The Wind Rises is a beautifully crafted animated film directed by Hayao Miyazaki, blending elements of biographical drama and historical fiction. If you were captivated by its poignant storytelling and stunning animation, here are 17 other movies that you might enjoy. Each of these films offers a unique narrative, rich characters, and breathtaking visuals.
1. Grave of the Fireflies
This heart-wrenching film, directed by Isao Takahata, tells the story of two siblings struggling to survive in Japan during World War II. Featuring the voices of Tsutomu Tatsumi and Ayano Shiraishi, the movie is a poignant exploration of the impact of war on innocent lives.
2. Spirited Away
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, this fantasy adventure follows a young girl named Chihiro who becomes trapped in a mysterious and magical world. Voiced by Rumi Hiiragi and Miyu Irino, Spirited Away is a mesmerizing tale of courage and friendship.
3. Princess Mononoke
In this epic historical fantasy, directed by Hayao Miyazaki, a young warrior named Ashitaka becomes embroiled in a conflict between humans and forest gods. The film features the voices of Yōji Matsuda and Yuriko Ishida and explores themes of environmentalism and industrialization.
4. My Neighbor Totoro
This charming family film, also directed by Hayao Miyazaki, follows two young sisters who befriend magical creatures in the countryside. With voices by Noriko Hidaka and Chika Sakamoto, My Neighbor Totoro is a whimsical and heartwarming story.
5. Howl’s Moving Castle
In this fantasy romance directed by Hayao Miyazaki, a young woman named Sophie is transformed into an old lady by a witch’s curse and seeks the help of a wizard named Howl. The film stars Chieko Baisho and Takuya Kimura and is a visually stunning adventure.
6. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
Directed by Isao Takahata, this film is a beautifully animated retelling of a classic Japanese folktale about a mysterious princess. Featuring the voices of Aki Asakura and Kengo Kora, it’s a poignant and visually splendid story.
7. Porco Rosso
This action-adventure film, directed by Hayao Miyazaki, follows an Italian World War I fighter pilot who has been transformed into a pig. With voices by Shūichirō Moriyama and Tokiko Kato, Porco Rosso is an entertaining and unique story.
8. The Secret World of Arrietty
Directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, this film is based on Mary Norton’s novel “The Borrowers” and tells the story of tiny people living secretly in a human household. With voices by Mirai Shida and Ryūnosuke Kamiki, it’s a delightful and enchanting film.
9. Whisper of the Heart
In this romantic drama directed by Yoshifumi Kondō, a young girl named Shizuku discovers her love for writing and meets a boy who shares her passion. Featuring the voices of Yoko Honna and Issei Takahashi, it’s a heartwarming coming-of-age story.
10. The Red Turtle
This dialogue-free animated film, directed by Michaël Dudok de Wit, tells the story of a man stranded on a deserted island who encounters a mysterious red turtle. The film is a visually stunning meditation on life and nature.
11. From Up on Poppy Hill
Directed by Gorō Miyazaki, this romantic drama is set in 1960s Yokohama and follows two high school students working to save their school’s clubhouse from demolition. With voices by Masami Nagasawa and Junichi Okada, it’s a nostalgic and touching story.
12. Only Yesterday
In this drama directed by Isao Takahata, a woman revisits her childhood memories while on a trip to the countryside. Featuring the voices of Miki Imai and Toshirō Yanagiba, Only Yesterday is a reflective and beautifully told story.
13. The Garden of Words
Directed by Makoto Shinkai, this romantic drama follows the relationship between a young student and an older woman who meet in a garden on rainy days. With voices by Miyu Irino and Kana Hanazawa, it’s a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film.
14. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
This post-apocalyptic fantasy, directed by Hayao Miyazaki, follows a young princess named Nausicaä who strives to bring peace to her war-torn world. The film features the voices of Sumi Shimamoto and Mahito Tsujimura and is a powerful and inspiring tale.
15. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
Directed by Mamoru Hosoda, this science fiction romance follows a high school girl who gains the ability to travel through time. Featuring the voices of Riisa Naka and Takuya Ishida, it’s a captivating and thought-provoking film.
16. When Marnie Was There
In this mystery drama directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, a young girl named Anna forms a unique friendship with a mysterious girl named Marnie. With voices by Sara Takatsuki and Kasumi Arimura, it’s a beautifully animated and emotionally engaging story.
17. Your Name
Directed by Makoto Shinkai, this romantic fantasy follows two teenagers who discover they can swap bodies and must work together to prevent a disaster. Featuring the voices of Ryūnosuke Kamiki and Mone Kamishiraishi, Your Name is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful film.
