Spirited Away and many other movies have a similar theme. They focus on self-discovery while focusing on friendships and love. You can find a list with the 10 best animes, like Spirited Away.
If you’ve loved it, you will love the following animes
Spirited Away – What is IT?
Stubborn, spoiled, and naïve, 10-year-old Chihiro Ogino is less than pleased when she and her parents discover an abandoned amusement park on the way to their new house. As she ventures inside, she discovers there is much more to the place that meets the eye. It also begins to occur at night. Ghostly apparitions and food that turns her parents into pigs are just the start—Chihiro has unwittingly crossed over into the spirit world. With the help of Haku, the mysterious Haku, and the unique characters she meets along her journey, she must find the strength to survive and work among spirits.
Vivid and intriguing, Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi tells the story of Chihiro’s journey through an unfamiliar world as she strives to save her parents and return home.
You may also like: Spirited Away Ending explained – Everything you need to know
Top 15 Animes like Spirited Away
15. Ancient Magus’ Bride Is Full Of Supernatural Beings
Chise Hatori gives up on her life and sells herself to slavery. However, a mysterious mage recognizes Chise’s gifts, and purchases her, hoping to make her his apprentice. Ancient Magus’ Bride is full of supernatural creatures and mystical beings Chise must learn about if she’s to stay safe and harness her true potential.
Ancient Magus’ Bride is perfect for those who were enchanted by the spirits in Spirited Away. Both projects heavily featured a human’s interaction with otherworldly beings, while emphasizing the preservation of nature. Although Ancient Magus’ Bride delved more into the magic side of things, it was still a great watch for fans of mystical elements.
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AuthorKore Yamazaki
Seasons 1
Episodes : 24
14. Mirai stresses the importance of family
Mirai is the story of a little boy named Kun who becomes an older brother to a baby girl named Mirai. Although he’s initially excited about her arrival, Kun quickly becomes jealous of the attention his new sister garners. When he begins to wish she didn’t exist, he meets a Mirai from the future who seems interesting after all.
Mirai is a study in time travel as Kun and Mirai skip through time to better understand their family dynamic. Kun comes to realize having a little sister isn’t the end of the world and being a part of a family isn’t the burden he believes it to be. Like Chihiro learning to appreciate her parents’ sacrifices, Kun and Mirai also learn the value of family.
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AuthorMamoruHosoda
Type: Anime Film
Episodes : 12
13. Mushishi
“Mushi”: the most basic forms of life in the world. They exist without any goals or purposes aside from simply “being.” They are beyond the shackles of the words “good” and “evil.” Mushi can exist in countless forms and are capable of mimicking things from the natural world such as plants, diseases, and even phenomena like rainbows.
These entities are only a generalization of what they look like in Mushishi’s lively world. To call them a form or life is an oversimplification. Because most people are unaware of Mushi’s existence, it is difficult to find detailed information.
What are Mushi? And why does it exist? This is the question that a “Mushi-shi,” Ginko, ponders constantly. Mushi-shi are those who research Mushi in hopes of understanding their place in the world’s hierarchy of life.
Ginko seeks out rumors that could be connected to Mushi in an effort to find the truth.
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Author : Yuzuru Tachikawa
Seasons 2
Episodes : 46
12. Princess Mononoke Unites Spirits and People
Princess Mononoke follows the last Emishi prince, Ashitaka. He has been cursed by the demon and must find a cure to save his life. Ashitaka journeys to the western lands in search of the cure. He meets a wolf family led by Moro, the wolf goddess. Riding along with the wolf pack is a human girl, San, who’s been raised by the wolf goddess.
Ashitaka soon joins the fight to save the forest gods from the rapid industrialization that’s destroying nature. Similar to Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke deals with supernatural elements and the blossoming friendship between humans and magical creatures. The story also features a strong female character who stands firm despite facing insurmountable odds.
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Author : Hayao Miyazaki
Seasons 1
Episodes : 12
11. Natsume Yuujinchou
Most fifteen-year old boys harbor secrets related to girls. Takashi Natsume, however, has a strange and frightening secret about youkai. For as long as he can recall, these spirits have been relentlessly following him. Natsume soon discovers that his deceased grandmother Reiko had passed on to him the Yuujinchou, or “Book of Friends,” which contains the names of the spirits whom she brought under her control. Now in Natsume’s possession, the book gives Reiko’s grandson this power as well, which is why these enraged beings now haunt him in hopes of somehow attaining their freedom.
Without parents and a loving home, and constantly being hunted by hostile, merciless youkai, Natsume is looking for solace—a place where he belongs. His only companion is Madara, a self-described bodyguard. Madara, also known as Nyanko, is a mysterious and pint-sized feline spirit that has his own reasons for staying with the boy.
Based on the critically acclaimed manga by Yuki Midorikawa, Natsume Yuujinchou is an unconventional and supernatural slice-of-life series that follows Natsume as he, with his infamous protector Madara, endeavors to free the spirits bound by his grandmother’s contract.
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Author : Yuki Midorikawa
Seasons 6
Episodes : 74
10. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time Cautions Against Frivolous Travel
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time tells the story of 17-year-old named Makoto Konno, who gains the ability to time travel after nearly getting into an accident. Makoto initially uses her time travel abilities to solve small personal problems. But she soon realizes the dangers of her actions.
The events of the movie make Makoto wiser and more mature by the end. Like Spirited Away, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time has a female protagonist who gets entangled with supernatural elements. For those who love Spirited Away, this movie is a must-watch.
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Author : Yasutaka Tsutsui
Type: Anime Film
Episodes : 1
9. Bakemono no Ko
Bakemono no Ko is the story of a boy, and a beast. They are both alone, stubborn, and strong. Ren, nine years old, couldn’t be more miserable. His mother died in a traffic accident and his father is gone. He is also far from his extended family, who are cold and distant. Ren, desperate to survive, runs to Shibuya and seeks refuge in the streets.
Kumatetsu, the fierce warrior from the Shibuten beast realm, is feared but not loved or respected. Kumatetsu could be the Lord’s replacement if he decides to retire to become a God. He and the noble Lord Iouzan would be the strongest people in the land. But Kumatetsu is so anti-social he’s never even managed to hold on to a disciple. And until he proves he can, he’ll never be a serious contender.
When Ren gets lost in a maze of alleyways and finds himself in the strange land of Shibuten, fate brings these two stubborn and fierce-willed souls together, and Kumatestu re-names the boy “Kyuuta.” Each of them has much they can teach the other, but where these two are concerned, nothing is going to be easy. As Kyuuta adjusts to his new home he finds himself torn between two worlds—two worlds that are far less separate than either the Boy or the Beast realizes.
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AuthorMamoruHosoda
TypeAnime Film
Episodes : 1
8. Da Yu Hai Tang
It is a mythic place where no outsider ever set foot. However, the spirit-like inhabitants there know mortals very well. They are responsible for human emotions and desires, for seasons, weather, the elapsing of time…
Chun, the spirit girl who is our protagonist, just turned 16 and takes on the role of a dolphin to explore what the earthly side of the sea has to offer. Chun becomes entangled in a fishing net while cruising along the sea. Chun is saved by a human boy who spots her. Chun, who is devastated and distraught by the incident, drowns when the boy falls into his arms.
Da Hai tells an absorbing and bittersweet story of sacrifice and redemption when Chun is determined to bring back to life the boy’s soul, now in the form of a little white fish. Da Hai is about a teenager coming to terms her limitations and a spirit who gains control of her powers. She deals with difficult issues such as death, love, maturing emotions, empathy, nuance, and more.
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Author : Liang Xuan
Type: Anime Film
Episodes : 1
7. Erased has a child as the Hero
The anime Erased tells the story of Satoru Fujinuma, a manga artist who can travel a few minutes back in time before an accident occurs. Satoru’s ability, Revival (Revival), saves many lives. However, after his mother is murdered, Satoru’s Revival throws him back eighteen years into the past. As an elementary school child, Satoru has the chance to rescue his three friends from being kidnapped, murdered, and possibly save his mother’s life in the future.
Like Spirited Away, Erased is a story told from a child’s perspective. Satoru re-evaluates his life once he becomes a kid, and laments about all the things he could’ve done. Since he’s back to being a 10-year-old, Satoru makes sure he doesn’t miss any opportunities to create a hopeful and bright future for himself.
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Author : Kei Sanbe
Seasons 1
Episodes : 12
6. Majo no Takkyuubin
Kiki, a 13 year-old witch-in training, must live alone for a year in a remote town to be able to become a fully-fledged witch. Kiki leaves behind her family and friends as she embarks on this tradition, flying out onto the open world on her broomstick, with her black cat Jiji.
As she settles down in the coastal town of Koriko, Kiki struggles to adapt and ends up wandering the streets with no place to stay—until she encounters Osono, who offers Kiki boarding in exchange for making deliveries for her small bakery. Kiki opens her own courier company by broomstick. This is the beginning of her journey towards independence. Kiki is determined to find her place among the townsfolk and brings exciting new experiences with her. She also learns the true meaning behind responsibility.
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Author : Eiko Kadono
Type: Anime Film
Episodes : 1
5. Howl’s Moving Castle
That jumbled piece of architecture, that cacophony of hissing steam and creaking joints, with smoke billowing from it as it moves on its own… That castle is home to the magnificent wizard Howl, infamous for both his magical prowess and for being a womanizer—or so the rumor goes in Sophie Hatter’s small town. Sophie, the plain-looking daughter of a Hatmaker, is not expecting much and is content to work hard in the shop.
However, Sophie’s simple life takes a turn for the exciting when she is ensnared in a disturbing situation, and the mysterious wizard appears to rescue her. Unfortunately, this encounter, brief as it may be, spurs the vain and vengeful Witch of the Waste—in a fit of jealousy caused by a past discord with Howl—to put a curse on the maiden, turning her into an old woman.
In an endeavor to return to normal, Sophie must accompany Howl and a myriad of eccentric companions—ranging from a powerful fire demon to a hopping scarecrow—in his living castle, on a dangerous adventure as a raging war tears their kingdom apart.
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Author : Diana Wynne Jones
Type: Anime Film
Episodes : 1
4. Momo’s Letter: Deals with Change
In A Letter To Momo, 11-year-old Momo is unhappy with how her life is going. Having recently lost her father, Momo has a strained relationship with her mother after she’s forced to move to a remote island. Momo has a fragmented last letter from her dad in her hand and struggles to adjust to the island. She longs to go home.
However, Momo’s life changes when she meets three demons, or yokai, who change her perspective on life. Momo and Chihiro share many things in common. Both characters are unhappy in their current circumstances and want to return home. Like Spirited Away, A Letter To Momo has supernatural elements because of the three yokai who later help Momo save her mother. All of these factors make this movie a good family watch just like Spirited Away.
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Author : Hiroyuki Okiura
Type: Anime Film
Episodes : 1
3. Children Who Chase Lost Voices
Strange sounds in the darkness… Unearthly music from an old crystal radio… These are all the warning Asuna Watase has before a simple walk to her clubhouse catapults her into a nightmarish adventure that will take her beneath the Earth to a lost land beyond the realm of legend! Asuna is attacked by a monstrous creature and rescued by a stranger. She is then pursued relentlessly by an enemy. Asuna becomes entangled in a centuries-old mystery that will tie her to a young defender and eventually lead her towards the secret that could hold the key to her life.
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Author : Makoto Shinkai
Type: Anime Film
Episodes : 1
2. Violet Evergarden is a tale of self discovery
Violet Evergarden is the story of a young girl who’s haunted by the last words of her caretaker: “I love you.” Even though she understands little of the world’s ways, Violet sets out to learn what love is and takes a job writing letters for a post office.
Like Spirited Away, this show focuses on what it means to live in a changing and uncertain world. As Violet writes, she learns about all types of love, just as Chihiro discovers her bond with her parents and learns that they’re her home. Both Violet and Chihiro find their place in strange worlds but both learn from their mistakes.
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Author : Kana Akatsuki
Seasons 1
Episodes : 13
1. Your Name
Your Name is an anime movie from 2016 about two teenagers who keep accidentally switching bodies. Taki Tachibana learns of a cataclysmic disaster and struggles to save Mizuha Miyamizu’s town.
Fans of Spirited Away will enjoy this movie for its supernatural aspects and enduring message of what it means to live. Both shows emphasize making connections and being thankful to nature and for all that life has to offer. Your Name’s heavy emphasis on fate will have audiences rooting for Taki and Mizuha to find happiness.
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Author : Makoto Shinkai
Type: Anime Film
Episodes : 1
Top 5 Animes like Spirited Away from YouTube
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