Hayao Miyazaki’s 2023 Oscar win for his semi-autobiographical “The Boy and the Heron” established him as one of the greatest filmmakers.
The 83-year-old director based in Koganei, Tokyo, has released 12 feature films over his 45-year career, beginning in 1979. Miyazaki is the co-creator of the popular and acclaimed animation company Studio Ghibli – under which all his films were made.
The most engaging aspect of Miyazaki’s filmography is his versatility in storytelling and the mind-bending escapism and surrealism showcased in his films.
All of Miyazaki’s films can be streamed on Max.
“Spirited Away” (2001)
For most movie watchers, Miyazaki’s “Spirited Away” is the gateway into the rest of his filmography.
The 2001 film garnered the director his first Academy Award and brought attention to the acclaimed animator whose popularity was mainly back in Japan. The film follows Chihiro (Rumi Hiiragi), a 10-year-old girl, who, upon separation from her parents, finds herself involved with a bathhouse specifically for spirits.
Viewers transport themselves into a new world with the striking visuals of the Shinto-inspired spirits. Miyazaki is often tied to his use of escapism in his films and “Spirited Away” is one of the best examples of this. We, like Chihiro, are taken into a new environment with vibrant colors and bold characters that feel deeper and stronger than what exists on our planet.
“My Neighbor Totoro” (1988)
While it’s not Miyazaki’s most critically successful, “My Neighbor Totoro” is by far his most iconic and popular film.
The character of Totoro is to Japan as Mickey Mouse is to the United States. He is, quite literally, everywhere. In the film, sisters Satsuke (Noriko Hidaka) and Mei (Elle Fanning) explore the forest around their secluded home in the Japanese countryside. One day, Mei discovers a large but friendly creature named Totoro. He is a mysterious spirit who uses his powers to help and protect the forest from any harm. It is a cute film that perfectly captures the feelings of unbridled childhood allure and the adventurous spirit that youth often brings.
“Howl’s Moving Castle” (2004)
A film that has almost eclipsed the previous two in popularity is Miyazaki’s ninth feature film, “Howl’s Moving Castle.”
The film brings the audience on a magical journey full to the brim with unique worldbuilding to immerse oneself into the world of Howl (Takuya Kimura), a traveling and all-powerful wizard. The story follows Sophie (Chieko Baishô), who, after being cast under an aging spell, seeks out Howl to help remedy her situation. The film is known for its beautiful and vibrant visuals that are unlike anything seen before in the medium of animation.
“The Boy and the Heron” (2024)
While it may be his most recent work, it holds up incredibly well to the established masterpieces of Miyazaki’s earlier work. “The Boy and the Heron” is his most personal film as it intertwines parts of Miyazaki’s childhood with the fantasy he is most usually associated with.
Mahito (Soma Santoki) is a 12-year-old boy who, after the death of his mother, moves to a remote home in the Japanese countryside with his father and new stepmom.
As Mahito assimilates into his new life, he is caught off guard by the unwanted arrival of a talking blue heron. Choosing to follow the heron, Mahito is led to a world filled with mile-high waves and fish the size of 18-wheelers.
Throughout the film, we are introduced to a multitude of unique characters who each represent a different person in Miyazaki’s life. The film deals with loss, growing old and maintaining the childhood wonder we have cast by the wayside.
“Princess Mononoke” (1997)
“Princess Mononoke” was a stark departure from most of Miyazaki’s other work as it garnered a first for the director — a PG-13 rating.
The film takes place in the Muromachi period, from 1338–1573 in Japan, and follows the young warrior Ashitaka (Billy Crudup). After a corrupted low-level forest spirit wounds him, Ashitaka ventures into a sacred part of the woods to try to be healed by the god of the forest, Shishigami.
On his journey, Ashitaka meets the leader of a human town Lady Himi, who wages war against the young Princess Mononoke and the spirits who inhabit the surrounding forest. “Princess Mononoke” acts as a cautionary tale on the impact of greed and the need for conservation when it comes to natural land.
Dedication, excellence and longevity are a few words to describe the sprawling career of the multifaceted director and human. Miyazaki has consistently created films of the highest caliber and garnered critical and commercial success and immense popularity.
While it had been said that “The Boy and the Heron” would be his last film, in recent months, it has been confirmed that he is working on yet another film. This shows Miyazaki’s dedication to his craft and how he will give his all until he physically cannot anymore.
Miyazaki is of a dying breed of filmmakers who have put their whole selves into their films, and his imagination, creativity and wonder will live on forever through his films.
Check out the “Hayao Miyazaki Ranked” list on our Letterboxd.
This article was edited by Alfie Pritchard, Marina Zaczkiewicz and Abigail Turner. Copy editing done by Luna Jinks,Charlie Mennuti, Ariana Kavoossi and Emma Brown.
