Fans’ favorite Studio Ghibli movies based on age group is fascinating

Ever wondered if other Studio Ghibli fans love the same films that you do? Taking it a step further, ever wonder why some generations of film buffs are more fond of Hayao Miyazaki’s earlier masterpieces, while others are more enamored by the more recent titles? Here’s what to know!

Sora News 24 reports that age is the explanation for why fans don’t always share the same favorite Studio Ghibli films. The comprehensive study found that those who are younger tend to prefer films with more whimsical and lighthearted sentiments, whereas older audiences appreciated the titles that harped on the highs and lows of adulthood, thus ranking these titles a little higher on their list. However, there are a few films that received favorable remarks across all age groups.

Fans of all age groups weigh in on their favorite Studio Ghibli film

Participants ages 10 through 69 were asked “Which Ghibli anime do you like?”. The answers varied greatly for the most part, but My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and Kiki’s Delivery Service were the titles that were frequently reported as the most-liked. Even so, there are many more films that audiences couldn’t help but rave about.

Here are the top ten Studio Ghibli films each age group loves the most!

Ages 10 through 19

1. Spirited Away
2. My Neighbor Totoro
3. Castle in the Sky
4. Ponyo 
5. Kiki’s Delivery Service 
6. Howl’s Moving Castle
7. Arrietty
8.  The Cat Returns 
9.  Princess Mononoke 
10. When Marnie Was There 

Ages 20 through 29

1. Spirited Away 
2. My Neighbor Totoro
3. Kiki’s Delivery Service
4. Howl’s Moving Castle
5. Castle in the Sky
6. The Cat Returns
7. Princess Mononoke
8. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
9. Ponyo
10. Porco Rosso

As you can see, the twenty-somethings have a few niche picks in there. From The Cat Returns to Porco Rosso, we can see this age group is when the taste gets more refined. However, it seems that those in their thirties have some choices that both mimic and differentiate from these young adults.

Ages 30 through 39

1. My Neighbor Totoro
2.  Kiki’s Delivery Service
3. Spirited Away
4. Castle in the Sky
5. Princess Mononoke
6. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
7. Whisper of the Heart
8.  Howl’s Moving Castle
9. Porco Rosso
10.  Pom Poko

Ages 40 through 49

1. My Neighbor Totoro
2.  Castle in the Sky
3. Kiki’s Delivery Service
4. Spirited Away
5. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
6. Princess Mononoke
7. Ponyo
8. Howl’s Moving Castle 
9. Porco Rosso
10. Grave of the Fireflies 

Entering the line-up is Grave of the Fireflies, one of the darkest films from the Studio Ghibli franchise. The film explores the pain that comes with war, and how greed and violence affect all ages. Films similar to this one include Princess Mononoke and The Wind Rises, so younger audiences, be sure to watch Grave of the Fireflies, too!

Funnily enough, those ages 50 through 69’s list closely resemble the list of those who are 20 and younger. This goes to show that, no matter the age, it all comes full circle!

Ages 50 through 59

1. My Neighbor Totoro
2. Spirited Away
3. Castle in the Sky
4. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
5. Kiki’s Delivery Service
6. Princess Mononoke
7. Porco Rosso
8. Howl’s Moving Castle
9. Grave of the Fireflies
10. Ponyo

Ages 60 through 69

1. My Neighbor Totoro
2. Spirited Away
3. Kiki’s Delivery Service
4. Castle in the Sky
5. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
6. Princess Mononoke
7. Grave of the Fireflies 
8. Porco Rosso
9. Ponyo
10. Whisper of the Heart 

Perhaps you’ll feel a little differently about these titles as you age. Perhaps you feel the exact way as all these age groups. No matter where you fall, we hope that you continue to explore the magic that are Studio Ghibli films, and thus pass it on to your future generations!

Want to stream all these films? Head to Disney+, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video to stream your favorite Hayao Miyazaki titles!