Natalie Portman reveals her pick for the greatest Studio Ghibli movie of all time. Rising to fame as Padmé from the Star Wars prequel trilogy, Portman has become one of the most acclaimed actresses of her generation, earning three Academy Award nominations for Closer (2004), Jackie (2016), and winning one for her performance as a troubled ballerina in Black Swan (2010).
On the other hand, Studio Ghibli is the great Japanese animation studio, co-founded by director Hayao Miyazaki, behind movies such as My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989), Princess Mononoke (1997), Spirited Away (2001), Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), Ponyo (2008), and The Boy and the Heron (2023). The studio’s work is often highly acclaimed by critics and believed by audiences worldwide.
During a recent interview with Collider promoting her new animated movie Arco alongside its director Ugo Bienvenu, Natalie Portman revealed that her favorite Studio Ghibli movie is Spirited Away. Asked the same question, Bienvenu says he “couldn’t choose” his favorite Ghibli movie, an answer that Portman called the “ultra fan version.”
What Natalie Portman’s Favorite Studio Ghibli Movie Means
Natalie Portman picking Spirited Away as her favorite Studio Ghibli film highlights how much the movie has endured over the years. Released in 2001, Spirited Away was a mᴀssive critical and commercial success that made $396 million at the box office worldwide and became the highest-grossing movie in Japanese history, a record it held for nearly 20 years until it was overtaken in 2020.
Spirited Away went on to become the first hand-drawn Japanese anime and the first non-English-language film to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Today, it remains widely regarded as one of the greatest movies ever made and has appeared on numerous “best-of” lists, including ranking 19th on ScreenRant‘s 60 best movies of all time.
Our Take On Natalie Portman’s Favorite Studio Ghibli Movie
Spirited Away is a great choice for the greatest Ghibli movie of all time. It encapsulates everything a Studio Ghibli movie should be, blending rich storytelling with breathtaking animation, creating a world that is both magical and believable. Its protagonist, Chihiro, embarks on a journey of courage and self-discovery, embodying the imaginative wonder that defines the studio’s finest works.
Moreover, the movie’s meticulous attention to detail, from the whimsical bathhouse spirits to its hauntingly beautiful score, immerses audiences in a rich universe. Spirited Away balances whimsy and poignancy, making it timeless and universally resonant. It encapsulates the essence of Ghibli’s artistry, which is why critics and stars like Natalie Portman consider it Studio Ghibli‘s crowning achievement.
