19 Movies Similar to Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind: Explore a captivating world of animation, adventure, and sci-fi with these 19 movies that share the charm and allure of Hayao Miyazaki's masterpiece. Join a warrior princess and pacifist as she fights to save her dying planet and prevent the devastating consequences of war. Get ready for a cinematic journey like no other, as you discover a selection of films that will transport you to mesmerizing realms filled with imagination and wonder.

1) Princess Mononoke

Princess Mononoke, a film released in 2000, is reminiscent of the main movie, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Both movies share a common theme of a fierce princess fighting for the preservation of nature in a world on the brink of destruction. However, Princess Mononoke takes this concept to a whole new level. Set in an imaginary time, the movie combines ancient gods with the settlement of humans and the rise of industry, resulting in a war between forest gods and a mining colony. The story follows Ashitaka, who, while searching for a cure for a curse, finds himself caught in the middle of this conflict. Along the way, he encounters San, the Mononoke Hime, a mysterious human raised by wolves. While both movies explore the complex relationship between humans and nature, Princess Mononoke delves deeper into the gray areas of morality and the absence of a clean resolution.

Release date: September, 2000
IMDB Rating: 8.3
9 Movies Like Princess Mononoke – Discover Similar Films

2) Thundarr the Barbarian

Thundarr the Barbarian is a series that takes place in a post-apocalyptic future Earth, much like Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Both stories revolve around a warrior protagonist, Thundarr and Nausicaä respectively, who wander through a devastated world, combatting evil wherever they find it. However, while Nausicaä is a pacifist princess who seeks to prevent two warring nations from destroying themselves and their dying planet, Thundarr is a barbarian who relies on his strength and the help of his companions, Ookla the Mok and Princess Ariel, to fight evil forces. Despite their differences in tone and approach, both stories share the common theme of a world in ruins and the struggle to survive and make a difference in such a harsh environment.

Release date: October, 1980
IMDB Rating: 7.5

3) Wizards

Wizards is reminiscent of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind because both movies explore post-apocalyptic worlds. While Nausicaä focuses on a dying planet consumed by pollution and giant insects, Wizards takes us to a post-apocalyptic Earth where a wizard and his comrades battle an evil wizard using technology for conquest. Both films depict a struggle for survival in the face of destruction, but they differ in their animation styles and tones. Nausicaä captivates with its stunning and detailed animation, while Wizards has a more unconventional and B-movie feel. Despite their differences, if you enjoyed the thought-provoking themes and captivating storytelling in Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Wizards offers a unique and nostalgic take on the post-apocalyptic genre that is worth experiencing.

Release date: February, 1977
IMDB Rating: 6.3

4) Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro

Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro is a thrilling adventure that marks the grand debut of Hayao Miyazaki, one of the world's finest filmmakers and a master of anime. This movie has it all - action, adventure, romance, and comedy - making it a must-see for everyone. The story revolves around Lupin, a dashing thief, and his gang of desperadoes, as they strive to free a princess from the clutches of an evil count. Along the way, they unravel the secret of a treasure that the princess holds part of the key to. Just like Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, The Castle of Cagliostro captivates its audience with its engaging plot and vibrant characters. Both films showcase Miyazaki's exceptional storytelling skills and attention to detail.

Release date: December, 1979
IMDB Rating: 7.6

5) Queen Millennia

Queen Millennia is reminiscent of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Both movies are set in a future world facing imminent destruction. In Queen Millennia, the planet LaMetal is on a collision course with Earth, while in Nausicaä, the dying planet is being consumed by the Sea of Decay. Despite the impending disasters, both movies focus on strong-willed princesses who are determined to protect their beloved homes. Queen Millennia's Queen Yukino Yayoi, a former princess of La-Metal, and Nausicaä, the warrior and pacifist princess, both display courage and compassion in the face of immense challenges. However, while Nausicaä's story revolves around the struggle between man and nature, Queen Millennia presents a more interplanetary battle between Earth and LaMetal.

Release date: March, 1982
IMDB Rating: 7.3

6) Shinzo

Shinzo, also known as Mashuranbo, is reminiscent of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. While Nausicaä takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where a warrior princess strives to prevent the destruction of her planet, Shinzo is set in a world where human life has almost ceased to exist due to a deadly virus. However, in both movies, a new race emerges to preserve life on Earth. In Nausicaä, it's the giant insects called ohmu, and in Shinzo, it's the Enterrans. Both movies explore themes of war, survival, and the relationship between humans and another species. Nausicaä's story is complex, with deep complexities woven into its animated characters, challenging the notions of good versus evil. Similarly, Shinzo also presents a simple yet interesting plot, with characters possessing powers related to different types of animals.

Release date: February, 2000
IMDB Rating: 7.4

7) s-CRY-ed

s-CRY-ed is a series that takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, much like Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. In this world, a catastrophic event has caused a region called the Lost Ground to break off from Japan's mainland. The people living in this area have developed powers known as "alters," which allow them to rearrange matter and fight each other. Similar to Nausicaä, the story revolves around a conflict between different factions, with the protagonist, Kazuma, being a hot-headed alter user. While the animation in s-CRY-ed is not as stunning as Nausicaä, it still manages to deliver decent action scenes. The characters in s-CRY-ed may not be as visually appealing as those in Nausicaä, but they still have their own charm. The music in s-CRY-ed is a mix of 80s punk rock and Japanese hymns, which adds an interesting touch to the series.

Release date: July, 2001
IMDB Rating: 6.9

8) Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts

Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts is a delightful series that shares similarities with Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Both stories take place in a post-apocalyptic world, where the remnants of humanity must navigate the challenges of their environment. In Nausicaä, we follow the warrior and pacifist Princess Nausicaä as she tries to prevent the destruction of their dying planet. Similarly, Kipo explores the possibilities of a post-apocalyptic world through the eyes of a teenage girl named Kipo.
Both protagonists are strong and resilient, facing the dangers of their respective worlds head-on. They both possess a sense of curiosity and determination that drives them forward. Moreover, both stories tackle important themes such as the consequences of pollution and the balance between humans and nature. However, while Nausicaä focuses more on the clash between man and nature, Kipo takes a more lighthearted approach, infusing elements of comedy and adventure into its storytelling.

Release date: January, 2020
IMDB Rating: 8.3

9) Needless

"Needless" is a post-apocalyptic anime series set in Japan. It follows the story of Cruz, a teenager who joins a group of superpower-wielding idiots to avenge his sister's death. The show is filled with great animation, fun characters, and an interesting plot. One of the highlights of "Needless" is how it parodies other anime, offering a humorous take on clichés from the genre. It's a funny, bloody, and swearing-filled adventure that is definitely worth checking out. While "Needless" shares the post-apocalyptic setting with "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind," it takes a different approach. "Nausicaä" is a cinematic masterpiece directed by Hayao Miyazaki, known for its stunning animation and deep message about compassion in the face of violence and war. The characters in "Nausicaä" are complex, and the story is a struggle of man versus nature.

Release date: July, 2009
IMDB Rating: 6.6

10) Nier: Automata Ver1.1a

Nier: Automata Ver1.1a, an animated adaptation of the video game NieR: Automata, shares some similarities with Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Both movies take place in post-apocalyptic worlds, where the remnants of humanity are engaged in a struggle for survival. While Nausicaä focuses on the clash between nations and the threat of pollution, Nier: Automata explores a long-running war between androids and machines, unraveling the truth of their world. Both films delve into complex themes, challenging our perceptions of good and evil, and questioning humanity's role in nature. However, where Nausicaä captivates with its breathtaking animation and deep characters, Nier: Automata struggles to maintain momentum, relying heavily on dialogue rather than action. Despite this, fans of the Nier: Automata game may still find the anime adaptation intriguing, as it offers a fresh perspective on the game's story.

Release date: January, 2023
IMDB Rating: 7.4

11) From the New World

From the New World is reminiscent of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind in its post-apocalyptic setting and exploration of a dying planet. Both stories take place in a future where the Earth has been devastated, and humanity must navigate the consequences of their actions. While Nausicaä focuses on a warrior princess's struggle to prevent war, From the New World follows a group of friends as they uncover dark secrets about their seemingly peaceful society. Nausicaä captivates with its stunning animation and three-dimensional characters, while From the New World combines horror and suspense to create a mentally traumatizing experience. The similarities between these two works lay in their exploration of post-apocalyptic themes, but their unique storytelling approaches make both worth watching.

Release date: September, 2012
IMDB Rating: 7.9

12) Appleseed Alpha

Appleseed Alpha, released in 2014, is reminiscent of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. While the plot of Appleseed Alpha may not be groundbreaking, it compensates with its stunning artwork. The movie's depiction of the ruins of New York is so visually captivating that I found myself questioning whether it was animation or live action. The attention to detail and the ability to create a post-apocalyptic world that you can almost reach out and touch is truly remarkable. In contrast, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, released in 1984, captivated audiences with its beautiful animation and enthralling story. It explored the complexities of man versus nature and highlighted the importance of compassion in the face of violence and war. Both movies share the theme of a dying planet and the struggle to survive in a post-apocalyptic world, but they approach it in different ways.

Release date: July, 2014
IMDB Rating: 6.5

13) 9

"9" is reminiscent of "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" in its post-apocalyptic setting and themes of humanity's struggle against a dying world. Both movies explore the consequences of environmental destruction and the battle between man and nature. However, while "Nausicaä" focuses on the compassion and pacifism of its protagonist, "9" takes a darker tone, emphasizing the fight for survival and the role of artificial intelligence. The animation in both films is visually stunning, with intricate details and beautiful landscapes. Despite their similarities, "9" leans more towards an older audience, with its darker and scarier elements, making it a captivating watch for those who appreciate thought-provoking animated films.

Release date: September, 2009
IMDB Rating: 7

14) Origin: Spirits of the Past

"Origin: Spirits of the Past" is reminiscent of "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" in terms of their post-apocalyptic settings and environmental themes. Both movies take place in a future where humanity's actions have ravaged the planet, leading to a dying world and the emergence of sentient forests. However, while "Nausicaä" focuses on the struggle to prevent war and destruction, "Origin" takes a different approach. It introduces Agito, a young boy who discovers a machine that awakens a girl from the past, Tula, with a mission to change or destroy everything. The plot takes unexpected turns with the inclusion of a bad guy, an army, and a volcano computer super machine. Despite its flaws, "Origin" offers an interesting exploration of ecological problems and the consequences of human actions, making it worth a watch for fans of "Nausicaä" who are looking for a different take on similar themes.

Release date: January, 2006
IMDB Rating: 6.3

15) Junk Head

"Junk Head" is like entering the twisted subconscious of its director, Takahide Hori. It's a film that defies categorization, much like "Eraserhead" or "Brazil." The movie takes place in a labyrinthine underground world, where the inhabitants have become cave-dwelling creatures, cut off from the outside world. It's a troglodytic realm that feels both alien and cult-like, without any clear explanation. The stop-motion animation technique adds to the surreal and unsettling atmosphere of the film. While watching "Junk Head," you'll be immersed in Hori's dedicated ambition and imaginative delights, experiencing something that is hard to put into words. It's a voyage of discovery into a post-apocalyptic future that will leave you blinking and confused, but definitely not forgetting the unique experience you've had.

Release date: October, 2021
IMDB Rating: 7.4

16) The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3

The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3 takes us on a nostalgic journey back to the classic Nintendo Entertainment System video game. While not as visually stunning as "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind," this animated series captures the essence of the Super Mario Bros. franchise with 26 action-packed adventures. It's a fun-filled romp through the Mushroom Kingdom, where Mario and Luigi face off against the mischievous Koopalings in their quest to rescue Princess Peach. The show brings back memories of a simpler time, when video games ruled and Saturday morning cartoons were a staple. Although it may not have the same depth or complexity as Nausicaä, The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3 provides a lighthearted and entertaining experience that will surely delight gamers and fans of the iconic franchise.

Release date: September, 1990
IMDB Rating: 7.1

17) Amon Saga

Amon Saga is reminiscent of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind because both movies take place in fantasy worlds filled with adventure. In Nausicaä, Princess Nausicaä fights to save her dying planet from destruction, while in Amon Saga, the young warrior Amon embarks on a quest to avenge his mother's death. Both films feature themes of revenge and the struggle between good and evil. However, there are some notable differences. Nausicaä is an animated film by director Hayao Miyazaki, known for its stunning attention to detail and three-dimensional characters. On the other hand, Amon Saga's animation falls short, with a weaker frame rate. Despite this, the story in Amon Saga is captivating, the violence is controlled but enjoyable, and the characters are engaging. If you enjoyed Nausicaä's thrilling adventure and intricate plot, Amon Saga offers a similar experience with a different visual style.

Release date: July, 1986
IMDB Rating: 5.6

18) Super Mario Brothers: Great Mission to Rescue Princess Peach

Super Mario Brothers: Great Mission to Rescue Princess Peach is reminiscent of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind in terms of both movies having a princess in need of rescue. However, the similarities end there. While Nausicaä is a beautifully animated film set in a post-apocalyptic world where the protagonist, Princess Nausicaä, struggles to prevent war and save her dying planet, Super Mario Brothers takes a different approach. It follows the Mario Bros. as they get sucked into their Famicom game and embark on a mission to rescue Princess Peach from King Bowser Koopa. Despite the differences in plot and setting, both movies capture the essence of adventure and feature brave heroes on a quest to save a princess. If you're a fan of the Mario franchise and enjoy animated films with a touch of comedy and fantasy, Super Mario Brothers: Great Mission to Rescue Princess Peach is definitely worth a watch.

Release date: July, 1986
IMDB Rating: 5.6

19) Ulysses 31

Ulysses 31 is a series that takes Greek mythology and cleverly re-tells it in a science fiction fantasy environment. It may seem like a common concept now, but back when it was first transmitted in 1981, it was something different. The animation may be what you would expect from a TV series aimed at kids from that era, but it still manages to have its own charm. The attention to detail on the spaceship is quite impressive, and the music throughout the series is pretty good too. While the dubbing is just adequate, watching it in its original French language with English subtitles might be a more enjoyable experience. Overall, Ulysses 31 is a pretty good series that deserves to be celebrated.

Release date: September, 1991
IMDB Rating: 8

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