I don't think My Neighbor Totoro quite works as a kids movie, but the softness to it can be more and more appreciated with age. This early Studio Ghibli may be one of Miyazaki's best.

A genuine perfect film that captures childhood wonder better than basically anything else I have ever seen. Miyazaki truly is the greatest. Totoro is my favorite movie "monster" of all time. Love the subtle sad throughline with the mom. Mature while also keeping its eye on being something children can fall in love with.

If anyone ever tells you that the children are already dead, and this is the dad dealing with it, or that their mother's dead, and this is the kids' escape, or some other dark, serious secret plot, I want you to gently cradle their face in your hands and tell them this: "It is a whimsical fantasy about children getting out into nature and learning to find joy in the outdoors. Hayao Miyazaki does not put hidden messages into his films, he's too busy smoking while animating hair having emotions."

I absolutely love My Neighbor Totoro. There's a nostalgia factor because I watched it when I was young. However, it still holds up as an adult. Miyazaki is a master of his craft, and I immediately feel comforted by the visuals, music, and characters. I've even been known to listen to the score for this movie when I'm working to help me relax and focus.

I love My Neighbor Totoro because it brings joy and comfort without any scary scenes. The only thing that might upset children is the Satsuki and Mei Kusakabe argument. Other than that it is a nice and calming slice-of-life film.

My Neighbor Totoro doesn't handle slice-of-life as well as other Studio Ghibli films, and its titular character is surprisingly wasted in the actual story, but it's still an incredibly charming film that does a great job of taking you into a world of fantasy and childlike wonder. There are few anime characters as iconic as Totoro, and with a film like this, it's easy to see why.

A true Ghibli classic and one of the best and most heartwarming of the bunch. Hayao Miyazaki has done it again with fantastical and whimsical story full of adorable little creatures.