When it comes to picking the best Hayao Miyazaki film, it’s like choosing between two treasures. However, if I had to pick one, it’s got to be Spirited Away, no contest.
I mean, don’t get me wrong, Princess Mononoke is absolutely beautiful, tackling heavy issues concerning nature, war, and how distorted human beings can become. But Spirited Away? It’s just that unique kind of magic that lingers with you for your entire life.
It’s not just about the gorgeous animation (which, come on, both movies absolutely nail). Spirited Away does have this intensely personal coming-of-age story in a world that is both surreal and strangely familiar. It has a charm that makes it more universally relatable, and that’s what sets it apart. So, let’s get into why I believe Spirited Away is Miyazaki’s real masterpiece.
The story just hits different
At its core, Spirited Away is all about change and personal growth. We follow Chihiro, a regular 10-year-old girl who suddenly finds herself in a bizarre spirit world where her parents get turned into pigs.
She’s initially whiny and scared (which is totally normal, right?) but as the movie progresses, she gets tougher, cleverer, and a whole lot more independent. Her development is totally believable, and by the end of it, you just can’t help but be rooting for her.
Now, Princess Mononoke has a great story too, don’t get me wrong. There are epic battles, deep environmental messages, and characters such as Ashitaka and San who are very complex. But the point is, their battles don’t feel as personal as Chihiro’s.
They’re already warriors with strong beliefs when we meet them. Chihiro, though? She’s an ordinary kid who gets pulled into some wild things, and that makes her battle all the more relatable.
The world-building is pure magic
One thing Hayao Miyazaki does better than anybody is creating worlds that feel alive. The world of Princess Mononoke is breathtaking: beautiful forests, magical creatures, and a war-torn world that is unexpectedly realistic. But Spirited Away does world-building on a whole different level.
The spirit world is just packed with creativity. From the creepy, deserted town in the beginning to the massive, intricate bathhouse run by the terrifying Yubaba, each scene is full of things that make it seem like a living, breathing place.
The spirits themselves are so unique: No-Face, for example, is both creepy and strangely sympathetic. There’s just something about the setting of Spirited Away that makes it even more timeless and fascinating than Princess Mononoke‘s more grounded world.
Spirited Away’s impact is unmatched
Both movies made waves, but Spirited Away took things to a whole new level. It became Japan’s highest-grossing movie for almost two decades (and just recently Makoto Shinkai’s Your Name took that crown) and took home the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in the year 2003. Even those who are not fans of anime are probably familiar with Spirited Away.
Sure, Princess Mononoke was groundbreaking too, especially in terms of exposing Western audiences to the more serious, darker tone of Studio Ghibli. But Spirited Away just had that broad appeal that made it a cultural phenomenon. It’s one of those films that people will recommend even if aren’t into anime. I mean, that also says a lot.
The emotions hit harder than Princess Mononoke
In the end, the one thing that makes Spirited Away so remarkable is how emotionally resonant it is. Every single character, from enigmatic Haku to the misunderstood No-Face, carries so much depth. The small, quiet moments hit just as hard as the big, dramatic ones.
Chihiro’s farewell to Haku, her insistence on remembering her name, even that somber train ride, it all just stays with you. Hey, I am not saying Princess Mononoke isn’t emotional, it absolutely is. San’s identity crisis, Ashitaka being cursed, the heartbreaking wars, it’s all intense.
But Spirited Away just feels more personal. You don’t have to care about mythology or nature causes in order to relate to Chihiro’s experiences. It’s a movie that resonates with everybody, regardless of age or background.
So, just to be clear, I love both the films by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, I really do. They are a work of art in itself. But if we’re speaking about a single film that will forever stand the test of time, then the answer is clear: Spirited Away. It’s a movie that remains fresh and relevant each time you see it, regardless of age.
It’s got everything: an amazing story, breathtaking visuals, unforgettable characters, and a world that feels so real you wish you could walk into it. Miyazaki has made some of the all-time great animated movies, but Spirited Away? That’s his masterpiece.
Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke both are available to watch on Netflix.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
