Ponyo (2008) – Ponyo is a goldfish princess who transforms into a little girl because of her love for Sosuke, a young boy who promised to take care of her. Ponyo is based on Hans Christian Anderson’s “The Little Mermaid” and a mix of the Japanese folktale of Urashima Taro. Ponyo is a very heartwarming film where you fall into a trance with the stunning visuals by Hayao Miyazaki, following the small journey of Sosuke’s and Ponyo’s friendship.

Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989) – 13 year old Kiki moves to the seaside with her cat, spending a year alone as a part of a tradition for witches in training. After being taken in by a kind baker, Kiki sets up a small delivery shop to help them deliver baked goods around the town with her broomstick. Kiki’s Delivery Service is a coming of age story, capturing struggles and insecurities Kiki’s dealing with as we can relate to, there are quiet and beautiful moments in the film that would grab your attention.

Howl’s Moving Castle (2004) – Sophie is an ordinary 18-year old girl, living a tedious life in her father’s hat shop and doomed to live a life as a hat-maker forever. All that changes when she meets Howl, a wizard who lives in a magical flying castle. However, an evil witch curses Sophie to age prematurely because of her jealousy with the two’s relationship. Just as the castle floats through the sky, you too, will float with the amazing visuals, details, and sound tracks the film offers.

Arrietty (2010) – Arrietty, a tiny teenager living with her family under a small family’s suburban home, remaining hidden from human hosts for all their life. Occasionally, she and her father would venture above to borrow sugar cubes or find other kinds of goods that they can find for their house. Until one day, Arrietty befriends Shawn, a sick 12-year old boy, but their relationship may affect her and her family’s life. Arrietty is an underrated film where you can explore the life from below, adventures from your ordinary life in another perspective.

Spirited Away (2001) – Chihiro, a 10-year old girl, and her parents are moving away until they stumble upon an abandoned amusement park. Exploring the food stand, with greed, Chihiro’s parents turn into pigs. The girl later meets Haku who later explains that the park is for the supernatural to rest, and that she must work there to free herself and her parents. Spirited Away has some of the best visuals and sound tracks, and every character has their own personality that you can attach to.