19 Movies you must watch if you liked Spirited Away

Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away has captivated viewers globally with its magical world of the protagonist Chihiro. From visually stunning animations to heartwarming adventures, these films weave together imagination and storytelling to create unforgettable experiences. Whether it's the haunting beauty of Natsume's Book of Friends or the heartfelt journey in My Neighbor Totoro, each movie offers a unique escape into a world of wonder. Here is a list of 19 such movies that echo the whimsical, otherworldly charm of Miyazaki's masterpiece.

19) The Wind Rises ( 2013)

The Wind Rises is another masterpiece by director Hayao Miyazaki, who also directed Spirited Away. The film is based on Miyazaki's manga of the same name and tells the story of Jiro Horikoshi, an aircraft designer in pre-World War II Japan. It combines historical events with stunning animation, creating a dreamy and emotional narrative. Although it's more grounded in reality than Spirited Away, it shares themes of love, perseverance, and the impact of dreams on our lives.

18) The Boy And The Beast (2015)

The Boy and the Beast fits the list perfectly because it shares the magical adventure and emotional depth found in Spirited Away. Directed by Mamoru Hosoda, the story follows a young boy named Ren who follows the powerful beast Kumetsu into the Beast kingdom. There, he is taken under the wing of Kumatetsu and becomes his apprentice. The film explores themes of friendship, growth, and finding one's place in the world.

17) Wolf Children (2012)

Wolf Children is directed by Mamoru Hosoda and tells the story of a young woman named Hana who falls in love with a werewolf and has two children, Yuki and Ame. After their father's death, Hana raises her children in the countryside, where they must navigate their dual identities as both human and wolf. Just like Spirited Away, the film explores themes of family, identity, and the challenges of growing up.

16) Children Who Chase Lost Voices ( 2011)

Children Who Chase Lost Voices fits the list wonderfully because it offers a blend of adventure and fantasy, much like Spirited Away. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, the story follows a young girl named Asuna who embarks on a journey to the mysterious land of Agartha after hearing a beautiful melody from her crystal radio. Along the way, she encounters fantastical creatures, ancient myths, and the promise of reuniting with lost loved ones.

15) The Tale Of The Princess Kaguya (2013)

Much like Spirited Away, The Tale Of The Princess Kaguya is known for its enchanting storytelling and stunning visuals. Directed by Isao Takahata, this film is based on the Japanese folktale The Tale Of The Bamboo Cutter. It tells the story of a mysterious girl named Kaguya, found inside a bamboo stalk by an old bamboo cutter. As she grows up, her otherworldly beauty and origins lead her on a journey of self-discovery and sorrow.

14) A Whisker Away ( 2020)

A Whisker Away is directed by Junichi Sato and Tomotaka Shibayama and follows the story of a girl named Miyo who transforms into a cat to get closer to her crush, Kento. As a cat, she experiences life from a different perspective, leading to unexpected adventures and discoveries. Its enchanting animation, heartwarming story, and magical elements make it a must-watch for fans of heartfelt tales like Spirited Away.

13) A Letter To Momo ( 2011)

A Letter to Momo is directed by Hiroyuki Okiura and follows the story of a young girl named Momo who moves to a remote island after her father's death, carrying an unfinished letter by him to her. There, she discovers a picture book of her father and encounters three mischievous yokai (goblins) who help her come to terms with her loss. Just like Spirited Away, the film explores themes like grief, healing, and the bond between family members.

12) Oblivion Island: Haruka And The Magic Mirror (2009)

Oblivion Island: Haruka and the Magic Mirror is directed by Shinsuke Sato. Just like Chihiro in Spirited Away, the protagonist of this movie, Haruka, discovers a magical world inhabited by forgotten objects and memories. She embarks on a quest to retrieve a precious mirror that belonged to her late mother, encountering various challenges and magical creatures along the way.

11) Grave Of The Fireflies ( 1988)

Grave of the Fireflies is an animated World War II movie directed by Isao Takahata. The film tells the heartbreaking story of two siblings, Seita and Setsuko, struggling to survive in Japan during World War II. While it's more grounded in reality and doesn't have the same magical elements, it deeply explores themes of loss, resilience, and the bond between siblings. Because of its compelling and heartfelt storytelling, it resembles the film Spirited Away.

10) Arrietty ( 2010)

Arrietty is directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi. The film is based on Mary Norton's novel, The Borrowers, and tells the story of Arrietty, a tiny girl who lives with her family under the floorboards of a human house. The Borrowers secretly borrow items from humans to survive. Just like Spirited Away, the film explores themes of friendship, courage, and the wonder of hidden worlds.

9) Your Name. ( 2016)

Your Name is a great addition to this list because it combines fantasy, destiny, and the impact of memories, much like Spirited Away. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, the film tells the story of two teenagers, Taki and Mitsuha, who inexplicably start switching bodies and living each other's lives. As they navigate this strange phenomenon, they form a deep bond and uncover a surprising connection that transcends time and space.

8) Whisper Of The Heart (1995)

Directed by Yoshifumi Kondō, this Studio Ghibli film follows a young girl named Shizuku who discovers a unique antique shop and meets a boy named Seiji. As Shizuku and Seiji chase their dreams and passions, they form a deep bond and navigate the challenges of growing up. Whisper of the Heart fits the list perfectly because it shares the magical charm, heartfelt storytelling, and coming-of-age themes found in Spirited Away.

7) Nausicaa Of The Valley Of The Wind (1984)

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind is set in a post-apocalyptic world where toxic jungles and giant insects threaten humanity. The story follows Princess Nausicaa, who strives to understand and restore the balance between humans and nature. Just like Chihiro in Spirited Away, Princess Nausicaa is a strong-headed protagonist who bravely faces the challenges ahead.

6) Castle In The Sky (1986)

Castle in the Sky fits the list perfectly because it shares the adventurous spirit, imaginative world, and strong characters found in Spirited Away. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, the film follows a young girl named Sheeta and a boy named Pazu as they search for a legendary floating island called Laputa. Along the way, they encounter air pirates, government agents, and ancient technologies.

5) The Cat Returns (2002)

Directed by Hiroyuki Morita, The Cat Returns follows the story of a girl named Haru who saves a cat and is whisked away to the Cat Kingdom. There, she is transformed into a cat and must find a way to return to her human form with the help of new friends like the Baron and Muta. The film is a prequel to Whisper of the Heart.

4) Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)

Kiki's Delivery Service is another masterpiece from the director of Spirited Away, Hayao Miyazaki. The film follows a young witch named Kiki who leaves home to live independently in a new town. She starts a delivery service using her flying broomstick and learns valuable lessons about responsibility, friendship, and self-confidence. It explores themes of independence, personal growth, and finding one's place in the world.

3) My Neighbor Totoro ( 1988)

My Neighbor Totoro fits this must-watch list perfectly because it shares the magical charm, whimsical storytelling, and heartwarming themes found in Spirited Away. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, this beloved Studio Ghibli film follows two young sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside and discover magical creatures, including the gentle forest spirit Totoro.

2) Princess Mononoke (1997)

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, Princess Mononoke tells the story of a young warrior named Ashitaka who becomes entangled in a conflict between humans and the gods of the forest. He meets San, a girl raised by wolves, who is fiercely protective of the forest. The film explores themes of nature, industrialization, and coexistence. Just like Spirited Away, this film is known for its epic storytelling and imaginative world.

1) Howl's Moving Castle (2004)

Howl's Moving Castle follows the story of a young woman named Sophie who is transformed into an old lady by a witch's curse. She seeks refuge in the moving castle of the enigmatic wizard Howl. As Sophie becomes entwined in Howl's life, she discovers his secrets and the true meaning of love and bravery. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, the film shares the magical charm, compelling storytelling, and rich world-building found in Spirited Away.