After the Disney Countdown last year, the big question was, “What’s coming up next?” While gratifying to know readers enjoyed the series, I had no idea what to suggest or if the writers would be interested in tackling such a long project again. Fortunately, they were not only interested but excited to review the Studio Ghibli Canon. Now, after 3 months, we have posted our last review of the series and we hope you have enjoyed the experience as much as we have.

For the Studio Ghibli Countdown we took a wide look at the studio and covered 24 films including films that creators Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki made before the official start of the studio such as Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind. We had 10 different writers contributing to the Countdown and 3 took on 4 or more reviews: myself, Kajsa Rain Forden, and – new to Rotoscopers – Orla Smith. I’m really grateful for everyone’s hard work and dedication to make this happen. I would also like to thank all the editors and Ryan Campbell’s beautiful graphics for each post.

One of the great things about the Countdown is reading different perspectives of the authors and seeing their unique insight. Believe it or not, I haven’t seen all of the Studio Ghibli films so often these posts were introductions for me; I’ve now sought the films out and enjoyed them.

I know Studio Ghibli is painted with the generalized anime label but it is remarkable the depth and variety they created in these 24 films. We have everything from a war movie like Grave of the Fireflies to a magical bathhouse adventure like Spirited Away. It was also great to learn about films from other directors like Hiromasa Yonebayashi’s When Marnie was There. We hope you have been similarly inspired by what this amazing studio has to offer and have found new movies to enjoy.

We would love to hear your feedback on the Countdown. Which films were new to you? Which Studio Ghibli film is your favorite? Comment your experience, and let us know what countdowns you would like us to tackle in the future. Thank you for all your comments, and three cheers to Studio Ghibli!

Edited by: Kajsa Rain Forden