Here are five-lesser known movies from Studio Ghibli for your next marathon.

Pom Poko

Overshadowed by other works from the studio, Pom Poko is actually not one to miss, since it came from the hands of Isao Takahata. Released in 1994, the movie became the highest-grossing film that year in Japan.

The film shows the struggle of tanuki (Japanese raccoon dogs) against human-led development threatening their habitat, in a forest near Tokyo. In Japanese mythology, tanuki are believed to be able to create illusions or change their appearance. Using this power, the group of tanuki tries to sabotage development in order to survive.

The title “Pom Poko” refers to the sound tanuki make by drumming their bellies.

Read also: Welcoming Totoro: Why it’s never too late for Ghibli

From Up on Poppy Hill

A still from 'From Up on Poppy Hill'.(Studio Ghibli/File)

If you are looking for a sweet, simple coming-of-age movie, From Up on Poppy Hill might fit the bill. The story revolves around the romance between Umi Matsuzaki and Shun Kazama, students at the Isogo High School. Despite the negative first impression, Umi and Shun quickly grow closer as they work for the student newspaper in an old building used by students called Quartier Latin (Latin Quarter). Together with Shiro Mizunuma, Isogo High's student government president, they fight against the planned demolition of Latin Quarter.

In its essence, From Up on Poppy Hill is a high school romance filled with youth idealism, and a dash of family drama.

Tales from Earthsea

Upon hearing the title, one might remember the fantasy queen Ursula K. Le Guin. The movie is a loose adaptation that combines the story and characters from the author's four books. However, loyal readers must be aware that Le Guin herself stated that the Earthsea movie is 'an entirely different story' from her books. 

Tales from Earthsea is set in a world of dragons and magic. The story follows the adventure of Archmage Sparrowhawk (Ged) and Arren, as they unravel what is disrupting the balance in the world. 

Porco Rosso

A still from 'Porco Rosso'.(Studio Ghibli/File)

Porco Rosso is a World War I veteran, who flies alone and sometimes fights against pirates over the Mediterranean Sea. He is also a pig. Even after turning into a pig by a mysterious spell, Porco still manages to seize the attention of his long-time friend Gina and his mechanic's granddaughter Fio.

The movie is often dubbed the most political movie by Hayao Miyazaki. However, the movie still maintains Ghibli's whimsical charm in every one of its characters, not to mention the enthralling music composed by Joe Hisaishi. The story also works on many layers, depending on which one viewers focus on.

Read also: Must-watch anime movies from Studio Ghibli

The Cat Returns

What is it like being a cat? High school student Haru finds herself involved the surprisingly complicated world of cats after saving a cat from being struck by a truck. The cat later reveals itself as Lune, the Prince of the Cat Kingdom, and proposes to Haru as an act of gratitude. As she finds herself in the cat's world, Haru finds out that being a cat is not as simple as eating and sleeping all day.

The movie is a spin-off of Whisper of the Heart, a coming-of-age story featuring a cat. (kes)