The captivating film Ponyo, released in 2008 by the renowned Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, mesmerized viewers with its enchanting tale of young love, friendship, and adventure. Set in a magical underwater world, the movie follows the story of Ponyo, a little goldfish who transforms into a human girl and forms a bond with a five-year-old boy named Sosuke, making it a standout in its imaginative setting and captivating charm.
Fans of Ponyo may also enjoy other anime movies such as Spirited Away, Kiki’s Delivery Service, The Secret World of Arrietty, and other similar titles.
This article is based on the writer’s opinions and should be viewed subjectively.
9 Must-Watch Anime Films Similar to Ponyo
1) Spirited Away
The plot of this Academy Award-winning movie centers around Chihiro, a 10-year-old girl who stumbles into a fantastical realm of spirits. She embarks on a quest to save her parents from danger.
Similar to Ponyo, Spirited Away also showcases mesmerizing animation and a fantastical spirit realm filled with incredibly imaginative creatures like curious Susuwatari soot sprites, the foreboding masked No-Face, and a formidable witch named Yubaba.
Chihiro, much like Ponyo, is a determined and compassionate heroine. Spirited Away, with its touching story of personal growth, imaginative animation, and exploration of themes such as maturity and environmentalism, showcases Miyazaki’s exceptional talent and solidifies its place as one of the top anime films similar to Ponyo.
My Neighbor Totoro
For those looking for anime movies similar to Ponyo, the 1988 classic My Neighbor Totoro is a great option. It follows the adventures of Satsuki and Mei, two sisters who make friends with cute forest creatures, including the lovable Totoro, while adapting to their new life in the countryside.
The movie is filled with the same childlike wonder and imagination as Ponyo, from Totoro’s endearing character design to the girls’ enchanting encounters with mystical creatures like Susuwatari and a magical cat bus.
Furthermore, it illuminates the themes of hope and resilience, while also drawing comparisons to the heartwarming friendship between Ponyo and Sosuke.
Kiki’s Delivery Service
Similar to Ponyo from Hayao Miyazaki’s early Ghibli years, another standout anime film is 1989’s Kiki’s Delivery Service. This movie follows the story of a young witch named Kiki on her journey.
Similarly to Ponyo’s journey as a human girl in the human world, this movie depicts Kiki’s move to a seaside town where she learns to live on her own and utilize her magical abilities to assist those in need. With its slice-of-life narrative and occasional displays of witchcraft against beautiful coastal scenery, the film captures the same cozy and enchanting atmosphere as Ponyo.
4) Movie Title: Whisper of the Heart
For fans of anime films like Ponyo, Whisper of the Heart (1995) is a fantastic choice as it is more rooted in modern-day reality rather than fantasy.
In the heartwarming coming-of-age movie, we follow the journey of Shizuku Tsukishima, a young girl who becomes motivated to write her own novel after noticing the recurring name on multiple library books she reads. Similar to Ponyo’s emphasis on friendship and young romance, Whisper of the Heart portrays Shizuku’s charming and bumbling connection with a skilled violin maker who shares her love for creativity.
The Secret World of Arrietty
Another remarkable animated movie that shares the same enchanting essence as Ponyo is The Secret World of Arrietty from 2010, adapted from the beloved novel The Borrowers.
Just like Ponyo, who was eager to understand Sosuke’s world, young Arrietty develops a fascination for ordinary human life after befriending a human boy who discovers her family of tiny people. Despite the risks involved in their interspecies connection, the two form an unlikely friendship.
This film captures the essence of childhood curiosity and innocence, which is crucial to Ponyo’s charm, making it an enchanting viewing experience.
6) Book Review: Howl’s Moving Castle
Miyazaki’s acclaimed epic Howl’s Moving Castle, with its magical shape-shifting castle and wizard Howl, will capture the hearts of fantasy enthusiasts as they journey through the breathtaking countryside.
Despite being transformed into an old woman by an evil witch, protagonist Sophie Hatter stumbles upon Howl’s Castle and sets off on an enthralling quest to break the curse. The movie’s imaginative steampunk designs and stunning visuals are reminiscent of Ponyo’s ability to infuse ordinary locations with enchanting beings and landscapes.
“Focusing on the themes of bravery and looking beyond outward appearances, this thrilling story of enchantment and awe is a perfect fit for those who appreciate the qualities found in Ponyo.”
7) When Marnie Was There
In 2014, When Marnie Was There provided an emotionally powerful and bittersweet option filled with enchantment and companionship. The story centers around Anna Sasaki, a foster child who travels to a coastal village. There, she encounters the enigmatic Marnie and their bond leads to a captivating relationship full of hidden truths.
The movie masterfully weaves stunning seaside visuals and the blossoming bond between two solitary young girls into a touching tale of self-discovery. Additionally, it highlights the significance of friendship during trying periods.
The final revelations of the film are equally impactful and bittersweet, creating a memorable viewing experience that is bound to captivate fans of anime movies such as Ponyo.
Mary and the Witch’s Flower
This delightful 2017 movie, created by previous Ghibli animator Hiromasa Yonebayashi, captures the same enchanting essence as Miyazaki’s films. In Mary and the Witch’s Flower, an average girl named Mary stumbles upon a special flower that gives her incredible witch abilities for a single evening.
This movie has an enchanting academy setting and a meaningful lesson about not rushing to mature too quickly. Its stunning animation and heartwarming charm make it a top pick for those who love anime movies such as Ponyo. The similar elements of fantastical adventure also make it a joy for viewers who appreciated the 2008 film.
Best-selling novel by Haruki Murakami
9) Wolf Children
Best-selling novel by Haruki Murakami
Similarly, another exceptional anime movie that showcases the themes of childhood innocence and self-discovery like Ponyo, is the highly praised 2012 drama Wolf Children, directed by Mamoru Hosoda.
This poignant movie centers on the upbringing of Ame and Yuki, children who are half-human and half-wolf. Following the death of their werewolf father, they are forced to move and adapt to a new way of life. Similar to Ponyo’s journey to comprehend the human realm, Wolf Children delves deeply into the idea of coming of age while torn between two distinct worlds.
The siblings’ struggle to determine which nature to embrace, whether it be wolf or human, beautifully reflects Ponyo’s own journey.
Conclusion
Fans of Ponyo can find similar themes and endearing qualities in a variety of anime films, from beloved Ghibli classics like My Neighbor Totoro to more recent successes like Wolf Children. These nine films, like Ponyo, capture the heartwarming and imaginative elements that made the titular character’s seabound adventure so iconic and beloved by audiences worldwide.
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