My Neighbor Totoro
My Neighbor Totoro checks so many of the boxes for what makes a film good: from its animation and music to its story and themes, Miyazaki gives audiences a gloriously fun film that is sure to touch the hearts of anyone who watches it.
Only Yesterday
Takahata’s examination of the ways that our childhoods (good, bad, and average) are inseparable from our adult lives elevates the sometimes-simplistic narrative of Only Yesterday and makes it into something great, worthy of mention among the greats.
Kiki’s Delivery Service
Miyazaki’s coming-of-age film about a witch who delivers things on a broom achieves its level of greatness through the filmmaker’s consistently excellent animation and a poignant message about passion and commodification that is relevant for all audiences.
Princess Mononoke
Miyazaki’s beautifully animated film Princess Mononoke engages audiences with discussions on progress and tradition and the dangers of adhering to closely to one while ignoring the other against the backdrop of a compelling narrative about war and curses and princes.
Castle in the Sky
Well-crafted and intentional themes that remain relevant today alongside a compellingly illustrated setting for the story make Castle in the Sky as great as it is.
