Summary

Like any good tarradiddle , the affair that always good sells aStudio Ghiblimovie is the character . Regardless of what the story or plot may be , they only ever bring as well as they do because of the cast supporting them , and in Studio Ghibli ’s hands , that ’s almost always carry out to tremendous effect to create some of the most likeable characters in all of anime .

Studio Ghibli is great at making filmswith likable characters , and that ’s especially true of their protagonists . Aside from a few of their weaker film , Studio Ghibli ’s heroes are always drop a line in ways to make their action at law and personalities incredibly endear to the interview , and in many cases , they end up being the best part of their respective films .

A few Studio Ghibli protagonists do the best job of get this across , and sure enough , their films are among the effective the company has ever released .

Whisper of the Heart, The Boy and the Heron, and Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind

Hayao Miyazaki is one of the biggest names in animation , and here ’s how all of his movies , including The Boy and the Heron , compare to each other .

10Ponyo’s Titular Hero Perfectly Embodies Childish Innocence

Protagonist of 2008’s Ponyo; Directed by Hayao Miyazaki

The titulary booster of 2008’sPonyois a goldfish - like creature who swipe away from her Padre one day to see the outside world . In doing so , Ponyo falls in love with a new boy named Sosuke and get transmute into a homo to be with him , although there are major effect for the world at tumid for her decisiveness to do so .

Ponyois a film focalise far more on the characters than on recount a serious account , and its achiever at doing so is thanks in big part to Ponyo , herself . Ponyo ’s unbridled energy and heartwarming human relationship with Sosuke always do admiration to deal the infantile nature of her character , and unlike other tyke characters , there ’s never a hint of obnoxiousness to her , so her childishness never becomes plaguey in the slightest . From start to conclusion , Ponyo is always a wacky and sinless child , and that ’s exactly the kind of hero a film likePonyoneeded .

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Image from Dragon Ball Daima anime Episode 1 shows Kid Buu laughing with an arm in the air while he’s covered in a faint pink light.

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Cast

Ponyo was written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki , the same creative mind behind classic like Spirited Away and Howl ’s Moving Castle . This Japanese animated film is an adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen ’s The minuscule Mermaid and watch the story of a young girl who lives underwater and wish to become part of the human world above .

9Kiki’s Delivery Service’s Hero Has A Surprisingly Mature Arc

Protagonist of 1989’s Kiki’s Delivery Service; Film directed by Hayao Miyazaki

1989’sKiki ’s Delivery Serviceopens with Kiki coming of age as a witch and setting out to hone her skills on her own for a year . Kiki ends up in the seaside town of Koriko and renting a room from the local bread maker , Osono , and she decide to carry out her training by depart a livery service of process , and her actions through the divine service and with the townsfolk make her learn far more about herself than she ever would have thought .

Much likePonyo , Kiki ’s Delivery Serviceis a moving-picture show that realise up for its relative lack of write up with an incredibly engaging lead . Not only does the film splendidly sell Kiki as a kind-hearted girl trying to make her elbow room in the world , butKiki ’s arc of dealing with creative burnout is handle surprisingly maturely for an otherwise goofy and light-hearted story , and it gives Kiki a surprising amount of depth . Kiki ’s Delivery Serviceis easily one of Studio Ghibli ’s most iconic films , and Kiki ’s character arc and role , as a whole , work a big part in make that chance .

Kiki ’s Delivery Service is a coming - of - age phantasy moving-picture show that follows 13 - twelvemonth - erstwhile witch Kiki , who define out on her own to get her billet in the world and develops a pitch serve in a Modern town .

Tanjiro looking mad and Demon Slayer imagery

8The Wind Rises Makes A Tragic Genius Out Of Jiro Horikoshi

Protagonist of 2013’s The Wind Rises; Film directed by Hayao Miyazaki

2013’sThe nothingness Risesis a fictionalized account of the biography of Jiro Horikoshi , the man who designed the Mitsubishi A5 M and the Mitsubishi A6 M Zero battler planes . While both planing machine were famously used by Japan during World War II , Jiro ’s spark is less about his involvement with the state of war and his perfect passion for building airplanes , something that ends up complemented by his tragic Romance language with his seedy married woman , Nahoko .

The Wind Risesis one of Studio Ghibli ’s more down - to - world films , but that does n’t stop Jiro from being any less of an piquant hero . The pure passion Jiro has for construct airplanes is perfectly balanced out by the tragedy of his relationship with Nahoko , resulting in a character who ’s engaging and easy to root for because of how much their energy is counterpoint with the aliveness they go . The Wind Riseswas a film Hayao Miyazaki once think on retire with , and the passion he put into it is especially evident in the excellent handling of Jiro ’s character .

This alive Japanese pic is a fictionalized account of the life story and work of technologist Jiro Horikoshi , who designed the aircrafts used by Japan during World War II .

Princess Mononoke, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, and Porco Rosso in a collage style image.

Image created by Joshua Fox

7Porco Rosso’s Titular Hero Is One Of Studio Ghibli’s Most Underrated Heroes

Protagonist of 1992’s Porco Rosso; Film directed by Hayao Miyazaki

1992’sPorco Rossostars the titular Porco Rosso , an ace hero pilot and bounteousness huntsman cryptically cursed to have a pig ’s head . Despite his affliction , Porco is seen as a hoagie get it on by all except the pirates he hunts and the fascists he refuse to forge for , yet the tragical past that give him his signature flavour keeps him from get too close to anyone , no matter how much they might love him .

Porco Rossohas one of the most absurdist ideas for a protagonist , yet it somehow works to bully effect . Porco Rosso , being a dash man with a grunter ’s head , is always played completely straight , so despite the absurdness of the premise , there ’s always a literal sincerity in both his character and the storey , as a whole , all of which is balanced out by the more serious character minute he has in the picture . Porco Rossois one of Studio Ghibli ’s more underrated film , but its friend is easy one of the best to ever come out of the company .

6Nausicaa Is Still A Great Studio Ghibli Protagonist After 40 Years

Protagonist of 1984’s Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind; Film directed by Hayao Miyazaki

Nausicaa is the titular protagonist of 1984’sNausicaa of the Valley of the Windand the princess of the Valley of the Wind , a land create 1000 years after the earth was destroyed by ecocide . One day , the kingdom of Tolmekia invades the Valley of the Wind as part of their design to destruct the Ohm , giant insects that roam the lands and attack the great unwashed , and it becomes up to Nausicaa to protect both her people and the balance of nature as a whole .

Despite being the first Studio Ghibli motion-picture show , Nausicaa of the Valley of the Windstill holds up plenty , and that ’s especially true of its titular protagonist . Nausicaa ’s noble-mindedness is perfectly balanced with her willingness to fight for what she believes in , and even without the angle of a prophecy , it ’s gentle to see why so many characters would honour why and how she ’s always able-bodied to issue forth out on top in the end . Nausicaa essentially lay the groundwork for Studio Ghibli ’s penchant for strong distaff champion , but even after 40 years , she ’s still one of their best .

5Princess Mononoke Has A Great Action Hero In Ashitaka

Protagonist of 1997’s Princess Mononoke; Film directed by Hayao Miyazaki

In 1997’sPrincess Mononoke , Ashitaka , the last Emishi prince , is cursed after killing a demon and sets off on a pilgrim’s journey to find a therapeutic for his condition . Ashitaka eventually comes across the industrial biotic community of Iron Town and terminate up involved in the conflict between them and the forest spirits they ’ve encroached upon , and his involvement cease up being the headstone to terminate the conflict between the two sides .

Princess Mononokeis Studio Ghibli ’s most natural process - oriented photographic film , and Ashitaka does a great job of trade that . Not only is Ashitaka always at the snapper of incredible activity both before and after being blaspheme , butAshitaka ’s self-command and idealism perfectly characterize him as a heroic and engaging case , the accurate kind of hero sandwich an activeness - packed picture likePrincess Mononokewarrants . The photographic film is often regarded as one of the estimable Studio Ghibli films , if not the best , and Ashitaka ’s character is a big part of why that is .

In this heroic animated illusion by Hayao Miyazaki , Princess Mononoke explores the struggle between the supernatural guardians of a wood and the humans who consume its resources . The news report follows Ashitaka , a young warrior inflicted with a deadly curse , as he navigates a battle that stone the industrialize human company against the gods of the timberland , alongside San , a fierce young lady raise by wolves .

Chihiro Ogino looking back and frowning in Spirited Away with lanterns strung up behind her

Ponyo was written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, the same creative mind behind classics like Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle. This Japanese animated film is an adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid and follows the story of a young girl who lives underwater and wishes to become part of the human world above.

4Chihiro’s Arc In Spirited Away Is Brilliant In Its Simplicity

Protagonist of 2001’s Spirited Away; Film directed by Hayao Miyazaki

2001’sSpirited Awaystars Chihiro Ogino , a timid young daughter who , along with her parent , terminate up pin down in the spirit realm , with Chiriro ’s parents even being turn into pigs . Chihiro is force to take a line at a bathhouse under the beldam Yubaba to survive , even losing her name in the process and own to go by Sen , and she ’s going to have to grow up fast if she want to save her parent and go home .

Chihiro ’s arc inspirit Awayis a very elementary one , but it ’s even so incredibly in effect . zippy Awaynever fails to betray Chihiro as a girl draw to farm up fast amid tragic circumstances , and not only does that make her greatly sympathetic , it defecate it all the more rewarding when she at long last comes into her own and gets her happy ending . The execution of Chihiro ’s arc is among the strong of any Studio Ghibli torpedo , and it ’s no wonder why she andSpirited Away , as a whole , are still book in such high heed over 20 years later .

Spirited by , a masterpiece by Hayao Miyazaki , is an inspire phantasy flick that follows the enchanting journeying of a young girl make Chihiro . trap in a mystical worldly concern after her parents are metamorphose into pig , Chihiro must voyage a realm filled with spirits and singular creatures to deliver her family .

ponyo poster

Ponyo was written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, the same creative mind behind classics like Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle. This Japanese animated film is an adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid and follows the story of a young girl who lives underwater and wishes to become part of the human world above.

3Kaguya Is A Perfect Interpretation Of The Classic Fairy Tale

Protagonist of 2013’s The Tale of the Princess Kaguya; Film directed by Isao Takahata

2013’sThe Tale of the Princess Kaguyais an adjustment of the classic Japanese sprite tale , The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter . Just like the original fairy tale , the film centers around Kaguya , a beautiful and mystical girl from the moon , although the film ’s version of Kaguya is devote a different character arc that sees her react far more strongly to the condition she ’s repeatedly force into .

While the original Kaguya was fairly simplistic , the Kaguya inThe Tale of the Princess Kaguyais anything but . The film ’s version of Kaguya is a very rounded type whose desire to just populate a good biography is greatly contrasted by the impossible expectation masses put on her , and envision her slow bring out down and in the end fail to get a glad ending append a beautiful tragedy to her history , as well . Kaguya is easy the most tragic of any Studio Ghibli protagonist , and the fellow feeling she earns from that well makes her one of their most lovely ones yet .

2When Marnie Was There’s Anna Has An Incredible Arc About Self-Worth

Protagonist of 2014’s When Marnie Was There; Film directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi

2014’sWhen Marnie Was Therestars Anna Sasaki , an antisocial and saturnine girl who pass the summer with her relatives in the countryside in the hopes that the environs will help with her asthma . There , Anna impress up a friendship with the deep and enchanting Marnie , and as Marnie helps Anna open up up for the first clock time , it ’s slow revealed why she was so shut down off in the first office .

While there are a lot of fantastical elements toWhen Marnie Was There , Anna ’s reference work because of how ground in reality she is . Anna ’s social anxiety and depression are limn in a pleasingly realistic fashion to give her incredible depth , and when paired with the heartwarming nature of her relationship with Marnie and the growth that ease it , result in a very mature part arc about ego - worth that makes Anna likable and intelligible from start to finish . Anna ’s arc is very irregular for a Studio Ghibli zep , and it ’s what make her such a great character .

1Whisper Of The Heart’s Shizuku Has Studio Ghibli’s Most Mature Character Arc

Protagonist of 1995’s Whisper of the Heart; Film directed by Yoshifumi Kondo

In 1995’sWhisper of the Heart , Shizuku Tsukishima survive her animation never thinking about love or what she want to do with her life , but that change when she meets Seiji Amasawa , an aspiring luthier whom she break to have a lot in common with . As much as Shizuku admires Seiji ’s warmth , it have her find like she involve something to be just as passionate about to justify being with him , so Shizuku settle to try and become a novelist to complement Seiji .

Whisper of the Heartis one of Studio Ghibli ’s most underrated film , and Shizuku ’s character is similarly underrated . Shizuku ’s romance with Seiji and the determination with which she writes her novel both serve to make her incredibly adorable , and the latter is sold especially well by how she conk out to compose a good book but is still richer from the experience and gains a better understanding of herself . There ’s never been a Studio Ghibli character with a more mature and relatable arc thanWhisper of the Heart ’s Shizuku , and that makes herStudio Ghibli ’s most likeable heroof all fourth dimension .

Whisper of the Heart , directed by Yoshifumi Kondō and written by Hayao Miyazaki , is a heartwarming tale of jejune honey and discover one ’s mania . The story follows Shizuku , a unseasoned girl who aspires to be a writer , as she embark on a journey of self - discovery after encountering a occult computed axial tomography statue that moderate her to Seiji , a boy determined to become a passe-partout violin maker .

Headshot Of Liam Neeson In The UK premiere of Marlowe

Headshot Of Matt Damon In The 74th Berlin International Film

Cast Placeholder Image

wind-rises

This animated Japanese film is a fictionalized account of the life and work of engineer Jiro Horikoshi, who designed the aircrafts used by Japan during World War II.

Headshot Of Hideaki Anno

Princess Mononoke Movie Poster

In this epic animated fantasy by Hayao Miyazaki, Princess Mononoke explores the struggle between the supernatural guardians of a forest and the humans who consume its resources. The story follows Ashitaka, a young warrior inflicted with a deadly curse, as he navigates a battle that pits the industrialized human society against the gods of the forest, alongside San, a fierce girl raised by wolves.

Spirited Away Movie Poster

Spirited Away, a masterpiece by Hayao Miyazaki, is an animated fantasy film that follows the enchanting journey of a young girl named Chihiro. Trapped in a mystical world after her parents are transformed into pigs, Chihiro must navigate a realm filled with spirits and peculiar creatures to save her family.