The Anthem of the Heart is a heartwarming Japanese animated drama that explores themes of communication and emotional healing. If you loved this movie, you’ll likely enjoy these 12 other films that capture similar emotional depth and character-driven storytelling. For more information about The Anthem of the Heart, you can check it out here.
1. Your Name
A touching story about two teenagers who mysteriously swap bodies and form a deep connection despite never having met. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, this film stars Ryunosuke Kamiki and Mone Kamishiraishi.
2. A Silent Voice
This film follows a young boy who seeks redemption by befriending a deaf girl he once bullied. Directed by Naoko Yamada, it features the voices of Miyu Irino and Saori Hayami.
3. Wolf Children
A heartwarming tale of a mother raising her half-wolf, half-human children after the death of their father. Directed by Mamoru Hosoda, the film stars Aoi Miyazaki and Takao Osawa.
4. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
This coming-of-age story follows a girl who discovers she can travel through time. Directed by Mamoru Hosoda, it stars Riisa Naka and Takuya Ishida.
5. 5 Centimeters Per Second
A poignant exploration of love and distance, this film is divided into three interconnected stories. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, it features voices from Kenji Mizuhashi and Yoshimi Kondou.
6. The Garden of Words
A beautifully animated film about a high school student and a mysterious woman who form an unlikely bond. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, it stars Miyu Irino and Kana Hanazawa.
7. Summer Wars
A thrilling adventure that blends family dynamics with virtual reality. Directed by Mamoru Hosoda, the film features voices from Ryunosuke Kamiki and Nanami Sakuraba.
8. From Up on Poppy Hill
A nostalgic tale set in 1960s Yokohama, focusing on two high school students working to save their school’s clubhouse. Directed by Goro Miyazaki, it stars Masami Nagasawa and Junichi Okada.
9. Children Who Chase Lost Voices
A young girl embarks on a journey to a mysterious underworld to find a lost friend. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, it features voices from Hisako Kanemoto and Kazuhiko Inoue.
10. When Marnie Was There
A hauntingly beautiful story about a girl who befriends a mysterious girl named Marnie. Directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, the film stars Sara Takatsuki and Kasumi Arimura.
11. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
An adaptation of a classic Japanese folktale, this film tells the story of a tiny girl found inside a bamboo stalk. Directed by Isao Takahata, it stars Aki Asakura and Kengo Kora.
12. Whisper of the Heart
A romantic tale about a young girl who discovers her passion for writing through a mysterious boy. Directed by Yoshifumi Kondou, it features voices from Yoko Honna and Issei Takahashi.
