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Probably the most well known anime film , Akira is a true masterpiece and remains Katsuhiro Otomo's only animated feature.  Following a condensed story arc encompassing the first two volumes of the manga, Otomo successfully manages to convey the feel, intelligence and action of his original story without losing the characterisation or strong narrative.  The animation is clean and the music superb, with the violent action the film is famed for frequently giving way to moments of quiet reflection and emotion.

Without Akira, anime may not have got the attention it deserved here.  Akira is an epic spectacle and a film that no true anime or sci-fi fan can be without.

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As a final chapter to one of the greatest animated series ever The End of Evangelion was going to have to be special in order to satisfy the expectant fans.  And special it was.

Using the freedom that the cinematic medium provided, Hideaki Anno produced one of the most startling films of all time.  Successfully managing to shock and move you in equal measure, the film blends visceral, stomach churning action with classical music and an almost balletic grace.  If you haven't seen the series you will be confused, if you have seen the series you may be confused, but one thing is certain, by the end of this film you will be utterly blown away.  There are very few films that leave you speechless.  This is one of them. 

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Set during the firebombing of Japan in the latter stages of World War 2, this tragic tale of two children's struggle for survival is one of the most heart-rending films you will ever see.

Using the innocence that only the animated medium can provide, Isao Takahata draws together a harrowing yet touching experience.  In the style of all of the greatest tragedies you see right at the start what happens at the end and the story is shown as a flashback, with the viewer willing the characters to defy the inevitable.  Amongst the greatest war films of all time, Grave of the Fireflies succeeds where other films have failed by showing the cost of war on the innocent, the trenches and jungles are far away as children scrape amongst the charred remains of their city for food.  You will be moved to tears by this film, but despite this there is something inspiring about the spirit and courage the children show.  Every time a bomb falls in a foreign land you'll remember the plight of Seita and Setsuko.  That is this film's true power.

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As the first feature length adaptation of an existing story that Hayao Miyazaki did, Kiki's Delivery Service once again shows his genius.  Based on Eiko Kadono's popular children's story about a witch moving to a new town, Miyazaki's interpretation is probably one of the most heart warming films you will ever watch.

Guaranteed to leave you grinning from ear to ear, this carefree coming of age tale may differ from the original novel but the spirit remains and is expanded on.  With no villains, no battles, and only a minimum of action, Kiki's Delivery Service differs from many people's interpretation of anime, but it typifies what that blinkered view causes many to miss.  A true film for all ages, this is impossible to hate, crammed with likeable characters and an air of fun and innocence often absent from many films.  The ultimate feel-good film.

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Shown twice on UK terrestrial telly, Laputa, Castle in the Sky is remembered with fondness by those who saw it.

This action film was the first production for the fledgling Studio Ghibli and, like basically all of their output, it is a superb film.  Fun, action packed and epic in scale, Laputa is a magical tale that appeals to people of both sexes in equal measure.  Underpinned by superb artwork, a fantastic score and a strong storyline, the film never talks down to its audience and balances the action with moments of quiet reflection and comedy.  This is Miyazaki's most accessible film and every aspect will keep you enthralled.  Charming, enjoyable, and endlessly re-watchable, with likeable characters and some truly classic scenes, Laputa is amongst the most memorable films you'll see.

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Often overlooked amongst Studio Ghibli's output, My Neighbours the Yamadas is an excellent slice-of-life anime from Isao Takahata.

Based on a newspaper comic strip the film keeps to its roots by having little internal narrative, preferring instead to keep to a collection of short, often hilarious, stories, and utilising a simple but effective watercolour style.  Despite its depiction specifically of Japanese family life, all of the stories ring true the world over, meaning it is easy to identify with and appreciate wherever you're from.  There are some moving stories amongst the comedy and some extremely intelligent social commentary, but the observational humour is what makes this essential.  From accidentally leaving one of the children in a shopping precinct to Mrs Yamada mixing up her husbands speech with the shopping list, much of this film will have you in stitches.  A truly international film and one of the few Ghibli films aimed more at adults than children, this is unique and extremely enjoyable.  A must own.

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Made alongside Isao Takahata's Grave of the Fireflies by Hayao Miyazaki, My Neighbour Totoro is often spoken of as the greatest animated film of all time.

Contrasting totally with Grave of the Fireflies, Totoro is a beautiful tale of the playfulness and innocence of youth allowed full reign.  Containing some truly memorable scenes, likeable characters and great scenery, Totoro is a film which is so much more than the sum of its parts.  Conveying an indefinable air of nostalgia, of halcyon summers in the country, it manages to perfectly capture the inquisitiveness and imagination of youth.  One of the most magical and happy films you will ever see, it brings back memories of things you had long forgotten, there is no film like it for evoking the true feelings of childhood.

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A complete departure from the usual output of Manga Video, Satoshi Kon's creepy psychological thriller was a breath of fresh air when the company that brought the likes of Violence Jack and Urotsukidoji to our shores released it several years ago.

Well animated with a superbly understated and disturbing score, Perfect Blue manages to keep the tension high without reverting to cheap shocks and pointless gore.  A superb use of dream sequences and removal of scene cuts draws you into the main character's splintered psyche as she begins to question her own reality and loss of innocence, and the strong storyline keeps you guessing right to the end.  There aren't many animated psychological thrillers available, and we can thank the stars that what we do have is this good.

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Although often ignored amongst Hayao Miyazaki's jaw-dropping back catalogue, Porco Rosso is a superb film that harks back to the great man's roots.

Regarded as Miyazaki's most personal film, Porco Rosso recalls his youth as the son of aviation designers and mechanics.  Depicting an age of flying aces duelling it out for honour and glory above the Mediterranean, it not only returns once more to his love of flying and aircraft but also to the more fun and action packed films he made in the late 70's/early 80's.  Packed with humour, breathtaking action and a great sense of fun, Porco Rosso is also underpinned by a certain melancholy that keeps it grounded but never overpowers the story.  Miyazaki's trademark style is evident throughout, with amazing artwork, likeable characters and strong storyline combining to create another classic film for all ages.

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The first of three OAVs based on the extremely popular Rurouni Kenshin (Samurai X) series, Trust recalls the darker moments of its source.

Accurately depicting the turmoil of Japan's Meiji Restoration period, a time when the country was torn apart by civil war, Samurai X: Trust pulls no punches.  Very gory and extremely violent in places despite its 15 certificate, the feel of the setting is accurately portrayed with many references to real life events.  The action is brutal and visceral, but the focus is more on realism than ultra-violence, and as such the battles are far more shocking and disturbing than in similar films.  Despite the focus on a warriors role in the turbulent events of Japan's past, the film also has some very emotional and reflective moments, and the superb art, great sound and complex and involving plot make this a violent, action packed masterpiece.

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The film that finally got Hayao Miyazaki international recognition beyond film and anime enthusiast circles, and the film that won him a much deserved Oscar.

Although not his most immediate film, Spirited Away grows in stature with every viewing.  Combining superb visuals and some awesome music from long time collaborator Joe Hisaishi with a magical and involving storyline and some truly great scenes, Spirited Away is another work of genius from the master.  With a believable central character and a strong and likeable cast of characters, the film takes the viewer on a bizarre but enthralling journey through an impossible world of Gods and monsters.  With no real villains or heroes, and a very Japanese feel to it, Spirited Away is an unusual winner of Oscar acclaim, but there can be no doubt that a film this memorable is deserving of it. 

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The second of several films based on Rumiko Takahashi's popular and long running Manga, Urusei Yatsura: Beautiful Dreamer was an early feature from Mamoru Oshii, a man who would later go on to direct the famous sci-fi dramas Ghost in the Shell and Patlabor.

A marked departure from his forte, this film is a great demonstration of his talent with comedy.  Predating the similar live action US film Groundhog Day by several years, this is arguably the best of the Urusei Yatsura films, combining an intelligent and involving plot with the series' trademark humour and strong characterisation.  Mamoru Oshii's involvement is definitely evident in the film's darker tone and surreal elements, but above all this is a comedy, and a very good one at that.  One of the few films that stretches the boundaries of an established series, and one of the best examples of a comedy drama you are likely to see.