20
Weathering with You (Tenki no ko) (2019)
Weathering with You (Tenki no ko) (2019)

Hodaka, a young boy, befriends Hina, a girl with the ability to control the weather. Together, they face dilemmas and the consequences of altering nature.

“I won’t let go of another thing I hold dear.” – Weathering with You

19
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (Kaguya-hime no monogatari) (2013)
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (Kaguya-hime no monogatari) (2013)

Based on a famous Japanese folktale, the film tells the story of a mysterious, magical princess and the challenges she faces.

“I already belong to another world.” – The Tale of the Princess Kaguya

18
A Silent Voice (Koe no katachi) (2016)
A Silent Voice (Koe no katachi) (2016)

A former bully, Shoya Ishida, seeks redemption and understanding after reconnecting with Shoko Nishimiya, a deaf girl he mistreated in elementary school.

“I want to apologize for everything.” – A Silent Voice

17
Tokyo Godfathers (Tôkyô goddofâzâzu) (2003)
Tokyo Godfathers (Tôkyô goddofâzâzu) (2003)

On Christmas Eve, three homeless individuals find an abandoned baby and embark on a journey to find the child’s parents, leading to unexpected connections.

“The snow is beautiful because it has the power to make almost everything disappear.” – Tokyo Godfathers

16
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (Toki o kakeru shôjo) (2006)
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (Toki o kakeru shôjo) (2006)

Makoto discovers she has the ability to leap through time, leading to both humorous and poignant situations as she tries to change her and her friends’ lives.

“I want to fix that mistake. But I don’t know how to use this power.” – The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

15
Millennium Actress (Sennen Joyū) (2001)
Millennium Actress (Sennen Joyū) (2001)

Through the story of a retired actress, this film explores the intertwining of reality and fiction, spanning decades of Japanese cinema history.

“Do you remember the way you were when you were fifteen?” – Millennium Actress

14
Whisper of the Heart (Mimi wo sumaseba) (1995)
Whisper of the Heart (Mimi wo sumaseba) (1995)

Shizuku, an aspiring writer, discovers a cat figurine that leads her on a journey of self-discovery and inspiration.

“It’s so hard when I have to, and so joyous when I can.” – Whisper of the Heart

13
Redline (Reddo rain) (2009)
Redline (Reddo rain) (2009)

JP, a racer, competes in the deadly Redline race on a planet that’s hostile to outsiders, leading to an adrenaline-fueled, visually stunning spectacle.

“Whether you win or lose, you’ll have fun. If you give it your best shot, you won’t regret it.” – Redline

12
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (Kaze no tani no Naushika) (1984)
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (Kaze no tani no Naushika) (1984)

Nausicaä, a princess in a post-apocalyptic world, strives to understand and protect the toxic jungle that threatens humanity.

“An insect’s life doesn’t compare to a human’s.” – Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

11
Howl's Moving Castle (Hauru no ugoku shiro) (2004)
Howl's Moving Castle (Hauru no ugoku shiro) (2004)

Sophie, cursed into an old woman’s body, seeks refuge in the moving castle of the wizard Howl. Together, they embark on a magical journey.

“I feel terrible, like there’s a weight on my chest.” – Howl’s Moving Castle

10
Paprika (Papurika) (2006)
Paprika (Papurika) (2006)

In a world where therapists enter patients’ dreams, a device known as Paprika is stolen, leading to a surreal adventure blurring the lines between dreams and reality.

“You’re not dreaming. You’re remembering.” – Paprika

9
Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion (Shin seiki Evangelion Gekijô-ban: Air/Magokoro wo, kimi ni) (1997)
Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion (Shin seiki Evangelion Gekijô-ban: Air/Magokoro wo, kimi ni) (1997)

This movie provides an alternate ending to the iconic Neon Genesis Evangelion series, delving into complex themes of humanity and existence.

“Thank you.” – The End of Evangelion

8
Your Name (Kimi no na wa) (2016)
Your Name (Kimi no na wa) (2016)

Taki and Mitsuha, two strangers, find themselves mysteriously swapping bodies. As they try to navigate each other’s lives, a deeper connection forms.

“I wanted to tell you that… wherever you may end up in this world, I will be searching for you.” – Your Name

7
Perfect Blue (Pâfekuto burû) (1997)
Perfect Blue (Pâfekuto burû) (1997)

A former pop idol, Mima, transitions to acting but faces a disturbing stalker and struggles with her own identity as reality blurs with fiction.

“I just want to be myself. I don’t want to be anybody else.” – Perfect Blue

6
Ghost in the Shell (Kôkaku kidôtai) (1995)
Ghost in the Shell (Kôkaku kidôtai) (1995)

In a cyberpunk future, Major Motoko Kusanagi pursues a mysterious hacker known as the Puppet Master, leading her to question her own existence.

“Your effort to remain what you are is what limits you.” – Ghost in the Shel

5
Princess Mononoke (Mononoke-hime) (1997)
Princess Mononoke (Mononoke-hime) (1997)

Prince Ashitaka becomes involved in a conflict between forest gods and industrial humans. Along the way, he meets San, the titular Princess Mononoke.

“You cannot change fate. However, you can rise to meet it, if you so choose.” – Princess Mononoke

4
Grave of the Fireflies (Hotaru no haka) (1988)
Grave of the Fireflies (Hotaru no haka) (1988)

This emotional film portrays the struggle of two siblings, Seita and Setsuko, trying to survive during World War II in Japan.

“September 21, 1945… that was the night I died.” – Grave of the Fireflies

3
Akira (アキラ) (1988)
Akira (アキラ) (1988)

Set in a futuristic Tokyo, Akira tells the story of Kaneda and Tetsuo, two friends whose lives are changed when Tetsuo gains psychic powers.

“I am Tetsuo.” – Akira

2
My Neighbor Totoro (Tonari no Totoro) (1988)
My Neighbor Totoro (Tonari no Totoro) (1988)

In this heartwarming tale, two sisters, Satsuki and Mei, move to the countryside and encounter friendly forest spirits, including the lovable Totoro.

“Trees and people used to be good friends.” – My Neighbor Totoro

1
Spirited Away (Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi) (2001)
Spirited Away (Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi) (2001)

Spirited Away follows the story of Chihiro, a young girl who becomes trapped in a mysterious, magical world. As she navigates this realm, she discovers her courage and identity.

“Once you’ve met someone you never really forget them.” – Spirited Away