If you’re a fan of romantic anime dramas like The Garden of Words, you’ll love exploring these similar films. The genre is known for its emotional depth, beautiful animation, and heartfelt storytelling. Here are 13 movies that capture the essence of romantic anime dramas.
1. Your Name
Your Name follows the story of two teenagers, Taki and Mitsuha, who mysteriously start switching bodies. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, the film stars Ryunosuke Kamiki and Mone Kamishiraishi, and it’s a touching exploration of love and destiny.
2. A Silent Voice
A Silent Voice tells the story of a boy who bullies a deaf girl and later seeks redemption. Directed by Naoko Yamada, this poignant film features the voices of Miyu Irino and Saori Hayami, and it delves into themes of forgiveness and personal growth.
3. 5 Centimeters per Second
5 Centimeters per Second is another masterpiece by Makoto Shinkai, depicting the growing distance between two childhood friends over the years. The film stars Kenji Mizuhashi and Yoshimi Kondou, and it’s a beautifully melancholic tale of love and separation.
4. Weathering With You
Weathering With You follows a runaway boy who meets a girl with the ability to control the weather. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, the film stars Kotaro Daigo and Nana Mori, and it combines stunning visuals with a heartfelt story about love and sacrifice.
5. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is a sci-fi romance about a high school girl who discovers she can time travel. Directed by Mamoru Hosoda, the film features the voices of Riisa Naka and Takuya Ishida, and it explores the consequences of altering time.
6. From Up on Poppy Hill
From Up on Poppy Hill is a nostalgic romance set in 1960s Yokohama, focusing on two high school students working to save a historic clubhouse. Directed by Goro Miyazaki, it stars Masami Nagasawa and Junichi Okada, and it’s a charming tale of young love and community.
7. Whisper of the Heart
Whisper of the Heart follows a young girl who discovers her passion for writing and meets a boy with similar dreams. Directed by Yoshifumi Kondo, the film features the voices of Yoko Honna and Issei Takahashi, and it’s a heartwarming story about following one’s dreams.
8. The Wind Rises
The Wind Rises is a fictionalized biopic of Jiro Horikoshi, the designer of Japanese fighter planes during World War II. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, it stars Hideaki Anno and Miori Takimoto, and it’s a poignant tale of love, ambition, and the cost of dreams.
9. Children Who Chase Lost Voices
Children Who Chase Lost Voices is an adventurous romance about a girl who embarks on a journey to a mysterious land. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, the film features the voices of Hisako Kanemoto and Kazuhiko Inoue, and it explores themes of loss and discovery.
10. The Place Promised in Our Early Days
The Place Promised in Our Early Days is a sci-fi romance set in an alternate post-war Japan, focusing on two boys who promise to meet a girl at a mysterious tower. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, it stars Hidetaka Yoshioka and Masato Hagiwara, and it’s a story about dreams and promises.
11. The Anthem of the Heart
The Anthem of the Heart tells the story of a girl who loses her voice due to a traumatic event but finds solace in music. Directed by Tatsuyuki Nagai, the film features the voices of Inori Minase and Koki Uchiyama, and it’s a touching exploration of healing and self-expression.
12. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is a sci-fi romance about a high school girl who discovers she can time travel. Directed by Mamoru Hosoda, the film features the voices of Riisa Naka and Takuya Ishida, and it explores the consequences of altering time.
13. Tamako Love Story
Tamako Love Story is a sweet romance about a high school girl who discovers her childhood friend has feelings for her. Directed by Naoko Yamada, the film stars Aya Suzaki and Atsushi Tamaru, and it’s a delightful tale of young love and self-discovery.
