The Shortest Studio Ghibli Films, Ranked

Studio Ghibli is a hugely influential animation house, famous for its enchanting stories that combine fantasy, the natural world, and relatable human emotions. Created by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, the studio has produced more than 20 full-length animated films, including classics like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. Beyond feature films, Ghibli also makes short films, many of which are exclusive to the Ghibli Museum in Japan.

I’ve been watching these short films from Studio Ghibli, and they’re really special. They range from just a few minutes to about half an hour long, but they manage to tell surprisingly big stories. The animation is gorgeous, the music is gentle, and they often explore really meaningful themes. Hayao Miyazaki himself directed a lot of them, and you can definitely feel his signature style – it’s full of wonder and emotion. It’s a shame they aren’t widely available outside of Japan, because they really demonstrate Ghibli’s ability to create something truly touching, even in a short amount of time. They prove that you don’t need a long movie or series to have a big impact.

The Whale Hunt Celebrates Childhood Imagination

Hayao Miyazaki’s 2001 short film, The Whale Hunt, is a charming 16-minute adventure. Using soft, pastel colors, it depicts a childlike world where a classroom transforms into the ocean as children playfully pretend to hunt a whale. Beloved by Ghibli fans, The Whale Hunt beautifully captures the magic and simplicity of childhood imagination.

Though there’s no dialogue, the play The Whale Hunt cleverly makes you wonder if what you’re seeing is truly happening or just pretend, using sounds, expressions, and movement. It beautifully captures the simple joy of children’s play – a feeling everyone recognizes. What’s especially striking is that, instead of ‘winning’ by catching the whale, the children learn to feel empathy and choose kindness, demonstrating that the most genuine fun comes from imaginative play that doesn’t involve harm.

Koro’s Big Day Out Follows a Lost Puppy’s Adventure

Hayao Miyazaki’s charming 15-minute short, Koro’s Big Day Out, tells the story of a little puppy who gets lost in the city and experiences the joy of freedom. The film’s beautiful hand-drawn animation feels warm and lifelike, perfectly capturing the world from Koro’s perspective. It’s clear Studio Ghibli has a deep affection for animals, and the film gently encourages viewers to be kind and considerate towards their own pets.

“Koro’s Big Day Out” explores the contrast between the comfort of home and the thrill of the city. The short film realistically portrays both the dangers of urban life, like traffic, and the kindness of strangers, offering a reassuring blend of caution and optimism. In just 15 minutes, it delivers a straightforward yet powerful story about courage that appeals to viewers of all ages.

Water Spider Monmon Centers an Unlikely Animal Romance

Hayao Miyazaki’s 2006 short film, Water Spider Monmon, takes you inside a peaceful pond. In just 15 minutes, it beautifully portrays the delicate world beneath the surface, filled with shimmering water and detailed insects. The film showcases Studio Ghibli’s love for all living things, reminding us to appreciate the often-unnoticed lives around us.

The story of Water Spider Monmon follows a timid water spider who falls for a beautiful water strider. This unusual romance explores how love can overcome big differences when someone is brave enough to act, even when they’re scared. What’s unique about Water Spider Monmon is that it tells this story without any dialogue, proving that powerful and touching connections don’t need words to be meaningful.

Boro the Caterpillar Encourages Respect For Every Part of Nature

I recently watched Hayao Miyazaki’s short film, Boro the Caterpillar, and I was struck by how beautifully detailed it was. The hand-drawn animation is full of life, showing every little part of the garden – the leaves, the dewdrops, even each blade of grass. It really makes you see the world from a caterpillar’s point of view, and it feels magical. The film perfectly embodies Ghibli’s commitment to nature, encouraging us to appreciate even the smallest creatures and the world around them.

The film follows Boro as he emerges and explores the world, capturing the simple happiness of finding new things. It also subtly suggests that growing up means taking small chances, even when things are unpredictable. By showing Boro’s miniature adventure, the film softly reminds us that even our smallest actions – like walking on the lawn or using bug spray – can have a big impact on tiny creatures, and encourages us to treat all of nature with respect.

Mei and the Kittenbus Is a Sequel to My Neighbor Totoro

Released in 2002, Mei and the Kittenbus is a 13-minute short film directed by Hayao Miyazaki, continuing the story of Totoro. It shares the same charming and magical feel as the original, while also adding new and delightful elements to the world.

I absolutely love how Mei and the Kittenbus subtly reveals a world of spirits, and it really made me think about the little bits of magic we often miss in our daily lives. It’s a gentle reminder to stay open-hearted and really see the wonder around us. Watching Mei’s adventures in those hidden places just encourages you to stay curious and believe that magic isn’t gone – it’s still there, especially in the most ordinary moments. It’s a beautiful film that makes you want to look at the world with fresh eyes!

Mr. Dough and the Egg Princess Features an Exciting Escape

Hayao Miyazaki’s 2010 short film, Mr. Dough and the Egg Princess, is a charming 12-minute story from Studio Ghibli. It playfully brings food to life, turning simple ingredients into characters with personality, and playfully asks us to consider if even the most ordinary things could have feelings and a life of their own.

The music’s upbeat tempo steadily increases the excitement as the dough and egg princess make their daring escape, filling each scene with hope and action. True to classic Ghibli, the film beautifully portrays deep friendships built on shared goals and genuine care, proving that true connection goes beyond appearances. It shows that real partnership isn’t about looking alike, but about working together and supporting each other.

House Hunting Showcases Ghibli’s Love for Odd Houses

Hayao Miyazaki’s 12-minute short film, House Hunting, released in 2006, uses a family’s search for a new home to create a whimsical and imaginative story. The film beautifully captures the complicated emotions that come with major life changes, showing how even in confusing or frightening circumstances, hope and comfort can be found in unexpected ways.

Studio Ghibli often portrays houses that feel full of life, prompting us to consider what truly makes a house a home. It’s more than just the physical structure—it’s the feeling of safety, comfort, and connection found within its walls. The film House Hunting reminds us that a sense of belonging can be found in surprising places, if we remain open to discovering it.

Treasure Hunting Pokes Fun at Chasing Material Things

Yoshiyuki Momose’s 2011 short film, Treasure Hunting, is a playful 9-minute story about children’s imaginative play. Rather than focusing on typical pirate treasure like gold, the film highlights the true reward: the strong bonds of friendship formed through shared adventures and joyful experiences. In a subtle way, Treasure Hunting suggests that simple games and laughter are far more valuable than material possessions.

Ghibli’s films often show us life through a child’s eyes, and Treasure Hunting is no different. In just nine minutes, it beautifully reminds us that true happiness isn’t found in things we own, but in the friendships we make and the joy we share. The film delivers this simple, yet powerful message with a lightheartedness that makes it both memorable and heartwarming.

On Your Mark Is About Freeing a Captive Winged Angel

I recently watched Hayao Miyazaki’s short music video, On Your Mark, and it really struck me. It’s just under seven minutes long, but packs a lot in. The visuals are bold science fiction, perfectly synced to a powerful song by Chage & Aska, creating a really emotional experience. What I found most interesting was how the story – about freeing a captured angel – felt like a silent but powerful statement against oppressive forces.

This short film from Studio Ghibli beautifully captures the universal desire for freedom. In under seven minutes, it subtly explores the many things that hold us back – from physical limitations to societal expectations and internal struggles. With stunning flight sequences, On Your Mark powerfully conveys a longing for liberation and offers a hopeful message about letting go and finding your own path, resonating both in a futuristic setting and across time.

Zen – Grogu and Dust Bunnies Is a Star Wars Crossover

Released in 2022, Zen – Grogu and Dust Bunnies is a short, 3-minute film by Katsuya Kondo that blends the worlds of Star Wars and Studio Ghibli. It features the adorable Grogu alongside Ghibli’s signature fluffy soot sprites.

What starts as a sweet, playful chase transforms ordinary dust into something magical, reminding us of the whimsical spirits in Ghibli films. In just three minutes, it sparks a sense of wonder about how small, beautiful things and quiet magic can connect us, showing that simple pleasures are universal and can be found anywhere.

2026-02-15 01:41