5 Underrated Studio Ghibli movies every fan should watch

Pom Poko tells the story of a tribe of tanuki (Credit: Crunchyroll)
Studio Ghibli's name is often linked with flying castles. Also with mystical forests, and enchanting spirits, the studio has also ventured into grounded stories and unconventional animation styles, and these quieter titles may not have had global marketing pushes.
Yet they reflect the same depth and vision as their better-known counterparts, and in some cases, even more.
Realism replaces magic in Only Yesterday
In Only Yesterday, a Tokyo office worker reflects on her childhood. While vacationing in the countryside, the film moves gently between past and present. And capturing how memories shape identity. There are no spells or creatures; just quiet moments and honest emotion. Its realism and adult themes make it stand out in Ghibli's catalog.
Though praised in Japan, it took 25 years to reach U.S. audiences, making it one of the studio's most overlooked treasures.
Porco Rosso
blends humor, war, and melancholy
Miyazaki's 1992 Studio Ghibli classic, Porco Rosso (Credit: Crunchyroll)
Set in the Adriatic after World War I, Porco Rosso follows a pilot cursed to look like a pig. His airborne adventures feel playful, but the story carries deeper notes of loss, aging, and regret. Beneath the humor and action is a thoughtful portrait of a man shaped by history. The film balances style and substance, using aviation as both spectacle and symbol.
It's a war story without violence; a rare feat in animation.
The
Tale of Princess Kaguya
redefines visual storytelling
This hand-drawn folktale is among Ghibli's most visually daring works. With loose brushwork and soft colors, The Tale of Princess Kaguya evokes the fragility of its heroine's world. A magical child from a bamboo stalk is raised to become nobility, but longs to return to nature. The story unfolds with emotional weight, questioning beauty, duty, and the meaning of happiness.
Despite critical acclaim, its quiet delivery kept it under the radar for many fans.
Pom Poko turns folklore into environmental warning
Pom Poko tells the story of tanuki; shapeshifting raccoon dogs. They are trying to save their forest home from urban development, and the film is filled with humor and folklore. But its heart lies in the tension between tradition and modern expansion, as their tactics grow more desperate. The story shifts from playful to tragic, as it's a rare animated film that explores environmental collapse.
That too without sugarcoating it, though rich in message, its unusual tone and style kept it from wider recognition.
My Neighbors the Yamadas finds meaning in the mundane
Told in comic strip form, My Neighbors the Yamadas follows a modern family through daily life. Each scene is short and light, ranging from school struggles to quiet moments between spouses. Its sketch-like animation adds to its charm, making each moment feel like a memory. It's less a single story and more a series of lived-in snapshots.
Often missed by those seeking fantasy, this film reveals the beauty in ordinary life.
Ghibli's lesser-known side offers surprises
These five films show that Studio Ghibli's greatness isn't limited to the fantastical. Whether through realism, satire, or visual experimentation, the studio has explored stories that feel deeply human. Discovering these titles gives a fuller picture of Ghibli's creative range; one where quiet truths can be just as magical as flying castles.
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