Songs of Studio Ghibli: List of Theme Songs, Insert Songs, and BGM from Ghibli Music
Studio Ghibli films, enjoyed by both adults and children, are also famous for their wonderful music.
Every work features songs that perfectly fit the story and leave an unforgettable impression after just one listen.
We’ve gathered not only the popular theme songs and insert songs from Studio Ghibli works, but also image songs that bring back memories of famous scenes and evocative moments.
If you want to listen to Ghibli’s masterpieces or hear again the song that played in that one scene, be sure to check these out!
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- Songs from Kiki's Delivery Service. Anime theme and insert songs. Ghibli classics.
- [Ghibli] Popular BGM. Enjoy the world of Ghibli through music!
- Ghibli’s famous BGM. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks for work and study BGM.
- Ranking of Popular Ghibli Songs [2026]
- Songs from Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Main theme and insert songs.
- Song(s) from Princess Mononoke. Theme song and insert song(s).
- [Ghibli × Wedding] Carefully Selected Ghibli Masterpieces to Brighten Your Wedding Ceremony and Reception
- Singable Ghibli Classics: A selection of beloved hits cherished by people of all ages
- [Disney BGM] Just listening will boost your mood! A collection of Disney classics
- [Masterpiece Classics] A special showcase of gem-like masterpieces so beautiful they’ll move you to tears
- Songs from Howl's Moving Castle: theme song and insert songs
Princess Mononoke (1–10)
Women Treading the Tatara – Eboshi Tatara Song –Hisaishi Joe
A song sung by the women working at the tatara furnace.
The lyrics convey how demanding their work is.
It appears as a work song unique to this job, used to keep rhythm during tasks so they can move in perfect sync.
KodamasHisaishi Joe
This piece accompanies an early scene in the story set in the forest, where the Kodama—forest spirits that only appear in rich, thriving woods—make their appearance.
These characters are indispensable when speaking about Princess Mononoke, and naturally a piano with a warm, woody timbre suits the track perfectly.
It’s a whimsical and charming arrangement that almost lets you hear the Kodama’s rattling “kara-kara-kara” sound.
Departure — Westward —Hisaishi Joe
There is no piece more beautiful or more fitting to express through music the overwhelming scale of the film Princess Mononoke—the nature encircled by mountains and trees of its world, and its majestic history.
Every single note carries conviction; it is a masterpiece that renders one speechless.
Princess Mononoke (Instrumental Version)Hisaishi Joe
This song made the biggest impact when it was released as the ending theme of Princess Mononoke.
Yoshikazu Mera’s beautiful high-tone vocals moved listeners around the world.
Its familiar melody enhances the film’s world and sense of presence, and after the emotional experience of the movie, it carries us further into its lingering afterglow.
Since its 1998 release, it has remained a timeless classic no matter how many times we listen.
The Two in the Forest of the Deer GodHisaishi Joe
From the very beginning, the delicate piano phrases reach your ears—a creepy track that inspires fear and sets your heart racing.
Yet those high notes even evoke the presence of a god.
The piece is themed around the Forest Spirit’s forest, the climactic setting in Princess Mononoke, and it captures that atmosphere perfectly.
In the latter half, the melody of “Mononoke-tachi Dake” makes an appearance.
ShuraHisaishi Joe
The era of Princess Mononoke was one of constant conflict, where negotiations between people were carried out through violence and warfare.
Even within a film set against such a backdrop, many memorable battles are depicted, and this piece was used in those battle scenes.
It’s a tense track that seems to reveal the resolve of people and creatures who risk their lives to fight.
The arrangement makes it feel as if you can hear your own heartbeat at any moment.
Princess Mononoke (11–20)
Ashitaka DiaryHisaishi Joe
This is “The Legend of Ashitaka” from Studio Ghibli’s feature-length animated film Princess Mononoke, a work that stands proudly as a heavy and grand orchestral piece in its own right.
Studio Ghibli began as a feature animation production company with the release of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind on March 11, 1984, and Princess Mononoke is its tenth film.
It is also known for elevating animation from something consumed solely by fans to a form of “art.” The production scale was immense, and from around this time, more recordings featured live orchestral performances.
Listening to the music, it is not merely background accompaniment for animation but sounds like a worthy new classical work in its own right.
The orchestral performance was by the Tokyo City Philharmonic Orchestra, and this was also the first time a permanent professional orchestra, rather than an ad hoc ensemble, was employed.
Whisper of the Heart (11–20)
A straightforward song that portrays the pursuit of dreams.
Studio Ghibli’s “Whisper of the Heart” portrays a boy and girl’s love story while depicting how they each confront their future. The soundtrack is as straightforward and refreshing as the film itself, making it a great fit for any scene! Be sure to give it a listen. Related articles:Songs from Whisper of the Heart: theme song and insert songs