Hayao Miyazakiis almost universally recognized as the visionary behind Studio Ghibli’s most beloved works likeSpirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, and many more. His distinct artistic style, environmental themes, and nuanced characters have become hallmarks of animated cinema. But Miyazaki’s legacy extends far beyond Ghibli. Before co-founding the studio in 1985, he spent decades honing his craft across various anime productions, many of which laid the foundation for his later masterpieces.
These earlier works may not enjoy the same level of mainstream acclaim, but they remain crucial to understanding Miyazaki’s evolution as an artist.From rough animation work to full directorial control, each project showcases a different side of his creative journey.Whether it’s a story about a heroic puppy or a reimagined fairy tale, these eight anime prove that Miyazaki’s magic existed long before Totoro ever hopped onto a leaf.
8Animal Treasure Island
Produced by Toei Animation with Animation and Manga Tie-In by Hayao Miyazaki
Before fully stepping into the director’s chair,Hayao Miyazaki left his mark onAnimal Treasure Island, a raucous, animal-filled adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’sTreasure Island.While the film was directed by Hiroshi Ikeda, Miyazaki contributed key animation, scene design, and even developed a manga adaptation to accompany the release. His visual influence is especially evident in the film’s inventive action sequences, elaborate pirate ships, and anthropomorphic character designs that brim with personality and energy.
Though aimed squarely at a young audience,Animal Treasure Islandbursts with the kind of narrative whimsy and swashbuckling spectacle that Miyazaki would later refine inLaputa: Castle in the SkyandPorco Rosso. The film’s energetic pacing, seafaring spirit, and blend of human and animal characters are all early signs of Miyazaki’s storytelling DNA. His manga tie-in added further depth to the story’s world, showcasing his dual talents as both a visual artist and a narrative craftsman. While not as well-known as other early projects,Animal Treasure Islandis a delightfully chaotic piece of Miyazaki’s pre-Ghibli history that deserves more attention.
7The Great Adventure of Horus, Prince of the Sun
Directed by Isao Takahata with Key Animation by Hayao Miyazaki
The Great Adventure of Horus, Prince of the Sunis often seen as a turning point in Japanese animation, and for good reason. It marked Hayao Miyazaki’s first major role in anime production, where he worked as a key animator alongside director Isao Takahata. The film tells the story of Horus, a brave boy who takes on a journey to reclaim his village from an evil ice demon. Miyazaki’s dynamic animation in the battle scenes and climactic action sequences reveal early signs of the kinetic energy that would later define his cinematic style.
Though not widely successful at the box office,Horushas since become a cult classic. It was revolutionary for the way it emphasized character development and political complexity within a children’s fantasy narrative. Miyazaki’s contributions were essential in crafting the fluid movement of characters and detailed backgrounds.It’s here that fans see early evidence of his obsession with nature, community, and heroic struggle, which are ideas he would continue exploring throughout his career.
6Doggie March
Produced by Toei Animation with In-Between Animation by Hayao Miyazaki
Long before Totoro or Nausicaä, there was a little puppy named Rock.Doggie March(also known asWan Wan Chūshingura) marked Miyazaki’s very first job in the anime industry, joining Toei Animation in 1963 as an in-between artist.The story follows a brave puppy seeking to avenge his father’s death, inspired by the historical tale of the 47 Ronin. While his role was relatively minor, the experience served as an introduction to professional animation and studio workflow.
Doggie March’smixture of sentimentality and determination would become thematic staples in Miyazaki’s future works.
Even in this early work, the storytelling ambition ofDoggie Marchstands out. The film blends action, loyalty, and morality with a sense of scale not often seen in children’s movies of the time.Miyazaki’s work on the background movements and crowd sequencesmay have gone unnoticed by casual viewers, but for the young animator, it was an important step in understanding how to breathe life into animated worlds.Doggie March’smixture of sentimentality and determination would become thematic staples in Miyazaki’s future works.
Imagine Sherlock Holmes as a literal hound, running through the streets of Victorian London in a steampunk car. That’sSherlock Houndin a nutshell.Miyazaki co-directed and storyboarded several episodes of this charming and underrated TV anime, blending mystery-solving with whimsical world-building.His fingerprints are all over the imaginative gadgets and energetic pacing, as well as the playful tone that still holds up today.
Due to a copyright dispute, production was temporarily halted, and Miyazaki moved on before the series was completed. Yet his episodes remain the most vibrant and adventurous in the series. There’s a joyful inventiveness in the chase scenes and the mechanical contraptions, showcasing his love for retro-futurism and aviation. These episodesfeel like a prototype for later works likeLaputa: Castle in the Sky, and demonstrate how even children’s television gave Miyazaki room to flex his creative muscles.
Miyazaki’s first feature-length film as a director,The Castle of Cagliostro, is nowconsidered one of the bestLupin the 3rdinstallments ever made, and a masterclass in animated filmmaking. The movie sees gentleman thief Arsène Lupin the 3rd infiltrate a castle to uncover a counterfeiting scheme and rescue a mysterious princess. From the opening car chase to the clock tower climax, the film pulses with energy, humor, and elegance.
The film’s breathtaking backgrounds, complex architecture, and fluid animation laid the groundwork for what would become Ghibli’s signature visual style.
What makesCagliostrostand out is how Miyazaki softened the more adult tone of theLupin the 3rdfranchise, giving the titular character more humanity and moral depth.It’s a clear precursor to Miyazaki’s later heroes: daring but principled, mischievous but kind-hearted. The film’s breathtaking backgrounds, complex architecture, and fluid animation laid the groundwork for what would become Ghibli’s signature visual style. It’s also one of the few anime that Quentin Tarantino has publicly praised, which is a testament to its lasting influence.
3The Wonderful World of Puss ‘n Boots
Produced by Toei Animation with Animation by Hayao Miyazaki
This classic Toei Animation film introduced the mascot that would become the company’s logo for decades: Pero the cat, a swashbuckling version ofPuss in Boots.While the film was directed by Kimio Yabuki, Miyazaki played a key role in animating the action scenes and contributed to the film’s visual dynamism.It’s a delightful blend of European fairy tale elements with anime-style humor and energy.
Miyazaki’s work onPuss ‘n Bootshelped refine his ability to animate expressive characters and kinetic movement, particularly in chase scenes, which would become one of his specialties. The film’s use of color, background detail, and slapstick comedy hint at the playful spirit that Miyazaki would later infuse intoKiki’s Delivery ServiceandPonyo. Although it doesn’t carry the weight of his more serious works,Puss ‘n Bootsis a vital piece of his early animation legacy.
2Heidi, Girl of the Alps
Produced by Zuiyo Eizo with Layouts and Scene Design by Hayao Miyazaki
One of Miyazaki’s most formative television projects wasHeidi, Girl of the Alps, where he collaborated closely with Isao Takahata. Miyazaki was responsible for layout and scene design across all 52 episodes, a massive undertaking that shaped his sense of spatial storytelling. Based on Johanna Spyri’s novel, the series follows a young orphan girl who goes to live with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps, exploring themes of family, nature, and resilience.
Through his meticulous attention to detail, Hayao Miyazaki elevatedHeidibeyond typical TV anime standards. His layouts focused on emotional geography and how the physical environment influences the characters’ inner worlds.This philosophy would carry over into Ghibli’s later films, particularlyMy Neighbor TotoroandSpirited Away.The lush depiction of alpine landscapes foreshadows his later fixation with pastoral beauty and ecological harmony. For many anime historians,Heidiis the missing link between Toei’s golden age and Studio Ghibli’s artistic maturity.
Another literary adaptation,Anne of Green Gables, also benefited from Miyazaki’s talents, although he only worked on the first 15 episodes before leaving the project. In his role as layout artist and scene designer, he helped set the tone for this deeply human, emotionally resonant series. The anime tells the story of Anne Shirley, a spirited orphan adopted by a pair of aging siblings on Prince Edward Island.
Miyazaki’s contribution is most evident in the way the scenery reflects Anne’s emotional states. From blooming meadows to quiet interiors, the show captures the poetic rhythm of rural life. His ability to convey emotion through setting and atmosphere adds layers of richness to Anne’s already complex character. Though he departed before the series concluded, the first arc remains a visual and thematic triumph, proving again thatHayao Miyazaki’sbrilliance lies not just in plot, but in how a world is built to reflect the soul of its characters.
