There is a certain charm that belongs only to hits like Spirited Away or Princess Mononoke. So it is to be expected that fans are constantly searching for alternatives that share a similar vibe to a Ghibli film or a work by Hayao Miyazaki.

However, while movies would be the first choice, there are also several series that not only share a similar essence to Studio Ghibli's works but are also incredible options that any anime fan should experience once in their lifetime. Anime series have kept evolving with the ing years and give high-quality stories that deserve full attention and will appeal to even diehard fans of Studio Ghibli who want a break and experience something different.

10 Flying Witch

Animated by J.C. Staff, Based on the Manga by Chihiro Ishizuka

For viewers who like stories about traveling witches, like Kiki's Delivery Service, Flying Witch tells the story of Makoto, who moves to another town to live with her relatives ​to continue her studies as a witch, showing how she adapts to her new environment. This way, Flying Witch is a slice-of-life with magic elements that convey the beauty of everyday life and friendships with the peace and warmth that characterize many Ghibli films.

This, in addition to its endearing characters, and clean animation style marked by soft lines and cheerful colors, made Flying Witch a sweet and relaxing anime that serves as a balm for my heart for viewers who want to clear their minds and forget about their worries for a while.

9 Natsume’s Book of Friends

Animated by Brain's Base and Shuka, Based on the Manga By Yuki Midorikawa

Natsume's Book of Friends is the story of a boy with the ability to see spirits who is left a unique book after the death of his grandma that contains all the spirits she made a contract with during her life. As Natsume starts freeing these spirits, the anime explores the relationship between humans and spirits, having a similar tone to many Ghibli movies.

With an introspective atmosphere, the anime mixes drama and humor and has an optimistic perspective on life, delivering many emotional and bittersweet moments to viewers. While its episodic format may not be for everyone, Natsume's Book of Friends is an animation gem that is a refreshing option for those who prefer to watch a story little by little and relax.

8 Mushi-Shi

Animated by Artland, Based on the Manga By Yuki Urushibara

Mushi-Shi is an anime that explores entities called 'Mushi' who share a connection with both nature and humans, showing many different stories that will connect with the audience on an emotional level. The anime blends Japanese folklore with a melancholic atmosphere that shares the peaceful charm of the works of Studio Ghibli and invites reflection, making Mushi-Shi a contemplative story with a fantastic and unique approach to spiritualism and life.

Despite being a slow-paced story, one of Mushi-Shi's strong points is its magnificent setting that fully immerses viewers in nature with stunning scenery of landscapes and traditional villages, showcasing the beginning of the contemporary period in Japan and the lives of the people at the time. As a result, Mushi-Shi is an unforgettable story that fans of deep narrative with strong messages and heartrending moments should watch.

7 Kino’s Journey: The Beautiful World

Animated by Lerche and Egg Firm; Based on the Novel by Keiichi Sigsawa

Although Kino’s Journey's adaptation of 2003 became a cult series, its 2017 reenvision is also a great option for those looking for a modern take on one of the best animes about exploration and adventure. Kino’s Journey follows Kino along with her motorcycle. Hermes ventures to several countries to meet all kinds of people and cultures, mixing reality and fantasy. However, the best parts of these journeys are the lessons they left, as each location gives an opportunity for viewers to meditate on the meaning behind each encounter.

Just like Ghibli films like Howl's Moving Castle, whose part of its charm is its unique aesthetic with gorgeous landscapes and use of nature as the castle constantly moves from location, Kino's Journey showcases the beauty of traveling and exploring the world. Additionally, Kino's Journey is not only deeply reflective but nostalgic with sad and melancholic moments. Likewise, its episode format featuring a new adventure every time, makes it ideal for viewers who prefer films due to their short duration, as the anime can be enjoyed at their own pace.

6 Kotaro Lives Alone

Animated by Asbirds; Based on the Manga by Mami Tsumura

Similar to many iconic Ghibli films, Kotaro Lives Alone is a funny yet deeply emotional story that follows a child. In Kotaro Lives Alone, a manga artist starts taking care of his neighbor, a boy who talks like a Japanese feudal lord and seems very self-sufficient despite his short age. As a result, the anime features how they begin forming a special bond and meet their particular neighbors while unveiling the mystery surrounding Kotaro's everyday life.

With a simple yet perfectly fitting hand-drawn animation with pastel colors, Kotaro Lives Alone excels in showing the world through the gaze of a child like several Ghibli movies, while addressing some very thorny themes that will leave a profound impression on viewers. Additionally, the anime has a unique sense of humor and charm that will draw the audience while deepening on fundamental aspects of the human condition and harsh social realities while being incredibly heartwarming, showing the joy of sharing time with others and the importance of relationships and bonds.

5 Ranking of Kings

Animated by Wit Studio, Based on the Manga By Sosuke Toka

One of the best options to get into anime Ranking of Kings is a medieval fantasy that feels like a classic fairy tale featuring a deaf, mute, and weak prince called Boji who is ridiculed by his own kingdom. But although nobody believes in him, Bojji is determined to show he is capable of becoming king.

Not only does the anime have beautiful colorful animation with the essence of a Ghibli, but its innocent protagonist exploring a world full of magic and its emotional developments make it a perfect option for Miyazaki's film enthusiasts. Furthermore, Ranking of Kings is a story of friendship, family, honor, and discrimination soaked in a unique game of thrones with political intrigues, conspiracies, and great twists and battles that make it a must-watch anime for any fan of fantasy.

4 Anne Shirley

Animated by The Answer Studio, Based on the Novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery

An anime that revives the classic of literature, Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery narrates the experiences of little Anne after being adopted by a family who were looking for a young boy after being captivated by her innocent and curious personality. This modern adaptation is an incredible reinvention that transmits the vibe of the original story, showing Anne's growth and her unique perspective of the world in which she bathes the world with magical realism thanks to her incredible imagination.

Additionally, just like many Studio Ghibli films, the anime is set in a rural area, showcasing the beauty of the countryside and nature thanks to its great use of color. Also, the anime features a strong female protagonist who begins to find her ion in life while growing up and falling in love, becoming one of the greatest coming-of-age stories of all time and an incredible option for those who enjoyed Netflix's adaptation of Anne with an E.

3 Moribito, Guardian of the Spirit

Animated by Production I.G, Based on the Novel by Nahoko Uehashi

A fantastic adventure that blends mythology and oriental folklore, showing a strong and warrior female lead like Princess Mononoke but who, instead of protecting nature, becomes a bodyguard of a prince in danger. Moribito, Guardian of the Spirit follows the story of Balsa, a spearwoman who is hired to protect Prince Chagun, from a murder complot and from all kinds of supernatural threats that chase him due to his unique nature.

Moribito, Guardian of the Spirit has the aftertaste of a Ghibli movie thanks to its classic animation style, captivating world, unique mystical creatures and complex protagonist, and dynamic action that carries her own personal and past through her journey, becoming a unique anime that only gets better as the story progresses.

2 Kids on the Slope

Animated by MAPPA and Tezuka Productions; Based on the Manga by Yuki Kodama

From the Legendary Director Shinichiro Watanabe, known for Cowboy Bebop and his recent series Lazarus Kids on the Slope is a slice-of-life about friendship, love, and music that will appeal to fans of the most realistic Ghibli films, like Whispers of the Heart. One of the highlights of Ghibli's movies is the incredible soundtrack by Joe Hisaishi. Kids on the Slope has some of the best music in the medium for lovers of Jazz, delivering the characteristic style of the later sixties songs.

With masterful use of drama to transmit the personal conflicts of each character and how they begin forming a meaningful and inspiring relationship, Kids on the Slope is a grounded, moving, and mature story that conveys a feeling of calm and happiness about finding one's ion and path, overcoming struggles and enjoying life.

1 Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

Animated by Madhouse; Based on the Manga by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is a fantasy story of an elf who never thought about her own longevity but realizes how merciless the age of time is, after the death of one of her former human companions. As a result, Frieren embarks on a new journey, having gained a new perspective on life. Thanks to this unique setting, Frieren invites viewers to reflect on the meaning of time, the importance of creating bonds, overcoming grief, and enjoying everyday life. All through the exploration of a magic world, very much in the style of a Ghibli movie.

Frieren is one of the most beautiful audiovisual proposals in anime in recent years, becoming a visual work of art that appeals to viewers' emotions, comparable to what Studio Ghibli does. Furthermore, Frieren's soundtrack gives the necessary weight to poignant moments, succeeding in delivering all types of feelings to the audience and immersing them in its incredible story.