If you’re a fan of The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, a beautifully animated film steeped in fantasy and folklore, you’ll love these 12 movies that capture similar themes and visual artistry. Each of these films offers a unique blend of storytelling and animation that will surely captivate your imagination. For more about The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, check out this link.
1. Spirited Away
Spirited Away follows a young girl named Chihiro who stumbles into a magical world ruled by gods, spirits, and witches. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, this film features the voices of Rumi Hiiragi, Miyu Irino, and Mari Natsuki.
2. My Neighbor Totoro
My Neighbor Totoro tells the heartwarming story of two young sisters who befriend magical forest spirits. This Studio Ghibli classic stars the voices of Noriko Hidaka, Chika Sakamoto, and Hitoshi Takagi.
3. The Secret World of Arrietty
In The Secret World of Arrietty, a young boy discovers a family of tiny people living beneath his house. The film features the voices of Mirai Shida, Ryunosuke Kamiki, and Tomokazu Miura.
4. Princess Mononoke
Princess Mononoke is an epic tale of a young warrior who becomes embroiled in a conflict between forest gods and humans. The movie stars the voices of Yōji Matsuda, Yuriko Ishida, and Yūko Tanaka.
5. Kiki’s Delivery Service
Kiki’s Delivery Service follows a young witch who uses her flying abilities to start a delivery service. This enchanting film features the voices of Minami Takayama, Rei Sakuma, and Kappei Yamaguchi.
6. The Cat Returns
In The Cat Returns, a young girl is whisked away to a magical kingdom of cats after saving a feline prince. The film stars the voices of Chizuru Ikewaki, Yoshihiko Hakamada, and Aki Maeda.
7. Howl’s Moving Castle
Howl’s Moving Castle is a fantastical adventure about a young woman cursed by a witch and her journey with a wizard named Howl. The film features the voices of Chieko Baisho, Takuya Kimura, and Akihiro Miwa.
8. Ponyo
Ponyo tells the story of a goldfish princess who longs to become human after befriending a young boy. This delightful film features the voices of Yuria Nara, Hiroki Doi, and George Tokoro.
9. The Wind Rises
The Wind Rises is a biographical film about Jiro Horikoshi, the designer of Japanese fighter planes during World War II. The movie stars the voices of Hideaki Anno, Miori Takimoto, and Hidetoshi Nishijima.
10. When Marnie Was There
When Marnie Was There follows a young girl who befriends a mysterious girl named Marnie while staying at a seaside town. The film features the voices of Sara Takatsuki, Kasumi Arimura, and Nanako Matsushima.
11. Whisper of the Heart
Whisper of the Heart is a coming-of-age story about a young girl who discovers her passion for writing through a magical encounter. The film stars the voices of Yoko Honna, Issei Takahashi, and Takashi Tachibana.
12. The Boy and the Beast
The Boy and the Beast follows a young orphan who stumbles into a fantastical world of beasts and becomes the apprentice of a warrior. The movie features the voices of Aoi Miyazaki, Shota Sometani, and Kōji Yakusho.
These films, like The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, offer rich storytelling, stunning animation, and unforgettable characters that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Enjoy your journey through these magical worlds!
