The magic of a Hayao Miyazaki film is unmistakable. It's a blend of breathtaking visuals, profound heart, and a unique sense of wonder. While his style is one-of-a-kind, other filmmakers have captured that same spirit. Here are five films to watch.
Wolfwalkers (2020)
If
you love the powerful environmental themes and the clash between humanity and nature in 'Princess Mononoke', this film is for you. From Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon, 'Wolfwalkers' is a visual masterpiece set in 17th-century Ireland. It tells the story of Robyn, the daughter of a wolf hunter, who befriends a wild girl named Mebh—a 'wolfwalker' who can transform into a wolf. The hand-drawn animation is expressive and breathtaking, with a storybook quality that feels both timeless and urgent. It explores themes of colonialism, environmentalism, and female friendship with a depth that rivals Ghibli's best. The conflict between the walled-in, rigid town and the free, magical forest is a powerful metaphor that Miyazaki fans will immediately appreciate.
Song of the Sea (2014)
Also from Cartoon Saloon, 'Song of the Sea' is a gentle, heartbreakingly beautiful film steeped in Irish mythology. It follows a young boy, Ben, who discovers his mute sister, Saoirse, is a selkie—a mythological being who is human on land and a seal in the water. The story centers on their journey to save the spirit world and heal their grieving family. Much like 'Spirited Away' or 'My Neighbor Totoro', this film finds magic in the everyday world and explores deep emotions like loss and family bonds through a fantastical lens. The watercolor-inspired art style is stunning, creating a world that feels both ethereal and deeply connected to the natural landscape of the Irish coast.
Your Name. (2016)
Makoto Shinkai is often compared to Miyazaki, and 'Your Name.' shows why. This fantasy romance follows two high school students, a boy from Tokyo and a girl from a rural town, who mysteriously begin to swap bodies. What starts as a charming comedy of errors soon evolves into a sweeping, high-stakes drama involving time, memory, and a desperate effort to avert a catastrophe. The film's breathtaking animation, particularly its depictions of cityscapes and celestial events, echoes the visual splendor of Ghibli films. But its true connection is its emotional core: a powerful sense of longing and connection that transcends time and space, reminiscent of the epic romances in films like 'Howl's Moving Castle'.
Mirai (2018)
From director Mamoru Hosoda, 'Mirai' is an intimate and imaginative story about the inner world of a child. Four years old Kun feels forgotten by his parents after the arrival of his baby sister, Mirai. He retreats to his family's small garden, which becomes a magical portal allowing him to meet relatives from the past and future, including a teenage version of Mirai herself. Much like 'My Neighbor Totoro' captured the wonder and anxieties of childhood, 'Mirai' beautifully illustrates how a child processes change, jealousy, and his place within the family's history. It’s a grounded, deeply human story told with a touch of the fantastical, proving that the biggest adventures can happen right in your own backyard.
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)
Another masterpiece from Mamoru Hosoda, this film perfectly captures the Ghibli-esque trope of an ordinary girl thrust into extraordinary circumstances. High school student Makoto Konno is a bit clumsy and unfocused, but her life changes when she discovers she can literally leap through time. At first, she uses her power for small, selfish things—retaking tests, avoiding awkward situations, and endlessly reliving fun moments. However, she soon learns that her actions have unforeseen and serious consequences for the people she cares about. The film is a funny, touching, and ultimately profound coming-of age story that shares a spirit with films like 'Kiki's Delivery Service', celebrating the journey of a young woman learning about responsibility and the bittersweet nature of growing up.
