Originally released in 1988, the wait is over for the UK release of this anime classic, superb animated feature from the Studio Ghibli studio (Miyazaki's animation stable). What sets this film apart from the fantastical films made in the tradition of his peers, it its historical and emotional realism. The focus in Takahata's film is on the story of its two young protagonists, brother and sister Seita and Setsuko, as they flee the destruction of their home and family after the American firebombin find out more...

Sophie is a young hat maker and though less than satisfied with the life allotted to her she is resigned to her fate. When the wicked witch of the waste transforms her into an old woman however, the world Sophie had expected disappears forever. Finding refuge in the bizarre moving Castle of the wizard Howl, Sophie embarks on a fantastical adventure that will shape the destiny of the world. The latest film from the master animator Hayao Miyazaki Howl's moving Castle is a beautifully rendered flig find out more...

More Miyazaki magic (the creator of Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke and The Castle In The Sky) at last available for us Brits to indulge in. Once again, the world he creates is infused with a realism that borders on the photographic in its detail that makes the fantastical elements of the story strangely believable. Kiki is a young witch who has moved from the country to a seaside town as part of her supernatural work experience. She starts the eponymous delivery service and thus begins her edu find out more...

A fantastical tale about the floating city of Laputa, a mystical place created by a long departed people, and the key to something magical that only young Sheeta and her rescuer Pazu will discover. From the same people who brought you Kiki's Delivery Service, Castle In The Sky is a stunning piece of Japanese animation for children and adults alike. find out more...

Lupin the third is a master thief and along with his buddies he's on the trail of a devious counterfeiter. Their hunt eventually leads them to the remote European country of Cagliostro; But Lupin and his friends find themselves head to head with an evil count, together they must bring about his downfall, save the girl and find a stash of long lost treasure. The Castle of Cagliostro is a non-stop animated adventure. A good laugh for kids and bigguns alike. find out more...

A thousand years after an apocalyptic war, a handful of humans have made their home in the beautiful ‘valley of the wind'. But their idyll is threatened by a poisonous jungle, protected by fearsome insects, that is encroaching on their refuge. Led by Princess Nausicaa, the humans must fight to restore balance to the world and in doing so, their own survival. One of the first features from the creators of Spirited Away and a stunningly animated ecological adventure. find out more...

Bright 7-year-old Mimiko returns to her village home one day to discover a baby panda, Panny, and later meets his dad, Papanda. The three form a type of family, Mimiko assuming the role of both mother (to Panny) and daughter (to Papanda). The unconventional but happy family enjoy many adventures in this family orientated animation, as told in two parts; 'Panda! Go Panda!' and 'Rainy-Day Circus'. find out more...

Pom Poko is a tale of the clash between modern civilization and the natural world. find out more...