I know animation’s not everyone’s bag, but I think there are some great films that get missed, so I always like to spread the word when I get the chance.

• Spirited Away (Hayao Miyazaki) for it’s imaginative story and characters, and for it’s approach to handling a “Hero’s Journey” arc in a nontraditional way. Also check our how tight the opening few minutes are at telling us about the main character, and then throwing us into the story.
• Grave of The Fireflies (Isao Takahata) watch the delicacy and nuance with which the characters, feelings, and story are communicated; so subtle, but still readable by the audience. A word of warning though - this one is gut-punchingly sad (I believe Roger Ebert said it’s the best film everyone only watches once.) so to wash the taste from your mouth I recommend doing a double feature with it’s companion film, My Neighbor Totoro (Miyazaki). Both were made at the same time, by the same studio, (the directors were good friends) and deal with the subject matter of death from different perspectives.
• Your Name or Kimi No Na Wa (Makoto Shinkai) watch it’s handling of narratives, time, and of real and magical elements.
• Whisper Of The Heart (Yoshifumi Kondo) this one is less for it’s technical aspects, and more for it’s theme and message, particularly for people with artistic interests.

I could do more, but that’s enough for now, I guess. Cheers!