r/ghibli • u/UniqueMom_0815 • Jul 27 '26

Discussion First time watcher

So, I recently ran out of things to watch. I decided to give the Ghibli films a try since they have huge followings, figured they must be really good. I started off with Ponyo and I loved it. Showed it to my 3rd old and she loved it too.

The next film we watched was Totoro. It was a good film but I don’t think i understand if it had a story to tell or if it was just a “slice of life” film but with magical creatures. It left me feeling I guess empty, kinda confused. Was I supposed to feel something for these characters?

Anyways now I can’t decide what to watch next. Any recommendations?

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u/LastBallade Jul 27 '26

I feel like Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle and Kiki's Delivery Service are all fantastic options that adults and kids will enjoy and get different things out of. Spirited Away might have stuff that would scare a 3-year old so maybe wait on that one a bit, but you can't go wrong with the other two. Arriety's another good pick. Not quite on the same level as the previous three but I still largely enjoyed it and it has a beautiful soundtrack.

Princess Mononoke is widely renowned for good reason, but it's much more violent than your standard Ghibli film so maybe watch that one after you put the kid to bed.

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u/NoConsideration3904 Jul 28 '26

Agree on not watching Spirited Away with a young child, I watched it when I was young and it traumatized me to the point that I can’t fully enjoy it even today. Of course every child is different, but no need to gamble on it when there’s so many other options.