Sorry to say, but I have never seen a Miyazaki film in my life. I plan to remedy that very soon, but I’m not sure which one to start with. I’d love to hear suggestions (as well as why you chose that film).
I hate to say my two favorites, but they are the ones that impacted me the kost with theur beautiful artistry, complex plots, and environments.
Princess Mononoke-I would say this one because it is such a fantastic fantasy adventure. So unique; I’ve never seen anything like this film. Just wonderful.
Nausicaa and the Valley of the Wind–Again, beautiful back ground colorations and shapes. I love this film, and the voice work of Patrick Stewart. It’s wonderful. Warrior Princess Nausicaa connects with these bug creatures, and leanrs that they are not all evil. Beautiful.
Sorry, I know I totally just sounded like the back of a DVD box there. Sorry. But yes, watch all the Miyizaki movies!! They’re amazing.
To be honest, I’d probably recommend the two films IV just mentioned as well! 
I’d recommend trying to see as many of them as possible, but those are good starters. Castle in the Sky is a well-rounded movie too. I hope you enjoy!!
Haha! I’m glad to see a more informed Miyizaki fan agrees with me, Leirin. 
Well, then, that settles it. See the two princesses first. 
It’s a tricky one - I’d go for either Princes Mononoke or Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, or perhaps My Neighbour Totoro if you want something simpler.
Also, if you can put up with English subtitles, I’d listen with the original Japanese audio - some of the English dubs are okay, but NONE of them are better than hearing the original Japanese actors with English subtitles.
How could you guys forget Howl’s Moving Castle! - Actually, the english dub of this is pretty good. I’m not a big fan of reading subtitles though, I get too distracted easily. But Howl’s is one of my favorites.
And also Spirited Away. That was the first Miyazaki film I watched. I actually think this one would be more favorite of mine than HMC.
If you want simple, I would suggest Ponyo (which is probably the easiest Miyazaki film to find here, next to us having a copy of Tales from Earthsea at work)
I started Princess Mononoke, but haven’t been able to finish it yet (was interrupted while watching it, and haven’t been able to find a copy since) But from what I watched, it’s up there with HMC and SA in terms of story and such.
I, myself, wasn’t a too big fan of Nausicaa or Totoro. They just weren’t up my alley. Nausicaa didn’t grab my attention like his other films had, and Totoro, the older sister screamed all the time I swear. To me, the Japanese language always sounds like screaming, but this was something else. I think, when you finally hit some plot, it’s okay, but I didn’t think the film was as brilliant as everyone else says 
I could have easily listed them all, but tried to restrict myself. So very hard to choose one or two - the only one that I wouldn’t recommend is Porco Rosso - it’s not bad but didn’t grab me (but i know that others love it).
Haha, it is hard to not list them all.
Oh, and don’t watch Grave of the Fireflies as your first flick.
Nononono. It’s unbearably sad.
Grave of the Fireflies is stunningly beautiful, and every Ghibli fan should see it at some point, IMO–just definitely not as their first. I’d save it for last, in fact.
I can’t find Fireflies anywhere. I’d like to see it. 
Not sure where you are in the world, but Amazon UK have it (cheap too) if your player can handle Region 2 DVDs:
amazon.co.uk/Grave-of-the-Fi … 000TQLJHS/
And Amazon US have it, but it’s rather expensive. You could also try Ebay.
I’d go for the region 2 release if your player can handle it.
The first one I saw was Spirited Away, then Princess Mononoke.
^Spirited Away is pretty good to start with!
Wow, thank you guys for all the great feedback! So, I’ve decided to go with My Neighbor Totoro. I probably won’t wind up seeing it until next week or the following week. But I will post a review when I do; thanks again!
I would order that, but I’m in the states.
Good for you, Brian.
Welcome to the magical world of Miayazaki! You’re right, start with My Naighbor Totoro. Then advance to Ponyo. When we first got the DVD, I watched it like, every week! Then for a little romance, throw in Howl’s Moving Castle and if you’re into talking animals, Princess Mononoke. Have fun!
I hope you enjoy Totoro! I know a lot of people consider it their favourite of his movies.
Thoughts on his other movies-
- Ponyo is in a similar vein to Totoro, but with more magic and craziness. Although it could be an awkward viewing experience due to the recent tsunami in Japan and the fact that the sea plays a huge role in the story.
- Howl’s Moving Castle is wonderfully magical and colourful, and has a more linear story than some of his other movies. It also has one of the best dubs, so you can watch it in English without feeling like you’re missing something.
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Nausicaa is good, although having read the comic I now find it a little dull in parts. It’s a bit darker than some of his other movies. It has a lot of enviromental themes, as does Princess Mononoke.
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Princess Mononoke is excellent, and I reccomend that if you watch it, you also watch Nausicaa as both deal with similar themes and ideas but were made more than a decade apart.
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Kiki’s Delivery Service is a fun movie, although it may not be to your liking if you dislike movies that have a clear plotline. A lot of the story is fairly episodic, and many scenes depict mundane activities. The movie is very slice-of-life in this way, which understandably may be a bad thing for some viewers. I love it though
The magic in this movie is much more toned down than the stuff in Howl and Ponyo.
I do recommend that if you like Totoro, you watch some of Ghibli’s non-Miyazaki films, even if its just to try them out. Whisper of the Heart is good, as is Grave of the Fireflies and Only Yetserday (although Only Yesterday hasn’t been released in some countries).
I agree, Howl’s Moving Castle has excellent dubs. Christian Bale FTW! Ponyo will be one of my all time favorites. I quote it every day. My offical battle cry is ‘HAAAAAAMMM!’
Also, watch out for the bored-looking baby in Ponyo. I swear to God I laughed my butt off.
I was wondering when someones was going to mention KIKI. Considering that one of me favorite Disney films is PINOCCHIO, I don’t think I’ll be too bothered by its being episodic.
Cool, cool. I also noticed that nobody had mentioned it, and as its one of my favourite Miyazaki movies I just had to bring it up 
I mainly mentioned the episodic thing because one of my friends watched it recently and called it “a bit pointless”, although they did like it.
I love how un-cute the baby is compared to most movie babies. You’re right- it does look bored!