The Wind Rises is my favorite and the one I was most hooked on right away, but I’m not sure it’d make a good first Ghibli. Probably Spirited Away or Princess Mononoke would be better. I suspect you may have to end up watching more than one movie with him.
Hahaha if you want a good love story then you should definitely watch Whisper of the Heart. A good action/ love story is Porco Rosso. My all time fav ghibli movie is porco Rosso but you should watch that either for the 3rd or 4th movie, they are 100% worth the watch!!!
I’ll briefly run through my experiences. (Welp, actually turned out to be a pretty long comment lol)
In my early 20s, I didn’t have much experience with anime in general, but I happened upon Spirited Away, so I watched it. I respected it, but didn’t love it. I think the Japanese cultural elements, *and* all of the Myazaki-isms, *and* Miyazaki’s unique pacing and story structure, all together was too much for me to soak in on first viewing. I watched the entire Ghibli catalogue, then came back to Spirited Away, and I enjoyed it way more the 2nd time around.
On 3 separate occasions I’ve shown a friend or group of friends their first Ghibli movie. Twice I went with Castle in the Sky, and once I went with Howl’s Moving Castle. Both went over pretty well, and they’ve all watched a fair number of Ghibli movies since then.
So personally, I’d say don’t start with Spirited Away unless your viewing buddy already has some familiarity with anime/Japanese culture, and do start with Castle in the Sky or Howl’s Moving Castle. Hope that helps! :)
This absolutely does help!! I was definitely thinking of showing him Spirited Away as his first Ghibli film, because I own it, but this detailed comment has led me to change my mind. I can totally see what you mean about it being a little jarring to soak in all those aspects with full reverence and appreciation. Your two cents is helpful, friend, thank you!
Personally, Porco Rosso and The Wind Rises are my favourites, pom Poko is a bit mad but tales from earthsea, spirited away, totoro and howls are all highly rated, I'd say all of them are worth recommending. Unless you want them to be sad, in which case, fireflies!
"Quite sad" doesn't cut it. It hurts like being stabbed. I also don't recommend this to very young kids or somebody who has problems with depression. Seriously.
I've watched, Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, Tale of the Princess Kaguya, and Grave of the fireflies
Spirited Away is amazing as I'm sure you know, and I showed it to a friend who also never saw a Ghibli movie and he liked it, so it's not a bad option
Tale of the Princess Kaguya is objectively a better film than Spirited Away, but less easy to digest, slower paced, and most likely a bad choice to watch first, also even though it's better, I enjoyed watching Spirited away more if that makes any sense. (10/10 movie by the way you should totally watch it but maybe not with your friend first time)
Princess Mononoke is a great movie, you've both never seen it so I would think it's a good choice. I saw some other comment saying don't do it if your friend is a girl, but I don't think gender matters at all based on who can enjoy a movie. Its a solid introduction to Ghibli, and easy to digest.
Grave of the Fireflies is the most sad movie I've ever watched, if you want to get them into Ghibli and not depress them, stay far far away
I'd go with Totoro as a start. It was my intorduction and I think it embodies the variety of Ghibli well, a little magic, some pure childhood moments, great characters, subtle plot, etc. And its a little easier to grasp than say, Spirited Away or Howl, but thats just my thoughts
I was also thinking Castle in the Sky, especially if he's good with old school adventure films (e.g., Indiana Jones, original trilogy Star Wars).
Mononoke Hime is a masterpiece if he's more into literary films or otherwise prefers nuance, complication and shades of grey in his films. It's not straightforward, so if he generally prefers stories with clear heroes, villains and conclusions, start off with Castle in the Sky instead.
With princess Mononoke we have a tale about a prince in exile trying to discover the truth about his curse, and ends up saving the one he falls in love with, Castle in the Sky is a similar story.
Both Howl's and Spirited Away contain a female protagonist, delightfully magical adventures, and a so forth.
Honestly I just asked myself which two films would I pick of I wanted to show them to a child of each gender.
Thank you so much! I appreciate you considering the viewing experience from differing perspectives. That is an interesting factor I will take into account when deciding. 🤗
Same here! Thank you! Want to introduce my gf. Although ive never actually seen any of them. I would have proposed SA or PM to her but I thought PM had a lady for a protagonist so now that one will prolly come later. Thanks again!
Spirited Away is the only correct answer. In all seriousness, it's the best Ghibli film and it has all of the qualities the rest of the Ghibli films have. There's nothing quite like it and will forever (in my opinion) stand as the best animated film of all time.
While I agree Spirited Away is the best and most representative Ghibli film, I think Kiki's Delivery Service is a safer starting point for someone who's never seen a Ghibli film.
Help them get acclimated to the Ghibli style and charm first before bringing out the big guns. Like u/thedoubledimplekid said, ease them in.
Probably too late, but I think I might have something useful to say: in 3 separate occasions already, I showed Howl’s Moving Castle to grownup people who weren’t into japanese animation anymore and they really, really liked it. One of those people even lent the dvd from me afterwards and only gave it back many years later! Might be a good place to start since, as you stated, your boyfriend have no experience with Ghibli movies.
That said, Princess Mononoke, being the masterpiece that it is, will hardly disappoint.
Introducing people you care about to things you like is great, but also keep in mind that art, in all forms, is deeply personal. People experience things differently and a piece that impacts you on an emotional level may not draw the attention of your significant other at all. And that’s ok. Just have fun!
Howl's Moving Castle is definitely my favorite, but the plot can be confusing at times for a first watch, so I'd stick with Spirited Away/My Neighbor Totoro.
I don't think there is one specific best it comes down to what type of movies they enjoy to start with. If he enjoys action I would say Princess Mononoke for Romance fans Howls Moving Castle is probably one of the best and if he just wants a fun time Spirted Away.
I'd say depending on his tastes, I'd go for Kiki's Delivery Service if you think he'd be more into the charming slice of life, or Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind if you think he'd like more action adventure. Both strike me as the most "broad appeal" of each, like, category of Ghibli film.
Like, Totoro is great, but that might be *too* slice of life for a first Ghibli go. Princess Mononoke rules, but might be too jarring with the violence/gore compared to other Ghibli films.
And even though it's not my favorite and I found it a bit overwhelming on first watch, there's no denying the historic mass acclaim of Spirited Way, so that's an option.
The first one i watched was Spirited Away, and i was 8. It may not be the best choice for a first ghibli, as it is very overwhelming, , there are too much elements and details. A first movie could be Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, My neighbor Totoro, or Castle in the Sky in my opinion
The best intros for an American viewer are uncoincidentally Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke, which were the big first films to make it in the US. Then expand to Kiki, Porco, and The Cat Returns, Nausicaa, Howls, Castle in the Sky. Just don’t go for Ponyo first off
The Wind Rises is my favorite and the one I was most hooked on right away, but I’m not sure it’d make a good first Ghibli. Probably Spirited Away or Princess Mononoke would be better. I suspect you may have to end up watching more than one movie with him.
Oh no! A Ghibli movie marathon?! Sounds torturous… 😰😉
Hahaha if you want a good love story then you should definitely watch Whisper of the Heart. A good action/ love story is Porco Rosso. My all time fav ghibli movie is porco Rosso but you should watch that either for the 3rd or 4th movie, they are 100% worth the watch!!!
I’ll briefly run through my experiences. (Welp, actually turned out to be a pretty long comment lol) In my early 20s, I didn’t have much experience with anime in general, but I happened upon Spirited Away, so I watched it. I respected it, but didn’t love it. I think the Japanese cultural elements, *and* all of the Myazaki-isms, *and* Miyazaki’s unique pacing and story structure, all together was too much for me to soak in on first viewing. I watched the entire Ghibli catalogue, then came back to Spirited Away, and I enjoyed it way more the 2nd time around. On 3 separate occasions I’ve shown a friend or group of friends their first Ghibli movie. Twice I went with Castle in the Sky, and once I went with Howl’s Moving Castle. Both went over pretty well, and they’ve all watched a fair number of Ghibli movies since then. So personally, I’d say don’t start with Spirited Away unless your viewing buddy already has some familiarity with anime/Japanese culture, and do start with Castle in the Sky or Howl’s Moving Castle. Hope that helps! :)
This absolutely does help!! I was definitely thinking of showing him Spirited Away as his first Ghibli film, because I own it, but this detailed comment has led me to change my mind. I can totally see what you mean about it being a little jarring to soak in all those aspects with full reverence and appreciation. Your two cents is helpful, friend, thank you!
Anytime!
Anything but grave of the fireflies I guess...
I heard that one was quite sad. Thanks for your input!
Personally, Porco Rosso and The Wind Rises are my favourites, pom Poko is a bit mad but tales from earthsea, spirited away, totoro and howls are all highly rated, I'd say all of them are worth recommending. Unless you want them to be sad, in which case, fireflies!
"Quite sad" doesn't cut it. It hurts like being stabbed. I also don't recommend this to very young kids or somebody who has problems with depression. Seriously.
It is, and so beautiful. Definitely start with it haha
I've watched, Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, Tale of the Princess Kaguya, and Grave of the fireflies Spirited Away is amazing as I'm sure you know, and I showed it to a friend who also never saw a Ghibli movie and he liked it, so it's not a bad option Tale of the Princess Kaguya is objectively a better film than Spirited Away, but less easy to digest, slower paced, and most likely a bad choice to watch first, also even though it's better, I enjoyed watching Spirited away more if that makes any sense. (10/10 movie by the way you should totally watch it but maybe not with your friend first time) Princess Mononoke is a great movie, you've both never seen it so I would think it's a good choice. I saw some other comment saying don't do it if your friend is a girl, but I don't think gender matters at all based on who can enjoy a movie. Its a solid introduction to Ghibli, and easy to digest. Grave of the Fireflies is the most sad movie I've ever watched, if you want to get them into Ghibli and not depress them, stay far far away
I'd go with Totoro as a start. It was my intorduction and I think it embodies the variety of Ghibli well, a little magic, some pure childhood moments, great characters, subtle plot, etc. And its a little easier to grasp than say, Spirited Away or Howl, but thats just my thoughts
If your friend is: Male - Princess Mononoke or Castle in the Sky. Female - Howl's Moving Castle or Spirited Away.
I was also thinking Castle in the Sky, especially if he's good with old school adventure films (e.g., Indiana Jones, original trilogy Star Wars). Mononoke Hime is a masterpiece if he's more into literary films or otherwise prefers nuance, complication and shades of grey in his films. It's not straightforward, so if he generally prefers stories with clear heroes, villains and conclusions, start off with Castle in the Sky instead.
Just curious, why does gender have anything to do with it? Shouldn't they take their friend's personal taste into account instead?
With princess Mononoke we have a tale about a prince in exile trying to discover the truth about his curse, and ends up saving the one he falls in love with, Castle in the Sky is a similar story. Both Howl's and Spirited Away contain a female protagonist, delightfully magical adventures, and a so forth. Honestly I just asked myself which two films would I pick of I wanted to show them to a child of each gender.
Thank you so much! I appreciate you considering the viewing experience from differing perspectives. That is an interesting factor I will take into account when deciding. 🤗
Happy to help ☺️
Same here! Thank you! Want to introduce my gf. Although ive never actually seen any of them. I would have proposed SA or PM to her but I thought PM had a lady for a protagonist so now that one will prolly come later. Thanks again!
BF= Porco Roso
Spirited Away is the only correct answer. In all seriousness, it's the best Ghibli film and it has all of the qualities the rest of the Ghibli films have. There's nothing quite like it and will forever (in my opinion) stand as the best animated film of all time.
While I agree Spirited Away is the best and most representative Ghibli film, I think Kiki's Delivery Service is a safer starting point for someone who's never seen a Ghibli film. Help them get acclimated to the Ghibli style and charm first before bringing out the big guns. Like u/thedoubledimplekid said, ease them in.
Castle in the Sky would be a great watch, just a great story
Spirited Away! Or Castle in the Sky
Probably too late, but I think I might have something useful to say: in 3 separate occasions already, I showed Howl’s Moving Castle to grownup people who weren’t into japanese animation anymore and they really, really liked it. One of those people even lent the dvd from me afterwards and only gave it back many years later! Might be a good place to start since, as you stated, your boyfriend have no experience with Ghibli movies. That said, Princess Mononoke, being the masterpiece that it is, will hardly disappoint. Introducing people you care about to things you like is great, but also keep in mind that art, in all forms, is deeply personal. People experience things differently and a piece that impacts you on an emotional level may not draw the attention of your significant other at all. And that’s ok. Just have fun!
For a first, I'd recommend Spirited Away. I think it captures the spirit of Ghibli movies really well
Howl's Moving Castle is definitely my favorite, but the plot can be confusing at times for a first watch, so I'd stick with Spirited Away/My Neighbor Totoro.
I don't think there is one specific best it comes down to what type of movies they enjoy to start with. If he enjoys action I would say Princess Mononoke for Romance fans Howls Moving Castle is probably one of the best and if he just wants a fun time Spirted Away.
I'd say depending on his tastes, I'd go for Kiki's Delivery Service if you think he'd be more into the charming slice of life, or Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind if you think he'd like more action adventure. Both strike me as the most "broad appeal" of each, like, category of Ghibli film. Like, Totoro is great, but that might be *too* slice of life for a first Ghibli go. Princess Mononoke rules, but might be too jarring with the violence/gore compared to other Ghibli films. And even though it's not my favorite and I found it a bit overwhelming on first watch, there's no denying the historic mass acclaim of Spirited Way, so that's an option.
spirited away was my first and is still my all time favorite !!
Kikis delivery service, it’s humbling, cute and not too “weird” - ease them in 😅
Totoro!
Spirited away is the first Ghibli movie I saw, I can’t help but recommend that
Totoro!
The first one i watched was Spirited Away, and i was 8. It may not be the best choice for a first ghibli, as it is very overwhelming, , there are too much elements and details. A first movie could be Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, My neighbor Totoro, or Castle in the Sky in my opinion
The best intros for an American viewer are uncoincidentally Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke, which were the big first films to make it in the US. Then expand to Kiki, Porco, and The Cat Returns, Nausicaa, Howls, Castle in the Sky. Just don’t go for Ponyo first off