Studio Ghibli, renowned for its breathtaking animation and poignant storytelling, has captivated audiences worldwide for decades. However, even the most celebrated studios have films that don’t quite reach the same heights. While Ghibli’s catalog is overwhelmingly praised, a few titles have faced criticism for various reasons, falling short of the studio’s usual standard. Here’s a look at five of the least well-regarded Studio Ghibli movies, ranked:
5. Tales from Earthsea
Often cited as one of Ghibli’s weakest efforts, Tales from Earthsea, released in 2006, was directed by Goro Miyazaki, son of the legendary Hayao Miyazaki. This film, adapted from Ursula K. Le Guin’s acclaimed Earthsea fantasy series, struggled to capture the depth and nuance of its source material. The narrative, a blend of elements from different books in the series, often felt disjointed, making it difficult for viewers unfamiliar with the novels to fully grasp.
The animation, while visually appealing at times, lacked the consistent spark and fluidity found in other Ghibli productions. Many critics and fans pointed out that the characters, while having interesting backstories, felt somewhat flat and underdeveloped on screen, making it difficult to connect with them emotionally. The film also failed to fully explore the complexities of the world, leaving much of the lore feeling superficial. Overall, Tales from Earthsea is often criticized for its muddled narrative and uneven pacing.
4. Earwig and the Witch
Ghibli’s first foray into 3D CG animation, Earwig and the Witch, released in 2020, was a significant departure from their traditional hand-drawn style. Directed by Goro Miyazaki, this film, adapted from a novel by Diana Wynne Jones, followed the adventures of a young orphan named Earwig who is adopted by a mysterious witch. The movie’s biggest downfall was its animation style, which felt stiff and uninspired, a far cry from the fluid, expressive animation that Ghibli is famous for.
The characters, while quirky, seemed lifeless in CG form. The storyline, while potentially intriguing, felt rushed and lacked the emotional depth and nuance that is typically expected from the studio. The film’s lack of visual charm and engaging character development led to a rather unfulfilling viewing experience for many long-time Ghibli fans. Earwig and the Witch is generally seen as a missed opportunity, a project that failed to capture the magic of the studio’s previous efforts and did not appeal to the audiences of their traditional productions.
3. Ocean Waves
Originally made for television in 1993, Ocean Waves was directed by Tomomi Mochizuki and marked an attempt by Studio Ghibli to involve younger staff in the production process. This coming-of-age story revolves around a group of high school students and their complex relationships. However, despite its intentions, Ocean Waves is generally considered a minor work in the Ghibli canon. While the film’s subdued animation style is notable, the storyline is often seen as a bit too simplistic and lacking the depth and emotional impact of the studio’s other productions.
The narrative focuses on the strained relationship between two friends and the new girl in town, but these connections did not resonate with viewers as much as other Ghibli movies. Some critics have noted a lack of originality and a rather slow pace, which did not engage audiences in the way that classics such as Spirited Away or My Neighbor Totoro have. Despite its visual and aesthetic charm, Ocean Waves failed to make a lasting impression and is often seen as an experimental, rather forgettable Ghibli entry.
2. Pom Poko
While it has its advocates, Pom Poko, directed by Isao Takahata in 1994, is often seen as one of Ghibli’s more divisive films. Focusing on the Tanuki (raccoon dogs) of Japan and their struggle against human development, Pom Poko attempted to blend environmental themes with whimsical comedy. However, its tonal shifts, varying from broad humor to scenes of environmental devastation, often felt jarring and inconsistent, turning off a significant portion of the audience.
The film is noted for its unique animation style, which is both whimsical and occasionally disturbing, and its narrative is quite unique compared to other productions by the same studio. The movie’s length, over two hours, also added to the feeling of unevenness and led to a loss of pacing in several parts of the story. Despite its important message about respecting nature, Pom Poko’s odd combination of serious and comedic themes made it difficult for many viewers to fully connect with its characters and story. The general consensus among many fans is that Pom Poko is an ambitious project that unfortunately fell short of its full potential.
1. My Neighbors the Yamadas
My Neighbors the Yamadas, released in 1999 and directed by Isao Takahata, stands out as one of Ghibli’s more experimental efforts. Utilizing a watercolor-style animation, this film presents a series of vignettes about the daily life of a modern Japanese family. However, unlike the studio’s grand adventures, this movie is generally considered a less engaging, almost disjointed collection of episodic short stories that lacks a unifying plotline. While some admire its unique animation style, My Neighbors the Yamadas often struggles to captivate a wide audience with its simple, everyday situations.
The characters, while relatable, are often seen as lacking depth. The film’s experimental approach, while innovative, didn’t resonate with the majority of Ghibli fans, who were perhaps used to the studio’s more fantastical stories and engaging plots. While the animation was a striking visual departure for Ghibli, it often felt lacking in energy and impact compared to the studio’s signature hand-drawn films. Overall, My Neighbors the Yamadas is commonly cited as Ghibli’s least popular full length film due to its lack of narrative cohesion and rather uneventful storyline.
