I love the old Japanese Godzilla films. Godzilla vs. The Smog Monster is an especial favourite; eco-heavy & ahead of its time! We're big fans of Studio Ghibli which provides the perfect alternative to Disney for feature length animation. Howl's Moving Castle is a masterful adaptation of Diana Wynne Jones' novel; Spirited Away (seconded, VT!!!) is a magical adventure in a Hogwarts x100; Grave of the Fireflies is unrelentingly bleak & heartbreakingly perfect. Were also big fans of Kitano 'Beat' Takeshi films from his ultra-violent gangster films to the touching road movie Kikujiro which is perfect in every way. I think it's Takeshi who utters the eponymous line Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence! - another classic.

For inspired underrated comedy : Funny Bones - a paean to Blackpool with Lee Evans, Oliver Platt and Jerry Lewis; the only film ever I can watch over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over...

For a little known Spaghetti Western : Il mio nome è Nessuno / aka My Name is Nobody - the brilliant Morricone theme tune of which was pinched for the British sit-com Nighty Night.

For a special treat : El Topo

For the soul : Flame