954]

I love “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind” and how she is so tough but kind and unyielding when she tries to find a better way than killing.😊 Her glider and little fox-squirrel Tato are pretty great too.😉❤️

[@Rosewolf29]

Kinda like Aang, he tried to find any other way to end the war without killing the Fire Lord, and ended up doing so.

[@drawwitha.k7494]

I'm currently watching nausicaa

[@Aurorak-i6l]

I grew up with Studio Ghibli as a kid. Most of them are masterpieces

[@dreamguardian8320]

My favorites are Spirited Away, Whisper of the Heart, Ponyo, The Secret World of Arrietty, and From Up on Poppy Hill.

[@doozle7450]

MOST, not all, but the majority. And we don’t talk about the others

[@TheCommenterDragon]

The fact that Grave of the Fireflies is one of the few anime adaptians of Japan during WW2 is one of the things i like most about it, mainly because there's literally not too many anime adaptians depicting that particular time period in history at least as far as i know anyway.

[@davidpumpkinsjr.5108]

When Marnie Was There also dealt with the issues that foreigners and people of mixed ethnicities sometimes face in Japan.

[@MrGabeanator]

That made me cry 😢

[@donovan802]

I think we can all agree that Hayao Miyazaki is an animation genius. These pieces are museum worthy.

[@shirinroy2907]

A highly underrated Ghibli movie is 'Only Yesterday' highlighting how traumatic one's childhood can be. Not everything about childhood is blissful and beautiful for it too has it's fair share of complexities in the form of adolescence issues, family conflict, sibling rivalry and so much more. I loved how the movie spoke of letting go of our childhood in the process of accepting ourselves. :') An absolute gem of a movie by Takahata ❤️

[@veronicapiccinini7956]

The beauty in “Princess Mononoke” is that that both sides have a point and the movie doesn’t demonize them. That Lady War (I don’t remember her name) might be brutal in destroying the land, but it’s the only way to give the unfortunate people (refugees, ex prostitutes, and even lepers) a future and a place to live peacefully. The gods on the other hand want to protect their home, but they are not above of being jerks.

[@MrMule-eg5fg]

Agreed Also her name was lady oboshi Not sure if I spelled it correctly

[@silashurd3597]

@@MrMule-eg5fg Eboshi but you were close 👍🙂

[@Lady-Kanerasoka]

I absolutely love “Princess Mononoke” and I’m glad it’s theme about battle for resources vs preserving the environment made the No.1 spot! “Spirited Away” used to be no.1 favorite film until I saw “Mononoke.” The film is so beautifully animated with diverse, rich storytelling and has a lot of voice actors/actresses I’m a big fan of. Plus the character San’s facial pattern was an inspiration for the infamous Star Wars character Ahsoka Tano (who’s one of my top 3 all time favorite characters in the entire Star Wars franchise) back when she was very first revealed to the world in the 2008-2014;2020 TV series “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.” Plus those spirit wolves San lives with also inspired wolves of a VERY similar nature known as Loth-wolves seen in the final season of the 2014-2018 TV series “Star Wars Rebels.” There were even a couple scenes involving the wolves that were basically “mirror images” of that of “Princess Mononoke”!!!

[@ronorleans]

'Grave of the Fireflies, always gets me ugly crying. Another great countdown, I love Studio Ghibli and have the box set 🥰😍

[@dreamguardian8320]

The consequences for destroying Nature, using technology irresponsibly and for evil, and pollution. Hayao Miyazaki truly gives his fans important life lessons in his movies.

[@moonkiitty]

Absolutely delighted you used the old Fox dub for Totoro! On another note, the complexity of Princess Mononoke is something I like about it, and I'm glad that you pointed it out. When I watched the movie, I couldn't help but feel for everyone but the woman running the show. "Help me kill the forest spirit" just isn't something very enticing. But the people who work for her love her, and you can see why when she interacts with them. Yet the forest is clearly hurting, and its rage is valid. It's not a movie I can just sit down to watch, but it's a memorable one.

[@mmps18]

Ghibli taught me so much ❤️ such brilliance and compassion

[@AliAngelpie]

This is why I have, and will always, love Studio Ghibli and will see them as one of my favorite animation studios! :)

[@dreamsofparis5535]

WOW! STUDIO GHIBLI! 'Grave of the Fireflies' is the only film from them I refuse to watch after the first time. It hits you real hard 😭😭😭

[@MxCartney_Lou]

Thanks for using the Fox Dubs in the clips…..i love you for this!

[@curesaul5749]

I always loved how this is an animated studio that makes movies for general audiences yet they aren’t afraid to deal with very mature messages and themes while most Hollywood animation studios are afraid to do so. Due to them being concerned about scaring away children. Ghibli is the perfect example of “Animation Is For Everyone”.

[@criticalhorizon]

When Miyazaki was interviewed about spirited away he said that it was a commentary on how children shouldn't be exploited for payed for sex in japan.

[@Caterfree10]

[citation needed]

[@androidbambi]

I just finished The Tale of Princess Kaguya and it was one of the most beautiful films ever.

[@hejarmikami5828]

I love this one.💖✌️

[@Kikusin22]

Is an underrated masterpiece for sure!

[@hejarmikami5828]

@@Kikusin22 yup

[@chelseacanales8763]

Pom Poko!! Those poor animals!! I was depressed seeing those creatures dying one by one. Grave of the Fireflies surely taught me about how war affect the human race and how family will never look after another relative.

[@ImAFatNerd90]

Can we all agree that Hayao Miyazaki is the Disney of Japan? (So we’re on the same page. You understand I’m referring to him as Disney the man not the company?)

[@tayloredwards4968]

Definitely I love their movies just as much as I love Disney movies

[@nicolewiltsey7793]

ABSOLUTELY!!!! That’s exactly how my son described it to me when he first wanted me to watch these movies with him 🤍

[@sophiawatt2191]

Yass

[@Saddonghussein]

Nope thats literally osamu Tezuka

[@dreamguardian8320]

Yes.

[@anahigomez3351]

they teach us to appreciate the simple things and learn about real situations.

[@hugegander9477]

im a simple person, i see studio ghibli i click

[@allisontucker9874]

Spirited Away is a masterpiece for multiple reasons 1. The Story 2. The Characters 3. The Animation

[@dychrisshandonsmith1242]

Love yourself first and most Believe in yourself Quitters never win and winners never quit Don't give up and never give in Ignore those who try to discourage you Hang on to your dreams Take control of own destiny

[@creativewerido]

Timestamps for the movies ranked: 0:35 - The Wind Rises (The Great Kanto Earthquake) 1:36 - When Marnie was There (The Complexities of Parenting) 2:43 - Spirited Away (Cultural Changes) 4:01 - Pom Poko (The Tanuki Lose their Habitat) 5:12 - My Neighbor Totoro (Chronic Illness) 6:22 - Howl's Moving Castle (Themes of Pacifism) 7:25 - Castle in the Sky (References to the U.K. Miners' Strike) 8:32 - Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (The Consequences of Technological Advancement) 9:46 - Grave of the Fireflies (War Tears a Family Apart) 12:37 - Princess Mononoke (Iron Town's Battle for Resources) 10:59 - Honorable Mentions; • Ponyo (Ocean Pollution) • Castle in the Sky (The Dangers of All-Powerful Weapons) • From Up on Poppy Hill (Preserving Cultural Institutions) • The Tale of Princess Kaguya (Gender Roles)

[@NJLizS]

I'm surprised Grave of the Fireflies isn't at the top of the list.

[@Rosewolf29]

Studio Ghibli has the best movies out there.

[@olvialee7221]

Castle In The Sky is my childhood but this is another thing I didn’t know

[@Kikusin22]

All Studio Ghibli movies are Masterpieces 🌟

[@olvialee7221]

Oh, that’s a heavy situation. I love Howl’s Moving Castle. Saw this in theaters at a young age but did get a bit scared of Howl’s form after a battle

[@pedrosuperhero3]

Each movie has an issues of its own in the story but u got to admit they are awesome and great to watch

[@afoolishfopdoodle3284]

I really feel like The Wind Rises should've been Number 1. It's a biography of the man who made the design for Japanese bomber planes in WWII.

[@sapphirewingthefurrycritic985]

I loved Spirited away. I can still identify with Chihiro even today after moving around.

[@Ninja-Knight-808]

I remember the very first studio ghibli movie I watched, it was spirited away.

[@kavinaderrow3269]

When I first heard young Jiro's voice, I was like "wait, is that..." Then I looked up the English voice cast, and my suspicions were right. That's Zach Callison.

[@olvialee7221]

For My Neighbor Tortoro, I didn’t know Hayao had a real problem. That’s....sad

[@KaylaPearlCPNinja]

I’ve seen many of these movies, my family and I even have a fair number of them on DVD. I am definitely going to rewatch them and try to watch the ones that I have never seen before.

[@behindthemaestrosdesk]

Studio Ghibli has always shown principles and the rights in the world. If there’s never struggles or unfortunate events that come place in Studio Ghibli, there’s no fundamental principle to look up to

[@silashurd3597]

I sure miss Miyazaki making such great films. It’s refreshing to see people still talking about these🌟🌺

[@nissahauer4309]

Remember howls moving castle was a book before it was a movie. The themes in the movie are in the book

[@matthewschumann135]

My Neighbor Totoro gets to me now the older I get. Upon first watch you're like, "Yeah, nice kid's movie." But upon 2nd and 3rd viewings, you realize that the girls' mom is coming really close to dying - and it's all going down off screen. The dad and neighbors are putting on a brave face ... then you realize Totoro, Lil Totoro, Catbus, and the rest are appearing to the two girls... just in case their mother doesn't make it.

[@ceres5177]

I love Castle in the Sky!! So underrated!

[@JZJ7777]

I love that movie too! I love going back to watch it every now and then! So nostalgic!

[@thewerewolflostboy5255]

Pom Poko is one of the most underrated Studio Ghibli films!

[@angelaholmes8888]

I love the movie spirited away since I was a kid 🥰🤩😎

[@olvialee7221]

I love Spirited Away and honestly, I couldn’t stop laughing at Chichoro’s mistakes and getting hurt

[@romieanime4614]

when she fell on the stairs🤣🤣🤣

[@garethtrevor2920]

princess mononoke is my all favorite studio ghibli film ever

[@sakuraphillips3283]

Another one is Kikis delivery service when Kiki can't fly and Jiji can't talk Also in Only yesterday when Taiko can't stop thinking about her childhood self

[@dychrisshandonsmith1242]

Keep it up on your work and this video and channel

[@Mark_o_Helm]

Actually "Grave of the fireflies" tells the story, how the boy's pride leads to both their deaths. The aunt was strict, not cruel and the boy made a lot of preventable mistakes out of ignorance. Still i cry every time.😭😭😭

[@菊池清太郎]

Wrong again. Please don’t get your opinions from mediocre KZbin reviews.

[@Mark_o_Helm]

@@菊池清太郎 it's from an interview with Takahata himself.😊

[@thetorontogirl]

Grave of the Fireflies was one of the saddest films I've seen. I cried like no tomorrow and although it's an amazing animation I've yet to bring myself to watch it again especially since Ukraine has been attacked. How children are affected by war...it's devasting.

[@anelzenon7794]

Nice video. THANKS Ms Mojo

[@jacobdrolet4262]

Amazing video of the best Ghibli films that tackle serious issues ms mojo, fantastic job.

[@Acidrain82]

Grave of the Fireflies should be number 1

[@cicirosehannigan]

Kiki's Delivery Service deals with Burn Out.

[@strawberrysoulforever8336]

Anyone else notice that My Neighbour Totoro was showing the old dubbed version? And it's not even the same script Disney used.

[@stephenking5852]

Which dub version is better?

[@m.lanzoni9306]

When does anime hasn't tackled serious issues? In One Piece, they talk about piracy, murder, political conspiracies, organized crime, sexual misconducts. Pokemon anime promoted transexualism and black facing way before our current times. Beserk is blood everywhere and some rapes. Bleach shows divorce, murder, and blood (naturally). And Msmojo worries about serious issues in movies.

[@Caterfree10]

Uh, Jessie and James crossdressing for their disguises isn’t a trans thing. Not to mention the blackface wasn’t actually addressed, just various Pokémon recolored and related anime episodes swept under the rug. Like, I get what you’re saying somewhat, but it’s muddied by some very poor points.

[@romieanime4614]

Bro, Ghibli movie is always single thematic and it message hide behind the pictures, but other anime put it randomly, and the aftermath doesn't have impact other than violation. The strongest will be the winner. Ghibli make solution with for two side. They put Win-win solution for all their film, even for their villain.

[@deathcompanyenjoyer]

Today is my birthday and I love Stuida Ghibli. Yes.

[@elisabethnunez4569]

Top 10 Anime Friendships Between Two Different Species

[@amiserablelittlepileofsecr856]

They do it almost every single time. Except of course ponyo and earwig And some other one I haven't seen.

[@juanmata9814]

Princess Mononoke is absolutely my Favorite Best anime film ever

[@dychrisshandonsmith1242]

I ❤️ studio Ghibli all animated movies

[@klydejohnson7520]

I love all studio Gibley movies I have an old face tattooed on my arm💯🖤

[@fernandorios474]

This is why i love Japanese shows

[@fernandorios474]

@aaustin365 Which I keep it under wraps for it

[@maytalacedo20]

these movies are so incredibly well done in story telling about these things that needed to be told. which I why I Iove some of these movies

[@fantasyprincessgirl]

I liked Studio Ghibli since I was 13 years old.

[@sam_8290]

Princess Mononoke❤❤

[@delmicortave]

I love princess mononoke but as a child, I remember I cry a lot in this movie

[@waittillfamewtf2385]

Independence and Reliance of Teenage Girls 🔯 "Kiki's Delivery Service" (1989) 🕎

[@chantellepride6368]

Grave Of The Fireflies!!!!! I almost cried when this was included in the list.

[@dychrisshandonsmith1242]

Thanks you for your video and channel

[@Mark_o_Helm]

Video idea: "Top 0 serious issue Anime hasn't covered so far." 😁😁😁

[@PerfectlyImperfect93]

Yes MsMojo! 💕

[@angelorocksful]

Interesting that this video is narrated by a Brit as MsMojo's original sister channel's anime list is narrated by a Brit as well

[@jeffreycauwels1974]

Is anyone going to talk about how the tanuki used their balls as parachutes? No? Just me?

[@sarahprince2412]

Ok, what English dubbed version is that of My Neighbor Totoro?? Hell, the same for some of these other ones too. The voices are NOT the same as the one I have on blu-ray. Did they do different English dub versions or something? I’m just wondering because you can hear the difference between these English dubbed versions and the ones released here in the U.S. Some of them are the same voice actors in these clips but the other ones are different. Crazy. Anyways, I love all the Miyazaki movies and have all of the movies on blu-ray as well.

[@dychrisshandonsmith1242]

I ❤️ this video and channel

[@SierenH]

Ic seen all gihli movies...except Grave of the Firefles...o cant bring myself to see it.

[@Digidragon55]

Could you do a Top 10 Forshadowing of Ghibli?

[@danielferrieri7434]

Top Ten Best Studio Ghibli Characters

[@evelynklein7326]

if your able to pt2 please, can/(will) find other like these that aren't studio ghibli movies

[@lunatic6223]

Can somebody suggest me a more hurtful movie than Grave of the Fireflies? Cause so far this is the only movie that I seriously cried.

[@jasminejohnston6393]

The character Minty Zaki in Wreck It Ralph is based on Hayao Miyazaki

[@samuelblinne6040]

Awesome

[@anastasiajane3066]

Love it

[@jacobkemezys3453]

Stop using the Fox Dubbing of Tototo for your videos, the voice cast was terrible! The Disney Dubbing was better, the Fanning sisters did a better job voicing Satsuki and Mei.

[@StephyG728]

Um I wasnt expecting grave of the fireflies to be #2....oof

[@wolfhowlington3931]

Princess Mononoke My All Time Favorite

[@jasminejohnston6393]

Pom Poko was only released in Japan so there’s no English dub of it

[@TheodoreMnts]

What about Whisper of the Heart

[@dychrisshandonsmith1242]

Take care of yourself

[@ggt47]

Ooh.

[@hojinlee212]

Of course, the massacre of Korean migrants during Kanto earthquake was ignored. They were blamed for causing Kanto earthquake.

[@besttiktokJA876]

I pray who read this will become a millionaire 🙏

[@fanofeverything30465]

Stop spamming

[@Nectius]

Personally, number 1 and number 2 should be swapped.

[@MrGabeanator]

I will never watch grave of the fireflies

[@ordonezryulees.173]

why didn't you include whisper of the heart, it tackles serious issues like finding what you truly desire and self worth

[@minejahaj4728]

I'm first

[@Beans_21024]

First