In this section of our Colossus Movie Guide for Spirited Away, we provide recommendations for movies with similar themes and vibes.
Cast
- Chihiro Ogino/Sen – Rumi Hiiragi
- Haku – Miyu Irino
- Yubaba – Mari Natsuki
- Zeniba – Mari Natsuki
- Lin – Yoomi Tamai
- Chichiyaku – Tsunehiko Kamijō
- No-Face – Akio Nakamura
- Akio Ogino – Takashi Naito
- Yūko Ogino – Yasuko Sawaguchi
- Chichiyaku – Tsunehiko Kamijō
- Aniyaku – Takehiko Ono
- Kamaji – Bunta Sugawara
- Hayao Miyazaki – Writer and director
Movies like Spirited Away
Coraline
Coraline is a thrilling and visually compelling stop-motion film directed by Henry Selick. Much like Spirited Away, it centers around a young girl who discovers a hidden, enchanting world that appears to be a better version of her own reality. However, as Coraline delves deeper into this alternate universe, she uncovers its true dark nature. Fans of Spirited Away will appreciate the shared themes of parallel worlds and surreal, layered realities in Coraline. Both films deliver a dose of darkness with their charm, offering mature themes beneath a child-friendly surface. The performances by Dakota Fanning and Teri Hatcher add depth to this intriguing film.
The Tale of Princess Kaguya
Isao Takahata’s The Tale of Princess Kaguya is a captivating offering from Studio Ghibli. Based on a Japanese folk tale, it presents a moving story of a tiny girl found in a bamboo stalk who grows into a mysterious and beautiful young woman. Just like Spirited Away, this film showcases elements of Japanese folklore and mesmerizing visual storytelling. The exquisite hand-drawn animation style, coupled with the emotional depth of the narrative, resonates with the spirit of Miyazaki’s work. Chloe Grace Moretz and James Caan lend their voices to this beautifully animated masterpiece.
Kubo and the Two Strings
A visually stunning stop-motion masterpiece, Kubo and the Two Strings is directed by Travis Knight. Steeped in Japanese mythology, the film shares themes of bravery, self-discovery, and the power of storytelling with Spirited Away. Kubo’s journey, similar to Chihiro’s, takes viewers on an adventure filled with magical realism and intriguing characters. The combination of its beautiful visual presentation and engaging narrative makes it a must-watch for fans of Spirited Away. The film features the voices of Art Parkinson, Charlize Theron, and Matthew McConaughey.
Wolf Children
Directed by Mamoru Hosoda, Wolf Children is a deeply touching film that explores themes of identity, duality, and familial love. Like Spirited Away, it presents a story that moves between the realms of the human and the supernatural. It tells the tale of a single mother raising two unique children, who are half-human and half-wolf. Aoi Miyazaki and Takao Osawa deliver compelling performances in this heartfelt tale of love and the challenges and joys of raising children who are different.
The Red Turtle
The Red Turtle is a mesmerizing and contemplative animated film directed by Michaël Dudok de Wit. Co-produced by Studio Ghibli, this dialogue-free film explores the beauty and struggles of human existence, survival, and the cyclic nature of life. Fans of Spirited Away will appreciate its introspective, dreamlike narrative and captivating visual artistry. The film’s sense of magical realism resonates deeply with Miyazaki’s work, presenting a unique perspective on life and human connection.
Ernest & Celestine
The delightful animated film Ernest & Celestine, directed by Stéphane Aubier, Vincent Patar, and Benjamin Renner, tells an unconventional story of friendship between a bear and a mouse. This heartwarming tale resonates with the theme of unexpected bonds in Spirited Away, offering a unique exploration of friendships that transcend societal norms. Beautifully drawn and narrated, Ernest & Celestine celebrates the power of companionship and understanding.
The Secret of Kells
Directed by Tomm Moore and Nora Twomey, The Secret of Kells is an enchanting Irish animated film that mirrors the captivating storytelling and artistry of Spirited Away. The narrative follows a young boy named Brendan, who becomes the apprentice of an illuminator in the Abbey of Kells. This immersion in the world of ancient art and Celtic mythology echoes the rich cultural background of Japanese folklore in Spirited Away. The distinctive animation style and voice performances from talents like Brendan Gleeson and Evan McGuire enhance the film’s allure.
Fantastic Mr. Fox
From the creative mind of Wes Anderson, Fantastic Mr. Fox is a stop-motion animated film adapted from Roald Dahl’s children’s novel. Featuring the voices of George Clooney, Meryl Streep, and Bill Murray, the film tells the story of a fox who resorts to his old ways of stealing to support his family, thereby jeopardizing the animal community. Like Spirited Away, the film explores themes of identity and community while presenting a visually delightful world that is both real and fantastic.
The Little Prince
Based on the timeless book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince is a beautiful stop-motion and computer-animated film directed by Mark Osborne. The film, like Spirited Away, explores the journey from childhood to adulthood and the importance of holding onto childlike wonder. A little girl befriends an aviator who tells her the story of the Little Prince he once met. This enchanting narrative, with its thought-provoking themes and beautiful animation, will appeal to Spirited Away enthusiasts.
Long Way North
Rounding out this list is Long Way North, a French-Danish animated film directed by Rémi Chayé. This coming-of-age story, much like Spirited Away, follows a young protagonist, a Russian aristocrat named Sasha who embarks on a journey to the North Pole to find her missing grandfather and restore her family’s honor. Her journey through harsh environments, much like Chihiro’s ordeal in the spirit world, fosters independence and resilience. The film’s captivating narrative and its unique, minimalist animation style make it a must-watch for fans of Spirited Away.
Share your thoughts
Are there more movie recommendations you’d make for the Colossus Movie Guide for Spirited Away? Leave your thoughts below and we’ll consider them for the guide.
