Top 2 Feel-Good Studio Ghibli Movies to watch with Friends and Family During COVID 19

As of now, with thousands of people (including you and me), deciding which movie to watch seems more or less daunting. If not, tricky. Instead of relaxing, sitting back as you planned for the evening. You're stuck skimming through countless titles, unsure if this show is as good as your friends sy or if this movie truly deserves the hype.

While seasoned binge-watchers and avid movie lovers can sit for eight long hours watching Star Wars or any large franchise. The good few of us can't invest our attention in certain things, like picking (and that's okay).

Maybe you have a short attention span (like me). Or you might have a job that requires long hours—only being able to spare some hours of your day. Or need something else to think about or not think at all.

Whatever the case may be, by clicking on this title, you might have heard of Studio Ghibli and are interested in where to begin.

Studio Ghibli, and where to find them (as in, the Movies).

Studio Ghibli is widely known for its most prominent successors Spirited Away (2001) and Princess Mononoke (1997). There are over twenty films made. Each has a unique soundtrack and animation style. With excellent storytelling, ranging from tear jerking deaths to magica lrealism. Anyone can find something to enjoy,

With Canadian Netflix, Studio Ghilbi had added their well-beloved list of movies (thank goodness). All from Castle in the Sky to Ponyo. However, most of these movies are on many different download-to-own platforms.

Platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon VOD, HBO, Vudu, Google Play, Sony, and so on, also provide the majority of Studio Ghibli movies.

In my case, however, I chose to buy most of these movies on Youtube (to rewatch them just in case Netflix decides to no longer have them up, like most movies). And can guarantee each purchase was worth it!

Suppose you feel a little crazy and want to spend, on average, twenty dollars per film. Then this might work for you. Of course, there are ways to watch without paying; although, its a different topic altogether!

To get things started. Below is a personal list created for anybody wanting to dip their toes in and leave feeling great afterwards.

Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)

One of Hayao Miyazaki's earlier works and a well-beloved classic. Kiki's Delivery Service is an adaptation of the 1985 novel by Eiko Kadono. It tells a coming of age story of a young witch named Kiki, where she must leave home for an entire year to begin her training. A challenge she accepts full heartily.

Without giving away too much information, Kiki's Delivery Service highlights the experience of vulnerability and self-doubt many young people experience while entering adulthood. While never explicitly stating this. We are brought along Kiki's journey—Sharing moments of isolation and her uncertainty of fitting in with her new life.

It touches aspects people experience while going through life changes and done in a fashion where you can't help but relate to Kiki.

Thus, making the ending of the movie all the sweeter. And leaving you feeling satisfied and with a smile on your face.

Whispers Of The Heart

If you happen to find yourself on Vocal, it is clear how many aspire to write on this platform and beyond. Whether it be a hobby or side hustle. With each article and story told, the effort poured into their work is something all writers can understand. If not, appreciate more.

And with Whispers of the Heart, all writers (no matter which medium you use) can relate to Shizuku Tsukishima and her journey of self-growth. Ander love for reading!

Whispers of the Heart, at its core, is a romantic coming of age drama. Based on the manga Mimi o Sumaseba, created by Aoi Hiiragi (another excellent recommendation, by the way). To give a non-spoiler synopsis, and hopefully pique your interest. It centers around Shizuku and her not-so-subtle crush, Seiji Amasawa. After following a cat off a train, Shizuku finds herself at an old antique shop. There she finds what would be her inspiration, a figurine called Baron.

And watching Shizuku on her journey, you unintentionally place yourself into her shoes. And by the story ends, hopeful and inspired is all that can describe the feeling.

Last Words

If you made it this far, congrats! And by somehow, you not genuinely interested in this list and wondering, "Is that all they had to say?" Well, there are plenty of movies created by them that are worth the watch! And a ton of opinions of Ghibli-lovers out there. You don't have to take my word for it (but it would be nice). If you were looking for something more lighthearted. Ponyo and My Neighbor Totoro are also worth the watch. Each fan will have a different favorite, and discovering yours is the fun of it.

With best of luck (and hope you are staying safe)

Starr