My Neighbor Totoro
Hitoshi Takagi, Noriko Hidaka, Chika Sakamoto
When two girls move to the country to be near their ailing mother, they have adventures with the wondrous forest spirits who live nearby.
Why you'll love it
While not exclusively about motherhood, this film includes a heartfelt subplot about two young girls and their relationship with their mother, who is ill in the hospital.
Wolf Children
Aoi Miyazaki, Takao Osawa, Haru Kuroki
After her werewolf lover unexpectedly dies in an accident while hunting for food for their children, a young woman must find ways to raise the werewolf son and daughter that she had with him while keeping their trait hidden from s...
Why you'll love it
This anime film explores the challenges and triumphs of motherhood through the story of a single mother raising her half-wolf children.
The Incredibles
Craig T. Nelson, Samuel L. Jackson, Holly Hunter
While trying to lead a quiet suburban life, a family of undercover superheroes are forced into action to save the world.
Why you'll love it
Although not an anime, this animated film features a strong mother figure who balances raising a family with her superhero duties.
Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms
Manaka Iwami, Miyu Irino, Yôko Hikasa
Escaping war, an immortal girl blessed with Eternal Youth finds a lone surviving infant and decides to raise him as her son.
Why you'll love it
This anime film tells the story of an immortal girl who adopts a human baby and raises him as her own, exploring the themes of motherhood and the passage of time.
Mirai
Rebecca Hall, Daniel Dae Kim, John Cho
A young boy encounters a magical garden which enables him to travel through time and meet his relatives from different eras, with guidance by his younger sister from the future.
Why you'll love it
This anime film touches on the dynamics of family and the role of a mother through the eyes of a young boy who encounters an enchanted garden enabling him to travel through time.