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If Studio Ghibli is known for anything, it's for their magical stories and breathtaking animation. The style of their 2D animation is so evocative and detailed, and there are so many moments from individual films that stick out in people's minds long after they've seen them. The design of the Borrowers' house from The Secret World of Arrietty, or the bus stop sequence from My Neighbor Totoro are big moments that come to mind when thinking of visually captivating moments from Studio Ghibli movies.

While every film has its moments, and most could absolutely be labeled as beautiful with no argument, some films stand out above the others in the visual imagery department. It's difficult to choose only a few to talk about because every film is so rich with eye candy. The messages of the movies also serve to enhance the visual elements, because the stunning animation is made all the more gorgeous by a magical or emotional story. So which Ghibli films have stood the test of time and continue to be some of the most beautiful stories ever put to animation?

Updated April 16, 2022 by Jillian Unrau: There are so many Studio Ghibli movies that could be solid contenders for "most beautiful", as even some of the weaker films in their catalog would still be considered to be beautifully animated. The studio set a benchmark for animation in not only Japan but also in the entire movie industry, and that has been the case since the 1980s. To reflect this, this article has been expanded to include three new entries, because it's much too hard to narrow it down to just five.

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The Tale Of Princess Kaguya

the tale of princess kaguya

The visual style of The Tale of Princess Kaguya is so different from every other Studio Ghibli movie, which really makes it stand out. It looks like a watercolor painting come to life, which only adds to the fairytale quality of the story. The whole movie is filled with artistry, but one sequence in particular is so eye-catching that it's the most memorable part of the film.

In it, the titular character is running away in a moment of swelling emotion, and as she runs and gets more and more upset, the art on-screen gets less and less defined until the image is essentially line art. It's a sequence that perfectly captures the mental state of Kaguya and is also one of the most striking pieces of visual media ever put to film.

Princess Mononoke

studio ghibli princess mononoke

This film is one of a few Ghibli movies that really feels aimed at an older audience, mostly because of Princess Mononoke's more serious themes and the violence that pervades it. However, it is also one of their most beautiful, and has a ton of brilliant visual elements. The forest spirits have fantastic designs, and every shot of this film is gorgeous, particularly scenes that take place in the forest.

Because of the environmental message of the story, extra care was taken to portray the natural world as rich and lush, and it adds such a unique element to the visual style. Even the violence of the movie seems beautiful in a strange way, perhaps because it is just striking rather than overly gross or gory.

Ponyo

Ponyo running through water

This movie, unlike Princess Mononoke, is definitely a movie that has a light tone and is geared toward children. Ponyo is an absolute delight to watch, partially because of that levity and its fun nature, but also because of the animation. Ponyo really stands out against its more serious or intricate Ghibli brethren because of how bright and colorful it is, even if the design is a bit simpler overall.

While it has this more child-like tone (which is emblematic of Ponyo herself), there are a number of scenes that highlight that iconic Ghibli artistry. One of the most famous is the scene of Ponyo running across water that also takes the shape of fish. It's a striking moment not just because of the animation, but because of the intensity of the scene and the high emotion that comes with it. Despite being a little less austere than some of the other Ghibli films on this list, Ponyo is still incredibly charming, and boasts a very underrated and memorable animation style.

My Neighbor Totoro

my neighbor totoro

Another child-friendly Ghibli movie, My Neighbor Totoro's bright visuals are some of the studio's most iconic. This is the film that some of the most famous Studio Ghibli symbols come from, and this release has ended up kind of representing the studio as a whole. The shot of Totoro and the children standing at the bus stop in the rain is well-known for a reason; it's incredibly striking, and it is actually a moment where the visuals are a bit darker than the rest of the film.

Add to this the emotional story and My Neighbor Totoro instantly becomes one of the most beautiful movies Studio Ghibli has to offer.

Howl's Moving Castle

Everything about Howl's Moving Castle feels sweeping and romantic, from the storyline to the swelling score, to the character of Howl himself. This film also boasts some superb animation, and some of the most intricate visuals to be found in a Ghibli film. First of all, there's the design and animation of the titular moving castle itself, which is complex but works to perfectly give a sense of the grandeur of the mechanism and the story as a whole.

Then there's the secret garden that feels grand and peaceful all at once, or the intricacy of Howl's bedroom, where every single frame is full of detail and whimsy. "Whimsical" really is the best word to describe the style of this film, because it feels like watching a fairytale come to life.

The Secret World of Arrietty

the secret world of arrietty

Rather than being a sweeping epic like some of the studio's work, Arrietty is more of a quiet, contained story, which works in its favor. It's simple and calm, and more about the relationships at the center of the story than anything else.

The visuals are also quite memorable; in particular, the design of the Borrower's house is striking and so incredibly detailed. The entire thing is made up of small human items and plants, and it feels so magical and like it walked straight out of a storybook.

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind

Nausicaa Of The Valley Of The Wind spore collection

This is a slightly lesser-known Ghibli movie but was one of acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki's early works. It has the environmental theme that many of Miyazaki's films share, and it also has some truly stunning animation. From the intricate design of the giant Ohmu, to the haunting blue glow of the toxic jungle, to the lush beauty of Nausicaa's workshop full of the flora and fauna, this movie is chock-full of amazing imagery that sticks in the viewer's mind long after they've seen it.

Miyazaki's movies in particular are known for their beautiful landscape shots, and his ability to create an environment that feels real and lived-in but also magical and otherworldly at the same time is truly masterful.

Spirited Away

Spirited Away is probably the most widely-heralded Studio Ghibli film for its beautiful animation and story, which was significant enough to earn it an Oscar. Every environment and setting is so fleshed out and detailed, and full of magic. There are the big sequences, of course, like Chihiro riding Haku in his dragon form, or any scene in the bathhouse (which is absolutely breathtaking), but Spirited Away stands out in its quieter moments as well, such as the train sequence.

The character designs for the spirits are also incredible, and so wonderfully unique and otherworldly. This film is truly one of the greatest masterpieces of the studio, and it's evident in every single frame.

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