20 Must-Watch Movies Similar to Spirited Away

Howl's Moving Castle is reminiscent of Spirited Away, as both movies come from the brilliant mind of Hayao Miyazaki and the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli. While Spirited Away takes us on a journey through a spirit world where a young girl must navigate through gods and witches, Howl's Moving Castle tells the story of a young woman who is cursed with an old body and her quest to break the spell. Both films beautifully blend elements of fantasy, adventure, and family, creating captivating worlds that transport the audience to magical realms. However, while Spirited Away explores themes of transformation and the power of resilience, Howl's Moving Castle delves into the importance of self-acceptance and finding one's true identity. With its stunning animation, heartfelt storytelling, and lovable characters, Howl's Moving Castle is a must-watch for anyone who has fallen in love with Spirited Away and wants to embark on another magical journey.

Ponyo is a charming and visually stunning film that will transport you to a magical world. Just like Spirited Away, this movie captures the imagination with its imaginative characters and breathtaking visuals. While Spirited Away takes us into a world ruled by gods and spirits, Ponyo introduces us to a young goldfish princess who longs to become human. The innocence and pure-heartedness of the characters in Ponyo, particularly the five-year-old boy and the fish princess, create a sense of wonder and joy that is reminiscent of Spirited Away. Both movies also share the same studio Ghibli touch, with hand-drawn animation that beautifully captures the subtleties of each character's expression and body language. However, Ponyo has its own unique charm, as it explores themes of love and friendship in a small coastal town. It is a film that will make you grin from ear to ear and remind you of the power of simplicity and imagination.

The Secret World of Arrietty takes you on a delightful journey into the lives of the Clock family, who are tiny people living secretly in someone else's home. Just like in Spirited Away, the main character is a young girl, but instead of stumbling into a spirit world, Arrietty's world is filled with miniature wonders. The hand-drawn animation in Arrietty is as enchanting as Spirited Away, capturing the everyday life of the characters in a wondrous way. While the story takes a while to build up, once you're immersed in the charming world of the film, time seems to fly by. Arrietty may not reach the heights of Miyazaki's best films, but it's a worthy addition to Studio Ghibli's collection. With a score by French singer Cecile Corbel that adds a distinctly European flavor, Arrietty is a simple yet charming film, perfect for children and anyone in the mood for a good animated adventure.

The Cat Returns is reminiscent of Spirited Away in its imaginative and enchanting world. While Spirited Away takes us on a journey through a spirit world ruled by gods and witches, The Cat Returns introduces us to a magical world where a girl finds herself engaged to a cat Prince after saving a cat's life. Both films captivate with their stunning animation and artistry, but what sets The Cat Returns apart is its simplicity, which enchants the audience on a subconscious level. The characters in both movies are well-developed, with Haru being a believable and endearing protagonist, and the dashing and charming Baron making a perfect feline companion. The English dubbing of The Cat Returns is one of the strongest and most entertaining for any anime film, with Cary Elwes and Anne Hathaway delivering standout performances. However, the only downside is that the movie is shorter than it should be, leaving some room for further character and story development.

Kiki's Delivery Service is reminiscent of Spirited Away in many ways. Both movies are enchanting animated films from the renowned Studio Ghibli, known for their visually stunning and imaginative storytelling. While Spirited Away takes us on a journey through a spirit world, Kiki's Delivery Service follows a young witch named Kiki as she navigates her mandatory year of independence. The films share themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the importance of human connections. However, there are notable differences between the two. Spirited Away is a longer film, with a runtime of 7500 seconds compared to Kiki's Delivery Service's 6180 seconds. Additionally, Spirited Away delves into darker and more complex themes, while Kiki's Delivery Service maintains a lighter and more straightforward narrative. Overall, if you enjoyed Spirited Away, you should definitely watch Kiki's Delivery Service for its beautiful animation, charming characters, and heartwarming story.

Princess Mononoke is reminiscent of Spirited Away with its stunning animation and imaginative characters. Both films are masterpieces from the legendary Hayao Miyazaki and capture the essence of Studio Ghibli. While Spirited Away takes us on a journey into a world ruled by gods and spirits, Princess Mononoke delves into an epic war between forest gods and a mining colony. The protagonist in both films, a young boy in Spirited Away and Ashitaka in Princess Mononoke, find themselves caught in the middle of these conflicts and must navigate their way through complex moral dilemmas. What sets Princess Mononoke apart is its darker and more mature tone, exploring themes of balance between industry and nature, and the complexities of good and evil. The animation in Princess Mononoke is truly spectacular, with its unique style that showcases Miyazaki's wild and jam-packed imagination.

Tales from Earthsea: After watching this film, I was pleased with the overall feel and look of the production. Although the artistry and animation quality may not match up to other recent Ghibli studio films, the studio's visual creation of Earthsea is still impressive. The rich and colorful setting, along with a solid score, helps to shape the vibrant world in which the story unfolds. However, it's important to note that this film is not a faithful representation of Ursula K. Le Guin's literary Earthsea but rather something unique unto itself. One noticeable difference from the books is the absence of the sea, which seems to mostly be in the background. While the story may not stand out as anything great, it still manages to hold up because the setting never loses its feel. The characters in the film borrow heavily from Ghibli's previous works, although they come off as serious and far removed from the playful personalities in other Ghibli films.

The Lion King is a movie that will transport you to the picturesque savannas of Africa, where a young lion prince named Simba embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Just like Spirited Away, this film is not just for kids; it has a universal appeal that will captivate audiences of all ages. While Spirited Away takes us on a magical adventure through a spirit world, The Lion King takes us on a coming-of-age journey filled with drama, family dynamics, and Shakespearean undertones. Both movies boast stunning animation and a stellar voice cast that brings the characters to life. However, unlike Spirited Away, The Lion King is set in the animal kingdom and explores themes of kingship and the circle of life. So if you loved Spirited Away's imaginative world and heartfelt story, The Lion King is a must-watch that will leave you singing "Hakuna Matata" long after the credits roll.

Lilo & Stitch is reminiscent of Spirited Away because both movies take you on a captivating journey to a world beyond our own. In Spirited Away, we follow a sullen 10-year-old girl who stumbles upon a realm ruled by gods, witches, and spirits. Similarly, Lilo & Stitch tells the story of a young girl who unknowingly adopts a "dog" that turns out to be a dangerous alien experiment hiding from its creator. Both films explore themes of friendship, family, and the search for belonging. While Spirited Away enchants with its visually stunning animation and imaginative characters, Lilo & Stitch captivates with its heartwarming story and relatable characters. So if you loved Spirited Away, make sure to watch Lilo & Stitch for another adventure that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.

WALL·E, released in 2008, is reminiscent of Spirited Away. Both films possess an undeniable charm that captivates viewers from start to finish. Spirited Away takes us on a magical journey through a world of gods, witches, and spirits, where even humans are transformed into beasts. Similarly, WALL·E transports us to the distant future, where a small waste-collecting robot unknowingly embarks on a space adventure that will determine the fate of humanity. Both films explore themes of environmentalism and the consequences of human actions, with Spirited Away delving into the consequences of greed and WALL·E shining a light on the perils of consumerism and pollution. While Spirited Away immerses us in a world filled with imaginative characters and stunning visuals, WALL·E showcases Pixar's exceptional animation and heartwarming storytelling. In fact, WALL·E has been hailed as one of Pixar's best films, and it's easy to see why.

From Up on Poppy Hill is a delightful film that shares some similarities with Spirited Away. Both movies are from the renowned Studio Ghibli and have a touch of magic in their storytelling. While Spirited Away takes us on a fantastical journey through a spirit world, From Up on Poppy Hill grounds us in the everyday life of a group of Yokohama teens. The absence of villains and extravagant settings in From Up on Poppy Hill allows us to focus on the simple yet captivating romance between the hero and the heroine. It reminds me of another Ghibli film, Ocean Waves, where the magic lies in the ordinary moments of life. The characters in these films feel more real and relatable than those in typical Hollywood rom-coms. If you enjoyed Spirited Away's imaginative characters and captivating story, you'll appreciate the charm and subtlety of From Up on Poppy Hill.

Coco, released in 2017, is a movie that shares some similarities with Spirited Away. Both films fall under the animation genre and explore fantastical worlds: Spirited Away delves into a realm ruled by gods, witches, and spirits, while Coco takes us to the vibrant Land of the Dead. Moreover, they both feature child protagonists who embark on extraordinary journeys. However, Coco distinguishes itself by focusing on the theme of family and the significance of the Day of the Dead in Mexican culture. Through its heartwarming story and soulful music, Coco beautifully portrays the importance of remembering and honoring our ancestors. So, if you loved Spirited Away and want to be immersed in a visually stunning and emotionally resonant tale that celebrates family bonds and the power of music, Coco is a must-watch. Just remember to bring a box of tissues, as this film might tug at your heartstrings in unexpected ways.

Toy Story is reminiscent of Spirited Away in its ability to transport audiences to a magical world. Just as Spirited Away takes us to a realm ruled by gods and spirits, Toy Story invites us into the imaginative world of a boy's bedroom where toys come to life. While Spirited Away explores themes of family and transformation, Toy Story delves into the insecurities and rivalries that arise when a new toy enters the picture. Both movies captivate viewers with their enchanting animation and memorable characters. However, Toy Story stands out with its clever humor and heartwarming messages of friendship and self-realization. So if you loved Spirited Away's visual splendor and captivating story, you'll definitely want to join Woody, Buzz, and the gang on their unforgettable adventures.

My Neighbor Totoro is a delightful film that captures the same magical essence as Spirited Away. Both movies were directed by Hayao Miyazaki and share similar key topics such as a child protagonist and a rural setting. While Spirited Away takes us on a fantastical journey into a spirit world, My Neighbor Totoro enchants us with wondrous forest spirits. The animation in both films is outstanding, with Miyazaki's signature attention to detail. However, unlike Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro lacks an antagonist, showcasing Miyazaki's genius ability to create a compelling story without a traditional villain. Although My Neighbor Totoro is a children's movie, it holds universal appeal with its humor that resonates with both young and adult viewers. If you enjoyed the imaginative characters and beautiful visuals of Spirited Away, you'll be captivated by the charm and heartwarming story of My Neighbor Totoro.

Lilo & Stitch: The Series takes us on a wild ride alongside a mischievous duo, just like in Spirited Away. While Spirited Away introduces us to a magical world ruled by gods and spirits, Lilo & Stitch: The Series brings us to Hawaii, where a rambunctious human and an alien named Stitch must track down Dr. Jumba Jookiba's 625 other experimental creatures. Both movies feature unique and imaginative characters that are sure to capture your attention. Spirited Away enchants us with its stunning visuals and beautiful music, while Lilo & Stitch: The Series keeps us entertained with its lovable and funny character, Stitch, and a diverse cast. Although the two movies have different settings and storylines, they both offer an exciting adventure that will leave you wanting more. So, if you loved Spirited Away, get ready to laugh and be captivated by the hilarious escapades in Lilo & Stitch: The Series.

Whisper of the Heart is a charming and heartwarming movie that will make you fall in love with its characters and story. Just like Spirited Away, it is a Studio Ghibli film that beautifully captures the innocence and magic of childhood. While Spirited Away takes us on a fantastical journey to a world ruled by gods and spirits, Whisper of the Heart tells a simple yet captivating love story set in the real world. It explores themes of ambition, coming of age, and the power of books. The artwork is simple yet fantastic, showcasing Studio Ghibli's ability to create captivating films without relying on high-tech animation. The music, including the beloved "Country Road" by J.Denver, adds to the overall atmosphere and charm of the movie. If you haven't watched Whisper of the Heart, it is a must-see that will leave you feeling nostalgic and in love with its characters.

"Dexter's Laboratory" is a delightful series that shares some similarities with "Spirited Away". Both movies explore the adventures of young protagonists who find themselves in extraordinary worlds. While "Spirited Away" takes us on a magical journey through the spirit realm, "Dexter's Laboratory" introduces us to the misadventures of a boy genius and his annoying sister. Both films capture the essence of childhood imagination and curiosity, inviting us to escape into fantastical worlds. While "Spirited Away" enchants us with its visually stunning animation and imaginative characters, "Dexter's Laboratory" brings humor and wit to the table, incorporating clever spoofs and plotlines that make it a smash hit. So, if you loved the enchanting world of "Spirited Away", "Dexter's Laboratory" offers a different kind of charm that will keep you entertained and nostalgic for those childhood days.

Arthur, reminiscent of Spirited Away, is a delightful animated series based on the books by Marc Brown. Just like Spirited Away, it revolves around a young protagonist, in this case, an 8-year-old aardvark named Arthur, and his journey of growing up and learning how to be a good neighbor. While Spirited Away takes us into a world ruled by gods and spirits, Arthur invites us into a charming neighborhood where Arthur and his friends navigate the everyday challenges of childhood. Both movies share the theme of a child protagonist, but their settings and the challenges they face are vastly different. Spirited Away takes us on a whimsical adventure through a spirit world, while Arthur teaches us valuable life lessons through relatable situations. So, if you've enjoyed the imaginative world of Spirited Away, you'll find joy in watching Arthur and his friends navigate the ups and downs of childhood in a heartwarming and humorous way.

ChalkZone, released in 2002, is reminiscent of Spirited Away. While Spirited Away takes us on a magical journey through a world ruled by gods and spirits, ChalkZone brings us into the imaginative world of a young boy with a magic chalk stick. In Spirited Away, the main character encounters witches and is transformed into a beast, while in ChalkZone, the boy can alter the reality of chalk drawings at will. Both movies feature child protagonists who embark on exciting adventures, but they differ in their settings and themes. Spirited Away is a visually stunning anime film from Studio Ghibli, filled with imaginative characters and a beautiful musical score. On the other hand, ChalkZone is an animated series with a lighter tone, combining adventure, comedy, and music. If you enjoyed the magical elements and child protagonists of Spirited Away, you'll find ChalkZone to be a fun and entertaining watch.

¡Mucha Lucha! is a delightful animated series that shares some similarities with Spirited Away. While Spirited Away takes us on a mystical journey through a world ruled by gods and spirits, ¡Mucha Lucha! introduces us to the story of three masked wrestlers in a wrestling school. Both films feature child protagonists who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances. However, the similarities end there. Spirited Away captivates with its stunning visuals and imaginative characters, while ¡Mucha Lucha! may not boast the same level of visual appeal. Despite this, ¡Mucha Lucha! has its own charm, with likable characters, an interesting plot, and decent acting. It may not be the best animated series out there, but it certainly surpasses the likes of Johnny Test or Coconut Fred's Fruit Salad Island. If you're looking for a fun, light-hearted show for Kids' WB!, ¡Mucha Lucha! is a better choice than Dora the Explorer.