Mirai

The type of animated film parents might enjoy more than kids, this magical sibling adventure is a dreamy, touching look at the importance of family ties and knowing your personal history. Kun is a believably upset new big brother who, however misguidedly, feels replaced in his parents' affections. Director Mamoru Hosoda beautifully captures the emotional turmoil of introducing a newborn to an already established family of three -- from the realistically exhausted (and occasionally bickering) parents to the no-nonsense grandparents and, of course, the skeptical, downright angry older child, who in this case can't control his emotions.

The trippy time-defying moments in Mirai are funny and heartfelt. Even the dog is turned into an older human man who recalls being upset by Kun's birth. A particularly touching sequence has Kun meeting his great-grandfather, a motorcycle-driving mechanic injured in World War II. The older man (who doesn't really know what's going on) teaches Kun about confidence and courage, and little Kun brings that message back into his current life. The dreamy sequences all change Kun for the better, making him a more empathetic son, dog owner, and, finally, big brother.