Why you can trust GamesRadar+ Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about our reviews policy.

A tyrannical king living in a labyrinthine castle comes between a beautiful shepherdess and a brave, good-hearted chimney sweep. Only a plucky mockingbird can save the day.

Sixty years in the making (it was started in 1948, partially finished in 1952 and reworked by director Paul Grimault for a limited 1980 release), TKATM is a masterpiece of animation and imagination.

Hayao Miyazaki cites it as a major influence, and fans of Studio Ghibli will thrill to the tenderly explored themes – class, nature, love, grief – and poetic, witty visuals.

Jamie Graham is a freelance writer and former Editor-at-Large of Total Film magazine. You'll likely find them around these parts reviewing the biggest films on the planet and speaking to some of the biggest stars in the business – that's just what Jamie does. Jamie has also written for outlets like SFX and the Sunday Times Culture, and appeared on podcasts exploring the wondrous worlds of occult and horror.