9 best anime films like Ponyo you need to watch

The 2008 film Ponyo by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli enchanted audiences with its magical story about young love, friendship, and adventure. Centered around a goldfish named Ponyo who transforms into a young girl and befriends a five-year-old boy named Sosuke, the film stands out with its imaginative sea world setting and captivating charm.

Those looking for anime films like Ponyo may also like Spirited Away, Kiki's Delivery Service, The Secret World of Arrietty, and more titles.

Disclaimer: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's opinions.

9 must-watch anime films like Ponyo

1) Spirited Away

This Oscar-winning film tells the story of 10-year-old Chihiro who wanders into a magical spirit world and sets out on an adventure to rescue her parents.

Like Ponyo, Spirited Away features spellbinding animation and a creative spirit world brimming with wonderfully imaginative creatures like nosy Susuwatari soot sprites, the ominous masked No-Face, and a powerful witch named Yubaba.

Chihiro herself is also as determined, and kind-hearted a heroine as Ponyo. With its emotional coming-of-age story, creative visuals, and portrayal of themes of growth and environmentalism, Spirited Away has all the hallmarks of Miyazaki's brilliance, making it one of the best anime films like Ponyo.

2) My Neighbor Totoro

My Neighbor Totoro (Image via Studio Ghibli)

Those seeking anime films like Ponyo can turn to 1988’s whimsical classic My Neighbor Totoro. This film tells the story of young sisters Satsuki and Mei as they befriend cuddly forest spirits like the large titular Totoro while adjusting to their new countryside home.

From Totoro's adorable character design to the girls' delightful discovery of mystical creatures like Susuwatari and a magic cat bus, the movie brims with the same sense of childlike wonder and imagination found in Ponyo.

Additionally, it sheds light on themes of hope and strength, drawing parallels to Ponyo and Sosuke’s touching friendship.

3) Kiki's Delivery Service

Kiki's Delivery Service (Image via Studio Ghibli)

Another one of the best anime films like Ponyo from Hayao Miyazaki's early Ghibli years is 1989's Kiki's Delivery Service, which is centered around the journey of a young witch named Kiki.

Much like Ponyo's exploration of the surface world as a human girl, this film follows Kiki as she ventures to a seaside town to live independently and practice using her magical gifts to help others. Through slice-of-life storytelling with occasional flying witchery set against scenic coastal backdrops, the movie perfectly echoes the cozy, wonder-filled appeal of Ponyo.

4) Whisper of the Heart

Whisper of the Heart (Image via Studio Ghibli)

Grounded more in contemporary reality than fantasy, 1995's Whisper of the Heart is a great pick for fans of anime films like Ponyo.

The romantic coming-of-age film tells the story of Shizuku Tsukishima, a girl who begins writing her first novel after being inspired by noticing the same name on various library books she reads. Like Ponyo’s focus on friendship and young love, Whisper of the Heart depicts Shizuku’s endearing, socially awkward budding relationship with a passionate violin craftsman who shares her creative spirit.

5) The Secret World of Arrietty

The Secret World of Arrietty (Image via Studio Ghibli)

One of the most wonderful anime films like Ponyo that captures a similar whimsical spirit is 2010's The Secret World of Arrietty, which is based on the classic children's book The Borrowers.

When young Arrietty befriends a human boy who discovers that she is part of a family of tiny people, they form an unlikely friendship. Like Ponyo longing to understand Sosuke's world, Arrietty harbors her own fascination and wonder about ordinary human life while navigating risky interspecies connections.

Capturing childhood curiosity and innocence that is key to Ponyo's charm, this film makes for a delightful watch.

6) Howl's Moving Castle

Howl's Moving Castle (Image via Studio Ghibli)

Fantasy fans will also love the acclaimed Miyazaki epic Howl's Moving Castle, featuring wizard Howl's magical shape-shifting castle roaming the gorgeous countryside.

After an evil witch turns protagonist Sophie Hatter into an old woman, Sophie encounters Howl’s Castle and embarks on a stirring adventure to break her curse. With its creative steampunk aesthetics and visual splendor, the film echoes Ponyo's style of infusing ordinary settings with magical places and creatures.

Centered around themes of courage and not judging by appearances, this exciting tale of magic and wonder perfectly aligns with qualities fans of Ponyo will enjoy.

7) When Marnie Was There

When Marnie Was There (Image via Studio Ghibli)

2014's When Marnie Was There makes for an evocative, poignant pick rife with magic and friendship. The title follows foster child Anna Sasaki visiting a seaside town. She soon meets the mysterious Marnie, beginning a wondrous friendship shrouded in secrets.

The film incorporates gorgeous seaside imagery and a budding connection between two lonely young girls into an emotional story of self-discovery. It also sheds light on the power of friendship in turbulent times.

Its ultimate revelations also make for an impactful, bittersweet viewing experience sure to entice fans of anime films like Ponyo.

8) Mary and the Witch's Flower

Mary and the Witch's Flower (Image via Studio Ponoc)

This charming 2017 film from former Ghibli animator Hiromasa Yonebayashi echoes Miyazaki's magic. Mary and the Witch’s Flower follows an ordinary Mary, who discovers a magical flower granting her extraordinary witch powers for just one night.

From its magical academy setting to its resonant message about not rushing to grow up too fast, this film boasts beautiful animation and an uplifting charm, making it one of the best choices for fans of anime films like Ponyo. The shared atmospheric fantasy adventure elements also make it a delight for those who enjoyed the 2008 film.

9) Wolf Children

Another one of the best anime films like Ponyo, which exemplifies its core themes of childhood innocence and self-discovery, is the critically acclaimed 2012 drama Wolf Children by director Mamoru Hosoda.

This emotional film revolves around half-human half-wolf children Ame and Yuki growing up after their werewolf father’s death forces them to relocate. Much like little Ponyo’s quest to understand the human world, Wolf Children focuses heavily on the concept of growing up torn between two worlds.

The siblings struggling to choose between wolf and human natures mirrors Ponyo’s own journey beautifully.

Conclusion

From Ghibli classics like My Neighbor Totoro to recent successes echoing familiar themes like Wolf Children, fans of Ponyo have plenty to adore. These nine anime films like Ponyo capture qualities that made the titular character's imaginative, heartwarming seabound adventure iconic and popular among audiences worldwide.