10 Studio Ghibli Films Everyone Should See

by David Opie

1. Laputa: Castle In The Sky (1986)

So why is Spirited Away not at number one? What gives? As the first official Studio Ghibli film, Laputa: Castle in the Sky embodies everything I love about the company.

The story of a young boy and girl on a quest to find a legendary floating castle is a perfect film for me from start to finish. Epic, uplifting, thrilling... some have described Laputa as The 'Japanese Star Wars', but I feel it's even more accessible than that, particularly to those who aren't usually a fan of the genre. The breathtaking visuals and design meld perfectly to create some of the most exhilarating action I've ever seen in ANY media.

Ghibli and Miyazaki in particular are true masters of storytelling and while Spirited Away is iconic on every level, Castle in the Sky just hit me in that very rare way that only the best films can. You know the feeling, it's the kind of film that I wanted to force on everyone I know immediately after the credits had rolled. Most Ghibli fans will argue that I'm clinically insane for placing Laputa above Spirited Away and they may be right but !*$%, let me have my opinion!

Why You Should Watch It: Seriously? You need even more convincing? Ok, well I'm currently in the basement working on a time machine, just so I can urge my younger self to watch this film years before I eventually got round to it in my mid 20's. I'm willing to dedicate my life to somehow changing the laws of physics just to squeeze more enjoyment out of Laputa, even though I know it's obviously impossible. THAT'S why you should watch it.

Contributor
Contributor

David is a primary school teacher who tries his best to turn every math lesson into a discussion on the latest Pixar film. Passions include superheroes, zombies and Studio Ghibli. In between going to the cinema, moving to South Korea and eating his body weight in KFC, David writes for a number of movie sites, http://becarefulyourhand.blogspot.co.uk/