If you want to stay immersed in the enchanting world that Studio Ghibli creates then you are in for a treat as these five anime series capture a similar immersive storytelling style. Here are some of them:
Top Anime to watch if you love Studio Ghibli
5. Mushishi
- Mushishi is a captivating anime series that stands out for its unique and enchanting storytelling. Adapted from the manga by Yuki Urushibara, it takes viewers on a journey into a mystical world inhabited by supernatural creatures known as Mushi.
- The series follows the footsteps of Ginko, a wandering traveler known as a Mushishi. He possesses the ability to perceive and interact with Mushi, ethereal beings that exist alongside humans but are often unseen.
Each episode is a self-contained story as Ginko travels from place to place, encountering individuals who are affected by the presence of Mushi. We can see the author grappling with the delicate balance between humans and nature, and the consequences of human interaction with the spiritual realm.
4. Natsume’s Book of Friends(Natsume Yuujinchou)
It is a beloved anime series that captures the essence of supernatural encounters, heartfelt emotions, and personal growth. Adapted from the manga by Yuki Midorikawa, it tells the story of Takashi Natsume, a young boy with the ability to see spirits.
Natsume having lived a life filled with loneliness and isolation due to his unique ability, is baffled when he inherits a mysterious book from his grandmother, Reiko. This book, known as the Book of Friends, contains the names of spirits that Reiko had defeated and bound to her will. With the book in his possession, Natsume embarks on a journey to free these spirits and learn more about his grandmother’s past.
3. The Ancient Magus’ Bride (Mahoutsukai no Yome)
The Ancient Magus’ Bride is a captivating anime series based on the manga by Kore Yamazaki. It tells the story of Chise Hatori, a young girl who finds herself caught in a world of magic and mysticism.
Chise has endured a difficult life, feeling unwanted and burdened by her ability to see supernatural creatures. However, everything changes when she is purchased at an auction by Elias Ainsworth, a powerful and enigmatic mage known as the Thorn Mage or The Ancient Magus. In a pleasant and painstakingly slow burn of events, Elias takes Chise as his apprentice and eventually as his bride-to-be.
2. Wolf Children (Okami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki)
It is a heartfelt and emotionally resonant anime film directed by Mamoru Hosoda. It tells the story of Hana, a young woman who falls in love with a werewolf and together they have two children, Ame and Yuki.
The film follows Hana’s journey as she raises her half-human, half-wolf children on her own after her husband’s untimely death. Faced with the challenges of nurturing children with both human and wolf instincts, Hana decides to move to a rural area where they can freely embrace their dual identities.
1. Kino’s Journey (Kino no Tabi)
A rare edition to the likes of Studio Ghibli, Kino’s Journey is a captivating anime series that follows the travels of Kino, a young adventurer, and her talking motorcycle companion, Hermes.
- The series revolves around Kino’s journey through different countries, each with its own unique customs, traditions, and ideologies.
- Kino and Hermes encounter various people and situations, observing and sometimes becoming involved in the complex moral and ethical dilemmas present in each location.
These anime series and films evoke the same sense of wonder, intricate world-building, and thought-provoking themes found in Studio Ghibli films. If you ever run out of fresh Studio Ghibli content, you can definitely turn to these. You can find all of these titles on Crunchyroll or HiDive.