So, I saw Totoro and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was beautiful to look at, albeit a little slow-moving, plot-wise. But luckily I was able to find things I liked even in the slow parts. I also saw Ponyo and liked that even better. It seemed to improve on the nit-picks I had about Totoro; although Totoro will always have a special place in my heart (even if the plush versions of Totoro are ridiculously expensive). And Bored Baby was the best! I read that that scene was a last-minute addition because Miyazaki didn’t think that Ponyo herself was likable enough. And as a result, I think that it’s my favorite scene.
Mine too! 
I love Ponyo and Totoro in different ways. But I must say, for funny and awesome scenes, the bored baby takes the cake.
You should try watching Howl’s Moving Castle too. I liked it because it had a slightly darker theme and a little romance–not to mention Christian Bale and Billy Crystal! And any Pixar fan knows the pricelessness of the latter
I’m glad you enjoyed them!! I loved both and agree with your opinions.
Agreed on all points.
Howl’s Moving Castle - I liked the English dub, but the original Japanese language (with English subs!) is much better.
I’ll probably see Kiki’s Delivery Service next; my goal is to watch all the light-hearted ones first and then graduate to some edgier ones. I think I’ll watch Howl after Kiki.
Kiki’s Delivery service is nice enough, but I found it rather unsatisfying. Not a bad film, it’s good, but for my own tastes it didn’t do much for me.
Your mileage may, of course, vary.
Howl’s Moving Castle was dramatic enough for my teen tastes. My sister was like, ‘what?’ but I was sitting on the edge of my seat, misty-eyed, going ‘I totally get that, Sophie.’ Howl reminds me A LOT of Jack Sparrow.
I can see why some would find Kiki dissatisfying, especially because it has less of a clear-cut plot than say, Spirited Away, and so some may find it boring. But I thoroughly enjoyed it and was practically cheering towards the climax. 
Good idea to start with the more simple ones, then progress to the more mature films. Howl’s Moving Castle is so dramatic, but in a natural way, where we become really invested in the characters. I think you’ll like it.
Just got done watching KIKI and loved it. My favorite thing about it was the episodic structure. I also loved the friendship between Kiki and Jiji. Next for me will be HOWL.
Also, this is kinda off-topic, but I loved the introduction by John Lasseter, especially when he said “All of Miyazaki’s films are great; you should see them all!”. I was thinking to myself, “Even GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES?” I’m kinda scared to watch that one!
Grave of the Fireflies isn’t a Miyazaki film, but it is a Studio Ghibli release.
Incidentally, DO watch it - it’s a marvellous film, but it’ll tear your heart out.
I wish the Ghibli movies weren’t so hard to obtain. I’ve seen most of them, but I would like to buy some. And I can’t seem to find Fireflies anywhere! Not even to rent. 
I agree, it’s so weird! A lot of online stores like Amazon usually carry them, but you never see them out in the open on DVD shelves at places like Walmart or Best Buy. That bothers me. I’ve only been able to rent Grave of the Fireflies once ages ago, I’ve never seen the DVD in person since…
Aw, so it probably is very rare, then.
Oh. Judging from the description, I guess it’s the most depressing movie, ever? 
Definitely. I cried funeral tears, which usually never happens. Only one other movie has come close to eliciting as many tears as Grave of the Fireflies for me, it’s “The Boy in Striped Pajamas”.
If there’s an FYE store in your area, they usually have Ghibli films in the Anime section.
Ooh, fantastic! I believe there’s one in the mall.
Leirin, that movie made me cry, too! Those poor boys.
I’m watching Ponyo again after the longest time!! This movie makes me happy every time I watch it. ESPECIALLY the bored baby.
Ponyo is awesome!! I have the best summer 2009 memories ever from going to see it at a local mall with my best friend. Good times. I must own the DVD some day…