For numerous years, the Japanese animation studio has been
Studio Ghibli
Has not only been Japan’s foremost anime director but also one of the key figures in advancing animation worldwide over recent centuries. Many aspects contribute to making a Studio Ghibli film undeniably enchanting, with perhaps none more significant than their consistently outstanding musical scores found in almost every movie from the studio.
It comes as no shock to any Studio Ghibli enthusiast that the majority of the studio’s finest and most iconic soundtracks have been crafted by the renowned composer.
Joe Hisaishi
Certainly, not all of these compositions originate from Hisaishi’s imagination, and this does not imply a lack of diversity for enthusiasts of film soundtracks. Studio Ghibli boasts an array of the most recognizable and enchanting melodies compiled by any production company, which will forever merit the highest acclaim.
This ranking will highlight the top scores from Studio Ghibli.
depending on their makeup, memorability, and how significantly they enhance their respective films.
‘Only Yesterday’ (1991)
Composed by Katsu Hoshi
Only Yesterday
is one of
Studio Ghibli’s most underrated gems
, narrating the story of a young woman in her late twenties who works as an office worker and embarks on a journey to the countryside, all while reflecting on her youth spent in Tokyo. This poignant narrative brims with artistic value and is predominantly targeted towards women—a demographic focus not commonly seen in Ghibli productions—
Only Yesterday
is among the studio’s numerous essential movies to watch.
The perfect blend goes beyond just the direction and writing here.
Only Yesterday
, but also the music as well. With some
gorgeous piano-centric songs
, abundant innovative musical arrangements, and
influences from styles such as flamenco
,
Only Yesterday
is quite a modest soundtrack for Ghibli. Nonetheless, its
originality and emotional resonance
is what makes it exceptionally robust.
‘Ponyo’ (2008)
Composed by Joe Hisaishi
The majority of Ghibli’s movies are kid-friendly, but few are aimed so strongly at the little ones of the family as
Ponyo
. That isn’t to say that it’s not enjoyable for grown-ups; not in the slightest. On the contrary,
Ponyo
‘s charming visual style, stunning poetic tone, endearing characters, and feel-good narrative make it an absolute delight for any viewer, no matter their age.
Being that
Ponyo
is a film so reliant on innocence and a childlike sense of wonder, the great Joe Hisaishi was unsurprisingly up for the challenge. Perfectly
savoring both the calmness and the majestic splendor of the ocean
, Hisaishi crafted in
Ponyo
‘ s series of scores
captivating creations that are as amazing as they are deep
.
Ponyo
is one of
The top anime movies from the 2000s
, and its outstanding score is not a minor factor in its success.
‘The Borrower Arietty’ (2010)
Composed by Cécile Corbel
At Studio Ghibli,
it’s not all Hayao Miyazaki
. Though it isn’t usually considered among the studio’s best outings,
Hiromasa Yonebayashi
‘s
The Secret World of Arrietty
Certainly, this film stands out as one of the most underrated works from Studio Ghibli, showcasing the studio’s impressive roster of exceptionally talented directors. The story revolves around a tiny family—each just four inches tall—who live secretly within another household. Their quiet existence gets disrupted when they’re noticed by the family’s adolescent daughter, named Arrietty.
Arrietty
is visually beautiful, full of memorable details, and refreshingly relaxing. This relaxing nature includes the film’s score, which was composed by the French musician
Cécile Corbel
, marking the first time a non-Japanese composer worked with Ghibli.
Mixing all manner of international influences
And instruments that are scarcely—or never—featured in the studio’s films, such as bagpipes and Irish flutes, it’s
One of the most inventive and delightful soundtracks from Ghibli.
.
‘My Neighbor Totoro’ (1988)
Composed by Joe Hisaishi
My Neighbor Totoro
It might just be one of Studio Ghibli’s most recognizable films. The endearing, plump character has long served as the emblem of the studio. This movie doesn’t rely on shallow melodrama or daunting confrontations; rather, it offers a refined slice-of-life narrative centered around two sisters navigating loss while exploring the countryside alongside their mystical companions. Such a heartwarming story leaves viewers hard-pressed to find fault with it.
One of the non-Disney animated films renowned by the esteemed American movie reviewer
Roger Ebert loved the most
,
Totoro
is a joy from start to finish, including Joe Hisaishi’s enchanting soundtrack.
Mixing orchestral sounds with a digital synthesizer
,
Totoro
‘s music gorgeously enhances the emotional impact of the story. Poignant when it needs to be, yet never ceasing to be
full of grandiose childlike wonder
, it’s one of Hisaishi’s most enjoyable compositions that effortlessly captures a unique sense of awe and adventure.
‘Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind’ (1984)
Composed by Joe Hisaishi
Ideal for those who appreciate things similar to
Dune
and the
Lord of the Rings
books and movies,
Nausicaä from the Valley of the Wind
Was actually created and published prior to the establishment of Studio Ghibli but has subsequently been embraced as part of the studio’s collection, making it unreasonable to exclude it from consideration. As one of Hayao Miyazaki’s initial projects, this science fiction saga has only improved with time.
For those who enjoy an epic with a moody atmosphere
and their sci-fi thought-provoking
,
Nausicäa
Is perfect. Similarly, for those who enjoy their 1980s films accompanied by scores that
scream
’80s,
Nausicäa
It should be perfect for them, akin to a match made in heaven. While the synthesizer-focused music might not appeal to all, Ghibli enthusiasts have long considered this a standout element.
one of the studio’s most grandiose, thrilling, and distinctive
Scores. This serves as an earlier instance of Joe Hisaishi’s compositions.
thriving, distinctive, and unapologetically ’80s soundtrack
is an absolute delight.
‘Princess Mononoke’ (1997)
Composed by Joe Hisaishi
Hailed by many as Miyazaki’s finest work and Studio Ghibli’s crowning achievement,
Princess Mononoke
It stands as one of the studio’s bleakest, most grown-up, and intense movies; however, it remains an essential viewing experience for audiences of every age group.
top fantasy films of every era
It’s an captivating action saga centered around the struggle between humans and nature, exploring the complexities of moral ambiguity.
This partnership between the composer and Miyazaki supposedly required more intense cooperation compared to their previous efforts, and it certainly proved worthwhile.
Mononoke
is rich with deeply reflective scenes, thrilling action sequences, and magical bursts of enchanting sorcery, which
request for an outstanding score
That’s exactly what Joe Hisaishi accomplished. This partnership between the composer and Miyazaki involved reportedly more intense cooperation than they had previously engaged in, and it clearly made a difference. The music was rich with brass instruments.
perfectly blending classic Japanese beats with Western elements
It’s some of Hisaishi’s most powerful and memorable compositions.
‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ (2004)
Composed by Joe Hisaishi
Howl’s Moving Castle
is rarely not heard in conversations about Studio Ghibli’s best films, and that isn’t surprising in the slightest. With some of the most beautiful animation, one of the most compelling stories, and some of
the finest characters in Studio Ghibli’s collection
, it truly is top-tier animation. Romantic, sweepingly epic, and aesthetically impressive, it’s one of Hayao Miyazaki’s best.
This piece also features some of Joe Hisaishi’s most powerful compositions. The song “Merry-Go-Round of Life” is part of this.
A masterpiece of a track that requires no explanation for enthusiasts of Studio Ghibli.
, who always manage to appreciate it as one of the most captivating tunes that animation has ever received. Actually, it wouldn’t be excessive to refer to it as the absolute finest score in Ghibli’s collection.
A complete embodiment of romance and the journey of life.
Nevertheless, it is certainly not the sole factor involved.
Howl’s
The soundtrack leans heavily into one main theme. However, despite this reliance on a central motif, Hisaishi creates an array of other tracks for the film, ranging from eerie and atmospheric to tenderly romantic, and ultimately culminating in pieces of undeniable beauty.
‘The Boy and the Heron’ (2023)
Composed by Joe Hisaishi
The newest partnership between Hayao Miyazaki and Joe Hisaishi,
The Lad and the Heron
could be deemed by many as their finest collaborative effort—hardly surprising. Beyond its musical elements, though, this latter-period Hayao Miyazaki film stands out as utterly captivating. With its complex visuals, rich atmosphere, and layers of deeper significance, it ranks among Studio Ghibli’s most outstanding productions, undoubtedly.
top anime movies from the past thirty years
.
It’s Hisaishi’s score, though,
That’s one of the film’s most notable aspects.
, and for good reason. The soundtrack is utterly essential because it deeply enhances the film’s mood and ambiance; it perfectly complements the development of the characters’ journeys, the compelling themes, and the heart of the story; and it brims with memorable compositions.
the most creative instrumentalizations of Hisaishi’s career
.
The Lad and the Heron
‘s score is the work of a master in full control of his craft.
‘The Tale of the Princess Kaguya’ (2013)
Composed by Joe Hisaishi
Many of Studio Ghibli’s finest movies were not helmed by Hayao Miyazaki; these include
The Story of Princess Kaguya
, a masterful work helmed by the director often considered to be the studio’s runner-up talent,
Isao Takahata
. It’s one of the
greatest historical fantasy movies
of all time, mixing an insightful portrayal of the Heian period with an enchanting narrative of magic and divinity.
The soundtrack is saturated with flawless inspirations drawn from traditional Japanese music, yet it also showcases the inventiveness and uniqueness characteristic of any composition by Hisaishi.
Beautifully instrumentalized
and flawlessly
juxtaposing sadness, happiness, enigma, and amazement
,
The Tale of Princess Kaguya
provides the ideal blend for such a distinctive and sophisticated small treasure.
‘Spirited Away’ (2001)
Composed by Joe Hisaishi
Spirited Away
The first non-Hollywood film to ever receive the Best Animated Feature Oscar is typically regarded as Ghiblili’s finest work. Indeed,
Some might even say it stands as the greatest animated movie ever made.
It’s simply outstanding. The movie is highly surreal, packed with deeply thoughtful and meaningful content, and features some of the most spectacular animations in Hayao Miyazaki’s career. This makes it an absolute masterpiece from start to finish.
There are numerous components that render this one of
The most enduring fantasy films
At all times, and Joe Hisaishi’s soundtrack holds immense significance as one of those elements. Tracks such as “One Summer’s Day” and “The Sixth Station” stand out amongst his compositions.
The most emotionally stirring, musically perfect, and astonishingly beautiful pieces of music.
In not only Studio Ghibli’s film catalog but across the entire realm of animated movies.
Spirited Away
It’s impossible to look away from, and thanks to Hisaishi, it’s equally impossible to shut your ears. This film deserves to be at the very top.
any
The Ghibli ranking might not be the most inspired selection, but when it comes to music, there’s no denying its appeal.
Spirited Away
it doesn’t get much better than this.
NEXT:
The Best Studio Ghibli Quotes, Ranked