I fucking hate that movie.
Why?
I like Miyazaki, but my favorites are Spirited Away (captures my childhood feelings pretty well) and Porco Rosso (the only thing I've ever seen
twice in one day)
Could you elaborate why you like Mononoke Hime? I was going to suggest Mushishi but then I saw that you're already using a pic of Ginko as your avatar
I love Spirited Away as well; it's easily my second favorite Miyazaki film, and I also identify with the movie's themes as they relate to my childhood. Mononoke Hime and Spirited Away are a step above the other Miyazaki films IMO, especially the music. However, I must admit that I've never seen Porco Rosso; I'm not particularly fond of anthropomorphism, pigs, old planes, the time period of the movie, or it's overall style from what I've seen, but I'll give it try sometime. And you're right, Mushishi does evoke many of those tranquil, ethereal moods found in nature like Mononoke Hime does as well.
As for why I love Princess Mononoke? I've always been drawn to man vs nature themes, and I love wolves, so it was easy for me to identify with San and the forest. I am also fascinated by ancient Japan and Japanese legends and culture, so the setting and time period is perfect. Ashitaka's journey to the west in search of salvation and knowledge evokes the type of archetypal Hero's Journey that I've always been inspired by, when a young man leaves his home bound for unknown lands with only his weapons, provisions, and mount, never intending to return. I also enjoy the many silent, peaceful moments in the film that simply show scenes of the forest, kodamas, or travelers moving without speaking. The scene in which Ashitaka first sees the forest spirit from afar while filling his bowl with water and everything is silent never fails to leave me with this tranquil feeling.
The music is also amazing; The Legend of Ashitaka and Mononoke Hime in particular are amazing and perfectly match the overall spirit of the story as well as the specific scenes they appear in, I listen to and play them often. Also, IMO both the sub and dub are excellent; I know some are of the opinion that Claire Danes as San and Billy Bob Thornton as Jigo were miscast for the English dub but to me their voices bring out elements of each character that I think exist but aren't as easily recognized when voiced by a Japanese speaker, especially for native English speakers. Claire Danes' harsh raspiness adds to San's intensity and raw aggression, while Billy Bob Thornton's western accent adds to Jigo's garrulous nature and gives more humour, even if it may not have been entirely intended. So yeah, pretty much everything is awesome; The art style, the Kodamas, The Forest Spirit/Nightwalker dynamic, just the right amount of blood, the ending... I could go on...