Anime

This Japanese style of animation in both film and series has propelled into popularity in recent years. I am a little late to the party having only just started watching, and enjoying, anime films - but this is my list of favourites so far. 

1. Your Name; Makoto Shinkai Click here to see trailer

Described as a 'love story for millennials' this heart-wrenching and stunningly animated movie has quickly became one of the most popular anime films in recent times - and for a good reason. Following a teenaged boy and his hunt to find the mystery girl who he magically sometimes swaps bodies with; and that's all I can say without ruining the twisty, funny, and emotional plot. 

2. Spirited Away; Hayao Miyazaki Click here to see trailer

Highlighting a huge array of Japanese culture including the bath houses, food, beliefs of the afterlife, and servant life, it comes as no surprise that this was the first and only hand-drawn movie to win the Oscar for best animation. When 10 year old Chihiro finds herself lost and alone after her parents fall trap to a spell which turns them into pigs, she has to submerse herself into a mysterious and terrifying world of a spiritual bath house in an attempt to escape and save her family. This movie has so many strange and wonderful characters which have become cult icons. 

3. When Marnie Was There; Hiromasa Yonebayashi Click here to see trailer

Young girl Anna is struggling with her health and her behaviour, and is sent to the countryside to get some peace and heal. While she is there, she meets a mysterious blonde-haired girl named Marnie - who quickly befriends her. Their friendship seems to hold an unusual special bond and Anna attempts to find out why she is so drawn towards Marnie and her quirky family home. 

4. My Neighbour Totoro; Hayao Mayazaki Click here to see trailer

Made in 1984, this is considered an absolute must-see classic - with the giant loveable monster so easily recognisable you'd have to be literally living under a rock not to know him. Schoolgirl Satsuki moves to a new home and discovers the secrets the area holds - including a cacophony of mythical creatures, but most notably the lazy, funny, and massive Totoro. 

5. A Silent Voice; Naoko Yamada Click here to see trailer

This is a film about regret, redemption, and forgiveness - beautifully animated with a stunning soundtrack to really make you consider how your actions affects those around you. New student Nishimiya is horribly bullied when her classmates learn she is deaf and requires the use of hearing aides, she eventually has to move school after the bullying becomes physical. Years later the main bully, Ishida, is beginning to reflect on the way he treated and taunted her and seeks to make amends. 

6. Children Who Chase Lost Voices; Makoto Shinkai Click here to see trailer

Crystal powered radios, mythical beasts, worlds inside canyons, and brave warriors; this film has it all. It is completely bizarre, graphic, scary, and unlike anything else I've seen before. Asuna, a young girl, is transported to this magical world and must fight with and against its inhabitants. 

7. 5 Centimeters Per Second; Makoto Shinkai Click here to see trailer

Told in three different parts, this film is perfection in romance, animation, and coming of age. When Takaki and Akari become friends, a little love blossoms but each of them don't know whether it is one sided or not. The film follows their bond growing and being put to the test - of both time, and distance, but get the tissues ready as I can't guarantee a happy ending. 

8. Howl's Moving Castle; Hayao Miyazaki Click here to see trailer

Pretty young girl Sophie is turned into an ugly old woman by a witch - and when a handsome and mysterious prince Howl comes to town, she sneaks onto his magical animatronic castle and travels the land with her. Unlike most animes, this is set in 16th Century in a European (we presume) city, giving it a much different feel and tone.