100+ Movies like Spirited Away
A Letter to Momo
Both "Spirited Away" and "A Letter to Momo" feature young female protagonists who encounter supernatural beings from Japanese folklore after moving to a new location. In "Spirited Away", Chihiro stumbles upon a spirit world and bathhouse, while in "A Letter to Momo", Momo encounters yokai spirits on her family's island home. The protagonists must navigate these fantastical realms, interacting with the spirits and undergoing personal growth. Central themes include family, loss, identity, and the coexistence of the natural and supernatural worlds. The movies blend realism with imaginative fantasy elements rooted in Japanese mythology and culture.
Mushi-Shi: The Movie
Both "Spirited Away" and "Mushi-Shi: The Movie" explore the theme of a hidden supernatural world existing alongside the human world. The protagonists, Chihiro and Ginko, encounter and interact with fantastical beings and creatures from this parallel realm. They undergo transformative journeys where they must navigate and understand the rules of this mystical world. The movies feature powerful witches, Yubaba and Nui, who control aspects of the supernatural realms. Chihiro and Ginko must confront challenges and overcome trials to escape the influence of these witches and return to the human world. The movies blend elements of Japanese folklore and mythology with imaginative fantasy worlds filled with spirits, monsters, and magical phenomena.
Cat Soup
Both "Spirited Away" and "Cat Soup" feature young protagonists who enter a fantastical spirit world filled with supernatural beings and strange occurrences. The protagonists embark on surreal adventures involving transformations, encounters with powerful entities, and quests to restore balance or retrieve lost souls. The films explore themes of identity, the cycle of life and death, and the relationship between the natural and spirit realms. They employ imaginative, dreamlike imagery and narratives that blend elements of folklore and mythology with modern sensibilities. The protagonists undergo profound journeys of self-discovery and growth, ultimately returning to the human world with newfound wisdom and perspective.
Dark Water
Both "Spirited Away" and "Dark Water" involve a young girl and her mother navigating a supernatural world tied to water. In "Spirited Away", Chihiro enters a spirit realm centered around a bathhouse, while in "Dark Water", Yoshimi and her daughter Ikuko are haunted by the ghost of a drowned girl connected to a water leak in their apartment. The two films explore themes of motherhood, sacrifice, and the struggle to protect one's child from dark forces. They also feature parallel plot points where the protagonists must confront and appease the supernatural entities by understanding their origins and motivations. Ultimately, both stories culminate in the mother figure making a selfless sacrifice to ensure her child's safety and future.
Gozu
Both "Gozu" and "Spirited Away" involve the protagonist entering a surreal, dreamlike world filled with bizarre and supernatural characters and events. The main characters find themselves in a strange, unfamiliar place and must navigate the strange rules and inhabitants of this new realm. There are transformations and shapeshifting of characters into different forms, as well as encounters with spirits and mythical creatures. The stories explore themes of identity, the blurring of reality and fantasy, and the struggle to find one's way back to the normal world. However, "Gozu" has a much darker, more disturbing tone compared to the family-friendly nature of "Spirited Away".
Suzume
Both "Spirited Away" and "Suzume" follow a young female protagonist who embarks on a supernatural journey involving spirits and alternate realms. In "Spirited Away", Chihiro enters the spirit world and works at a bathhouse, while in "Suzume", the titular character helps a "Closer" seal doors leading to the Ever-After, a realm for souls after death. Both movies feature a mysterious boy who guides the protagonist - Haku in "Spirited Away" and Souta in "Suzume". The protagonists encounter fantastical creatures like No-Face and the worm Namazu, and interact with powerful witches like Yubaba and Zeniba. They must complete tasks and overcome challenges to resolve the central conflict and return to the human world. Themes of identity, memory, and the coexistence of the natural and supernatural worlds are explored in both films through the protagonists' journeys of self-discovery.
Child of Kamiari Month
Both "Spirited Away" and "Child of Kamiari Month" follow a young female protagonist who is thrust into a supernatural world filled with gods and spirits. They embark on a journey where they must complete tasks and overcome challenges to return to the human world. Along the way, they encounter mystical beings who guide and test them, including a dragon-like entity (Haku/Ryūjin) and a companion animal (No-Face/Shiro). The protagonists must confront their inner struggles, such as Chihiro's loss of identity and Kanna's grief over her mother's death. They learn valuable lessons about perseverance, self-discovery, and moving on from loss. The stories culminate in the protagonists accomplishing their quests, regaining what they had lost (Chihiro's name/Kanna's passion for running), and returning home with a newfound sense of growth and maturity.
Kaidan
Both "Spirited Away" and "Kaidan" involve the supernatural world intersecting with the human world. In "Spirited Away", Chihiro enters the spirit realm and works at a bathhouse for spirits, while in "Kaidan", the vengeful spirit of Oshiga haunts her former husband Shinkichi after her death. The movies explore themes of the afterlife, curses, and the consequences of human actions. They also feature transformations, with Chihiro's parents turning into pigs and Oshiga's spirit manifesting in different forms to torment Shinkichi. Both stories have a young female protagonist, Chihiro and Oshiga, navigating the supernatural realm and facing challenges. The movies blend elements of Japanese folklore and spirituality into their narratives.
Cursed
Both "Spirited Away" and "Cursed" involve ordinary humans entering a supernatural realm inhabited by spirits and malevolent forces. In "Spirited Away", Chihiro stumbles into a bathhouse for spirits, while in "Cursed", the Mitsuya convenience store is built on a cursed foundation. The protagonists, Chihiro and Nao, find themselves trapped in these realms and must navigate the strange rules and beings within. They encounter helpful guides, like Haku and the homeless woman, who aid them in understanding the supernatural world. Both films feature witches who control the supernatural realms, Yubaba and the store's original owner, and the protagonists must confront them to escape. Transformations and loss of identity are central themes, with Chihiro forgetting her name and characters in "Cursed" being cursed or possessed. Ultimately, the protagonists must undergo trials and face the malevolent forces to break the curses and return to the human world.
Kubo and the Two Strings
Both "Spirited Away" and "Kubo and the Two Strings" follow a young protagonist on a fantastical journey in a supernatural world. The protagonists, Chihiro and Kubo, encounter powerful witches/spirits who pose a threat and must complete tasks to escape their grasp. They receive guidance from unlikely allies, a dragon spirit (Haku) and a magical charm (Monkey), who are revealed to have deeper connections to the protagonists' pasts. The stories explore themes of identity, memory, and the power of storytelling/imagination. The protagonists must confront their family histories and reclaim their true names/identities from the antagonists who have taken them. Ultimately, they triumph through courage, compassion, and the strength of their bonds with loved ones.
The Tale of The Princess Kaguya
Both "Spirited Away" and "The Tale of The Princess Kaguya" follow a young female protagonist who is transported to a fantastical world and must navigate its challenges. In both films, the protagonist is separated from her family and must adapt to a new environment governed by powerful supernatural beings. They face trials and transformations, with the aid of mystical guides, as they strive to return to their former lives and loved ones. The stories explore themes of identity, growing up, and the clash between the human and spirit realms. The protagonists' journeys involve self-discovery, overcoming adversity, and ultimately finding their way back home, though forever changed by their extraordinary experiences.
Sabu
Both "Spirited Away" and "Sabu" feature protagonists who find themselves in an unfamiliar, mystical world and must navigate challenges to return home. In "Spirited Away", Chihiro enters the spirit world and works at a bathhouse to free her parents from a curse, while in "Sabu", Eiji is framed and sent to a workhouse island, where he endures hardships to clear his name and reunite with his love Osue. The protagonists receive guidance from supernatural beings (Haku and Zeniba in "Spirited Away", the spirits of the workhouse in "Sabu") and form bonds with fellow outcasts. They undergo transformations, with Chihiro forgetting her name and Eiji gaining a limp, but ultimately regain their identities. Both films explore themes of identity, friendship, and the power of perseverance in overcoming adversity.
The Great Yokai War
Both "Spirited Away" and "The Great Yokai War" feature a young protagonist who becomes entangled in the world of Japanese spirits and supernatural beings. In "Spirited Away", Chihiro stumbles upon a bathhouse for spirits and is forced to work there, while in "The Great Yokai War", Tadashi is chosen as the Kirin Rider, a protector of the yokai. Both movies involve the protagonists encountering powerful witches or demons (Yubaba and Yasunori Katō) who control the spirit world and seek to harm humans. The protagonists must navigate this spirit realm, aided by friendly yokai allies, and ultimately confront the antagonists to restore balance. Both films explore themes of environmentalism, tradition versus modernity, and the consequences of human actions on the natural world. They also feature imaginative depictions of Japanese folklore and mythology.
Demon Pond
Both "Spirited Away" and "Demon Pond" involve a protagonist who enters a supernatural realm inhabited by spirits and mythical creatures. In "Spirited Away", Chihiro stumbles into a world of spirits and is forced to work at a bathhouse run by the witch Yubaba. Similarly, in "Demon Pond", Gakuen Yamazawa encounters a village where the locals believe a dragon resides in a pond, and his friend Akira becomes entangled with the dragon princess Shirayuki. The stories explore themes of identity, with Chihiro forgetting her name and Akira taking on the identity of Yatabei. Both protagonists face challenges and tests from the supernatural forces they encounter. Chihiro must complete tasks and return a stolen seal, while Akira becomes responsible for ringing a bell to prevent a flood from the dragon's pond. The movies also feature transformations, with Chihiro's parents turning into pigs and Akira's friend Yamazawa becoming the new bellringer. Additionally, both stories involve a journey or quest, with Chihiro seeking to free herself and her parents, and Akira accompanying Yamazawa to the demon pond.
Night Is Short, Walk On Girl
Both "Night Is Short, Walk On Girl" and "Spirited Away" follow a young female protagonist on a surreal, dreamlike journey over the course of a single night. They encounter strange supernatural beings and fantastical situations, often involving alcohol and tests of courage or perseverance. The protagonists become separated from their male companions but are driven to reunite with them by the end. Themes of identity, growing up, and navigating the boundary between the mundane and magical worlds are central to both stories. The narratives unfold in a non-linear, whimsical fashion with elements of folklore and mythology woven throughout.
Nobody Knows
Both "Spirited Away" and "Nobody Knows" explore the theme of children being forced into adult responsibilities and difficult situations due to parental abandonment or neglect. In "Spirited Away", Chihiro is thrust into the spirit world and must work at the bathhouse after her parents are turned into pigs, paralleling how in "Nobody Knows", Akira is forced to become the caretaker of his younger siblings when their mother disappears. The children in both films must navigate harsh realities and mature beyond their years to survive. Additionally, both stories involve the protagonists forming bonds with unlikely allies - Chihiro with Haku and the bathhouse workers, Akira with Saki - who help them through their ordeals. The films share a sense of magical realism and explore the resilience of children in the face of adversity.
Bleach
Both "Spirited Away" and "Bleach" follow a young protagonist who discovers a hidden supernatural world and gains special powers to navigate it. In "Spirited Away", Chihiro enters the spirit world and works at a bathhouse, while in "Bleach", Ichigo becomes a Soul Reaper and battles Hollows. The protagonists receive guidance from mentors (Haku and Rukia) and face opposition from powerful authorities (Yubaba and the Soul Society). They must prove themselves worthy and undergo trials to regain their freedom and return to the normal world. Central themes include the struggle between the human and supernatural realms, as well as the protagonists' journey of self-discovery and growth.
Summer Days with Coo
Both "Spirited Away" and "Summer Days with Coo" follow a young protagonist who encounters a supernatural creature from another realm - Chihiro meets Haku and the spirits of the bathhouse, while Koichi finds the kappa Coo. The protagonists form a bond with these beings and embark on a journey to help them, facing challenges and adversaries like Yubaba and the samurai descendant. The stories explore themes of identity, with Chihiro forgetting her name and Coo losing his, as well as environmentalism, with the polluted river spirit and Coo's search for other kappa. Both movies feature fantastical elements blending with the modern world, and end with the protagonists returning home after their transformative experiences, leaving the door open for future reunions with their supernatural friends.
Memoirs of a Geisha
Both "Spirited Away" and "Memoirs of a Geisha" follow the journey of a young girl thrust into an unfamiliar world, facing adversity and hardship. The protagonists, Chihiro and Chiyo, are forced into servitude in strange environments - a bathhouse for spirits and a geisha house, respectively. They encounter powerful antagonists, Yubaba and Hatsumomo, who seek to control and exploit them. However, the girls persevere through their struggles, aided by mentors like Haku and Mameha, and strive to find their place in these new worlds. The stories explore themes of identity, self-discovery, and the pursuit of freedom and love amidst oppressive circumstances. Both films culminate in the protagonists overcoming their challenges and achieving a sense of empowerment and fulfillment.
The Boy and the Beast
Both "Spirited Away" and "The Boy and the Beast" follow a young protagonist who enters a fantastical world and undergoes a transformative journey. In "Spirited Away", Chihiro stumbles into the spirit world and must work at a bathhouse, while in "The Boy and the Beast", Ren escapes to the Beast Kingdom and becomes the disciple of Kumatetsu. The protagonists face challenges of self-discovery, with Chihiro forgetting her name and Ren grappling with his identity. They receive guidance from mentors - Haku and Kumatetsu - who help them navigate the magical realms. Both films explore themes of finding one's true self, the power of determination, and the bond between master and student. The protagonists ultimately confront a powerful antagonist, with Chihiro defeating the curse on Haku and Ren purging Ichirohiko's darkness. Their journeys culminate in personal growth, self-acceptance, and a newfound sense of belonging.