The deeply emotional depiction has always been one of the most famous (and overlooked) features of Ghibli films. While we can't deny how detail-oriented, stunningly artistic, and visually aesthetically beautiful Miyazaki's magical films are, their unique way of portraying universal emotions and portraying lovable characters remains their most memorable treasure.
These beloved Ghibli films, which often convey meaningful messages of environmentalism and pacifism, deal with themes of friendship, love, family and culture, have captured the attention and hearts of many moviegoers, especially those with a soft spot for animated genre films.
Although Studio Ghibli has a lot of lighthearted and fun films, there are also some that do tug at the heartstrings of the audience. From Porco Rosso to Grave of the Fireflies, here are some of Studio Ghibli's saddest films, perfect to watch on a rainy day.
10 "Porco Rosso" (1992)
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Set in Italy in the 30s of the 20th century, this unmissable 90s animated film is imaginative and captivating, taking viewers on a saga into the life of a veteran pilot of the First World War who was cursed to turn into a pig's head.
Despite being suitable for both younger and older audiences, there is no doubt that Porco Rosso appeals the most to older audiences. Because the film deals with themes such as anti-fascism, social norms, and war that are easier for mature audiences to understand.
Due to its striking yet slightly tragic allegory, this excellent 1992 work is also one of Ghibli's works of pathos. In addition, it is worth mentioning that "I'd rather be a pig than a fascist" is arguably one of the most brilliant and influential lines in animated films.
9 "Valley of the Wind" (1984)
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Similar to Princess Mononoke, the meticulously crafted film by Hayao Miyazaki is still considered a masterpiece among animated films, with a compelling environmental message by portraying a pacifist warrior working to prevent two nations from destroying themselves and their dying planets in war.
"Valley of the Wind" is a classic epic with visual impact, conveying a beautiful value that transcends time, which is to be compassionate and kind to all living beings – themes that have continued to be interpreted in Princess Mononoke since then.
In addition, the film reveals the importance of protecting, respecting and protecting the environment, providing a visionary and heart-wrenching warning to present and future generations about the current climate crisis.
8 "Red Sea Turtle" (2016)
Director: Michael Dudwitt
"The Red Turtle" is a touching desert island movie about a man who is stranded in a remote land and must use his skills to build a shelter and survive. At the same time, he encounters a mysterious loggerhead sea turtle that eventually changes his fate.
Exploring environmentalism and the beauty of nature, "The Red Turtle" is an educational film that will be a great choice for both young and adult audiences. As with many of the studio's films, the characters in this film are intimate and three-dimensional.
What's more, what makes Michael DudWitt's 2016 film so touching and thought-provoking is that it tells the cycle and loneliness of life in a unique way, touching on the themes of life and death, affirming people's long-term quest for purpose and meaning.
7《幽灵公主》(1997)
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
"Princess Mononoke" tells the story of a young prince who is caught up in a war between the forest beasts and the humans who consume the forest's resources, and this brilliant film remains one of Studio Ghibli's most iconic films to this day.
What stands out about this 1997 film is that it reveals the confrontation between man and nature in an effective way that is both memorable and heavy. The film uses realism to highlight how humans have become too greedy to resort to violence in the process of coexisting with the natural world.
Overall, Princess Mononoke is fascinating and very touching, reminding us that Mother Nature is much more powerful than humans, and always prevails in the end no matter what.
6《百变狸猫》(1994)
Director: Isao Takahata
Despite the cuteness of the animal characters in Tanuki, this grossly underrated Ghibli movie is actually very sad. The film tells the story of a group of magical tanuki who can transform as they struggle to protect their home from being destroyed by urbanization.
By depicting the devastating effects of human activity on nature and the animals that live on this amazing planet, Variety Tanuki takes a stern look at the enormous damage humans can do to the environment. Despite its likability, quirkiness and fun, the film is thought-provoking and heartbreaking. This kind of film will make the audience feel helpless and melancholy after watching it, and at the same time, it is also very educational for young audiences.
5 "What kind of life do you want to live" (2023)
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
In Hayao Miyazaki's latest (and possibly final) animated work, How Do You Want to Live Your Life, a young boy named Real Man struggles to shake off the pain of his mother's death in the wreckage of a terrible war. Beginning with the death of his mother, the film focuses on the traumatic journey of a real person's childhood, who unfolds a journey between life and death and moves towards a new beginning.
"What Life Do You Want to Live" is a heavy film that explores how to deal with grief and parting from life and death, and at its core, it deals with the painful consequences of losing a loved one for unfair and cruel reasons. As a result, the process of watching can be very uncomfortable, especially for those who may be in a similar situation. While this isn't the most melancholy Ghibli film, it really deserves a place on this list.
4 "Marnie in Memories" (2014)
Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi
The gorgeous fantasy animated film "Marnie in Memories" is one of the most tear-jerking Ghibli films. The film tells the story of Anna, a 12-year-old girl with asthma, who is sent to a relative's house in the Japanese countryside due to a long-term illness. There, the introverted Anna forms an indissoluble bond with her new friend Marnie, who has beautiful long blond hair.
The film is full of plot twists, especially towards the end, and this intimate, subtle story that revolves around loneliness and alienation gives the viewer an intriguing and touching climax that awakens the viewer's feelings of melancholy and nostalgia.
At the same time, "Marnie in Memories" also reflects on the importance of self-discovery and healing journeys. There is no doubt that this Ghibli film has given audiences an inspiring and deeply moving screen time.
3 "The Wind Rises" (2013)
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
For years, aviation-obsessed engineer Jiro Horikoshi was inspired by Italian aviation designer Caproni to dream of building the plane of his dreams, eventually realizing his ambitions. However, his world collapses when he learns that his masterpiece will become a combat weapon in World War II.
Hayao Miyazaki's historical film is not only gorgeously animated and breathtaking, but also complements it with a compelling storyline that not only evokes strong emotional resonance in viewers, but also prompts them to reflect on the past and present.
Emphasizing the importance of pursuing dreams and celebrating artistic inspiration and craftsmanship, "The Wind Rises" is a must-see Ghibli film that everyone should watch at least once.
2 "The Tale of Kaguyahime" (2013)
Director: Isao Takahata
"The Tale of Kaguyahime" is a fascinating family fable about an old bamboo worker and his wife who find a miniature little girl in the bamboo, and the little girl quickly grows into a beautiful young girl. In the end, five men from prominent families proposed to her, but none of them could impress her. At the same time, the Emperor of Japan also proposed to him.
Like Ghibli's other films, this 2013 film is beautifully crafted, with stunning visual animation and a soundtrack. With a thought-provoking subject matter that shows the struggles that a young girl is forced to go through, and the social pressures she faces as a woman, Kaguya Monogatari is undoubtedly a tragic and influential animated film that deserves to be at the top of this list.
1《萤火虫之墓》(1988)
Director: Isao Takahata
There's no denying that Grave of the Fireflies is one of the most haunting and haunting World War II animated films, which is why it's often cited as Studio Ghibli's most depressing film. In large part, this is because the film deals with the sensitive topic of war by depicting the struggle of two war orphans to survive in the final months of World War II.
This 1988 tragic film is about innocence and the loss of family ties, and the haunting tragic ending is sure to leave viewers with a tissue to pick up. The film is based on a semi-autobiographical short story by Japanese writer Akiru Nosaka, which tells the story of his personal experiences before and after the Great Air Raid in Kobe in 1945.