by Will Koz

Created on: January 09, 2007   Last Updated: May 09, 2007

Anime, a japanese style of animation, is gaining popularity in America and around the world. However, these films and TV series are still not considered mainstream in American media, and it is a shame. I will not preach about how wonderful anime can be in this post, but will suggest films you should watch to understand how entertaining these movies can be.

1. Spirited Away: A beautiful story about a young girl who becomes trapped in another "spirit" world. To save her parents and survive, she must mature as a person, make new friends, and show a little courage. The world is fun and very creative, as are the characters.

2. Howl's Moving Castle: You can't watch this movie and not like it. It takes place in a fantasy world where magic and machines exist together. The main character is cursed by the witch of the waste and becomes an old woman. In running away from her home, she runs into a young wizard named Howl and his incredible house which can walk from place to place with the help of a fire demon (Billy Crystal does the voice). I won't give away the story line or the ending, see it for yourself!

3. Kiki's Delivery Service: A wonderful movie for people of all ages! Kiki (Kirstin Dunst does the voice) is a young witch who leaves home with her cat, Gigi, to learn what her talent as a witch is and to support herself for a year. She decides to open a delivery service with the help of some new friends she makes in a coastal city. Watch as Kiki grows up and matures as a person, dealing with hardships and trials, but also making new friends and learning about herself. This is a very fun, uplifting film.

4. Nausicaa and the Valley of the Wind: This movie is set in a world where people are being pushed into isolated pockets by the expansion of a poisonous jungle. Survival is becoming more and more difficult. However, there are still towns and cities that find ways to thrive. When some of the human cities decide to go to war with each other, a young girl with some amazing gifts must become a hero to save the valley she calls home from destruction at the hands of the jungle and it's inhabitants, or another human city. Some great actors do voices for this film, including Patrick Stewart.

5. Whisper of the Heart: This is the first film I've listed that isn't directed by Hayao Miyazaki. This film is set in modern day Japan, no fantasy world here. A young girl struggles to choose between taking the path society wants her to and following her dreams. This film has some comedy, some romance, and a lot of heartwarming moments. This is a movie you an watch over and over again.

6. My Neighbor Totoro: Another movie for people of all ages. A family moves into a new house located on the edge of a forest. The two young girls end up meeting some of the spirits of the forest. The storyline is wonderful. There are some well known actors who do the voices for the English version. I also feel compelled to mention that there is a cat shaped like a bus in this movie.

There are many other great anime movies out there, but I attempted to list some that would be good for both fans of anime and those who don't even know what anime is. I promise, if you watch these movies, you won't regret it.

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