Popular Ghibli Songs Ranking [2025]

Become the windAyano Tsuji8rank/position

“I Become the Wind” – The Cat Returns Theme Song [With Sheet Music] Tried Playing by Ear on Piano – Piano Cover – CANACANA

Ayano Tsuji’s “Kaze ni Naru” is performed as a piano solo.

This piece is the ending theme of Studio Ghibli’s The Cat Returns, which is set around the premise that the story was written by Shizuku Tsukishima from Whisper of the Heart.

In The Cat Returns, the protagonist Haru saves a cat that is about to get into an accident; when the cats come to thank her, she chases after them and wanders into the world where cats live, then escapes together with Baron.

The exhilarating feeling that swells as the ending begins is wonderful.

In the piano version, it is powerfully yet delicately arranged and performed by the CANACANA family, who are known for excellent, model-like performances mainly of classical pieces.

It preserves the rhythmic drive of the original, and the way it’s played makes it feel as if the piano version were the original itself—truly splendid!

Breakfast SongAoi Teshima9rank/position

From Up On Poppy Hill – Breakfast Song (Asagohan no Uta) Morning Breakfast Song

It’s a gentle, comforting song that softly embraces the warmth of morning.

Aoi Teshima’s clear voice vividly paints time spent with family and loved ones.

From preparing breakfast to gathering around the table, the lyrics are filled with the small joys of everyday life.

Used as an insert song in Studio Ghibli’s film From Up on Poppy Hill, it resonated with many listeners.

Like the warm light of morning, this song is recommended for those who want to color moments with someone special.

It’s perfect for heartwarming occasions such as weddings and family gatherings.

Promise of the WorldChieko Baisho10rank/position

The Promise of the World / Chieko Baisho (Piano Solo with Vocals) – Sing with the Piano / Covered by Nontan

It’s a famous song from Howl’s Moving Castle.

The film also became well-known for casting Takuya Kimura as the voice of Howl.

The interactions between the troubled Howl and the pure-hearted protagonist, the beautiful scenery, and the gorgeous music linger in the heart, making it an unforgettable piece of music.

Princess MononokeYoshikazu Mera11rank/position

Princess Mononoke

Many people must have been captivated by Yoshikazu Mera’s enveloping voice and the song’s otherworldly sound.

As the theme song of the film Princess Mononoke, this piece is highly recommended as BGM to enhance emotional moments at a wedding.

If you feel that the lyrics—steeped in the film’s worldview—might not suit the wedding atmosphere, consider using the instrumental version.

If you want to create a calm mood, a piano version with delicate tones that gently draws the listener in could also be a great choice.

Always With MeYumi Kimura12rank/position

Yumi Kimura - "Always With Me"

Yumi Kimura’s signature song, released in July 2001 as the theme for the film “Spirited Away.” Her gentle voice and the beautiful timbre of the lyre further enhanced the film’s mysterious atmosphere.

The lyrics, themed around dreams, hope, and the cycles of life, resonate deeply with listeners.

Carrying the message that “beyond sorrow lies hope,” this piece is also popular at weddings.

Its warm ambiance, celebrating the start of a new chapter in life, makes it a perfect choice to color such a special day.

Teru's SongAoi Teshima13rank/position

Teru's Song [Tales from Earthsea] (’06-07-28)

I think everyone has heard it at least once.

It’s an insert song from Tales from Earthsea.

Aoi Teshima’s gentle voice wraps around you.

It’s a song that can truly heal your heart when you listen to it on a tiring night, when you just can’t cheer up, or when you want something calm and soothing.

Memory of LifeKazumi Nikaido14rank/position

[Piano Solo Sheet Music] Kazumi Nikaido / Memory of Life “Theme Song from the Animated Film The Tale of the Princess Kaguya” [MIDI Performance]

The theme song for Studio Ghibli’s film The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, created by Kazumi Nikaido, is a beautiful piece that celebrates the sanctity of life and the subtlety of human relationships.

Released in July 2013, the song was reportedly commissioned by director Isao Takahata, who deeply connected with Nikaido’s musical sensibilities.

Her uniquely gentle yet powerful voice lends profound resonance to the film’s central theme of “life.” While honoring the world of Ghibli, this work, depicted from Nikaido’s distinctive perspective, possesses a charm that sets it apart from other Ghibli songs.

Why not add a piece like this to your piano repertoire?