Studio Ghibli Films You Should Binge-Watch on Netflix Philippines

Studio Ghibli. You've heard people rave about it and the wonder and magic of its films that just seem to transcend age and time. If you've yet to dive into Ghibli films and are wondering if the hype is real and well-deserved – it unimpeachably is.
Japanese film studio Studio Ghibli, founded by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki in 1985, has pretty much achieved legendary status not just in Japan but the world over, thanks to beloved classics that at once lift the spirits and wrench the heart.
Today, Netflix Philippines offers a ton of Studio Ghibli films for Filipinos of all ages to enjoy, so there would be no such thing as being late to the Ghibli party. But before all else, we advise you to always go for sub over dub. Was it not Bong Joon-ho, the creative mind behind "Parasite," who said you'd be introduced to a ton of amazing films once you overcome the one-inch-tall barrier of subtitles?
Here are six films by Studio Ghibli that we recommend you should watch on Netflix Philippines!
‘Howl's Moving Castle’
"Howl's Moving Castle," released in 2004, is based on Diana Wynne Jones' 1986 novel of the same name. It centers on Sophie, a hat maker who is turned into an old woman by the Witch of the Waste, and her encounter – and adventures – with the wizard Howl.
While we're obsessed with Christian Bale (Howl in the dubbed version) whose voice is like melting, dripping chocolate, we recommend you watch "Howl's Moving Castle" in the original Japanese version first and then the dubbed version the second time around.
‘My Neighbor Totoro’
“My Neighbor Totoro” may be popular among kids, but it also reigns supreme in the hearts of adults who grew up watching this endearing anime. The film takes place in Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture, and follows the story of two young sisters Satsuki and Mei and their friendship with the wood spirits and Totoro, a woodland creature, in rural Japan.
Totoro has since become a worldwide cultural icon, most recognized for his white and grey fur coat, big belly, pointy ears, and long whiskers.
‘Whisper of the Heart’
“Whisper of the Heart” is a sweet and tender animated film based on Aoi Hiiragi's 1989 manga of the same name. It follows the story of Shizuku, a high school girl, and her serendipitous encounter with Seiji, a boy her age, and their friendship which blossoms into love. If you've ever felt lost and unsure of what to do in life as an adolescent, then this film will tug at your heart strings.
‘The Tale of Princess Kaguya’
Based on the folktale "The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter," "Princess Kaguya" is a gorgeous film with an art style largely based on traditional watercolor paintings. It centers on Kaguya, a miniature girl found inside a glowing bamboo shoot by a bamboo cutter, who brings her home to his wife to raise as their child. The film follows Kaguya, originally from the Moon, and her experience of life on Earth and all the pains, joys, and wonders that come with it.
‘Princess Mononoke’
"Princess Mononoke," released in 1997, was the highest-grossing movie in Japan until it was unseated by "Titanic" months later. This epic fantasy film follows the journey of Ashitaka, the last Emishi prince, as he struggles to restore peace between the humans in Irontown and the creatures in the forest surrounding it. He meets San, a human girl raised by the wolves, and the two work together for the forest and humans to be at peace.
‘Spirited Away’
Last on our list is "Spirited Away," which, many would argue, is Studio Ghibli's best animated film. This coming-of-age film follows the story of 10-year-old Chihiro, who wanders into what appears to be an abandoned theme park with her parents.
Chihiro's parents are magically transformed into pigs for eating unattended food that does not belong to them and Chihiro becomes stranded in the spirit world, where she meets Haku. Chihiro must now work for an old witch's bathhouse to save her parents, which kindles her bittersweet journey into adulthood.
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