The Boy and the Heron

Mahito Maki's life took a big turn when his mother passed away in a hospital fire. His dad decided to marry again, choosing Mahito's aunt, Natsuko, who became his new stepmom.

Soon after, Mahito and his dad moved to Natsuko's countryside home near a forest. But when they got there, Mahito met a strange, ash-colored crane. Before long, the crane began to speak to him.

The crane told Mahito he could see his mother again by entering an old tower in the forest. Mahito didn't believe it at first, but when Natsuko vanished into the tower, he had no choice but to follow. Inside, Mahito started an incredible magical journey.

The Boy and The Heron is the last film by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki before his retirement. It was eagerly awaited by fans. It broke records in Japan as the highest-grossing film in Studio Ghibli's history right at its release, earning a whopping 13.2 million dollars.