As the new Makoto Shinkai animated movie, Suzume hit the theaters, the magic of anime and Shinkai’s meticulous work has touched everyone yet again. Suzume is a coming-of-age movie that is unlike the director’s previous films, Your Name (2016) or Weathering With You (2019). Netizens have always drawn parallels between Hayao Miyazaki’s movies and Makoto Shinkai’s work. With Suzume hitting the theaters, the sly Studio Ghibli references and Shinkai living up to Miyazaki’s legacy have driven the fans wild with excitement.
Miyazaki’s ‘World of Fantasy’ in Studio Ghibli
After watching Suzume and devouring the Studio Ghibli Easter Eggs, it is indisputable that a wave of nostalgia hits us and we desperately try to find more movies that give us this comfort. Hayao Miyazaki, over the years, has created a legacy of his own and his films. Despite being heavily rooted in fantasy, Studio Ghibli films have a warmth that hits your gut at the right spot.
So let’s find out which top 5 Hayao Miyazaki movies to watch, after watching Suzume. These rankings are based on various ratings, reviews, and critiques and opinions might vary. So, let’s begin!
Top 5 Miyazaki movies to watch after watching Suzume
1. Whisper of the Heart
This is a heartwarming story about two high school kids who share a common interest in reading books. One day Shizuku Tsukishima notices that all the library books she has have been previously checked out by the same person: ‘Seiji Amasawa’, and she begins her quest to find that person.
The movie is slow and simple and has a beauty to itself that is so rare. It is the first Studio Ghibli movie that was directed by someone other than Miyazaki, while he wrote the screenplay. But, all in all, it is an underrated Studio Ghibli masterpiece.
2. Howl’s Moving Castle
Howl’s Moving Castle is set against a war between two neighboring kingdoms where magicians, mages, and witches are at war with each other. A small-town girl, Sophie is caught in the crossfire and takes refuge at Howl’s Castle (which literally moves). The movie is packed with beautiful, atmospheric soundtracks and astonishing visuals.
3. Spirited Away
Miyazaki’s spirited away is a work of pure art and magic. Spirited Away is a magical, fascinating, and genuinely enchanting animated fantasy, despite being a little slow at times.
The story is about a little girl who gets lost in a fantasy world and finds a whole new world in front of her while struggling to return back to her parents. From outstanding visuals to stunning background scores, this movie is a must-watch.
4. Princess Mononoke
Like many of Miyazaki’s feature films, it blends a sense of lofty mysticism with a strong sense of groundedness in the natural world. The movie is about a Prince called Ashitaka and a curse from a demonized boar god.
This curse forces him to travel to the West in search of a remedy. He meets Lady Eboshi, who is attempting to destroy the forest, and San, a young human lady striving to preserve it along the route. There are some movies that are so special that it almost feels like you’re watching it for the first time, every time you watch it again. Princess Mononoke is one of those films.
5. Kiki’s Delivery Service
This movie is about a young witch, who is trying to discover herself and trying to make a way for herself in her world. It accurately captures the discomfort and apprehension that come with exploring unfamiliar and grey areas. This movie is one of Miyazaki’s best works.
Conclusion
Studio Ghibli movies have transformed the idea of animated movies and how they were perceived. Each movie feels like a warm hug after a tiring day and the elements of fantasy help escape the torturous reality for a while. We will see how Miyazaki’s work is further associated with Suzume in the coming months.
If you have any questions regarding Hayao Miyazaki’s movies and Studio Ghibli, feel free to ask in the comments below. For more content, stay with us, here at Spiel Times.
Make sure you subscribe to our push notifications and never miss an update from the world of video games, cinema, and sports. You can also follow us on Twitter @spieltimes for the latest PS5 restock and drop. Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Gaming!
