15 Anime To Watch If You Liked Spirited Away
Several anime explore themes of self-discovery and the importance of true friendship and love, much like Spirited Away.
Spirited Away, directed by Hayao Miyazaki, is a highly acclaimed animated film that explores the journey of self-discovery of its protagonist, Chihiro. The story follows a 10-year-old girl who finds herself trapped in the spirit world after her parents are transformed into pigs by a witch. With the help of her friends, Chihiro must face numerous challenges to escape the magical world. Spirited Away is considered one of the best animated films ever made and has inspired several other movies with similar themes of self-discovery, friendship, and love.
15.Princess Mononoke
Runtime: 2h 13m
Princess Mononoke is a movie that tells the story of Ashitaka, the last Emishi prince, who is cursed by a demon and must find a cure to avoid death. His journey takes him to the western lands where he encounters a pack of wolves led by the wolf goddess, Moro, and a human girl named San, who was raised by the wolf goddess. The story revolves around Ashitaka's efforts to save the forest gods from the destructive forces of industrialization. Princess Mononoke shares similarities with Spirited Away in its exploration of supernatural elements and the relationship between humans and magical creatures. The film also features a strong and resolute female character who remains steadfast in her convictions despite overwhelming challenges.
14.Violet Evergarden
13 Episodes
Violet Evergarden tells the story of a young girl haunted by the final words of her caregiver: "I love you." Despite her limited understanding of the world, Violet embarks on a journey to comprehend the meaning of love and takes a job writing letters for a post office. Similar to Spirited Away, the show explores the challenges of living in an ever-changing and unpredictable world. As Violet composes letters, she discovers the different forms of love, akin to Chihiro's realization of her connection with her parents, and how they are her true home. Violet and Chihiro both find their place in unfamiliar worlds, gaining valuable experiences that aid their growth.
13.The Ancient Magus' Bride
26 Episodes
In The Ancient Magus' Bride, Chise Hatori, who has lost all hope in life, sells herself into slavery. However, a mysterious mage recognizes her gifts and buys her, intending to train her as his apprentice. The show features a wide range of supernatural creatures and mystical beings that Chise must understand to stay safe and realize her true potential.
For those fascinated by the spirits in Spirited Away, The Ancient Magus' Bride is an excellent choice. Both works highlight the interaction of humans with otherworldly entities and emphasize the importance of preserving nature. Although The Ancient Magus' Bride focuses more on the magical elements, it is still an enjoyable watch for those interested in mystical themes.
12.Erased
13 Episodes
Erased is an anime that follows the story of Satoru Fujinuma, a manga artist who possesses the ability to travel back in time a few minutes before an accident happens. Using his power, Satoru saves many lives. However, when his mother is murdered, Satoru's ability takes him back eighteen years into the past, where he is an elementary school student. Now, as a child, Satoru has the chance to save his three friends from being kidnapped and murdered, which may also prevent his mother's death in the future.
Similar to Spirited Away, Erased is told from a child's perspective. Satoru reevaluates his life when he becomes a child and regrets not taking advantage of various opportunities. As a result of being ten years old once again, Satoru seizes every opportunity to create a hopeful and bright future for himself.
11.Your Name
Runtime: 1h 46m
Your Name is a 2016 anime film that follows the story of two teenagers who switch bodies by accident. When Taki Tachibana learns about an impending catastrophe, he must figure out a way to save Mizuha Miyamizu and her town from destruction.
Similar to Spirited Away, Your Name features supernatural elements and conveys a message about the importance of living life to the fullest. Both films highlight the significance of forming connections and appreciating nature and life. Your Name's exploration of destiny will leave viewers rooting for Taki and Mizuha's happiness.
10.A Letter To Momo
Runtime: 2h
A Letter To Momo is a heartwarming story about an 11-year-old girl named Momo, who moves with her mother to a remote island after the death of her father. Momo struggles to adapt to her new life, feeling disconnected and unhappy. However, her life changes when she discovers an incomplete letter from her father and meets three yokai or demons who teach her valuable life lessons. Like Spirited Away, A Letter To Momo features supernatural elements and a young protagonist navigating unfamiliar territory. The movie offers a heartwarming tale about the importance of family and finding a sense of belonging, making it a great family watch.
10.A Letter To Momo
Runtime: 2h
In "A Letter to Momo," an 11-year-old girl named Momo is dissatisfied with the direction her life is taking. Following the recent loss of her father, Momo is at odds with her mother when they are compelled to relocate to a distant island. While grappling with an unfinished letter from her father, Momo finds it difficult to adjust to life on the island and longs to return home.
Nonetheless, Momo's outlook on life transforms after encountering three demons, or yokai, who shift her perspective. Momo and Chihiro share many similarities as protagonists who are discontented with their current circumstances and yearn for their former homes. Comparable to "Spirited Away," "A Letter to Momo" features supernatural elements as the three yokai subsequently assist Momo in rescuing her mother. Given these factors, this film is an excellent choice for families to watch together, much like "Spirited Away."
10.A Letter To Momo
Runtime: 2h
In "A Letter to Momo," an 11-year-old girl named Momo is dissatisfied with the direction her life is taking. Following the recent loss of her father, Momo is at odds with her mother when they are compelled to relocate to a distant island. While grappling with an unfinished letter from her father, Momo finds it difficult to adjust to life on the island and longs to return home.
Nonetheless, Momo's outlook on life transforms after encountering three demons, or yokai, who shift her perspective. Momo and Chihiro share many similarities as protagonists who are discontented with their current circumstances and yearn for their former homes. Comparable to "Spirited Away," "A Letter to Momo" features supernatural elements as the three yokai subsequently assist Momo in rescuing her mother. Given these factors, this film is an excellent choice for families to watch together, much like "Spirited Away."
9.Castle In The Sky
Runtime: 2h 4m
Castle in the Sky is a Studio Ghibli movie featuring Sheeta, a girl who is discovered by Pazu. Together, they must escape from those who seek her power and knowledge of the floating city, Laputa. Like Chihiro in Spirited Away, Pazu and Sheeta are plunged into a magical world where they learn to be courageous in the face of danger.
Castle in the Sky highlights the consequences of humans' interference with forces they don't understand. Sheeta and Pazu attempt to protect Laputa and its power, while others try to exploit it for personal gain. It's a captivating story with a meaningful message, much like Chihiro's journey in Spirited Away.
8.The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
Runtime: 1h 38m
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is an anime movie that follows the story of a high school girl named Makoto Konno, who gains the ability to time travel after nearly getting into an accident. At first, Makoto uses her new power for trivial personal gains, but she soon realizes that her actions have consequences, and she must use her powers more responsibly.
The movie shares some similarities with Spirited Away, such as having a strong female lead character and incorporating supernatural elements into the story. Both films also explore themes of growth and maturity, as Makoto learns to become more responsible and thoughtful with her actions. Fans of Spirited Away will surely enjoy The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.
7.A Whisker Away
Runtime: 1h 44m
Released in 2020, A Whisker Away is a Japanese animated movie about a girl named Miyo Sasaki who is deeply in love with Kento Hinode. However, Kento doesn't seem to reciprocate her feelings, leaving Miyo heartbroken. One day, she comes across a mysterious seller who gives her a magical mask that turns her into a cat. As a cat, Miyo gets closer to Kento and helps him with his problems, but she soon realizes that her attachment to the magical world has its consequences.
A Whisker Away shares some similarities with Spirited Away in that both movies have a female protagonist who becomes attached to the supernatural world, unaware of the consequences that it brings. Ultimately, both Chihiro and Miyo yearn to detach themselves from the magic and return to their normal lives.
6.Into The Forest Of Fireflies' Light
Runtime: 45m
Into The Forest of Fireflies' Light, written by Yuki Midorikawa, is a romantic story about a human girl named Hotaru and Gin, a forest spirit. They meet every summer in the forest and develop romantic feelings for each other. However, Hotaru can never touch Gin, as it would cause him to disappear forever.
Similar to Spirited Away, Into The Forest of Fireflies' Light is a short anime film that follows a young girl's journey in a supernatural environment. The friendship between Hotaru and Gin helps her grow into a mature woman, while also teaching her to cherish her everyday life.
5.Children Who Chase Lost Voices
Runtime: 1h 56m
In Children Who Chase Lost Voices, a film by Makoto Shinkai, Asuna Watase is a young girl who's struggling with loneliness following her father's death. One day, she hears a strange melody on her father's radio and meets Shun, a mysterious boy who saves her from a creature in the forest. They quickly become friends, but Shun's sudden death leaves Asuna heartbroken. In her quest for closure, Asuna embarks on a journey to the underworld, where she encounters new friends, foes, and many supernatural elements. While sharing similarities with Spirited Away, Children Who Chase Lost Voices also features a female protagonist, striking cinematography, and supernatural themes.
4.Mirai
Runtime: 1h 38m
The plot of Mirai revolves around Kun, a young boy who becomes an older sibling to his baby sister, Mirai. Initially thrilled about her arrival, Kun soon becomes envious of the attention his new sister receives. As he begins to harbor feelings of resentment towards her, he encounters a future version of Mirai who piques his interest.
Through time travel, Kun and Mirai embark on a journey to gain a better understanding of their family dynamics. Along the way, Kun realizes that having a little sister isn't as bad as he had initially thought and that being a part of a family is not a burden. Similar to Chihiro's character arc in Spirited Away, Kun and Mirai also come to appreciate the significance of familial ties.
3.Natsume's Book Of Friends
74 Episodes
Natsume is a 15-year-old who can see yokai, and the story of Natsume's Book of Friends follows his journey. When his grandmother dies, he inherits her Yuujinchou, a powerful Book of Friends that contains the names of yokai she controlled. The yokai seek Natsume to obtain their freedom, leading to a series of adventures where he helps them achieve their goals. Along the way, Natsume forms meaningful relationships with the yokai, fulfilling his long-standing desire for companionship.
There are similarities between Natsume's Book of Friends and Spirited Away, as both feature supernatural themes. The main characters in both stories interact with magical creatures, eventually forging deep connections with them that affect their perspectives on life.
2.Kiki's Delivery Service
Runtime: 1h 43m
Kiki's Delivery Service, directed by Hayao Miyazaki, follows the journey of a young witch named Kiki. According to tradition, she must leave home and live independently for a year. Kiki finds work at a local bakery and starts a delivery service using her broomstick to fly around town.
The film's focus on self-discovery makes it reminiscent of Spirited Away. Both movies feature protagonists who undergo a coming-of-age experience. Kiki and Chihiro face challenges in unfamiliar surroundings but find a way to overcome them, leading to personal growth.
1.Howl's Moving Castle
Runtime: 1h 59m
Howl's Moving Castle is a movie loosely based on an English novel. The film revolves around Sophie, who's been cursed and transformed into an elderly woman by a witch. To break the curse, Sophie embarks on a journey and ends up in a magical moving castle where she meets Howl, a wizard, and Calcifer, a fire demon who wants to be free from his contract with Howl.
Sophie's dissatisfaction with her mundane life and her sudden entry into a magical world parallels with Chihiro's experience in Spirited Away. However, while Sophie finds love and contentment in her new surroundings, Chihiro longs to return home after being thrust into the magical realm.
