Studio Ghibli is known for its gorgeous films. The traditional, hand-drawn animation of Hayao Miyazaki's movies create completely immersive worlds. Bright colors, swirling lights, and loveable characters pull audiences' in immediately.
Whether it's handsome wizards or giant spirits, Studio Ghibli is constantly bringing new and beautiful worlds to life. Some parts of these movies are even more stunning than others. The climaxes and settings of the stories all tend to be full of that specific kind of Ghibli magic.
Fujimoto's Submarine - Ponyo (2008)
Ponyo is a fun children's movie filled with laughs and love. The story follows Ponyo and her friend Sōsuke as Ponyo explores human life and tries to become human herself. The movie is full of pure delight as the audience sees the world through a child's eyes.
Many of the movie's most brilliant scenes take place in and around water. This frame comes from the very opening of the movie when Ponyo is still with her father, Fujimoto. His submarine coexists beautifully with the ocean around him. It doesn't feel out of place or even man-made. The submarine simply belongs in the ocean with all of the sea life.
Cherry Blossoms - The Tale Of Princess Kaguya (2013)
The Tale of Princess Kaguya is often regarded as one of the most beautiful Ghibli films. The animation isn't the typical Ghibli style that fans are used to, but instead a more traditional style using watercolors. The tale itself also comes from one of the oldest pieces of Japanese prose.
The scene in which Princess Kaguya dances among the cherry blossoms is beautiful for many reasons. This is the first time in a long time Kaguya is able to be herself and feel happy. While it doesn't last long, it is a great moment. But this is also a great moment to take in the art style. Audience members can see each stroke that went into creating this movie, and that itself is stunning.
Mei and Totoro - My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
My Neighbor Totoro is a classic Ghibli kids movie. Between relatable characters and big, lovable creatures like Totoro this movie is every child's dream. The journey of Mei, Satsuki, and Totoro is a heartwarming story that can be enjoyed by all.
This frame of Mei sleeping atop Totoro is one of the most beautiful moments in the movie. This is the moment where Mei and Totoro bond for the first time. The beautiful trees and flora sounding the two are not only breathtaking, but they also convey the message of environmentalism that Hayao Miyazaki often tries to put into his movies.
Kiki's Family Home - Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)
Kiki's Delivery Service is based on a novel by the same name. It is often described as a cottage-core dream for those that wish to spend their days doing what makes them happy, much like Kiki. The movie is also full of valuable lessons like learning to trust yourself and finding what makes you happy. It only makes sense that the film would also have beautiful imagery.
Kiki's home in the opening of the movie is a witch's dream. It's a beautiful cottage full of many different types of plants and flowers. It seems like the perfect place to plant roots and use magic to help your neighbors. And this is exactly what Kiki's mom does. It's also nice that the audience gets to see what a full-grown witch does before watching Kiki embark on her own journey.
The Castle - Castle In The Sky (1986)
Castle in the Sky is a true adventure story. From old fashion train chases to epic sci-fi battles, this film has it all. Sheeta and Pazu are instantly lovable characters. Even those that seem untrustworthy at first, like Dola and her air pirates, turn out to be the friends Sheeta and Pazu needed all along.
But the film also has a certain beauty to it. Throughout the movie, the castle is built up to be this beautiful, mysterious thing. When Sheeta and Pazu finally find the castle, fans are not disappointed. The castle in the sky is breathtaking. It brings together everything fantasy has to offer with a lost civilization, kindly robots, and mysteries yet to be unfolded.
The Great Forest Spirit - Princess Mononoke (1997)
Princess Mononoke is one of Studio Ghibli's darker films. It illustrates the battle between nature and humans, and humans' tendency to destroy in order to get their way. The film depicts strong characters like Ashitaka, one of the most likable Ghibli characters, and San fighting for the side of good against strong villains and spirits.
The Great Forest Spirit is a central part of this film's plot. The spirit represents all of nature and its awesome power. Characters in the forest hide when the spirit appears, out of both respect and fear. The Great Forest Spirit is a being that is meant to be revered. The design for this spirit is awe-inspiring just as a great spirit should be.
Meeting Calcifer - Howl's Moving Castle (2004)
Howl's Moving Castle is one of the most popular Studio Ghibli films. It has everything: action, romance, wizards, and cute dogs. The story of Sophie is one that continues to enthrall fans almost 20 years later. It really speaks to the power of Studio Ghibli.
However, one of the most touching scenes is when Sophie learns of Howl's tie to Calcifer. This moment is a peek into the relationship between Howl and Calcifer. Everything from the falling stars to Howl's younger self is a stunning work of art. The artwork of this moment successfully pulls fans out of the real world and into the story.
Setsuko In The Fireflies - Grave Of The Fireflies (1988)
Grave of the Fireflies is one of Studio Ghibli's heaviest movies. The film tells the story of Seita and his little sister, Setsuko, as they struggle to survive in Japan during World War II. While Grave of the Fireflies has one of the most emotional endings, it does also have a somewhat happy ending, just not in the way fans might expect.
Fireflies are a big part of the film as they symbolize both the bombs of the war and the light of hope. When Seita and Setsuko decide to make it on their own, fireflies are their only company that first night. This still of Setsuko among the fireflies is beautiful both because of the imagery itself and what it represents.
The Train Station - Spirited Away (2001)
Spirited Away is another iconic Ghibli film. The story of Chihiro is one of good and evil. People aren't always what they seem upon first meeting, and that can both hurt and help. Strong characters like Haku and Lin are what make this story so immersive.
The train station used by Chihiro and No-Face is a beautiful moment in the film. Aesthetically, this scene is beautifully done with the colorful sunset, blue water, and lone train. The metaphor within the scene is just as beautiful: this train is literally taking Chihiro through her character growth. This is where she decides to save Haku and put her parents on hold, showing the audience that she has matured.
Howl's Bedroom - Howl's Moving Castle (2004)
Howl's Moving Castle is considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing Studio Ghibli movies for a reason. Howl's castle alone is an amazing feat of imagination and animation. Then there are all the different settings: Sophie's town, the king's castle, and even the war scenes are obviously carefully put together.
This scene in Howl's bedroom is one of the most intricate settings in a Ghibli film. Every watch-through of the film reveals new details that weren't noticed before. This room displays the intricacies of who Howl is and what makes him tick. Howl is often in many places at once, literally and metaphorically, and tends to have a dramatic side. His bedroom is filled with just as many tiny details as he is.