**TL;DR- One reason for this would be their influence on children; both companies are aimed at families, however Studio Ghibli movies seem to be a much better influence on children due to their insightful themes and inspiring, relatable characters.** Firstly, Ghibli films explore important themes such as family and friendship rather than romance, in addition to even more mature themes such as military conflict and environmental exploitation (e.g. war in *Howl’s Moving Castle* and the effects of industrialisation in *Princess Mononoke*). The ‘bad guys’ in Ghibli films are also more realistic and complex compared to Disney, which seems to only revolve around 'good vs evil'. Ghibli films, on the other hand, are characterised by their ‘more down-to-earth efforts to live and attain self-realization in a vast, often daunting, but never markedly hostile world’ [1] just like in real life- however the elements of fantasy are still prominent, with magical creatures and worlds. This isn’t to say that Disney films have no deep yet child-friendly storylines and morals, as they definitely do, but Ghibli films are much more consistent in presenting these themes, and have been doing it since the 1980’s, whereas Disney have only been doing this recently. The characters and plots of Ghibli movies are also much more relatable for young children, as the protagonists are usually children who face the same challenges a child would growing up (e.g. fitting in, relationships with family, and tougher scenarios such as enduring the illness of a loved one, etc.). This makes them a better influence on a child because they would see characters just like themselves on screen, going through similar struggles, rather than adults overcoming very different challenges and getting married. The parent/guardian characters in Ghibli films also seem to be more realistic and present, contrary to Disney parents, who are usually ‘either absent or the problem in some way or another. From repressive fathers to evil step-mothers’ [2]. Also, when a parent is absent in a Ghibli film, it is addressed throughout the story (e.g. the mother in hospital in *My Neighbour Totoro*). Lastly, the heroines of Ghibli films are a better influence on children as they are presented as the actual heroines of the story who go on adventures and fight for what’s right without needing a man to save them. Although this is the case in some newer Disney films such as *Moana* and *Mulan*, the Disney princesses usually end up getting married (and while this can be lovely- it is definitely overdone). As stated by Lexis Byrda in *Odyssey Online*, ‘I grew up watching Snow White get kissed out of a poison-induced coma by some guy who gets to do that stuff cause he's a prince. The damsel saved by a somewhat creepy male authority figure once again’ [3]. Although *Snow White* is a much earlier Disney film, these themes persist through many newer stories too. As Hayao Miyazaki (co-founder and director) stated, ‘many of [his] movies have strong female leads – brave, self-sufficient girls that don’t think twice about fighting for what they believe in with all their heart. They’ll need a friend, or a supporter, but never a savior. Any woman is just as capable of being a hero as any man’ [4]. It’s true that both Disney and Studio Ghibli have a positive influence on children, and both companies have produced wonderful films. However, Ghibli movies seem to go above and beyond when it comes to creating family-friendly films that both represent and inspire children, in comparison to Disney, which is less consistent in this sense. This is one of the reasons I believe that they are better than Disney. [1] Aline Dolinh in *Film School Rejects*, April 10, 2018 [https://filmschoolrejects.com/reflections-between-disney-and-studio-ghibli/] [2] Bruce Lynn in *Oh No they Didn’t*, February 2, 2012 [https://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/66241023.html] [3] Lexis Byrda in *Odyssey Online*, January 21, 2019 [https://www.theodysseyonline.com/studio-ghibli-better-than-disney] [4] Stephanie Mulholland in *The LDN Gal*, February 19, 2017 [http://www.theldngal.co.uk/film-and-tv-series-reviews-and-news/why-studio-ghibli-is-better-than-disney/]

**Ghibli's deep and diverse themes, superior talent in art and music as well as strong female protagonists are three of the most significant reasons why they are better than Disney** •Themes: Ghibli reigns supreme by releasing films with themes that appeal to both adults and children, often simultaneously, but unlike Disney also releasing films such as Princess Mononoke or Grave of the Fireflies aimed at older audiences. Using Grave of the Fireflies as a good example, their movies also frequently explore historical and political issues, and more serious themes of loss and illness, alongside magical and whimsical themes meaning there is a movie in their collection to suit any mood and occasion. •Music and Art Style: The majority of Ghibli's all-original soundtracks are scored by the eight-times academy award winning composer Joe Hisaishi. Whilst Disney is notorious for its catchy songs, Ghibli employs some of the best orchestral talent that Japan has to offer, so in that sense it is superior in my opinion. Additionally, maintaining traditional, old-school illustration techniques combined with modern digital animation, Ghibli's art is world-class. Co-founder Hayao Miyazaki believes that [“hand drawing on paper is the fundamental of animation”](http://ghibligabble.blogspot.com/2013/04/behind-scenes-at-studio-ghibli.html), so every single frame is hand drawn in the majority of Ghibli's films. •Portrayal of women: One major thing Ghibli gets right, especially juxtaposed with Disney, is its portrayal of women. Ghibli movies are full of strong female protagonists who defied female stereotypes, who are warriors, princesses, or ordinary girls, but were independent, intelligent, strong willed, never sexualised by the studio, and not helplessly in need of a man. Whilst Disney's portrayal of woman has slowly improved with it's recent releases, Ghibli has consistently respected and centred women in its films from its very first movies in the mid 20th Century.

**Disney goes beyond children films; from the Marvel Cinematic Universe to Star Wars, it has a wide range of content that is enjoyed by millions across the world.** - Disney’s [recent acquisition of Fox](https://www.npr.org/2019/03/20/705009029/disney-officially-owns-21st-century-fox?t=1627245129825) means that many properties including The Simpsons and the X-Men franchise are technically Disney films and TV shows, which adds to Disney’s superior quality. - It also expands to theme parks across the world, where we can see our favourite characters come to life. - From the original Disney classics, to Pixar, to new Marvel and Star Wars TV shows and films, they have lots of source material and lots of new arrivals to come that will appeal to different audiences. - Disney, although it has been slow, is committing to more [diversity](https://www.cnet.com/news/disney-plus-launchpad-film-series-wants-to-give-diverse-stories-a-screen/) - Disney + subscribers reached 100 million 16 months after launching, whereas Netflix (where some SG films are located) took 10 years to reach this milestone