Just hearing a song can evoke memories and scenes from a certain time. Ghibli has many classic songs. They're all popular and deeply moving. The albums have been released in various versions, further demonstrating Ghibli's immense popularity. We've ranked these Ghibli classics and present our top 10. Please note that this is a unique ranking.
Ghibli Masterpieces Top 10: Nausicaä Requiem
First up in the top 10 is "Nausicaä Requiem" from Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. The lyrics are simply "Ran," but it's a catchy song. The childlike, cute singing voice is also memorable, and it seems to perfectly capture the image of Nausicaa's mysterious world. While there are many other great songs from Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, this one is a must-know.
Ghibli Masterpieces Top 9: My Neighbor Totoro
Top 9 is "My Neighbor Totoro," the ending theme for My Neighbor Totoro. I was torn between this and "Sanpo," but since it's such a great song that it even became the title of the film, I decided on this one. This song really reminds me of My Neighbor Totoro, and the lyrics are full of excitement, making me want to go on a great adventure. I really liked the lyrics about something you can only encounter as a child, as they have a very special feeling.
Ghibli Masterpieces Top 8: Fling Boatmen
Top 8 is "Fling Boatmen" from Porco Rosso. While the Serbian March is more popular, I remember my body moving automatically to this thumping rhythm. Also, since it plays when Porco Rosso is being a bit more playful than when it's being cool, it's a fun song to listen to.
Top 7 Studio Ghibli Songs: Carrying You
"Carrying You" from Laputa: Castle in the Sky makes it into the Top 8. It remains popular in the educational field, appearing in textbooks and as a required piece for music competitions. The lyrics are by director Hayao Miyazaki, and the music is by Joe Hisaishi. When this song plays at the end of a film, you'll find yourself glued to your seat.
Ghibli Masterpieces Top 6: Becoming the Wind
Top 6 is "Becoming the Wind" from The Cat Returns. It's a very refreshing song, featuring Ayano Tsuji's calming voice and the impressive ukulele. It perfectly matches the image of The Cat Returns, and when it starts playing midway through the ending, it instantly gives you a sense of accomplishment (lol). It's also a popular song for karaoke.
Top 5 Studio Ghibli Songs: The Boy and the Dove
"The Boy and the Dove" from Laputa: Castle in the Sky is a song I absolutely love to wake up to. This is the song Pazu plays on the roof of his house early in the morning. It's a slow, beautiful song that seems to herald the beginning of Pazu's great adventure.
Ghibli Masterpieces Top 4: Goodbye Summer
This was also a difficult choice, but I chose "Goodbye Summer" from From Up on Poppy Hill. It's sung by Aoi Teshima, who also voiced Yuko. It has a very unique worldview, and her slightly husky voice and calm tone make it a very comfortable song. Aoi Teshima also sang the theme song for Tales from Earthsea, and I was torn between that and that one, but I went with the slightly more rhythmic and upbeat song.
Top 3 Studio Ghibli Songs: Always Someone
I want to sing along at the top of my lungs to "Always Someone" from the film Pom Poko. The ending, with the tanukis worrying, fighting, and crying so much, was a bit sad, but this song, which captures the cheerfulness of the tanuki, saved everything. It's a song that you can sing cheerfully because you've worked so hard, and it makes you want to dance along.
Ghibli Masterpieces Top 2: Arrietty's Song
"Arrietty's Song" from The Secret World of Arrietty was the first Ghibli film to feature a song written by a foreigner. The harp's timbre and Cécile Corbel's beautiful, charming voice are truly memorable. Although the film is set in Japan, this song creates a sense of another world. It's a very short song, but well worth listening to.
Ghibli Masterpieces Top 1: Rouge no Dengon
Top 1 is "Rouge no Dengon" from Kiki's Delivery Service. When this song plays in the opening, it makes you feel like "it's starting!" It's an exciting song. The lyrics are filled with anger towards a cheating boyfriend (lol), but the tempo of the song makes it very upbeat and enjoyable to listen to. It's perfect for Kiki, who flies freely and happily through the sky.
Ghibli's classic songs are loved by generations.
What did you think? [Ghibli] We've introduced a ranking of Ghibli classics that will move you just by listening to them! While there are many more great Ghibli songs, we've introduced some particularly memorable and catchy ones. Each one perfectly matches the image of the film and adds color to it. Music box versions make them perfect lullabies for children, and these songs will remain popular with children forever. We hope they continue to create great songs.
