Studio Ghibli Titles for New Viewers

[kungfupanda]

Hi Guys and Dolls!

I've just been looking in to the hype for the Studio Ghibli titles, and was hoping that some of you would be able to recommend a few titles from the collection that are definitely worth a view?

Thanks

[Buddy Ackerman]

My Neighbour Totoro and Grave of the Fireflies were originally released as a double-bill and I would say that both of them are a great place to start (Totoro especially, being one of the defining films/icons of Ghibli). Each one showcases what the company can do, with Totoro fitting in with their more whimsical/folklore side and Fireflies taking a more adult view. It also gives you the advantage of seeing two different directors making films under the Ghibli banner, rather than concentrating solely on Miyazaki. Both are masterpieces as far as I'm concerned but be warned, Fireflies is a devstating film.

Outside of those, Spirited Away is a great place to start and possibly the most recent absolute classic that the studio has made (but is not yet available on blu-ray), though Howl's Moving Castle is also a great film. They have plenty of gems though so you're sure to enjoy whatever you end up watching.

[Sinthetic]

Ponyo
Totoro
Howl


Porco Rosso
Kiki's Delivery Service
Spirited Away
Whisper of the Heart

All excellent choices for those new to Ghibli, the top 3 are IMO perfect starters for the stunning World of Ghibli. I'd recommend giving all the rest a view before moving on to the epic that is Mononoke.

[rapta]

I think Spirited Away was the first one I saw (saw it in the cinema) and then after that I can't remember which order I saw them but Princess Mononoke, Nausicaa, My Neighbour Totoro and Howl's Moving Castle (which I also saw in the cinema) are all good places to start.

[Andy2992]

https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=170130

[TheHutt]

My first choices would be:

- Laputa: Castle in the Sky
- Spirited Away
- Princess Mononoke

[Blfan]

My recommendations would be as follows:

Castle in the Sky
My Neighbor Totoro
Kiki's Delivery Service
Porco Rosso
Spirited Away
Howl's Moving Castle
Ponyo

[Agermemnon]

1.Laputa: Castle in the Sky.
2.Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. read the Manga if possible, makes the anime seem meh though imo.
3.Princess Mononoke.

[blooregard_q_kazoo]

Well, depending on the individual, I would maybe not go with one of the films more aimed at a younger audience. My first was Princess Mononoke and I was immediately hooked. Nausicaa and Howl's Moving Castle would also come to mind. Then maybe Totoro? Basically they're all great. For something rather unusual, but with great Japanese humor, try My Neighbors, the Yamadas, one of my personal favorites.

[thenexus6]

My starters would be

Howl's
Spirited Away
Laputa

[gap]

As someone who has recently decided to give Ghibli a try, I opted to start at the start. I watched The Castle of Cagliostro in Japanese (fun and funny, but a tad overlong) and followed it with Nausicaä in English (very very enjoyable). Next up is Grave of the Fireflies and Laputa. Looking forward to both.