10 Most Uplifting Anime Movies

2. My Neighbour Totoro

This wholesome classic deserves a place on any anime list. It is one of the most iconic animated movies in history, not least because the friendly woodland creature Totoro has become Ghibli’s mascot – effectively making him the Japanese Mickey Mouse. Hayao Miyazaki’s 1988 classic is the epitome of happiness.

Two young sisters move to a rural area of Japan with their father, where they meet woodland creatures and spirits. It is a love letter to family love, and making things work in worrying and uncertain times – and isn’t that something we always need?