It’s not an overstatement to say thatStudio Ghibliis the most successful anime studio in the history of Japanese film. With cinematic masterpieces spanning fromMy Neighbor Totoro to Spirited Away, the studio has established its position in worldwide popular culture through films that consistently astonish and please fans.
Even if a movie is of high quality, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee success. Over the years, Ghibli has released ten films that have outperformed others in terms of box office earnings. Although some of these movies are well-known to even casual Ghibli fans, others might be unclear to those unfamiliar with the company’s background.
From the Top of Poppy Hill
Directed by Goro Miyazaki, the film earned $61.5 million at the global box office.
Goro Miyazaki may not be the most profitable filmmaker for Studio Ghibli, but his movies have typically been a reliable choice for the studio, even if they have faced mixed reviews. Among the three films directed by the younger Miyazaki,From the Top of Poppy Hillis by far the director’s most acclaimed work, both with critics and fans.
Based on the renowned Shojo manga created by Chizuru Takahashi and Tetsurō Sayama,From the Top of Poppy Hillset in 1960s Japan, it follows two high school students, Umi and Shun, as they deal with the challenges of a country still healing from World War II.
The film received high praise from critics for its nostalgic feel, and it appears that viewers also enjoyed it. The movie generated a strong $61 million at the box office despite a $22 million production cost, establishing it as a solid success for Ghibli.
The Cat Returns
Directed by Hiroyuki Morita, $65 million earned worldwide at the box office
Among every Ghibli film,The Cat Returns could be the most out of place. Directed by Hiroyuki Morita,The Cat Returnshas a unique visual approach compared to most Ghibli films, which makes it seem somewhat out of place among the studio’s other works. Fortunately,The Cat Returnsshows that being different doesn’t necessarily mean something is negative.
Technically a sequel to theunderrated Ghibli classic Whisper of the Heart, Morita’s first film as a director follows a girl named Haru who becomes stuck in a realm ruled by cats, with the mysterious Baron Humbert von Gikkingen serving as her sole companion.
Although significantly lighter than most Ghibli films,The Cat Returnsis an ideal film for children. The movie’s $65 million in box office earnings compared to a $20 million budget indicates the film resonated well with viewers.
Tales From Earthsea
Directed by Goro Miyazaki, $75.5 million earned globally at the box office.
Based on the beloved Earthseafantasy book series written by Ursula K. Le Guin,Tales From Earthseastarted Goro Miyazaki’s career on a difficult note.
Earthseais a fantasy movie that follows a young prince named Arren, who, after killing his father in strange circumstances, is safeguarded by a powerful wizard named Ged. They join forces to battle the warlock Lord Cob, who might be behind some of the unusual events occurring globally.
The Earthsea The books are considered classics, which makes it unfortunate that Ghibli’s movie lacks much of the depth and philosophical elements that were central to the original stories. Despite what critics may have said, the film was a financial success, generating $75.5 million compared to a $22 million budget.
The Wind Rises
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, $136.5 million earned worldwide at the box office
Initially planned as Hayao Miyazaki’s last movie,The Wind Risessparked debate upon its release in Japandue to its depiction of World War II.
Certainly, here is a paraphrased version of your text: “Perhaps Miyazaki’s most straightforward film.”The Wind Risesis a loosely based biographical account of Jiro Horikoshi, a notable engineer involved with Japanese aircraft during World War II. The movie follows his life as he works towards creating the famous Zero plane.
Although there are no obvious elements of fantasy,The Wind Risesis still filled with that traditional Ghibli magic. Even with the debate and a different mood for Miyazaki,The Wind Risesmade $136.5 million at the theater despite a $30 million cost.
The Hidden World of Arrietty
Directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, $146 million in global box office revenue
Based on Mary Norton’s The Borrowers, The Hidden World of Arriettyis a shorter Ghibli film that made a significant impression.Arrietty was Hiromasa Yonebayashi’s first time directing, and it turned out to be a strong effort in every aspect.
The movie follows a young boy named Shō as he uncovers a community of small people called Borrowers. Specifically, Shō develops a connection with a girl named Arrietty.
Releasing in 2010 as global viewers were rapidly developing a stronger appetite for more Ghibli films,Arrietty Successfully cleaned up at the global box office, generating a solid $146 million compared to a $23 million investment, securing its place as the top-grossing Ghibli film that wasn’t directed by Hayao Miyazaki.
Ponyo
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, $205.9 Million earned internationally at the box office
Prior to Miyazaki’s most realistic and explicitly adult film, there was his most youthful one.Ponyo is an original creation by Miyazaki featuring a young boy who becomes responsible for the title character, Ponyo, the daughter of a sea goddess and a reclusive wizard.
Including a fairly straightforward plot,Ponyo is likely Hayao Miyazaki’s most innocent film sinceMy Neighbor Totoro. Despite the youthful intended audience,Ponyo was released during the initial rise of Miyazaki-mania in the West, aiding its presence in markets beyond Japan.
In the end, Ponyo performed very well, earning a impressive $205.9 million globally compared to a $34 million production cost.
Princess Mononoke
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, $212 Million in Global Box Office Revenue
Hayao Miyazaki had been attempting to create some version ofPrincess Mononoke for many years prior to the last movie being released, and to claim it generated significant attention would be an understatement.
Princess Mononoke is a grand historical drama centered around a young prince named Ashitaka, who, following a curse, becomes involved in a struggle between an emerging town and the nature spirits whose land it is invading.
Princess Mononoke is often considered Ghibli’s finest film, due to its intricate themes and unusual level of violence, it has a lasting charm. With a budget of approximately $15 million, the movie’s $212 million in box office revenue is truly impressive.
Howl’s Moving Castle
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, $236 million earned worldwide at the box office
Based on the fantasy novel written by Diana Wynne Jones,Howl’s Moving Castlewas never intended to be directed by Miyazaki in the first place. While the world will never know what Mamoru Hasoda’s version ofHowl would have appeared, Miyazaki’s is a magnificent journey.
The movie follows a young woman named Sophie who is afflicted with aging after an encounter with a witch. In an effort to reverse her condition, Sophie begins working for the mysterious magician Howl, who resides in a castle that moves around, along with his assistant Markl and the magical fire Calcifer.
The response received strong critical acclaim, although fan opinions remain divided to this day. Nevertheless, regardless of any lukewarm sentiments,Howl’s Moving Castlegenerated $236 million with a $24 million investment, securing its place as the third-top earning Ghibli movie.
The Boy and the Heron
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, $294.2 Million in global box office earnings
Although Studio Ghibli and Miyazaki’s work has significantly decreased in recent years, their newest movie shows they still possess a hint of their enchantment.The Boy and the Heronthe second anime movie to receive an academy award, enhancing the film’s already notable reputation.
Miyazaki’s newest movie follows a boy named Mahito who moves to the Japanese countryside following his mother’s death during the World War II firebombings in Tokyo. When Mahito’s new mother-in-law is taken, the young man becomes involved in a fantasy realm as he embarks on a mission to save her.
The Boy and the Heronis readily Miyazaki’s most personal film, and that is evident in the grand animation and heartfelt narrative. In the end,The Boy and the Cranesurpassed all box-office predictions, generating a substantial $294.2 million in revenue from a production cost of approximately $50 million.
Spirited Away
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, $396 million earned globally at the box office
In 24 years, no other Studio Ghibli movie has come anywhere near surpassing itSpirited Away’s massive box office success. Hayao Miyazaki’s groundbreaking classic was an enormous hit, becoming the top-earning Japanese film for over a decade until it was surpassed byYour Name and then the current highest-grossing Japanese film, Demon Slayer: Mugen Train.
Spirited Away is a coming-of-age tale centered around a young girl named Chihiro who becomes stranded in a magical realm following her parents’ transformation into pigs.
A cornerstone of Japanese cinema, evenSteven Spielberg said Spirited Awaywas superior to any Disney movie. With a comparatively modest budget of $19.2 million,Spirited Away’sA $396 million performance at the box office is nothing short of extraordinary, solidifying its position as the top-earning Studio Ghibli film to date.
