Studio Ghibli & Dragon Ball Owe Their Success to This Underrated Anime

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Hayao Miyazaki has been hugely influential, not just for Studio Ghibli, but for countless artists and creators. He’s inspired many leading figures in manga and anime, including Akira Toriyama, the creator of Dragon Ball. However, people often overlook The Castle of Cagliostro, the film that actually launched Miyazaki’s career as an anime director.

Although animated by Tokyo Movie Shinsha, Lupin III: Castle of Cagliostro is often praised alongside Studio Ghibli films because it was Hayao Miyazaki’s first feature-length directorial work. The movie showcased Miyazaki’s developing style and hinted at the direction his future films would take.

Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro was the World’s Introduction to Hayao Miyazaki

I’m a huge fan of Hayao Miyazaki, and it’s amazing to look back at how it all started! Before Studio Ghibli, he and Isao Takahata actually worked together on episodes of the very first Lupin anime. But Lupin Castle wasn’t just a directing gig for Miyazaki – he wrote, designed, and even created the storyboards himself! That film really launched his career, and it’s incredible to think he’s been a leading figure in anime for decades now.

As a huge animation fan, I’m always blown away by The Castle of Cagliostro. It’s seriously one of the best examples of classic hand-drawn animation – the movement is so smooth and detailed, and the backgrounds are just gorgeous. What’s even more incredible is that Hayao Miyazaki and his team made this masterpiece in just seven months! They started in May 1979 and had it finished by December 15th of the same year. It’s amazing to think that over 45 years later, people are still talking about it – it really stands the test of time.

The original Lupin character operates by a unique, sometimes questionable, moral compass. The new movie made its hero more appealing and enjoyable by softening those rough edges. This focus on likable characters and heartfelt stories is something Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki first explored with Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro.

Lupin III Paved the Way for Modern Anime to Reach Global Success

Anime started as entertainment for children and remained largely focused on that audience for many years. However, series like Lupin III helped open the door to animation designed for adults, and it was actually one of the first of its kind. Notably, Lupin III brought together many rising stars in the anime world. Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, who later co-founded Studio Ghibli, were among those who contributed to early episodes, alongside other talented creators.

The Lupin III anime and films have been a major inspiration for many creators worldwide. Numerous more recent anime series also show its influence – Shinichiro Watanabe, known for directing Samurai Champloo and Cowboy Bebop, was inspired by the original Lupin series. And anime like Urusei Yatsura, FLCL, and Cowboy Bebop themselves include references to the Lupin III franchise.

Lupin III has been incredibly important in popularizing Japanese animation worldwide. It first became a huge hit in Italy thanks to a great dub and strong marketing, which introduced many Western viewers to anime. Lupin III showed that animation could be enjoyed by adults with its blend of exciting adventures, mature themes, and self-contained episodes.

Anime Like Dragon Ball Still Reap the Benefits of Lupin III’s Legacy

I’m a huge fan of this series – it’s just packed with fun, fast-paced adventure, and they really lean into classic slapstick and silly gags! What’s really cool is how the main character’s crew basically defined a whole trope in storytelling. And it’s amazing to me that films like Hayao Miyazaki’s Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro helped cement the franchise as a true landmark in anime history.

Hayao Miyazaki was deeply inspired by The Castle of Cagliostro, a film that significantly influenced his future work. In a 1987 interview, Akira Toriyama revealed that Miyazaki’s Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind was his favorite anime. The Castle of Cagliostro was a key step in Miyazaki’s development as a director, following his work on Lupin III and paving the way for his later successes.

Lupin III’s success internationally paved the way for other anime series to gain popularity. By the 1990s, audiences were already more open to Japanese animation thanks to Lupin III. While Dragon Ball didn’t directly copy Lupin III, it certainly benefited from the groundwork Lupin III had laid.

Although it has a rich history, Lupin III doesn’t get much attention these days. With so many new and over-the-top anime and manga series being released, it’s often overlooked in popular conversations. While it’s become a beloved classic for dedicated fans, it’s not usually among the first anime people recommend. However, Lupin III significantly shaped today’s action and heist stories and deserves to be recognized for its impact.

Hayao Miyazaki’s career began with Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro, and the Lupin III series as a whole helped introduce anime to a global audience. Its impact is clear, and it deserves more recognition for being innovative, well-made, and hugely influential, even today.

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2026-03-02 04:12