Popular Ghibli Songs Ranking [2025]

The Pigeon and the BoyJoe Hisaishi22rank/position

[2022/9/3] Irodori One-Coin Concert [Brass] “The Dove and the Boy”

This is the piece that Pazu plays as a morning call on the bugle in Castle in the Sky.

In the film, Pazu plays it alone, but here it’s arranged for a brass ensemble.

It begins with a trumpet solo, then horn, trombone, tuba, and others join to form a fanfare for brass ensemble.

Midway through, the ending theme from Castle in the Sky, “Carrying You,” is woven in, allowing listeners to enjoy a sense of musical storytelling.

Pazu’s trumpet, performed first thing in the morning, has been a hot topic among brass players—professional-level playing that would catch a scout’s ear.

Even pros need to warm up, and many say they envy the ability to hit high notes from early in the day.

Pazu’s performance was played by studio musician Susumu Kazuhara, who is active in film scores, jazz, and karaoke backing tracks, and it is a superb performance.

My Neighbor TotoroAzumi Inoue23rank/position

Eng sub “My Neighbor Totoro” with lyrics covered by Miho Kuroda

A classic Studio Ghibli song distinguished by Azumi Inoue’s clear, translucent vocals.

The lyrics, depicting an encounter with Totoro, a mysterious creature living in the forest, awaken a sense of small adventures in nature.

Released in March 1988 as the theme song for the film My Neighbor Totoro, it became a major hit along with “Sanpo.” Since then, it has been loved by many people for years.

It’s also popular as wedding background music, resonating with a wide range of ages.

With its warm lyrics and gentle melody, it’s perfect for celebrating the start of a couple’s new journey.

A heartwarming piece that evokes the bonds shared with loved ones.

The revolving seasonsAzumi Inoue24rank/position

Circling Seasons (Self-Cover)

This is a magnificent piece used in Kiki’s Delivery Service, with exquisitely layered strings.

As you become entranced by the intro, the song’s opening unfolds with a melody so beautiful and noble that it overwhelms you.

Though the accompaniment and vocals are powerful, there’s a certain loneliness to it as well, which seems to perfectly match Kiki’s feelings as she leaves home to work on her own.

Village in MayJoe Hisaishi25rank/position

[Piano for Beginners] May Village Level 1 [Free Sheet Music with Do-Re-Mi Notation]

It’s a captivating piece with a buoyant melody that conjures up lush, green countryside scenes.

It’s that song from the 1988 film My Neighbor Totoro, played as the sisters, thrilled about their new life, appear on screen.

What’s wonderful about this piece is its brisk, jazz-like rhythm, which adds a stylish, cheerful touch to Japan’s tranquil landscapes.

When playing it on the piano, the key is to bring out a skipping, bouncy sense of rhythm.

If you play energetically and with joy, you’ll surely capture the piece’s sense of excitement.

Try to bounce lightly across the keys as if you were the story’s protagonist.

Arrietty SongCecile Corbel26rank/position

Arrietty’s Song / Cecile Corbel

Arrietty’s Song is a piece that depicts the fantastical world of The Secret World of Arrietty.

It is sung by the French harpist Cécile Corbel.

The lyrics were originally written entirely in English and later translated into Japanese, after which she explored how to sing them by listening closely to the pronunciation.

Because of that, there are parts in the song with distinctive pronunciation.

That’s part of the song’s charm, so when you sing it, I hope you listen carefully and imitate it.

Using an English-like vocalization tends to work well.

Someone at any timeShang Shang Typhoon27rank/position

Shang Shang Typhoon “Whenever Someone Is There” ~Let’s Go, Japan! Everyone’s Cheer Song ♪~

The ending theme of the 1994 film Pom Poko.

With lyrics that say, “Don’t forget—there will always, without fail, be someone by your side,” it’s perfect for newlyweds about to embark on a new chapter of their lives.

Loved by a wide audience as “a song that makes your heart swell every time you hear it,” this track is sure to become unforgettable for both the couple and their guests when played at a wedding.

Its nostalgic feel also makes it a great choice as background music for a slideshow looking back on childhood.

CatbusJoe Hisaishi28rank/position

My Neighbor Totoro Orchestra Stories – 07. Cat Bus

“Catbus” from Orchestra Stories: My Neighbor Totoro—a suite that reorganizes the beloved music of My Neighbor Totoro into an orchestral work with narration.

This piece selects seven numbers from the film’s score and is arranged by Joe Hisaishi himself as an orchestral work with narration that parents and children can enjoy together.

It opens with playful phrases in the cellos and double basses, and the horn-like dissonances in the woodwinds and brass make the Catbus’s entrance all the more striking.

It’s a cheerful piece that’s perfect as an encore for a pops orchestra, and hearing My Neighbor Totoro performed by a live orchestra is truly moving!