15 Best Non-Ghibli Anime Movies That Feel Like a Studio Ghibli Movie

There is no doubt that Studio Ghibli Has gathered a huge following around the world, since its unique animation style, mesmerizing themes, and endearing stories beautifully convey the adventures of its characters, showing magical worlds and nostalgic situations that can warm the hearts of even casual viewers. However, Studio Ghibli only has a limited number of films, so after seeing them all, many fans are left with an empty feeling about what to watch next.

luckily, Ghibli isn’t the only studio capable of making movies that stay with fans foreverSince its influence has created great animators and directors of other production houses. Many other studios have to their credit stunning films that combine very diverse themes, treating them with the delicacy and correctness characteristic of Studio Ghibli movies.

Many non-Ghibli films take their inspiration from Hayao Miyazaki’s workAnd even if each director gives them their own personal touch, they feel as if they were made by Studio Ghibli.

15

Children Chasing Lost Voices is a fun game in the Studio Ghibli formula

Film by Comics Wave Films; Directed by Makoto Shinkai

2011s Children who chase lost voices Star Asuna Watase, a young girl who was struggling in life thanks to the unfortunate death of her father. Meanwhile, an encounter with a mysterious boy named Shun leads Asuna and her teacher to Agartha, a mystical realm said to hold the power to revive the dead, and while Asuna’s teacher is willing to use it, it takes a heavy Journey through the land for Asuna to find what she wants.

While Makoto Shinkai is best known for Your name, Weather with youAnd Suzume, Children who chase lost voices Encapsulates everything great about Makoto Shinkai’s work with its amazing visuals and strong, emotional character writing. The film does a good job of playing into the action and drama that have become staples of Studio Ghibli, and fans of their work will certainly find a lot to love in it.

14

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006) learns that every action has consequences

Film by Madhouse; Based on the novel by Yasutaka Tsutsui

The acclaimed movie The girl who jumped through time by Mamoru Hosoda is one of his most Ghibli-esque films, which follows the story of Makoto, a high school student who, one day, when she is about to suffer a terrible accident, discovers that she is able to jump into Time. From that moment on, Makoto begins to use her new powers to make her life easier, but then she realizes that changing the past is not so simple and that every action, no matter how small, has consequences.

The magical way in which Hosoda manages to invert history, using the time jump as an excuse for Makoto’s personal journey, resembles A Studio Ghibli film. The girl who jumped through time is a beautiful film about youth and second chances that teaches fans to enjoy the present and that time waits for no one.

13

Mary and the Witch’s Flower (2017) is a film by former Studio Ghibli workers

Based on the 1971 novel, The Little Brumstick, by Mary Stewart

It is expected that the animation style of Mary and the Witch’s Flower Will mention the films of Hayao Miyazaki, since Studio Ponoc was founded by former Studio Ghibli workers. This fact can also be observed in the way his plot is reminiscent of Kiki’s delivery service.

Also, Mary is a girl living in a modern era who embarks on a journey just like Chihiro from Spirited Away And had to face a mysterious environment, in this case magical instead of the supernatural creatures of Japanese fantasy. Mary and the Witch’s Flower Takes elements of his past legacy and, although it is unrefined like Ponoc’s first filmStill shares part of the spirit and strength of Studio Ghibli, creating a wonderful experience for the viewers.

12

The boy and the beast (2015) Show a fantasy kingdom apart from the real world

Written and directed by Mamoru Hosoda

Kyota is a young orphan living on the streets of Shibuya, who suddenly encounters a fantastic beast’s kingdom and encounters Kumatetsu, a large brute bear-like warrior beast. From that moment on, the young boy becomes a sort of apprentice for Kumatetsu.

The boy and the bearsIt shows the growth that its protagonists go through, Touching on topics such as finding family through an adoptive father-son relationship, loneliness, searching for a place to belong, and friendship, among many others. With a drawing style characteristic of Mamoru Hosoda, the film clearly shows the separation between the normal world and the fantastic realm where different animals coexist, giving a look at Japanese mythology and culture just like in Spirited Away.

11

The Imaginary (2024) uses fantasy as an escape from reality

Based on the 2014 novel The Imaginary by AF Harrold.

The imaginary is a Ghibli-inspired film but with its own magic. The character design resembles the famous studio, which is to be expected as it is directed by Yoshiyuki Momose, who previously worked as an animator on films such as Porco Rosso, Spirited Away, Princess MononokeAnd Tomb of the Fireflies. The imaginary Focuses on imaginary friends, creating a whole world of fantasy and wonderful creatures from Amanda’s mind.

Amanda’s friend is an imaginary entity called Rudger, and they share a relationship like Ponyo and Sousuke from Studio Ghibli’s film Ponyo. With charming animation full of color and detail, the film is an emotional journey that deals with fantasy as an escape from reality, loss, and, above all, the beauty of childhood.

10

Flavors of Youth (2018) is full of the melancholy of a Ghibli film

Original film produced by CoMix Wave Films and Haoliners Animation League

Flavors of youth Remember Studio Ghibli not only through the food, in how the film manages to animate it and present it in two dimensions in a visually attractive way, but also through the memories it awakens in its viewers, those associated with childhood and significant moments in life .

Flavors of youth is an anthology produced by Your name Studio Comics Wave Films and Haoliners Animation League, Az Shows a beautiful collection of memories full of nostalgia through three different storiesA film about growing up that shares the same emotion as Just yesterday from Studio Ghibli, but at the same time is also full of social criticism, which shows how cities are transformed by the search for modernity. It’s an ode to the passage of time and the arrival of adulthood, full of melancholy similar to the way a Ghibli film makes fans feel.

9

A whisk away (2020) is a love story for cat lovers

A Studio Colorado film written by Mari Okada

A whisk away is a film by Studio Colorido in which Miyo Sasaki receives a mysterious mask that helps her transform into a cat, and with this appearance, she decides to approach her classmate Kento Hinode, revealing his sweet hidden side. But Miyo soon realizes that stopping being human isn’t as fantastic as she thought.

The existence of a magical world known as the island of cats in the film is reminiscent of the movie A cat returns. too, A whisk away Shares the fantastic essence of Studio Ghibli, mixing reality with supernatural elements to tell the storyWhich is not only about love but also about life decisions, loneliness, and family.

8

A Letter to Momo (2011) is about family and regret

Written and directed by Hiroyuki Okiura, Produced by Production IG

A letter to Momo is a film directed by Hiroyuki Okiura that starts with the premise that Momo’s father only left her a small letter before he died, so she struggles to overcome her grief by distancing herself from her mother, and when they move to a remote island, Momo met. Three separate Yokai. These quirky beings serve as intermediaries to explore the relationships between living loved ones and those who have left.

in this way, A letter to Momo is like an homage to Studio Ghibli’s films, sticking to the formula of supernatural spirits interacting with children and teaching them a valuable lesson in life. A letter to Momo has a great melancholy feeling, exploring thoughts such as regret and the desire to change what you have done in the past; However, the film showcases a very optimistic story with touches of humor distributed in such a way that it is not overly difficult for viewers.

7

Fortune Favorite Lady Nikko (2021) is an underrated film about a mother’s love

Based on the 2014 novel Fortune Favors Lady Nikko by Kanako Nishi and directed by Ayumu Watanabe.

Fortune favors Lady Nikko is a wholesome and quirky movie about a mother-daughter relationship and growing up that unfortunately flew under the radar of many anime fans. The film’s detailed and realistic photography and very well-made animation activate a sense of nostalgia in the viewer by showing the endearing dynamic between Nikuko and KikurinWith light touches of magical realism, thanks to the last overflowing fantasy.

Not only is the fantastic dimension the film gives to motherhood reminiscent of Studio Ghibli, but Nikuko pays several tributes to My friend Totoro Throughout the entire film. Additionally, Kikurin is a girl coming of age who starts to take an interest in another classmate, something that fans of the underrated movies Whispers of the heart And From up on Poppy Hill can enjoy.

6

Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms is bittersweet tragedy at its finest

Film by PA Works; Directed by Mari Okada

2018s Maquia: When the promised flower blooms Star Maquia, one of the few surviving members of a race of beings that live for hundreds of years without aging. After the destruction of her clan, Maquia adopts a human child, Ariel, to regain a sense of family, and although things are initially good, the realities of Ariel aging while Maquia stays the same are quick to catch up with them and create new tragedy. For them to get.

Mari Okada is famous for anime with tragic and emotional storytelling, and for the masterful craft of ​​his writing and visuals, Maquia: When the promised flower blooms is one of the best shows of Mari Okada’s penchant for dramatic stories. Studio Ghibli is no stranger to this type of writing either, and anyone who enjoys it there will find a lot to love about Maquiatoo.

5

Giovanni’s Island (2014) is more optimistic than The Pit of the Fireflies

A film directed by Mizuho Nishikubo and produced by Production IG

Studio Ghibli not only has films full of magic and fantasy, but it also has several films that deal with the horrors of war, told through a pacifist, reflective and self-critical vision. Giovanni’s Island Shares this aspect, showing the aftermath of the Second World War, when the soldiers of the Soviet Union occupied the small island of Shikotan, showing how this occupation creates a friendship that tries to overcome the language barriers between the Young Japanese brothers, Junpei and Kanta, and a Russian girl named Tanya.

Not only does the film have a tone similar to Studio Ghibli Tomb of the Fireflies, But the design of its protagonists and part of the story are reminiscent of the film directed by Isao Takahata. Furthermore, the film uses literature as an escape for the brothers through the famous book ‘Night on the Galactic Train’ by Kenji Miyazawa. Giovanni’s Island is emotional and heartfelt, but also dark, tense, and tragic at times, showing a story of salvation and loss, as well as friendship, love and family, with a positive final message.

4

In This Corner of the World (2016) is a slice of life in times of war

Based on the manga Kono Sekai No Katasumi Ni by Fumiyo KōNo and produced by MAPPA.

In this corner of the world is a striking slice-of-life film with a strong anti-war message that is overshadowed by its release in the same year as Hits as Your name Or A quiet voice. With a stunning watercolor animation that may appeal to fans of Ghibli movies like My neighbors the Yamadas And The Tale of the Princess KaguyaThe film reflects the harsh reality of World War II from the point of view of the young protagonist, Suzu, who tells the daily life of the people of Kure, a port city near Hiroshima.

Although the film shares the same theme as Tomb of the FirefliesSuzu’s story has a much more optimistic ending. also, While Studio Ghibli’s work conveys war with a devastating crudeness, In this corner of the world Wasn’t as scary thanks to Suzu’s visionWhose imagination helps you cope with traumatic events. The film is subtly impregnated with the banality of life and the passage of days with everything that entails until reaching a devastating climax with unpredictable and irreparable changes that will give rise to the evolution and maturity of the innocent Suzu.

3

Your Name is still one of the best romance stories in anime

Film by Comics Wave Films; Directed by Makoto Shinkai

2016s Your name Stars Mitsuha Miyamizu and Taki Tachibana, a country girl and a city boy who suddenly start switching bodies every time they go to sleep. Mitsuha and Taki grow closer to each other as they work through the strange situation they’ve found themselves in, but it soon becomes clear that distance is the least of the problems they’ll have to deal with being together.

Your nameIts strong characters and romantic writing, combined with its stellar visuals and direction, make it one of the best anime films to come out in the last decade.And since its release, Makoto Shinkai has been heralded as one of the best anime directors of the modern day. There are few films with as many emotional highs as Your nameAnd that makes it perfect for any fan of Studio Ghibli’s work.

2

Bell is a masterclass in writing and animation

Film by Studio Chizu; Directed by Mamoru Hosoda

2021s Master Star Suzu Naito, a socially awkward girl who finds herself with newfound courage in the virtual world of Yu as the famous singer Bell. During this time, Suzu finds herself drawn to the mysterious and violent Ryu, also known as the “Beast,” and the growing relationship between them becomes the biggest impetus for Suzu to change in the real world, as well.

The film not only has gorgeous art and animation in both 2D and 3D, but due to its clear Disney inspirations, Master is a film with amazing writing for its lead and some of the best music of any anime filmresulting in an almost perfect modernization of Beauty and the Beast From start to finish. Mamoru Hosoda has always been great at conveying the same energy you find in Studio Ghibli films, and Master is his latest and greatest show of that.

1

Lupine III: The Castle of Cagliostro is Miyazaki’s best pre-Studio Ghibli work

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki; Based on the manga by Monkey Punch

Before he founded Studio Ghibli, Hayao Miyazaki was famous for his work on the legendary Lupine III anime, and this led to his directorial debut with 1979’s Lupine III: The Castle of Cagliostro. How many Lupine III In stories, Lupine ropes his friends into a major heist that could let them set for life, the ancient treasure of Cagliostro, but it soon becomes clear that Lupine’s mission may be more personal than he led on.

The film does a great job of drawing people with a charming character and an engaging story, all of which is perfectly emphasized by Lupine III: The Castle of Cagliostro Featuring some of the best art and animation of any of Hayao Miyazaki’s filmsEven after founding Studio Ghibli. Everything great about Miyazaki’s work is on display here, and it does so easily Best anime movie that feels like a Studio Ghibli movie.