Disney may have taken the beloved Studio Ghibli and added it to the collective copyright list for world domination, but thankfully (for the time being, of course) legendary director/animator/writer/producer Hayao Miyazaki is still tied to the brand.

One of the greatest appeals to Miyazaki’s movies is the fact that both old and young can enjoy his stories, and even if some of the more bizarre tales don’t strike your fancy, the animation will. Here are my picks for the top five Miyazaki movies!

5. "Princess Mononoke" (1997)

In a rare turn of events (for a Miyazaki film), this movie’s protagonist is male. A cursed prince named Ashitaka travels through demon-ridden lands in search of a cure inflicted upon his arm by a boar demon. Along the way he meets a young human woman raised by demon wolves, and together they set out to bring peace between the warring humans and demon animals.

One of his more violent animations, this film showcases gorgeous scenery and Miyazaki’s skill as a storyteller. Deeply concerned with the declining state of the environment, Miyazaki loves to infuse his movies with warnings about pollution and the dangers of disturbing the ecosystem. "

Fern Gully" has got nothing on Miyazaki!

4. "Whisper of the Heart" (1995)

I’ll admit that this listing is based solely on my own favoritism of stories featuring up-and-coming writers. The romance in the story is an added bonus.

A young middle-schooler named Shizuku navigates the troubling debacle that is middle school. Unrequited love abounds as she begins constructing a story that would later become so popular with Studio Ghibli producers that a full-length move dedicated to it would later be created. For anyone who enjoys romance or the struggles of a writer, this is a must-see.

3. "My Neighbor Totoro" (1988)

Thanks to a recent surge in American popularity, it is very difficult to escape merchandise featuring the cute and furry creature named Totoro. At first glance, "My Neighbor Totoro" may seem like a nonsensical movie for children, but it actually deals with childhood grief in the face of major loss.

The story features two young sisters, both dealing with a constant fear that their terminally ill mother will not recover or return home from the hospital. An assortment of magical creatures appear and keep them company as they learn to cope with their fears and frustrations. Creativity abounds in this whimsical tale featuring interesting creations and a heartwarming story.

Although there are a TON of Japanese cultural references that may fly right over your head like an out-of-control Catbus, understanding these references are not required in order to completely enjoy the story.

2. "Howl’s Moving Castle" (2004)

Following a young woman named Sophie, this story revolves around a magical land full of witches and wizards and all sorts of political drama. After being rescued by a dashing wizard named Howl, Sophie is turned into an old woman by the jealous Witch of the Waste. Thrown into a world of giant walking houses, sass-talking fireplaces, and a melodramatic wizard (seriously, do not try to dye Howl’s hair. Ever!)

Sophie navigates the building tensions of the warring lands she visits while simultaneously searching for a cure to her elderly curse.

Focusing on the power of love and the importance of inner beauty versus outer beauty, "Howl’s Moving Castle" is a treat for all ages. This adaptation of the classic novel features impressively detailed animation, great storylines, and skilled English voiceovers.

1. "Spirited Away" (2001)

No Miyazaki film has ever affected me the way "Spirited Away" did. Everything from the animation to the character development, plot, and musical score worked together so cohesively that it melted together in pure cinematic perfection. According to the box-office, I’m not alone in this opinion—upon its release, "Spirited Away" became the most successful movie in Japanese history!

10-year-old Chihiro is every parent's nightmare—she’s bored. Upset that she had to leave behind her old friends, the incredibly whiny 10-year-old complains about how her father accepted a new job, forcing the family to relocate. While driving the family car to their new home, her father takes a wrong turn in the woods and stumbles upon an abandoned town filled with food. Both her parents start scarfing down food and turn into pigs. Trapped in the spirit world, Chihiro is forced to take a backbreaking job scrubbing floors at a bathhouse for spirits while she searches for a way to turn her parents back into humans.

At its core, "Spirited Away" is about learning how to become a well-adjusted, self-sufficient, productive member of society. Chihiro must learn to live without her coddling parents, and during her journey of maturity, she meets one of my favorite fictional characters of all time—Haku.

Their adventurous friendship is a defining factor in Chihiro’s transition from a spoiled, frightened child into a brave and respectable young lady. The creativeness of the story, the absolutely phenomenal animation, and the beautiful soundtrack work together in a way that outdoes Miyazaki’s other works.

There’s a lot to love about Miazaki’s movies, and I wish I could talk about them all. In an effort to keep this from becoming a book about why you need to go buy a compendium of Studio Ghibli films, here are some honorable mentions that didn’t quite make the top five list but are still worth a watch in your free time:

"Kiki’s Delivery Service" (1989)

This film, without a doubt, has enjoyed the greatest mainstream popularity in America (just look at all the stuff you can buy at Hot Topic!) Kiki, a witch in training, uses her flying broomstick to open a delivery service and earn a living. It is a great family film, but unfortunately it lacks the deeper message and high-stakes drama prevalent in the other films on the list.

"Porco Rosso" (1992)

I first watched this movie with my best friend when we were 12, and both of us were confused beyond belief. This strange creation centers around the adventures of a human pilot who is cursed with a pigs head. If you like planes, you’ll probably enjoy this film because it’s basically just an excuse for Miyazaki to animate super cool flight scenes.

"Castle in the Sky" (1986)

With the help of a friend, a young woman named Sheeta searches for a floating city. There are plenty of space pirates, robotic giants, and imaginative animation.

"The Cat Returns" (2002)

Yes, that’s right! A movie was made about one of the fictional characters created by a fictional character in "Whisper of the Heart." Talk about meta!