If you fell in love with the wondrous world and heartfelt coming-of-age story of Hayao Miyazaki’s animated masterpiece Spirited Away, you may be craving more films that evoke a similar sense of magic, imagination, and emotional resonance. Look no further – we’ve compiled a list of 16 captivating movies that share some of the key qualities that make Spirited Away so special. From other beloved Studio Ghibli classics to lesser-known animated gems, these enchanting films will transport you to fantastical realms while exploring themes of growth, friendship, and the power of the human spirit.
1. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Why it’s similar to Spirited Away: Directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli, My Neighbor Totoro shares the same heartwarming, whimsical tone as Spirited Away. Both films center around young girls who encounter magical creatures and embark on adventures that help them navigate the challenges of growing up.
What it’s about: Sisters Satsuki and Mei move to the countryside with their father to be closer to their hospitalized mother. There, they befriend the playful forest spirits known as Totoros. With the help of these gentle creatures, the girls learn valuable lessons about family, imagination, and the wonders of nature.
My Neighbor Totoro is a timeless classic that captures the innocence and joy of childhood. The lush, hand-drawn animation brings the idyllic rural setting to life, while the lovable Totoro characters have become iconic symbols of the Ghibli brand. Like Spirited Away, it’s a film that can be enjoyed by viewers of all ages, with its simple yet profound story leaving a lasting impact on the heart.
2. Princess Mononoke (1997)
Why it’s similar to Spirited Away: Another Miyazaki masterpiece, Princess Mononoke shares Spirited Away‘s themes of environmentalism, the spirit world, and the struggle between nature and human progress. Both films feature strong, complex female characters and stunning animated visuals.
What it’s about: In a fantasy version of feudal Japan, young prince Ashitaka becomes caught in the conflict between the animal gods of the forest and the humans of Irontown. He meets San, a fierce warrior raised by wolf gods, and together they fight to restore balance and understanding between the two worlds.
Princess Mononoke is a darker, more mature film than Spirited Away, grappling with weighty themes of war, greed, and the destruction of nature. However, it still maintains a sense of hope and beauty, particularly in its reverent depiction of the natural world. The film’s sweeping score, memorable characters, and breathtaking action sequences make it an unforgettable epic.
3. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
Why it’s similar to Spirited Away: Based on Diana Wynne Jones’ novel, Howl’s Moving Castle is another Miyazaki film that transports viewers to a wondrous realm of magic and fantasy. Like Chihiro in Spirited Away, protagonist Sophie must navigate a strange new world while undergoing a transformative journey of self-discovery.
What it’s about: When shy hatmaker Sophie is cursed by a witch and turned into an old woman, she seeks refuge in the enchanted moving castle of the mysterious wizard Howl. As Sophie becomes entangled in Howl’s resistance against a warring kingdom, she learns to believe in herself and discovers the power of love.
Howl’s Moving Castle is a visual feast, with imaginative character designs and stunning steampunk-inspired backgrounds. The film’s anti-war message and focus on the importance of compassion give it emotional weight, while the developing romance between Sophie and Howl provides humor and heart. Though the plot can be hard to follow at times, the movie’s charm and inventiveness make it a worthy companion to Spirited Away.
4. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
Why it’s similar to Spirited Away: Directed by Miyazaki, Kiki’s Delivery Service also features a young female protagonist who must find her place in an unfamiliar world. Both Kiki and Chihiro face challenges that help them grow and mature, aided by the kindness of newfound friends.
What it’s about: 13-year-old witch Kiki ventures out on her own to complete her training, accompanied only by her sarcastic black cat Jiji. She starts a delivery service in a seaside town using her flying abilities, learning valuable lessons about responsibility, confidence, and the ups and downs of adolescence.
Kiki’s Delivery Service is a charming, relatable coming-of-age story with a touch of magic. Kiki is an endearing heroine whose struggles and triumphs feel authentic, even in a world where witches are real. The film’s warm, inviting animation style and memorable characters, including the delightful artist Ursula, make it a comforting, inspiring watch.
5. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
Why it’s similar to Spirited Away: Though released before the founding of Studio Ghibli, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is considered a Ghibli film in spirit. Directed by Miyazaki, it shares Spirited Away‘s environmental themes, strong heroine, and imaginative world-building.
What it’s about: In a post-apocalyptic future, humankind struggles to survive amidst a toxic jungle and giant mutant insects. Kind-hearted princess Nausicaä works to understand the ecosystem and broker peace between her kingdom and the warring nations that seek to harness the jungle’s power.
Nausicaä is an ambitious, thought-provoking sci-fi epic that showcases Miyazaki’s early mastery of the craft. The intricately designed world, with its mix of medieval and futuristic elements, is a wonder to behold. Nausicaä herself is a compelling protagonist, whose empathy and bravery make her a worthy predecessor to Chihiro. The film’s message of coexistence and respect for nature resonates just as strongly today as it did upon release.
6. The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)
Why it’s similar to Spirited Away: Though directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi rather than Miyazaki, The Secret World of Arrietty still bears many of the Ghibli hallmarks, including a fantastical premise, lush animation, and a focus on the relationship between humans and the natural world.
What it’s about: 14-year-old Arrietty is a tiny “Borrower” who lives with her parents under the floorboards of a human home, “borrowing” small items to survive. When Arrietty is discovered by the sickly human boy Shō, an unlikely friendship blossoms as they work to protect the Borrowers’ way of life.
Based on Mary Norton’s The Borrowers novels, Arrietty is a gentle, beautifully crafted film that makes the miniature world feel grand and wondrous. The detailed animation brings every nook and cranny of Arrietty’s home to vivid life, while the tender bond between her and Shō forms the emotional core of the story. Like Spirited Away, it’s a tale of finding courage and understanding in the face of an intimidating new reality.
7. Wolf Children (2012)
Why it’s similar to Spirited Away: Directed by Mamoru Hosoda, Wolf Children shares Spirited Away‘s themes of growing up, family bonds, and the magic found in everyday life. Both films balance fantastical elements with grounded, relatable emotions.
What it’s about: After Hana falls in love with a wolf man and bears two half-wolf children, she must raise them on her own when he suddenly dies. As Yuki and Ame grow up, they struggle with their dual identities, ultimately choosing different paths that challenge Hana’s resilience and unconditional love.
Wolf Children is a moving, bittersweet story of parenthood and letting go. Hana’s journey as a single mother is depicted with raw honesty, while the children’s wolf natures serve as a metaphor for the wild, untameable aspects of raising a family. The film’s naturalistic animation style, particularly in its lush rural scenes, grounds the story in reality while still allowing room for moments of magic.
8. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013)
Why it’s similar to Spirited Away: Directed by Ghibli co-founder Isao Takahata, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya shares Spirited Away‘s folklore roots, coming-of-age themes, and commentary on the expectations placed on young women in society.
What it’s about: Found inside a bamboo stalk, the tiny princess Kaguya is raised by a humble bamboo cutter and his wife. As she rapidly grows into a beautiful young woman, Kaguya faces mounting pressure to marry and conform to noble life, longing for the simplicity of her rural upbringing.
Based on the 10th-century Japanese folktale “The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter,” Princess Kaguya is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film. The watercolor-inspired animation style is unlike anything else in the Ghibli canon, lending the story a timeless, ethereal quality. Kaguya’s struggle to define her own identity and desires in the face of societal expectations is both specific to her time and universally relatable.
9. Whisper of the Heart (1995)
Why it’s similar to Spirited Away: Though it lacks Spirited Away‘s fantasy elements, Whisper of the Heart still captures the magic of everyday life and the transformative power of creativity. Both films feature young heroines navigating the challenges of growing up and discovering their passions.
What it’s about: Bookish middle-schooler Shizuku becomes intrigued by a mysterious boy named Seiji who shares her love for literature. As Shizuku pursues her dream of writing a novel, she learns valuable lessons about dedication, inspiration, and the joys and pains of first love.
Directed by Yoshifumi Kondō, Whisper of the Heart is a tender, understated coming-of-age story that finds beauty in the ordinary. Shizuku’s creative journey, from her early self-doubts to her determined pursuit of her goals, is deeply relatable, while her budding romance with Seiji is portrayed with sweet, awkward authenticity. The film’s lovingly detailed depiction of Tokyo’s neighborhoods and libraries makes the city feel like a character in itself.
10. Ponyo (2008)
Why it’s similar to Spirited Away: Another Miyazaki film, Ponyo shares Spirited Away‘s themes of friendship, environmental responsibility, and the blurring of boundaries between the human and spirit worlds. Both films center around a young protagonist’s magical adventures and the transformative power of love.
What it’s about: Ponyo, a curious goldfish princess, longs to become human after befriending a five-year-old boy named Sōsuke. As Ponyo’s desire upsets the balance of nature, Sōsuke must prove the strength of their bond to set things right and help Ponyo achieve her dream.
Loosely inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid,” Ponyo is a charming, visually inventive fairy tale with an environmental twist. The film’s vibrant, expressive animation style perfectly captures the wonder and energy of childhood, while the relationship between Ponyo and Sōsuke is both adorable and heartfelt. With its gentle humor, memorable characters, and magical ocean imagery, Ponyo is a delightful ode to the power of friendship and the importance of respecting nature.
11. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)
Why it’s similar to Spirited Away: Though not a Ghibli film, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time shares Spirited Away‘s coming-of-age themes, likable protagonist, and blend of everyday life with fantastical elements. Both films explore the consequences of the heroine’s actions and the importance of cherishing the present moment.
What it’s about: After discovering she can leap through time, high-schooler Makoto uses her newfound power to fix personal blunders and help her friends. However, as she learns the limits and risks of time travel, Makoto must decide how to use her ability responsibly and appreciate the preciousness of each moment.
Directed by Mamoru Hosoda, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is a clever, emotionally resonant sci-fi romance that balances humor, heart, and thought-provoking ideas. Makoto is an endearing, relatable heroine whose time-traveling mishaps and triumphs mirror the universal challenges of adolescence. The film’s crisp, colorful animation and engaging storyline make it a perfect gateway anime for fans of Spirited Away.
12. When Marnie Was There (2014)
Why it’s similar to Spirited Away: Another Ghibli film directed by Yonebayashi, When Marnie Was There shares Spirited Away‘s themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy. Both films feature a young heroine who undergoes a transformative experience in an unfamiliar place.
What it’s about: Sent to stay with relatives in a seaside town due to her asthma, shy, artistic Anna befriends the mysterious blonde girl Marnie, who lives in a mansion across the marsh. As their friendship deepens, Anna uncovers secrets about Marnie’s past that help her confront her own feelings of abandonment and isolation.
Based on Joan G. Robinson’s novel, When Marnie Was There is a poignant, atmospheric ghost story that explores the complexities of family, memory, and identity. Anna’s journey of self-acceptance and the revelation of Marnie’s true nature are handled with sensitivity and emotional depth, while the film’s lush, melancholy animation captures the bittersweet beauty of the coastal setting. Like Spirited Away, it’s a story about the power of human connection to heal wounds and unlock hidden truths.
Here is the continuation of the 8500+ word blog post on the 16 best movies like Spirited Away:
13. Summer Wars (2009)
Why it’s similar to Spirited Away: Directed by Hosoda, Summer Wars shares Spirited Away‘s themes of bravery, family bonds, and the power of the individual to make a difference. Both films feature young protagonists who must navigate unfamiliar, high-stakes situations while learning important life lessons.
What it’s about: Math genius Kenji accompanies his crush Natsuki to her family’s estate for her great-grandmother’s 90th birthday. When an AI goes rogue in the virtual world of OZ, threatening both the digital infrastructure and Natsuki’s family’s reputation, Kenji must work with the eccentric Jinnouchi clan to save the day.
Summer Wars is a visually dazzling, emotionally resonant film that balances sci-fi action with slice-of-life family drama. The depiction of the sprawling, multigenerational Jinnouchi family is both hilarious and heartwarming, while the vibrant virtual world of OZ provides a colorful backdrop for the story’s themes of connection and identity in the digital age. Like Spirited Away, it’s a coming-of-age tale that emphasizes the importance of courage, love, and the strength of the human spirit.
14. Mary and the Witch’s Flower (2017)
Why it’s similar to Spirited Away: Directed by former Ghibli animator Hiromasa Yonebayashi, Mary and the Witch’s Flower shares Spirited Away‘s magical world-building, strong-willed heroine, and themes of self-discovery and the consequences of power. Both films draw inspiration from classic European children’s literature while still feeling distinctly Japanese.
What it’s about: Young Mary Smith, bored with her life in the English countryside, follows a mysterious cat into the forest, where she discovers a magical flower that temporarily grants her witch powers. Whisked away to the Endor College for witches, Mary must decide how to use her new abilities while unraveling the secrets of the school and its headmistress.
Based on Mary Stewart’s The Little Broomstick, Mary and the Witch’s Flower is a charming, beautifully animated adventure that marks Studio Ponoc’s debut feature. The film’s lush, detailed backgrounds and expressive character designs evoke the best of Ghibli, while the story’s emphasis on the importance of kindness and the perils of unchecked ambition feels timeless. Like Chihiro, Mary is a relatable, imperfect heroine whose journey of self-discovery will resonate with viewers of all ages.
15. Patema Inverted (2013)
Why it’s similar to Spirited Away: Though more science fiction than fantasy, Patema Inverted shares Spirited Away‘s imaginative world-building, fish-out-of-water protagonist, and themes of friendship and challenging the status quo. Both films create immersive, visually striking alternate realities that reflect deeper truths about our own world.
What it’s about: In a dystopian underground society, curious princess Patema accidentally falls into a pit and emerges on the surface world, where gravity is inverted and she must cling to ceilings and floating objects. She meets Age, a surface boy who helps her navigate this strange new reality while uncovering the secrets that connect their two worlds.
Directed by Yasuhiro Yoshiura, Patema Inverted is a mind-bending, visually inventive sci-fi romance that plays with perspective in both a literal and figurative sense. The film’s gravity-defying set pieces are both thrilling and disorienting, while the tender relationship between Patema and Age grounds the story in genuine emotion. Like Spirited Away, it’s a tale of two worlds colliding and the transformative power of empathy and understanding.
16. Lu Over the Wall (2017)
Why it’s similar to Spirited Away: Directed by Masaaki Yuasa, known for his distinctive visual style and offbeat storytelling, Lu Over the Wall shares Spirited Away‘s whimsical tone, supernatural elements, and themes of friendship and acceptance. Both films celebrate the magic of the unknown and the joy of forming connections across boundaries.
What it’s about: Kai, a gloomy middle school student living in a small fishing town, meets and befriends Lu, a mermaid with a passion for music and dance. As Kai’s band gains popularity with Lu as their singer, the townsfolk’s long-held prejudices against merfolk threaten to tear the unlikely friends apart.
Lu Over the Wall is a delightfully quirky, visually exuberant film that blends elements of mythology, music, and coming-of-age drama. Yuasa’s energetic, fluid animation style perfectly captures the story’s themes of creative expression and the transformative power of friendship. Like Spirited Away, it’s a tale of an outsider finding her place in a world that doesn’t always understand her, and the bonds she forms along the way.
These 16 enchanting films share the magic, heart, and imaginative spirit that made Spirited Away an instant classic. From the lush, immersive worlds of other Ghibli favorites like Princess Mononoke and Howl’s Moving Castle, to the emotionally resonant storytelling of Mamoru Hosoda’s Wolf Children and Mirai, these movies offer a wealth of wonders for fans of Miyazaki’s masterpiece to explore.
Whether you’re seeking more fantastical adventures, heartwarming coming-of-age tales, or thought-provoking reflections on the human experience, these films demonstrate the power of animation to transport, delight, and inspire.
