The Boy and the Heron

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, 'The Boy and the Heron' follows Mahito Maki, a young boy who, after his mother's death, moves to the countryside and discovers an abandoned tower near his new home. There, he enters a fantastical world guided by a talking grey heron. The film features a score by Joe Hisaishi and a theme song by Kenshi Yonezu. It received critical acclaim and won Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards.