 |
| Photo Credits: Studio Ghibli |
If you’ve ever dreamed of watching My Neighbor Totoro under the open sky, now’s your chance! As part of ONE PUNGGOL's Japan Summer Festival, there will be a special free outdoor screening of this heartwarming classic in collaboration with Japan Creative Center.
Whether you’re introducing the magic of Ghibli to your little ones or reliving childhood memories with friends, this screening is the perfect way to not only learn something new about the Japan culture but also an amazing way to celebrate 40 years of Studio Ghibli magic; especially with Totoro as one of the most iconic and lovable creations from Hayao Miyazaki’s world.
JCC Cinema 95: My Neighbour Totoro (PG)
🗓️ Saturday, 21 June 2025, 2:30pm
📍 ONE PUNGGOL - Celebration Square Zone 1 (1 Punggol Drive, Singapore 828629)
🎥 Level 1 Community Space with Big LED Screen
🎟️ FREE – No registration required!
(Part of the Japan Summer Festival at ONE PUNGGOL)
40 Years of Magic: Every Studio Ghibli Film in Release Order (1984–2023)
As a lifelong Ghibli fan, this anniversary means so much to me. I grew up with these stories, studied them in school, and even went on my first date with my husband to watch Howl’s Moving Castle. Their artistry and depth inspired me to pursue a career in animation, and they continue to shape the way I view the world. So in honour of this big milestone, here’s a look back at every Studio Ghibli film in chronological order - from their earliest masterpieces to their most recent Oscar-winning adventure, The Boy and the Heron...
 |
| Photo Credits: Studio Ghibli |
1. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
Technically released before Studio Ghibli was officially formed, Nausicaä is widely considered the studio’s spiritual beginning. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, it introduces us to a post-apocalyptic world teetering between destruction and rebirth. Nausicaä’s empathy and strength set the tone for many Ghibli heroines to come.
 |
| Photo Credits: Studio Ghibli |
2. Laputa: Castle in the Sky (1986)
The first official Studio Ghibli film, Laputa, combines sci-fi with swashbuckling adventure. Pazu and Sheeta’s journey to a floating castle in the clouds is filled with sky pirates, ancient technology, and a quiet message about environmental preservation.
 |
| Photo Credits: Studio Ghibli |
3. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
This gut-wrenching war story by Isao Takahata is a complete tonal shift. It's not a fantasy, but a devastating portrayal of two siblings struggling to survive after the firebombing of Kobe. It’s one of the most powerful anti-war films ever animated.
 |
| Photo Credits: Studio Ghibli |
4. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
A fan favourite and cultural icon, Totoro is a warm, gentle tale of childhood, nature, and imagination. With soot sprites, Catbus, and the lovable forest spirit Totoro himself, this film feels like a cozy hug every time I rewatch it.
 |
| Photo Credits: Studio Ghibli |
5. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
Following a young witch learning independence in a new city, Kiki is both charming and incredibly relatable. Her magical journey doubles as a metaphor for creative burnout and the challenges of growing up, something that hit me even harder when I rewatched it as an adult.
 |
| Photo Credits: Studio Ghibli |
6. Only Yesterday (1991)
A quieter, more mature film, Only Yesterday explores memory and identity through the eyes of a 27-year-old Tokyo office worker reflecting on her rural childhood. The beautiful blend of nostalgia and self-discovery makes this one incredibly moving.
 |
| Photo Credits: Studio Ghibli |
7. Porco Rosso (1992)
A dashing, romantic tale of a World War I pilot turned pig (literally). Porco Rosso is one of Ghibli’s most underrated films. With beautiful aerial dogfights and a melancholic atmosphere, it’s both fun and surprisingly deep.
 |
| Photo Credits: Studio Ghibli |
8. Ocean Waves (1993)
Originally a television film and an experimental project for Ghibli’s younger animators, Ocean Waves is a quieter coming-of-age romance. It tells the story of a complicated love triangle set in Kochi, Japan. While it may not have achieved the same acclaim as Ghibli’s theatrical releases, it’s an honest look into youthful emotions and first love.
 |
| Photo Credits: Studio Ghibli |
9. Pom Poko (1994)
If you thought Studio Ghibli films were all whimsy, Pom Poko will surprise you. Directed by Isao Takahata, it’s a quirky and poignant tale about tanuki (Japanese raccoon dogs) fighting to save their forest home from urban development. With magical shapeshifting and strong environmental themes, this lesser-known film carries a powerful message.
 |
| Photo Credits: Studio Ghibli |
10. Whisper of the Heart (1995)
This charming romance about a book-loving girl, Shizuku, and her unexpected connection with a boy named Seiji, is a heartfelt story of young ambition and creativity. Directed by Yoshifumi Kondo, it remains his only work for Ghibli. "Take Me Home, Country Roads" even became a central motif; this one’s a warm cup of tea for the soul.
 |
| Photo Credits: Studio Ghibli |
11. On Your Mark (1995)
Though not a feature-length film, On Your Mark is a standout short music video directed by Hayao Miyazaki and animated by Studio Ghibli. Created for the Japanese rock duo Chage & Aska, this 7-minute film tells a hauntingly beautiful sci-fi story of two policemen rescuing a winged girl from a government facility. With no dialogue and minimal explanation, the film delivers a powerful emotional experience through visuals alone. It premiered theatrically alongside Whisper of the Heart and is remembered for its stunning animation, creative storytelling, and layered themes about hope, freedom, and environmental dystopia.
 |
| Photo Credits: Studio Ghibli |
12. Princess Mononoke (1997)
Arguably one of Ghibli’s most intense and epic tales, Princess Mononoke explores the clash between industry and nature. The film’s powerful visuals, rich mythology, and themes of environmentalism remain strikingly relevant today. It was also the first animated feature to win Japan’s Academy Prize for Best Picture.
 |
| Photo Credits: Studio Ghibli |
13. My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999)
With its watercolour comic-strip style, My Neighbors the Yamadas is Ghibli at its most experimental. A slice-of-life family comedy, it’s a heartwarming and often hilarious portrait of everyday life.
 |
| Photo Credits: Studio Ghibli |
14. Spirited Away (2001)
Spirited Away is a true masterpiece. A mysterious bathhouse, spirits, no-face creatures, and a brave little girl named Chihiro, this film took us all to another realm. It made history by winning the Oscar for Best Animated Feature and remains one of the greatest animated films of all time.
 |
| Photo Credits: Studio Ghibli |
15. The Cat Returns (2002)
A whimsical fantasy about Haru, who saves a cat and gets whisked away to the magical Cat Kingdom. The Cat Returns is light, playful, and a fantastic intro for younger viewers just starting their Ghibli journey.
 |
| Photo Credits: Studio Ghibli |
16. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
Visually stunning and richly imaginative, Howl’s Moving Castle is a tale of curses, courage, and romance. It’s also a gentle protest against war, wrapped in fantasy and steampunk vibes. Sophie’s transformation and her bond with Howl make this film timeless.
 |
| Photo Credits: Studio Ghibli |
17. Tales from Earthsea (2006)
Directed by Goro Miyazaki, Tales from Earthsea is one of Ghibli’s more divisive entries. Based on Ursula K. Le Guin’s fantasy series, it didn’t quite resonate with fans or critics, but it marked the beginning of Goro’s journey at the studio.
 |
| Photo Credits: Studio Ghibli |
18. Ponyo (2008)
Ponyo is pure joy, telling the story of a goldfish who dreams of becoming human. With vibrant colours and childlike wonder, it’s Miyazaki’s ode to the power of love and friendship. A delightful introduction to Ghibli for little ones.
 |
| Photo Credits: Studio Ghibli |
19. The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)
Based on The Borrowers, this film introduces us to Arrietty, a tiny girl who lives beneath the floorboards. Her friendship with a human boy leads to a beautiful, yet bittersweet connection. A quiet gem directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi.
 |
| Photo Credits: Studio Ghibli |
20. From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)
Goro Miyazaki’s second film is a nostalgic slice of 1960s Yokohama. From Up on Poppy Hill follows Umi and Shun as they work to save their school’s old clubhouse while uncovering buried family secrets.
 |
| Photo Credits: Studio Ghibli |
21. The Wind Rises (2013)
Miyazaki’s semi-biographical swan song (at the time), The Wind Rises, tells the story of aircraft designer Jiro Horikoshi. It’s a deeply introspective piece that blends dreams, war, and love, revealing a quieter, more mature side of Miyazaki’s storytelling.
 |
| Photo Credits: Studio Ghibli |
22. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013)
Isao Takahata’s final film is breathtaking. Adapted from a 10th-century folktale, its brushstroke animation style is unlike anything else Ghibli has done. Its haunting beauty and themes of freedom vs. duty leave a lasting impact.
 |
| Photo Credits: Studio Ghibli |
23. When Marnie Was There (2014)
When Marnie Was There explores identity, loneliness, and healing through the unlikely friendship of two girls - one of whom might not be real. Quietly beautiful and emotionally resonant, it remains a hidden gem.
 |
| Photo Credits: Studio Ghibli |
24. The Red Turtle (2016)
A rare international co-production, The Red Turtle is a stunning, dialogue-free film co-produced by Studio Ghibli and directed by Dutch animator Michaël Dudok de Wit. It tells the story of a castaway who, after multiple failed attempts to escape an island, encounters a mysterious red turtle that changes his life. With no spoken words, the film relies entirely on visuals and music to convey emotion and narrative, showcasing the universal language of animation. Meditative and profound, it explores themes of isolation, love, parenthood, and the cycle of life. The Red Turtle was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 89th Academy Awards.
 |
| Photo Credits: Studio Ghibli |
25. Earwig and the Witch (2020)
Studio Ghibli's first full 3D CGI film, directed by Goro Miyazaki, received mixed reviews. While the story of a cheeky orphan adopted by a cranky witch had potential, it lacked the emotional depth and charm we expect from Ghibli.
 |
| Photo Credits: Studio Ghibli |
26. The Boy and the Heron (2023)
Miyazaki returned from retirement with this stunning, dreamlike film, reportedly his final masterpiece. The Boy and the Heron is an ambitious and deeply personal journey about grief, growing up, and finding one’s place in the world. It won the Oscar, Golden Globe, and BAFTA for Best Animated Feature - a fitting crescendo to Ghibli’s legacy.
✨ Little-Known Facts About Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki
Studio Ghibli was named after a WWII plane
Miyazaki named the studio after the Italian aircraft "Ghibli" to represent a new wind in animation.
Delicious animation? All hand-drawn!
Miyazaki personally sketches Ghibli’s iconic food scenes because he believes food brings characters (and audiences) together.
No fixed script policy
Ghibli often begins production with storyboards instead of full scripts, allowing stories to unfold naturally during animation.
No cameras at the Ghibli Museum
Located in Mitaka, Tokyo, the museum asks guests to live in the moment. No photography allowed, just pure immersion.
Miyazaki’s films reflect his life
His movies mirror his emotional journey - from creative struggles in Kiki to philosophical reflections in The Wind Rises.
Spirited Away’s bathhouse was inspired by real places
Yubaba’s bathhouse takes cues from historical hot springs like Dōgo Onsen in Japan.
Every frame, a work of art
Even The Boy and the Heron used traditional hand-drawn animation, involving over 60 animators, no shortcuts, just artistry.
Ghibli nearly shut down in 2014
After Marnie, the studio paused film production. Thankfully, Miyazaki came back for one more masterpiece!
 |
| Photo Credits: Studio Ghibli |
Which Ghibli film means the most to you?
0 comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you! I will get back to you shortly.