Wolf Children tells the moving story of Hana, a young woman who falls in love with a man who is secretly a werewolf. After his death, she is left to raise their two children, Ame and Yuki, who inherit their father's ability to transform into wolves. Hana must navigate the challenges of raising children with a supernatural secret while deciding whether they should live as humans or wolves. Directed by Mamoru Hosoda, this film is a heartfelt and beautifully animated drama about motherhood, identity, and the difficult choices faced when raising children with unique abilities in a world that may not understand them.

Makoto Kon's acclaimed film centers on Makoto Konno, a high school girl who unexpectedly gains the ability to leap through time. Initially using this power for trivial purposes like avoiding tardiness or acing tests, she soon learns that altering the past has unforeseen consequences for herself and those around her. This clever and engaging story is not just about the power itself but about understanding the value of time, cherishing moments, and the responsibility that comes with even seemingly small changes. It's a thoughtful exploration of teenage life intertwined with a fantastical element.

Follow the journey of Kiki, a young witch who, according to tradition, must leave home at age 13 to live independently for a year and hone her skills. Her primary ability is flying on a broomstick, which she uses to start a delivery service in a charming seaside town. This Ghibli film is a gentle, slice-of-life story about self-discovery, finding your place in the world, and overcoming creative blocks. While her power is simple, the film beautifully captures the challenges and triumphs of growing up and relying on one's unique talents.

From the imagination of Hayao Miyazaki comes the story of Ponyo, a magical fish-girl who wishes to become human after befriending a young boy named Sōsuke. Her powerful father, Fujimoto, a sorcerer of the sea, tries to stop her, but Ponyo's determination and innate magical abilities cause an imbalance in the world. This film is a delightful, visually stunning, and heartwarming modern fairy tale exploring themes of love, nature, and childhood innocence, filled with enchanting underwater sequences and the powerful, elemental magic wielded by Ponyo and her family.

Join Pazu and Sheeta on a thrilling adventure as they seek the legendary floating island of Laputa, a place said to hold incredible ancient technology and power. Sheeta possesses a mysterious crystal amulet that is key to finding the island and unlocking its secrets, making her a target for pirates and government agents alike. This early Ghibli film is a classic tale of airborne adventure, friendship, and the responsible use of power, featuring imaginative airships, hidden legacies, and breathtaking animation that brings the sky itself to life.

A sweeping epic from Hayao Miyazaki, Princess Mononoke is set in a fantastical, feudal Japan where humans clash with the spirits and gods of the forest. The young warrior Ashitaka is cursed with supernatural strength and pain after defending his village, leading him on a journey to find a cure. He becomes entangled in the conflict between Lady Eboshi, who is destroying the forest for resources, and San, a girl raised by wolves. The film is a powerful exploration of environmentalism, the costs of conflict, and the difficulty of finding harmony, featuring fierce battles and mythical beings with unique abilities.

Your Name. is a beautifully animated and emotionally resonant tale of two strangers, Taki and Mitsuha, who mysteriously begin swapping bodies intermittently. This strange phenomenon leads to humorous and poignant situations as they navigate each other's lives and try to understand the cause of their connection. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, the film masterfully blends fantasy, romance, and elements of traditional Japanese folklore with stunning visuals and a powerful narrative about connection, fate, and overcoming disaster. The way they use their unique 'power' to help each other is both clever and deeply touching.

A landmark in anime cinema, Akira plunges you into a dystopian Neo-Tokyo where biker gangs clash and psychic powers are a dangerous, volatile force. When Tetsuo Shima awakens incredible telekinetic abilities after an accident, he becomes a threat to the city and a target for a secret government project. This film is renowned for its groundbreaking animation quality, complex narrative, and exploration of themes like technological advancement, governmental corruption, and the uncontrolled potential of power. Its influence on science fiction and cyberpunk is undeniable, making it essential viewing for any anime fan.

Step into a world of magic and wonder alongside Sophie, a young woman cursed by a witch who finds refuge in the eccentric, walking castle of the powerful yet insecure wizard Howl. This Ghibli masterpiece, loosely based on Diana Wynne Jones' novel, is a visual feast, showcasing incredible magical abilities and transformations. Howl's dynamic powers and flamboyant personality are a central draw, but the heart of the story lies in Sophie's journey of self-discovery and acceptance. The film explores themes of aging, compassion, and the futility of war through its stunning animation and unforgettable characters like the fire demon Calcifer and the scarecrow Turnip Head.

Embark on an unforgettable journey with Chihiro as she navigates a bathhouse for spirits, a world brought to life with unparalleled imagination by Studio Ghibli. Stripped of her identity and trapped in this bizarre realm, Chihiro must learn to work, adapt, and tap into inner strengths she never knew she had to survive and save her parents. This film is a masterclass in world-building, filled with fascinating creatures and strict rules that Chihiro must abide by, forcing her to develop resilience and cleverness. It's a coming-of-age story wrapped in layers of Japanese folklore and environmental commentary, earning it an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, the only hand-drawn foreign language film to achieve this.