One of Guillermo Del Toro's first films, The Devil's Backbone is a very unique and well-crafted story. It's a very rich mix and while the ghost story plays an integral part, the film is rich in characters, history, and concept. I also particularly liked the cinematography.
Miyazaki's Spirited Away is visually rich and I think that's what I enjoyed the most. Chichiro, for some reason, reminds me of Radical Ed (from Cowboy Bebop)...I guess if Ed ever played a straight-up role Chichiro would be it :).
It's sad to think that Heath Ledger is gone. This film really exposes a talent that was obviously beginning to flourish. It was a nice touch to have Johnny Depp, Jude law, and Colin Farrell fill in for some of his scenes, as if it were meant to be that way. I particularly liked how straight-up a character was given to Verne Troyer. As for Terry Gilliam's imaginarium...no one better to do this one.
