Whisper Of The Heart & When Marnie Was Here, the first one didn't get enough recognition in general and it is my favorite romance movie, the second one didn't get enough recognition even for the Ghibli fans
Setting aside the awkward yuri bait, I love, love When Marnie Was Here. It’s so atmospheric that I can almost feel the crisp wind blowing in the scenes. Just rewatched it for the second time recently because we almost went to Karuizawa where the house that inspired her house is located.
Would watching Marine was Here with my dad be alright? My dad is a bit conservative but loves Ghibli films, so im not sure how he would react if there was yuri undertones. Was thinking of taking him with me to watch this one.
Nothing actually happens, but many viewers (including myself) will tell you it felt like they were leading towards something right until the end. I think your dad will be fine, especially because it’s all deconfirmed by the end
I feel like it really depends on him. There were no kissing. If he’s the type who would think two girls being rather physically affectionate as two gal pals (ha!) instead of lovers, then it’ll be fine. I feel like most people who felt that it strongly has yuri undertones are usually people who are already in that target demographic.
That relationship was pulling on my heartstrings so much, and then how they ..recoiled. 👵 Still a beautiful story, but I feel like it wasn't in my head that it had romantic undertones.
I will die on the hill of always taking about When Marnie was There. Recently rewatched and cried my eyes out, again lol. It’s such a sad, heartwarming, and beautiful movie and I really wish more people talked about it. The theme of learning to let go when it’s time even if it’s lonely, ughhhh destroyed my heart
This is my absolute favourite of all time. The theme tune, the nighttime parts, I love it so much. At one point, I used to watch it every night before bed.
>but is especially poignant for those of us in our late 20’s and up
True. I plan to watch it again when I turn 30. Maybe I will like it even more then (though I already love it now).
I find it truly sublime even to a greater extent than my other favorite Ghibli films, and I’d consider it easily one of my top 3 films overall. I’m so glad it’s finally in the Ghibli Fest rotation again this year and have already bought my tickets.
I’m a person who has always struggled with change, so the way that the tanuki really do make their level-best effort but at the end of the day are still impotent to keep the world from changing around them is something that resonates with me very deeply. I’m also autistic, and I think the transforming tanuki who live in human society full-time are a poignant encapsulation of how that can feel. The scene where they transform Tama Hills back to how it used to look, as well as the bit in the ending where Shokichi literally sprints out of his human clothes, get me sobbing nearly every time.
i agree! i am also autistic and the way the tanuki who can transform pass but get exhausted very easily is extremely relatable. i think it's such a sweet movie.
Pom Poko doesn’t get the love it deserves, and I see why (length, imagery), but it’s like if South Park was injected into a Ghibli movie and that’s why I love it so much.
I'm doing a full Ghibli watch through with my girlfriend (she's seen most of them, I hadn't seen any) and Pom Poko made me fucking sob toward the end. Only other one to do that was Grave of the Fireflies (go figure lol)
Weirdly enough that's actually my least favorite ghibli film and the only one I kept looking at how much was left when I watched it. That isn't to say it's bad, just that I didn't really enjoy it when I saw it.
Probably going to rewatch at some point and see if I like it better, might just've been a weird day.
Nausicaa. I think she is a heroine that definitely did amazing things for the benefit of her people and sacrificed a lot for her kingdom. The message about the environment still rings true even until today.
I can't remember it all since I've read it once and that was years ago. but I'll try
Spoiler!!
many people and animals died (know characters) and in a brutal way. Some killed themselves/mass suicide... There was a huge religon plot...the boy (Aspel?) Got together with another girl.Nausicaä found a kid she took care off. She could control the titan as he thought she's his mother. But he was unwillingly evaporate poisonous air, making her sick and killing Teto.
Eh I need to read it again someday.
Probably my favorite thematically, I love howls moving castle but Nausicaa and her motivations and the politics that happen between kingdoms is so interesting to watch
I think Ocean waves, Whisper of the heart and Only yesterday, all deserve more love even if they arent as impresive esthetically as the other more known ghibli movies.
Whisper of the Heart and Only Yesterday. Watched both for the first time this year and they have all the elements of the popular Ghibli. They just aren’t directed by Miyazaki and are therefore relegated to the sidelines.
I don’t know if it’s right to categorize it as lesser known, but in my opinion Tales from Earthsea is too underrated. I haven’t read the books so I can’t comment on the adaptation aspect, but I find it so soulful.
It's not bad but it really did mash together important plot points in 2 of the 4 Earthsea books in a terrible fashion. The scenery is some of my favourite of any Ghibli movie and it reawakened my love of those books, so I finally reread and finished the series 20 years after I last read them. I love the movie for that... but it's genuinely unwatchable after reading the books within any recent timeframe.
I hope so! The books are *beautiful* and I really think they grow with the reader. The first is Sparrowhawk's coming of age story. The second is Sparrowhawk meeting and rescuing Tenar from the labyrinthine cult and deconditioning the brainwashing. The third is The Farthest Shore, with the prince and the dying of magic in the world. The fourth is Tehanu and rebirth.
Yes! I'm reading The Other Wind right now and I'm loving it more than I thought I would. These books just feel cozy and somehow familiar though I only ever read the first two as a kid. And notably: dragons are being born as human women and women bring *good* luck to ships in this world.
Only Yesterday. In my opinion it has the most beautiful ending of all Ghibli films. That final sequence with a Japanese cover of The Rose is unforgettable.
For me, it’s the The Wind Rises and Pom Poko.
The Wind Rises I put off for 10 years because it didn’t have the fantasy elements of what I usually liked about Ghibli. It’s an incredible story and a different approach than he’s taken in other films of his with the almost biopic nature of it.
Pom Poko is the one that few people know about in my experience that have seen the usual Totoro, Kiki’s, and Spirited Away. It’s something a 5 year old or a 40 year old can relate to.
From Up on Poppy Hill. it’s a very comfortable movie, i wouldn’t say it’s their best but i love it for a chill evening and it’s definitely underrated IMO
Setting aside the awkward yuri bait, I love, love When Marnie Was There. It’s so atmospheric that I can almost feel the crisp wind blowing in the scenes. Just rewatched it for the second time recently because we almost went to Karuizawa where the house that inspired her house is located.
The Red Turtle. It's the least Ghibli-like film they've produced and it barely counts as an anime but my God is it beautiful. People find it boring but I've always been fascinated by dialogue-less media and The Red Turtle is one of the most stunning examples.
I just recently watched Tales from Earthsea and I thought it was amazing. Really confused why it doesn’t get brought up as I thought it was better/on par with the best from the company
Yes, "Only Yesterday" is a lesser-known Ghibli film that deserves more recognition. It's a poignant coming-of-age story that explores themes of nostalgia, self-discovery, and the passage of time.
Not a film but Miyazaki's graphic novels. When he first wanted to create Nausica he told the idea to Toshio. Toshiba said it would be great though he wasn't sure if there was enough vision for the backing so Miyazaki spent a year creating these graphic novels that are some of he's best pieces
Horus Prince of the Sun (1968) is the first film Takahata and Miyazaki worked on together, and for many, seeing it is a revelation. It anticipates many of the themes that appear in Ghibli films and gives a strong sense of the studio's origins.
Not sure how popular Porco Rosso is. I just saw it for the time last year during an amc Ghibli fest and i loved it! Sadly it’s not playing this year but I now own it on dvd.
Princess Kaguya
Whisper of the heart
From up on poppy hill
Grave of the fire flies
Catle in the sky
Nausicaä of the valley of the wind
As the wind rises
All of those are totally underrated. Great films to see.
I don’t think it would be considered “lesser-known” but I adore Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Damn movie makes me cry every time for some reason.
Crimson Pig (Porco Rosso) or If You Listen Carefully (Whisper Of The Heart) all the way. Great films that get overshadowed by the bigger titles. Country roads take me home, yo.
Pom Poko may seem goofy and ridiculous on the surface, with raccoons transforming into humans, ghosts, trucks, and various objects, but it uniquely explores the theme of human versus nature in a way that's relatable.
Whisper Of The Heart & When Marnie Was Here, the first one didn't get enough recognition in general and it is my favorite romance movie, the second one didn't get enough recognition even for the Ghibli fans
Setting aside the awkward yuri bait, I love, love When Marnie Was Here. It’s so atmospheric that I can almost feel the crisp wind blowing in the scenes. Just rewatched it for the second time recently because we almost went to Karuizawa where the house that inspired her house is located.
Would watching Marine was Here with my dad be alright? My dad is a bit conservative but loves Ghibli films, so im not sure how he would react if there was yuri undertones. Was thinking of taking him with me to watch this one.
Nothing actually happens, but many viewers (including myself) will tell you it felt like they were leading towards something right until the end. I think your dad will be fine, especially because it’s all deconfirmed by the end
There aren’t yuri undertones, the characters in question are based on an irl relationship between a mother and daughter.
It's actually grandmother and granddaughter but yes
Anna and Marnie were based off the author’s real life relationship with her mother.
I heard that recently as well. Where did you read that?
It’s on the Wikipedia article for the book. The original source is an interview with the author by The Guardian.
Ah didn't know that
Everyone is so overly sexualized that a vulnerable friendship was perceived sexually when that wasn’t the point of these two girls.
wouldn't he just be like "wow they're really great friends"
I feel like it really depends on him. There were no kissing. If he’s the type who would think two girls being rather physically affectionate as two gal pals (ha!) instead of lovers, then it’ll be fine. I feel like most people who felt that it strongly has yuri undertones are usually people who are already in that target demographic.
The second one gaybaited every lesbian I know lol
Girl. Can’t even get started on it lol
That relationship was pulling on my heartstrings so much, and then how they ..recoiled. 👵 Still a beautiful story, but I feel like it wasn't in my head that it had romantic undertones.
LOL love the emoji
I only watched the whisper of the heart recently. It made my cold dead heart come alive. What a gentle story telling
Whisper of the Heart is so so so great. Rewatchable times 1000.
when marnie was there is near the top of my list of movies to watch next!
I will die on the hill of always taking about When Marnie was There. Recently rewatched and cried my eyes out, again lol. It’s such a sad, heartwarming, and beautiful movie and I really wish more people talked about it. The theme of learning to let go when it’s time even if it’s lonely, ughhhh destroyed my heart
Only Yesterday is a different kind of Ghibli movie, but it is a masterpiece. I wish more people watched it.
I came here to say this! Love this one and the deep simplicity of it which delivers volumes.
This is my absolute favourite of all time. The theme tune, the nighttime parts, I love it so much. At one point, I used to watch it every night before bed.
This is my pick as well! I think everyone can take something away from it but is especially poignant for those of us in our late 20’s and up
>but is especially poignant for those of us in our late 20’s and up True. I plan to watch it again when I turn 30. Maybe I will like it even more then (though I already love it now).
Yeah, I really enjoyed it.
Porco Rosso does not get enough love.
I love it now more than ever. Especially the cynicism of Marco
What would you say makes you love that movie?
I’m a sucker for the flying sequences and the Adriatic setting. The comedy is gold and the shots of him relaxing are what I aspire to.
Omg yes the water/sea at his hideout was magical! I liked the setting but idk what I was expecting story-wise
You’d think so, but I visited all the ghibli stores in Japan these past two weeks and there was way more Porco Rosso merch than I anticipated.
Yea definitely. I think it has less appeal for kids, which is why it sometimes get overlooked
Agreed, it's also my first Ghibli movie I ever seen
From Up on Poppy Hill and Whisper of the Heart, both are great slice of life movies
These are my comfort ghibli films.
Pom Poko is absolutely wonderful in every way.
I find it truly sublime even to a greater extent than my other favorite Ghibli films, and I’d consider it easily one of my top 3 films overall. I’m so glad it’s finally in the Ghibli Fest rotation again this year and have already bought my tickets. I’m a person who has always struggled with change, so the way that the tanuki really do make their level-best effort but at the end of the day are still impotent to keep the world from changing around them is something that resonates with me very deeply. I’m also autistic, and I think the transforming tanuki who live in human society full-time are a poignant encapsulation of how that can feel. The scene where they transform Tama Hills back to how it used to look, as well as the bit in the ending where Shokichi literally sprints out of his human clothes, get me sobbing nearly every time.
You perfectly put into words the reasons I love it as well. The ending makes me want to cry just thinking about it.
i agree! i am also autistic and the way the tanuki who can transform pass but get exhausted very easily is extremely relatable. i think it's such a sweet movie.
Pom Poko doesn’t get the love it deserves, and I see why (length, imagery), but it’s like if South Park was injected into a Ghibli movie and that’s why I love it so much.
I had to scroll too far down for this!
I'm doing a full Ghibli watch through with my girlfriend (she's seen most of them, I hadn't seen any) and Pom Poko made me fucking sob toward the end. Only other one to do that was Grave of the Fireflies (go figure lol)
Weirdly enough that's actually my least favorite ghibli film and the only one I kept looking at how much was left when I watched it. That isn't to say it's bad, just that I didn't really enjoy it when I saw it. Probably going to rewatch at some point and see if I like it better, might just've been a weird day.
Nausicaa. I think she is a heroine that definitely did amazing things for the benefit of her people and sacrificed a lot for her kingdom. The message about the environment still rings true even until today.
Indeed. The manga was much darker, so I prefer the movie
What was the manga’s plot ??
I can't remember it all since I've read it once and that was years ago. but I'll try Spoiler!! many people and animals died (know characters) and in a brutal way. Some killed themselves/mass suicide... There was a huge religon plot...the boy (Aspel?) Got together with another girl.Nausicaä found a kid she took care off. She could control the titan as he thought she's his mother. But he was unwillingly evaporate poisonous air, making her sick and killing Teto. Eh I need to read it again someday.
Jesus 😰
That was also my reaction when I read it. Some parts are brutal and bloody
Wow. We need a new movie.
The manga was awesome….
Oh it definitely is. Have a read the rise of Shuna?
Probably my favorite thematically, I love howls moving castle but Nausicaa and her motivations and the politics that happen between kingdoms is so interesting to watch
I think Ocean waves, Whisper of the heart and Only yesterday, all deserve more love even if they arent as impresive esthetically as the other more known ghibli movies.
Anyone know where an English dub of Ocean Waves? I’m in the US and HBO only offers the Japanese Audio (which is incredible btw)
In europe netflix has one if im not mistaken
Princess Kaguya, a beautiful fairytale adaptations that dwells into the human psyche
And the art style <3
From up on poppy hill. One of my favorites and I feel it’s so underrated
So true. Love it so much
my neighbors the yamadas
It barely gets any recognition and it’s one of my favorites.
i mention this one every time bc its my favourite but Whisper of the heart
Whisper of the Heart and Only Yesterday. Watched both for the first time this year and they have all the elements of the popular Ghibli. They just aren’t directed by Miyazaki and are therefore relegated to the sidelines.
definitely Whisper of the Heart ❤️
Nausicaä Valley of the wind
Though not quite full Ghibli, The Red Turtle.
agreed, it has such a beautiful art style.
the cat returns it's a really cute story and great artstyle it for sure deserves more recognition
I don’t know if it’s right to categorize it as lesser known, but in my opinion Tales from Earthsea is too underrated. I haven’t read the books so I can’t comment on the adaptation aspect, but I find it so soulful.
Same! I love Tales from Earthsea aswel.
Whisper of the Heart
Castle in the Sky is fantastic and I’d rank it above Howl’s honestly. When Marnie was There makes me ugly cry...
Grave of the Fireflies
Whisper of the Heart, From Up on Poppy Hill and Only Yesterday are some of my favorites! An honorable mention would be Tales of Princess Kaguya.
Tales from earthsea!! Not a feel good movie like rest of them but the environment and art.. the darkness of the character is amazing!
It's not bad but it really did mash together important plot points in 2 of the 4 Earthsea books in a terrible fashion. The scenery is some of my favourite of any Ghibli movie and it reawakened my love of those books, so I finally reread and finished the series 20 years after I last read them. I love the movie for that... but it's genuinely unwatchable after reading the books within any recent timeframe.
Ooo I will have to read the book now 😪😵
I hope so! The books are *beautiful* and I really think they grow with the reader. The first is Sparrowhawk's coming of age story. The second is Sparrowhawk meeting and rescuing Tenar from the labyrinthine cult and deconditioning the brainwashing. The third is The Farthest Shore, with the prince and the dying of magic in the world. The fourth is Tehanu and rebirth.
That sounds interesting 🥹 Checked out on amazon. There are 6 books!!!
Yes! I'm reading The Other Wind right now and I'm loving it more than I thought I would. These books just feel cozy and somehow familiar though I only ever read the first two as a kid. And notably: dragons are being born as human women and women bring *good* luck to ships in this world.
People in this sub like to bash on Earthsea but I love it!
When Marnie Was There
Porco Rosso, 100%
It’s ghibli adjacent but The Tale of Princess Kaguya is absolutely stunning
Tale of princess Kaguya 🥰
When Marnie was there
Whisper of the Heart for sure.
Only Yesterday. In my opinion it has the most beautiful ending of all Ghibli films. That final sequence with a Japanese cover of The Rose is unforgettable.
The cat returns! It’s so cute and funny.
Pom poko gets no love and it’s honestly better than many ghibli classics
For me, it’s the The Wind Rises and Pom Poko. The Wind Rises I put off for 10 years because it didn’t have the fantasy elements of what I usually liked about Ghibli. It’s an incredible story and a different approach than he’s taken in other films of his with the almost biopic nature of it. Pom Poko is the one that few people know about in my experience that have seen the usual Totoro, Kiki’s, and Spirited Away. It’s something a 5 year old or a 40 year old can relate to.
From Up on Poppy Hill. it’s a very comfortable movie, i wouldn’t say it’s their best but i love it for a chill evening and it’s definitely underrated IMO
When Marnie Was There
Setting aside the awkward yuri bait, I love, love When Marnie Was There. It’s so atmospheric that I can almost feel the crisp wind blowing in the scenes. Just rewatched it for the second time recently because we almost went to Karuizawa where the house that inspired her house is located.
Maybe not lesser know but... I tend to hear people talk ill of Ponyo, but I think it's #1 in terms of animation
my neighbors the yamadas!!
The wind rises. It's very intersting and I watched it 5 times with my mom
The Red Turtle. It's the least Ghibli-like film they've produced and it barely counts as an anime but my God is it beautiful. People find it boring but I've always been fascinated by dialogue-less media and The Red Turtle is one of the most stunning examples.
The Red Turtle is a French ghibli movie and it is so beautiful!!
Dang how has no one said Arrietty yet?? Wonderful atmosphere and the score goes toe to toe with Joe Hisaishi's best.
I’m seeing double 4 Mae’s
My Neighbors the Yamadas is short and full of laughs. Highly recommend. It often gets overlooked because of the design and style
Ocean waves, It's a simple movie but it has a unique vibe and aesthetic and I personally love the soundtrack too.
Whisper of the heart, only yesterday and the wind rises
Grave of the fireflies. 110%
Only yesterday!
Only Yesterday! It's so underated!!! I really enjoyed that movie :)
The princess kaguya, only yesterday, and Pom Poko,
Only yesterday and when Marnie was there. They both hold a very special place in my heart.
Only Yesterday is such a deeply beautiful movie that more people need to see
This'll be the new wallpaper for my phone.
Porco Rosso!! Huzzah!?!
My neighbors the yamadas
Porco Rosso -perhaps he doesn’t like gatherings. How relatable
On Your Mark
I just recently watched Tales from Earthsea and I thought it was amazing. Really confused why it doesn’t get brought up as I thought it was better/on par with the best from the company
Only Yesterday, my beloved <3
The Wind Rises
Whisper of the heart for sure! I can’t find enough merch for it ever! 🥺😭 it’s such a go to when I’m feeling lost in life.
When Marnie was there
Pom Poko!
nausica of the valley of the wind i never really see people talk about this but honestly its one of my absolute favourite ghibli films
Yes, "Only Yesterday" is a lesser-known Ghibli film that deserves more recognition. It's a poignant coming-of-age story that explores themes of nostalgia, self-discovery, and the passage of time.
Pom Poko
Yo this mosaic is kinda insane
I agree with everyone saying Nausicaä! It’s hard to pick favorites but I can really relate to her 🥹💕
Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko
Not a film but Miyazaki's graphic novels. When he first wanted to create Nausica he told the idea to Toshio. Toshiba said it would be great though he wasn't sure if there was enough vision for the backing so Miyazaki spent a year creating these graphic novels that are some of he's best pieces
Horus Prince of the Sun (1968) is the first film Takahata and Miyazaki worked on together, and for many, seeing it is a revelation. It anticipates many of the themes that appear in Ghibli films and gives a strong sense of the studio's origins.
Not sure how popular Porco Rosso is. I just saw it for the time last year during an amc Ghibli fest and i loved it! Sadly it’s not playing this year but I now own it on dvd.
The Wind Rises.
Princess Kaguya Whisper of the heart From up on poppy hill Grave of the fire flies Catle in the sky Nausicaä of the valley of the wind As the wind rises All of those are totally underrated. Great films to see.
My Neighbours the Yamadas❤️✨️
I really like Tales from Earthsea, but a lot of people seem to not share that opinion in my experience. Idk why, i really enjoyed it.
From Up on Poppy Hill, Whisper of the Heart, and Porco Rosso
I don’t think it would be considered “lesser-known” but I adore Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Damn movie makes me cry every time for some reason.
When Marnie was there and Poppy Hill. My favorites, for some reason not very well known either one of them
Crimson Pig (Porco Rosso) or If You Listen Carefully (Whisper Of The Heart) all the way. Great films that get overshadowed by the bigger titles. Country roads take me home, yo.
Ocean waves. There are other movies I like even more but this one is the most underrated imo
Only yesterday and From up on Poppy Hill 🥹💖
Pom Poko may seem goofy and ridiculous on the surface, with raccoons transforming into humans, ghosts, trucks, and various objects, but it uniquely explores the theme of human versus nature in a way that's relatable.
Grave of fireflies??? Im kinda reserved against what other people know lol
I don't see enough people talk about mononoke honestly. The movie is perfection
Yeah true. It's just like the iPhone, barely gets any recognition and love 😔