1. Spirited Away (2001)

The film by legendary director Hayao Miyazaki tells the story of a 10-year-old girl – Chihiro – who gets lost in a magical land while moving to a new city with her family.

At the time of release, Spirited Away surpassed Titanic to become the most successful film in Japanese box office history with a record revenue of 247 million USD.

2. Mary and Max (2009)

The film is based on a true story about a person with Asperger’s (autism disorder) and a lasting, enduring friendship.

The two became pen pals for many years.

3. Ernest and Celestine (2012)

On the list of nominees for the `Best Animated Film` category at the 86th Oscars, Ernest and Celestine by the group of directors Stéphane Aubier, Vincent Patar, and Benjamin Renner is a modern fairy tale about the friendship between mice.

Using hand-drawn and watercolor paintings, Ernest and Celestine reminds viewers of old-fashioned pastel comic books, often read before bed or during early reading exercises.

4. Persepolis (2007)

The film is adapted from the comic book of the same name by Iranian writer Satrapi, telling the story of a great woman in Iranian history who went through the Islamic Revolution with the dream of becoming a wise philosopher and saving humanity.

Through the fate of an outstanding son, the film portrays the extreme suffering of the Iranian people during the war, when rebel factions seized power and the people had to endure pain and separation.

5. The Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

Set in a devastated and ruined Japan at the end of World War II, the film tells a touching story about the fate of two orphaned brothers, wandering without family in a peaceful countryside of Japan.

Without noise or exaggeration, the shadow of war just passed through the film like a blink of an eye, taking away all the families and relatives of the small people here and leaving a long, lasting pain.

6. Waltz With Bashir (2008)

With the unique form of a pseudo-documentary film, Waltz With Bashir is the reminiscences of director Ari Folman and his teammates about 1982, when he was an infantry soldier in the National Guard.

One of the most terrible battles recreated is the pursuit on the night of September 1982, when the Christian army and more than 3,000 Palestinian refugees were surrounded by Israeli soldiers.

7. The Illusionist (2010)

Honored in the `Best Animated Film` category at the 83rd Oscars, The Illusionist by French director Sylvain Chomet – has delighted the audience with an always attractive topic – magic.

With an engaging storytelling style and close, simple character creation, the film is said to be a message from the author himself to the daughter he loves so much but is `unrecognized`.

8. The Secret of Kells (2010)

“Simple and magical” is what many audiences will say when mentioning this impressive and poetic fairy tale.

Perfect and sophisticated in every detail, The Secret of Kells was born to conquer hearts that always believe in miracles and ageless souls.

9. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

The film tells the story of Sophie – an honest 18-year-old girl who is transformed by a curse into an 80-year-old old woman.

The film is adapted from the novel of the same name by writer Diana Wynne Jones and is listed as one of the most successful commercial films in Japanese cinema history with a revenue of 231.7 million USD worldwide.

10. Sita Sings the Blues (2008)

The film is based on the famous Indian epic Ramayana with a touching story about the beautiful and talented Sita who suffered a sad and unfair end.

`A story of truth, justice and the cry of women demanding equal rights` – the audience will find that very humane thought conveyed by American director and screenwriter Nina Paley through the film.

Mr. Mai