10."Seven Samurai" (1954) Directed by Akira Kurosawa, this epic samurai adventure film tells the story of a village that hires seven warriors to protect them from bandits. It is considered one of the greatest films ever made and has had a huge influence on world cinema.
9."Ran" (1985) Also directed by Akira Kurosawa, "Ran" is a samurai-themed retelling of William Shakespeare's "King Lear." The film is known for its stunning visuals and battle scenes, as well as its exploration of themes of power, loyalty, and the cycles of violence.
8."Ghost in the Shell" (1995) Directed by Mamoru Oshii, this anime film is set in a future where humans and cyborgs coexist. The protagonist is a cyborg who is hunting down a hacker who is targeting the world's most advanced AI system.
7."My Neighbor Totoro" (1988) Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, this heartwarming and whimsical anime film follows two sisters who move to the countryside and encounter magical forest spirits, including the titular Totoro. The film is a beloved classic of Japanese animation and is known for its gentle storytelling and beautiful visuals.
6."Akira" (1988) This anime film, directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, is set in a post-apocalyptic version of Tokyo where a teenage biker gang member is caught up in a government experiment that goes wrong. The film is considered a landmark in Japanese animation and has been highly influential on the sci-fi and cyberpunk genres.
5."Spirited Away" (2001) Another film from Hayao Miyazaki, "Spirited Away" is the story of a young girl who is transported to a magical world of spirits and gods. The film is known for its imaginative world-building and its exploration of themes of growing up, sacrifice, and the natural world.
4."Princess Mononoke" (1997) Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, this anime film is set in a mythical Japan where humans and spirits are in conflict. The protagonist is a young warrior who becomes embroiled in the conflict and must choose sides. The film is known for its breathtaking animation, its nuanced exploration of environmental themes, and its portrayal of strong female characters.
3."The Girl Who Leapt Through Time" (2006) This anime film, directed by Mamoru Hosoda, is about a teenage girl who discovers she has the ability to time travel. The film is a coming-of-age story that explores themes of friendship, responsibility, and the meaning of time.
2."Yojimbo" (1961) Directed by Akira Kurosawa, this samurai film tells the story of a ronin who arrives in a town torn apart by gang violence and decides to play both sides against each other. The film is known for its iconic performances, its sharp sense of humor, and its exploration of themes of morality and honor.
1."Ponyo" (2008) Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, this anime film is a retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's "The Little Mermaid."