Beyond Miyazaki: 5 Studio Ghibli Anime You Didn't Know Were Made by Other Directors

For most viewers, Hayao Miyazaki's name has become synonymous with Studio Ghibli. However, the studio's success is not only down to its brilliant founder, but also to a host of talented directors who have created equally outstanding works.

Isao Takahata, Yoshifumi Kondo and Hiromasa Yonebayashi are just a few of the masters who have given us movies that rival Miyazaki's creations in terms of their depth, beauty and emotional impact.

1. 'When Marnie Was There', 2014

IMDb Score: 7.6/10

Following the death of her parents, 12-year-old Anna withdrew into herself – she barely interacted with anyone, preferring to spend her time drawing. Her loving guardians sent her to a small town for the summer.

There, she discovers a house on the marsh where the mysterious Marnie lives. Their friendship helps Anna to see the world in a new light, though Marnie's presence there is no coincidence.

For his directorial debut, Hiromasa Yonebayashi adapted the book When Marnie Was There by British author Joan G. Robinson – a favourite of Hayao Miyazaki. The movie was created to inspire creative children who feel lonely and lost.

2. 'Only Yesterday', 1991

IMDb Score: 7.6/10

In this unexpectedly serious drama, Isao Takahata, co-founder of Studio Ghibli and long-time collaborator of Hayao Miyazaki, explores thoroughly ordinary themes: first love, coming of age, nostalgia for a carefree childhood and searching for answers to present-day questions in past actions.

At first glance, this may seem an unlikely subject for a studio renowned for fantasy children's movies such as My Neighbor Totoro. Yet the anime went on to become the highest-grossing domestic film of 1991.

To this day, the story of Taeko's inner journey remains one of the finest and rarest examples of realistic anime focused on everyday life.

3. 'Ocean Waves', 1993

IMDb Score: 6.6/10

As he finishes high school, Taku Morisaki is torn between the need to work and his plans for future studies and a career. Meanwhile, his friend becomes infatuated with Rikako, a new girl who has joined their class.

Ultimately, however, it is Taku who grows close to Rikako, helping her out and even embarking on a trip with her.

Ocean Waves is the first Studio Ghibli feature anime not to be directed by Hayao Miyazaki or Isao Takahata. The studio wanted the movie to be created entirely by young staff members under the age of 35.

The result is a highly realistic portrayal of the mixed emotions and inner turmoil experienced by teenagers approaching the end of high school.

4. 'The Tale of The Princess Kaguya', 2013

IMDb Score: 8.0/10

The Tale of The Princess Kaguya is one of Studio Ghibli's greatest masterpieces, yet it has been undeservedly overlooked – it was Isao Takahata's final work.

The anime is based on The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, the oldest known Japanese legend. In Takahata's hands, the simple allegory of a moon princess cast down to Earth by fate takes on profound philosophical significance.

5. 'Whisper of the Heart', 1995

IMDb Score: 7.8/10

Shizuku is a 14-year-old schoolgirl living in Tokyo who dreams of becoming a writer. She is an avid reader and frequently visits the library. Shizuku discovers that every book she borrows was previously checked out by a boy named Seiji.

Eventually, she meets him, and although she dislikes him at first, the two grow closer and Seiji inspires Shizuku to change her future.

The screenplay was written by Hayao Miyazaki, while the movie was directed by Yoshifumi Kondo, an animator who worked on Kiki's Delivery Service and Princess Mononoke.