Best Anime for People Who Love Studio Ghibli Vibes

If you have ever finished Spirited Away or My Neighbor Totoro and felt empty in a good way, this list is for you. That soft ache in your chest, the calm after the credits, and the sudden urge to just sit and breathe for a moment. Those are the classic Studio Ghibli vibes that anime fans all over the world chase again and again.

Studio Ghibli has shaped how people see anime. Movies like Howl’s Moving Castle, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Whisper of the Heart, and Ponyo are more than just stories. They feel like memories. Warm homes, sleepy towns, quiet forests, fluffy spirits, and simple meals that somehow look like the best food in the world. When people search for anime with Studio Ghibli vibes, they are not just looking for the same art style. They are looking for cozy anime, gentle fantasy, and emotional stories that feel honest and human.

In this blog, we will go through a full list of anime that capture the heart of Studio Ghibli. You will find:

• Cozy slice of life series with countryside and small towns
• Supernatural stories with spirits and yokai similar to Spirited Away
• Heartwarming coming of age anime for fans of Whisper of the Heart
• Shows filled with nature, food, and everyday beauty like Totoro and Ponyo
• Whimsical and dreamy movies that feel close to Ghibli films

If you are searching for the best anime for Studio Ghibli fans, or you want a personal cozy Ghibli-like anime list, keep reading. Let us first look at what people really mean when they say “Studio Ghibli vibes.”

What Do “Studio Ghibli Vibes” Really Mean?

When people describe an anime as “Ghibli-like,” they rarely mean it looks exactly the same. They are talking about how it feels. Studio Ghibli vibes are about emotional tone, atmosphere, and the way the story treats everyday life. Here are some core elements that many Ghibli-like anime share.

Gentle Slice of Life Storytelling

Many Studio Ghibli films are not about saving the world. They are about small, personal moments. In My Neighbor Totoro, most scenes show two sisters exploring the countryside, waiting for their father, or playing with strange creatures in the forest. The pacing is calm. There is no rush.

Ghibli-like anime often follows this kind of storytelling. The conflicts are small and human. The focus stays on daily life, quiet growth, and small choices. These series feel relaxing to watch. They let you breathe.

Wholesome Relationships and Emotional Depth

Studio Ghibli is known for warm family bonds, supportive friendships, and gentle romance. Even when the story includes sadness or hardship, it rarely feels cruel. Movies like Kiki’s Delivery Service and Whisper of the Heart show characters who struggle with doubt and fear, but they grow through kindness and connection.

Ghibli-like anime carries this same emotional tone. They show found family, caring mentors, and friends who stay by each other’s side. Feelings are treated with respect. There is depth, but it is not edgy for the sake of drama.

Beautiful Nature and Detailed Backgrounds

Think about the forest in Totoro, the seaside town in Ponyo, or the bathhouse in Spirited Away. The backgrounds in Studio Ghibli films are almost characters on their own. Trees, rivers, old houses, and lantern-lit streets are drawn with love and respect.

Many anime with Studio Ghibli vibes put the same effort into their settings. You will see lush mountains, rice fields, cozy towns, and soft indoor lighting. The world feels lived in and real. Just looking at the scenery can be healing.

Magical Realism and Soft Fantasy

Ghibli often blends normal life with gentle magic. Witches delivering packages, girls who wander into spirit worlds, moving castles made of gears and smoke. The fantasy is not always explained in detail. It simply exists alongside daily life.

Ghibli-like anime often use this same kind of soft fantasy. You will see spirits, yokai, gods, magical creatures, or small miracles that appear in a normal world. These are not horror stories. The mood is mysterious and warm rather than terrifying.

Comfort, Healing, and Nostalgia

Above all, Studio Ghibli gives a feeling of comfort. Many people watch these movies when they feel stressed or tired. The combination of gentle pacing, beautiful art, and emotional truth makes them feel safe and understood.

Anime with Studio Ghibli vibes often fall into the “healing anime” category. They are perfect for rainy days, quiet evenings, or when you need a break from loud, intense shows. They remind you of childhood, family, and quiet moments that matter.

Why Ghibli Fans Will Love These Anime

In this blog, the anime are grouped by the different sides of Studio Ghibli vibes:

• Cozy and wholesome slice of life
• Gentle spirit world and yokai stories
• Emotional coming of age journeys
• Nature, food, and everyday beauty
• Whimsical, dreamy films and hidden gems

Scroll through and pick the anime that matches your favorite Ghibli mood.

Pure Cozy, Wholesome Vibes (Like My Neighbor Totoro and Kiki’s Delivery Service)

This section is for people who love the softest side of Studio Ghibli. If My Neighbor Totoro and Kiki’s Delivery Service are your comfort movies, these cozy anime will feel like home. Expect small towns, kind people, slow pacing, and a very gentle mood. These shows are perfect when you want feel-good Ghibli-like anime that calm your mind.

Barakamon

Type: Slice of life, comedy, rural setting

Barakamon follows Seishuu Handa, a young professional calligrapher who loses his temper after a critic insults his work. His father sends him to a remote island to cool down and rediscover his passion. There, he meets a group of lively villagers, including Naru, a hyperactive little girl who constantly barges into his house.

The series shows Handa adjusting to rural life. He helps with local events, plays with kids, and slowly loosens up. There are many small comedic moments, like Handa being scared by bugs or getting dragged into the children’s games. At the same time, the show shows his inner struggle as he tries to understand what art means to him.

Ghibli fans will love Barakamon because of its peaceful countryside, focus on community, and childlike innocence. Naru and the other kids feel like they could walk straight out of Totoro. The series has that same gentle warmth where nothing huge happens, but you finish each episode feeling lighter.

Flying Witch

Type: Slice of life, light fantasy

If you ever wished there were more stories like Kiki’s Delivery Service, Flying Witch is a must-watch. The anime centers on Makoto Kowata, a teenage witch who moves to the countryside to continue her training while living with her relatives. She wears a witch hat, rides a broom, and learns spells, but the story is calm and grounded.

Most episodes show simple daily life. Makoto plants a garden, goes shopping, gets lost, or meets magical beings, such as a harbinger of spring or a ghostly café owner. The magic is not dramatic. It is treated as a natural part of the world.

This series captures classic Studio Ghibli vibes with its mix of ordinary and magical. Makoto’s gentle personality, the cozy rural town, and the light comedy make it feel like a modern cousin to Kiki’s Delivery Service. It is perfect when you want a Ghibli-like anime that feels like a warm blanket.

Non Non Biyori

Type: Slice of life, school, rural

Non Non Biyori takes place in a tiny countryside village where there is only one school building, and all grades share the same classroom. The story follows four main girls: Hotaru, Komari, Natsumi, and Renge. Their daily adventures range from catching bugs and exploring fields to getting excited about going to the candy shop.

The pacing is very slow. Many scenes simply show the girls walking through sunny rice fields or sitting under the sky. There is a lot of quiet space, which makes the show feel relaxing. The humor is gentle, and the characters feel naturally childish without over-the-top behavior.

If you loved the scenes in Totoro where the girls wander through nature and wait for the catbus, Non Non Biyori will feel familiar. It has that same deep sense of place and nostalgia for childhood in the countryside. It is one of the best cozy anime similar to Studio Ghibli in terms of mood.

Laid-Back Camp (Yuru Camp)

Type: Slice of life, camping, nature

Laid-Back Camp is a favorite healing anime for many people. It follows a group of high school girls who enjoy camping. They travel to different campsites, set up tents, cook meals, and enjoy lakes, mountains, and starry skies.

The series focuses heavily on details. You see the characters cooking hot pot, instant ramen, and other dishes over small stoves. You see them bundle up in warm clothes and sit by the fire while the wind blows. The backgrounds are beautiful, with clear views of Mount Fuji and other real Japanese locations.

Ghibli fans will appreciate Laid-Back Camp for its love of nature and food. Just like Studio Ghibli often shows meals with care, this anime makes even simple camping food look amazing. It has almost no drama. It is calm, friendly, and perfect for winter nights when you want to feel cozy and safe.

ARIA The Animation

Type: Slice of life, slow-paced, fantasy city

ARIA The Animation is set in Neo-Venezia, a city on the planet Aqua, which is a terraformed version of Mars. The city is inspired by Venice and is filled with canals, gondolas, and soft light. The story follows Akari, a young woman training to become an Undine, a professional gondolier and tour guide.

Episodes are quiet and dreamy. Akari rows tourists through the canals, discovers small corners of the city, and spends time with her friends, who are also Undines in training. There are gentle touches of fantasy, like mysterious cats and unusual celestial events, but the focus remains on human connections and the beauty of the city.

This anime is ideal for fans of Studio Ghibli vibes because of its strong atmosphere. The backgrounds are stunning, and the pacing is intentionally slow. Watching ARIA feels like drifting through a calm dream. It is one of the most healing and relaxing series you can find.

Gentle Fantasy and Yokai Stories (Like Spirited Away)

If Spirited Away is your favorite Ghibli film, you probably love stories about spirits, strange worlds, and quiet magic. This section looks at anime that mix the supernatural with everyday life. These shows feel mysterious but not frightening, and they treat spirits with empathy rather than fear.

Natsume’s Book of Friends (Natsume Yuujinchou)

Type: Supernatural, slice of life, drama

Natsume’s Book of Friends follows Takashi Natsume, a teenage boy who can see spirits. He inherits a mysterious “Book of Friends” from his grandmother Reiko. The book contains the names of yokai she once defeated. Those names bind the spirits to the book. Natsume decides to return the names and free them, with the help of Nyanko-sensei, a powerful spirit in the form of a round cat.

Each episode often focuses on one spirit. Some are lonely, some are sad, some are scary at first but kind inside. As Natsume returns their names, he learns about their stories and their connection to the human world. The anime explores themes of loneliness, family, memory, and acceptance.

For Studio Ghibli fans, this series is a treasure. The way Natsume interacts with spirits feels similar to Chihiro’s encounters in Spirited Away. The tone is gentle, melancholic, and healing. If you want anime with Studio Ghibli vibes in a spirit-filled world, Natsume’s Book of Friends is one of the best choices.

Mushishi

Type: Supernatural, episodic, slow-paced

Mushishi follows Ginko, a “Mushi master” who travels through a quiet, almost timeless version of Japan. Mushi are strange life forms that exist somewhere between spirits and organisms. Most humans cannot see them, but they can cause illnesses, strange phenomena, or blessings. Ginko helps people who are affected by mushi and tries to understand these creatures.

Each episode is a self-contained story. The pace is slow, and the dialogue is minimal. Many scenes show forests, rivers, snow, and villages. The color palette is muted, which adds to the meditative mood.

Fans of Studio Ghibli’s nature and mysterious side will find Mushishi mesmerizing. It feels like sitting by a river and listening to an old story. The anime treats nature as powerful and neutral, not good or evil. If you enjoy quiet fantasy and atmospheric worlds, this is a perfect Ghibli-like anime for you.

Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits

Type: Supernatural, romance, food

In Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits, Aoi Tsubaki is a college student who can see ayakashi, or spirits. One day she is pulled into the hidden realm because her grandfather once made a promise to a powerful ogre. To pay off this debt, Aoi agrees to work at an inn for spirits.

The inn is full of unusual guests. There are fox spirits, tengu, and other mythical beings who come to eat, drink, and rest. Aoi uses her cooking skills to prepare meals for them. Many episodes center around a dish that brings comfort or helps a character.

This series echoes Spirited Away with its bathhouse-like setting and spirit customers. The focus on food and hospitality makes it feel warm and satisfying. If you want anime with Studio Ghibli vibes and a lot of spirit world cooking, Kakuriyo is a great choice.

The Eccentric Family (Uchouten Kazoku)

Type: Supernatural, family drama, urban fantasy

The Eccentric Family takes place in modern Kyoto, where humans, tanuki, and tengu coexist. The story follows the Shimogamo family, a group of tanuki who can shapeshift into human form. They deal with family issues, old rivalries, and the complicated relationship between the three species.

The anime mixes myth and reality. You see tanuki relaxing in hot baths, tengu flying through the air, and humans completely unaware of the magic around them. There is humor, but also real sadness and reflection on what it means to be a family.

Studio Ghibli fans who enjoy folklore and bittersweet storytelling will appreciate this series. It has a strong sense of place, deep emotional themes, and a unique blend of everyday life and mythic beings.

Heartwarming Coming-of-Age Stories (Like Whisper of the Heart)

Many Studio Ghibli films are about growing up. Whisper of the Heart is a great example. It shows a girl struggling with writing, dreams, and feelings of insecurity. If you love that emotional honesty, these anime will resonate with you. They are not always light, but they feel real and meaningful.

A Silent Voice (Koe no Katachi)

Type: Drama, school, heavy emotional themes

A Silent Voice follows Shoya Ishida, a boy who bullied a deaf girl named Shoko Nishimiya in elementary school. Years later, filled with guilt and isolation, he tries to make amends. The story shows both characters and their complicated feelings toward each other and themselves.

This movie is heavy. It deals with bullying, disability, depression, and forgiveness. However, it also has moments of warmth and simple joy. The animation is beautiful, and the character acting feels natural.

Ghibli fans who appreciate emotional depth will find A Silent Voice powerful. It is more intense than most Studio Ghibli movies, but it shares the same respect for quiet emotions and personal growth.

Your Name (Kimi no Na wa)

Type: Romance, body-swap, fantasy

In Your Name, two teenagers, Mitsuha and Taki, suddenly start swapping bodies. Mitsuha lives in a rural town and dreams of Tokyo, while Taki is a boy living in the city. As they switch back and forth, they leave messages for each other and slowly form a bond, even though they have never met in person.

The movie combines romantic comedy, supernatural mystery, and emotional drama. The art is stunning, especially the scenes of the countryside and comet-lit skies. The story explores memory, connection, and the way people can feel linked without fully understanding why.

Fans of Studio Ghibli vibes will enjoy Your Name for its heartfelt coming-of-age story and magical realism. It feels like a modern successor to emotionally rich Ghibli films.

A Place Further Than the Universe

Type: Adventure, slice of life, friendship

A Place Further Than the Universe follows four high school girls who decide to join an expedition to Antarctica. Each girl has her own reasons. One wants adventure, one wants to escape routine, one is following a missing mother’s path, and another is searching for meaning.

The anime balances humor, travel, and deep emotional moments. The journey to Antarctica becomes a way for the girls to face their fears and doubts. There are touching scenes about friendship, loss, and growing up.

If you love Ghibli’s focus on youth and dreams, this series is ideal. It feels like a long, emotional journey similar to what you might see in a Studio Ghibli movie, but told through a modern TV series.

March Comes in Like a Lion (3-gatsu no Lion)

Type: Drama, slice of life, psychological

This anime centers on Rei Kiriyama, a young professional shogi player who struggles with loneliness, trauma, and pressure. He lives alone and feels detached from life until he meets the Kawamoto sisters, a kind family who welcomes him into their home.

The show can be heavy, as it deals with depression, bullying, and identity. However, it balances this with warmth, especially in the scenes set around the Kawamoto household. There is a lot of focus on small joys such as meals, holidays, and everyday routines.

Ghibli fans who like realistic emotional stories like Whisper of the Heart will find this series meaningful. It shows healing as a slow process, supported by kindness and patience.

Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day

Type: Drama, supernatural, friendship

Anohana follows a group of childhood friends who drifted apart after a tragedy. The ghost of their friend Menma appears to one of them and asks for help to fulfill her last wish. To do this, the group must face their regrets and unresolved feelings.

The story is very emotional. It explores grief, guilt, and the way people change over time. Despite the heaviness, it ultimately feels cathartic and hopeful.

Fans of Studio Ghibli vibes will appreciate the focus on childhood memories and the bittersweet tone. It feels like a more intense version of the emotional undercurrent you see in some Ghibli films.

Stories Filled with Nature, Food, and Everyday Beauty (Like Totoro and Ponyo)

Studio Ghibli is famous for its love of nature and food. Forest spirits, sea creatures, steaming bowls of ramen, and home-cooked meals all play important roles. If this is your favorite part of Ghibli movies, these anime will make you very happy.

Sweetness & Lightning

Type: Slice of life, food, family

Sweetness & Lightning is about a widowed father, Kouhei Inuzuka, and his young daughter Tsumugi. Kouhei is a busy teacher who relies on convenience store food, but he wants to cook proper meals for Tsumugi. With the help of one of his students, Kotori, who loves cooking, they start learning recipes together.

Each episode focuses on a dish. They buy ingredients, cook step by step, and eat together. The food is animated with great care. The emotional core is the bond between father and daughter, and the simple kindness of sharing meals.

For Studio Ghibli fans who adore food scenes and gentle family moments, Sweetness & Lightning is perfect. It has strong cozy anime energy and feels very healing.

My Roommate Is a Cat

Type: Slice of life, comedy, pet

This anime tells the story of Subaru Mikazuki, a shy mystery writer who prefers to stay home. His life changes when he adopts a stray cat named Haru. The episodes often show events twice. First from Subaru’s perspective, then from Haru’s.

The show explores how both of them slowly open up. Subaru learns to let people into his life, and Haru learns to trust humans again. Small everyday moments, like feeding the cat or going to the vet, become emotional beats.

Fans of Studio Ghibli vibes will enjoy the quiet domestic life and emotional growth through a non-human companion, similar to how Ghibli treats animals as meaningful characters.

Silver Spoon

Type: School, agriculture, slice of life

Silver Spoon is about Yuugo Hachiken, a city boy who enrolls in an agricultural high school. He expects it to be easy, but soon realizes how challenging farm life is. The series covers topics like taking care of animals, understanding where meat and dairy come from, and dealing with the realities of agriculture.

The anime is funny and educational, but also thoughtful. It shows the hard work behind food and the connection between humans, animals, and land.

Ghibli fans who appreciate strong nature themes and respect for everyday work will like Silver Spoon. It feels grounded and honest, much like the rural scenes in some Ghibli films.

Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits (Re-Highlight)

This series deserves another mention here because of its focus on food. Aoi’s cooking for spirits is detailed and comforting. Each dish often ties to a character’s memory or emotional need. If you want a mix of spirit world fantasy and comforting meals, Kakuriyo sits perfectly at the intersection of Ghibli-like anime about food and magic.

Restaurant to Another World (Isekai Shokudou)

Type: Food, fantasy, episodic

Restaurant to Another World features a normal-looking Western-style restaurant that opens its doors to customers from a fantasy world once a week. Dragons, knights, elves, and demons come in, sit at the tables, and order their favorite meals.

Most episodes focus on one customer and their relationship with a specific dish. The food is drawn with care and love. The restaurant becomes a peaceful haven where different kinds of beings share the same comfort.

For Studio Ghibli fans, this show offers the same satisfaction you get from Ghibli food scenes. It is a low-stress, cozy anime that combines fantasy with everyday pleasure.

Whimsical, Artsy, and Dreamlike Anime (Like Howl’s Moving Castle)

Some Studio Ghibli films lean into surreal, imaginative worlds. Howl’s Moving Castle and Spirited Away are good examples. If you love unusual visuals and dreamy stories, these anime will catch your attention.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

Type: Sci-fi, romance, coming of age

This film follows Makoto Konno, a high school girl who suddenly gains the ability to leap backwards through time. At first, she uses it for silly things, like avoiding being late or fixing minor mistakes. As the story goes on, she realizes that her actions have consequences and that she cannot fix everything.

The movie mixes light humor with emotional moments. The time travel is less about big sci-fi rules and more about personal choices and regret.

Ghibli fans will enjoy this film’s focus on youth, second chances, and the gentle way it handles romance and friendship.

Children Who Chase Lost Voices

Type: Adventure, fantasy

Directed by Makoto Shinkai, Children Who Chase Lost Voices feels very close to Ghibli in style. It follows Asuna, a girl who finds a mysterious boy and then gets drawn into a journey to a hidden underground world called Agartha. This world is full of strange creatures, ancient ruins, and spirits.

The movie explores themes of loss, grief, and the desire to see loved ones again. The worldbuilding is rich, and many scenes look like they could belong in a high fantasy Ghibli film.

If you want anime like Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle with big fantasy worlds and emotional quests, this is a strong pick.

Wolf Children

Type: Fantasy, family, drama

Wolf Children starts with Hana, a college student who falls in love with a man who can transform into a wolf. They have two children together, Yuki and Ame, who inherit his wolf abilities. After a tragedy, Hana moves with her children to the countryside to raise them in a safe environment.

The movie covers several years of their lives. It shows the challenges of raising children who are both human and wolf, and the choices the children must eventually make about who they want to be.

Studio Ghibli fans will love the focus on family, nature, and quiet rural life. The animation of the fields, forests, and mountains is beautiful, and the emotional story feels very Ghibli-like.

Hakumei and Mikochi

Type: Fantasy, slice of life, tiny people

Hakumei and Mikochi is about two tiny women who live in a world where people are as small as mice. They live in trees, travel on birds, and interact with animals as equals. The series shows their everyday life as they work, cook, explore, and meet other tiny people.

The show’s charm comes from its detailed backgrounds. Teacups, houses, and tools are all scaled to their size, which makes the world feel magical.

Fans of The Secret World of Arrietty will find this anime especially appealing. It has the same “tiny world” charm and strong focus on nature.

Penguin Highway

Type: Mystery, sci-fi, coming of age

Penguin Highway follows Aoyama, a curious young boy who loves science. One day, penguins start appearing in his town, even though it is nowhere near the ocean. Aoyama decides to investigate, and the mystery leads him to a woman he calls “the Lady” and a strange phenomenon connected to his town.

The story is told from a child’s point of view. It mixes the logic of science with the strange rules of a surreal event. The tone is playful but thoughtful.

If you like Studio Ghibli vibes where kids try to understand a strange world around them, this film will feel familiar and interesting.

Anime Movies That Feel Very Close to Studio Ghibli

Sometimes you do not want a whole series. You want a movie night that feels close to Ghibli. These films share many of the same qualities: emotional storytelling, beautiful visuals, and strong themes of family, growth, and connection.

Wolf Children (Re-Highlight)

As mentioned earlier, Wolf Children is one of the closest films to Studio Ghibli in spirit. It has countryside life, warm family dynamics, and a mix of fantasy and realism. It is ideal for a “Ghibli replacement” movie night.

Summer Wars

Type: Sci-fi, family, drama

Summer Wars revolves around Kenji, a quiet math genius who is invited by his classmate Natsuki to her large family’s country home. He gets pulled into an online crisis involving a virtual world called OZ when a powerful AI threatens both the digital and real world.

The movie is full of energy. You see loud, chaotic family scenes, festival preparations, and intense digital battles. At the core, though, it is about the strength of family and community.

Ghibli fans will enjoy the big family gatherings, traditional Japanese home setting, and the focus on working together to solve problems.

The Boy and the Beast

Type: Fantasy, training, family

In The Boy and the Beast, a human boy named Ren ends up in a beast world and becomes the apprentice of a rough, bear-like warrior named Kumatetsu. Their relationship starts as mutual annoyance, but slowly becomes a strong bond.

The movie explores themes of identity, anger, and family. The beast world is colorful and lively, and the fights are dynamic without being too dark.

If you like Ghibli’s use of other worlds and unusual mentors, this film will match those Studio Ghibli vibes.

Mirai

Type: Family, time travel

Mirai tells the story of Kun, a young boy who feels jealous of his baby sister Mirai. One day, he meets a version of Mirai from the future, as well as other relatives from different times. These encounters help him understand his family and his own feelings.

The movie uses magical realism to show family history and childhood emotions. The house itself becomes a kind of portal.

Ghibli fans will like the child’s perspective and the gentle fantasy elements. It feels like a small, personal story with emotional depth.

Children Who Chase Lost Voices (Re-Highlight)

As noted, before, this film’s adventure into the world of Agartha is very Ghibli-like. It is a great pick if you want a long, fantasy-filled journey that feels similar to classic Ghibli adventures.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (Re-Highlight)

This is another strong movie night choice. It is shorter and lighter than some other titles, but still carries emotional weight and a unique twist on growing up.

Josee, the Tiger and the Fish

Type: Romance, disability, coming of age

This film follows Tsuneo, a university student, and Josee, a young woman who uses a wheelchair and rarely leaves her home. At first, she is prickly and closed off, but over time they form a bond that leads both of them to grow.

The movie focuses on personal dreams, freedom, and emotional vulnerability. It feels grounded but still slightly dreamy in tone.

Ghibli fans who enjoy human-centered, emotional stories will find this movie touching and sincere.

Hidden Gems with Ghibli-Like Atmosphere

Looking for something a bit less popular but still full of Studio Ghibli vibes? These hidden gems are perfect when you want a fresh cozy anime or a gentle fantasy that has not already been recommended everywhere.

Hakumei and Mikochi (Re-Highlight)

This series deserves extra attention because it is a pure atmosphere piece. Its tiny-people-in-the-forest setup, detailed worldbuilding, and calm episodes make it ideal for slow, relaxed watching. If you like quiet world exploration and careful art, it is a gem.

Somali and the Forest Spirit

Type: Fantasy, adventure, parent-child bond

Somali and the Forest Spirit takes place in a world where humans are nearly extinct. A golem, a guardian of the forest, finds a human child named Somali and decides to protect her. They travel together, meeting many different non-human races.

The dynamic between Somali and the golem is similar to a parent and child. The world is colorful and full of strange creatures, but there is also a bittersweet tone because of the golem’s limited lifespan.

Studio Ghibli fans who enjoy emotional fantasy and strong parent-child bonds will find this anime very moving.

Tsuritama

Type: Sci-fi, fishing, friendship

Tsuritama is set in a seaside town and follows Yuki, a shy boy who has trouble communicating with others. His life changes when he meets an odd boy who claims to be an alien and insists on learning how to fish.

The show is bright and colorful. Fishing becomes a way for the characters to connect and deal with their personal problems. There are light science fiction elements, but the focus is on friendship and growth.

If you love Ghibli’s seaside settings and cheerful tone, Tsuritama is a fun, underrated choice.

Spice and Wolf

Type: Fantasy, travel, economics, slow romance

Spice and Wolf features Kraft Lawrence, a traveling merchant, and Holo, a wise wolf goddess who takes the form of a young woman with ears and a tail. They travel from town to town, trading goods and getting involved in economic schemes.

The anime is dialogue-heavy and mature, but it has a warm, calm tone. The countryside settings, old towns, and wagon travel give it a strong atmosphere.

Ghibli fans who like journey stories and slow-burn character relationships will find a lot to enjoy here.

The Eccentric Family (Revisited)

As mentioned earlier, this anime is a folklore-themed gem set in Kyoto. If you love the idea of tanuki and tengu living side by side with humans, and stories full of family drama and myth, you should not skip it.

How To Pick Your Next Ghibli-Like Anime

With so many options, it can be hard to decide what to watch first. Here is a quick guide based on what you love most about Studio Ghibli vibes.

If You Loved Spirits and Magical Worlds

Try these anime with strong spirit and fantasy elements:

• Natsume’s Book of Friends
• Mushishi
• Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits
• Children Who Chase Lost Voices

These will give you that sense of gentle mystery you felt in Spirited Away.

If You Loved Cozy Towns and Everyday Life

Go for these cozy anime similar to Studio Ghibli:

• Barakamon
• Flying Witch
• Non Non Biyori
• Laid-Back Camp
• ARIA The Animation

These shows feel like long, comforting visits to small towns and peaceful worlds.

If You Loved Emotional Coming-of-Age Stories

For heartfelt and introspective anime:

• A Silent Voice
• Your Name
• A Place Further Than the Universe
• March Comes in Like a Lion
• Anohana

These will speak to the same part of you that loved Whisper of the Heart and other emotional Ghibli films.

If You Loved Nature and Food

Pick these series that celebrate daily life, meals, and the earth:

• Sweetness & Lightning
• Silver Spoon
• Restaurant to Another World
• Laid-Back Camp
• Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits

You can scroll back up to each section for detailed summaries and choose the anime that matches your mood tonight.

Final Thoughts: Your Next Anime Journey After Studio Ghibli

Studio Ghibli is special. No anime can completely replace the feeling of watching My Neighbor Totoro for the first time or getting lost in Spirited Away. However, many series and movies carry the same heart. They celebrate quiet moments, kind people, gentle fantasy, nature, food, and emotional honesty.

The anime in this list are perfect companions for Studio Ghibli fans. You can watch them between Ghibli rewatches, or use them to explore new sides of cozy anime and Ghibli-like worlds. Try a relaxing slice of life like Flying Witch, a spiritual story like Natsume’s Book of Friends, or an emotional film like Wolf Children.

Bookmark this guide and come back whenever you are searching for the best anime for Studio Ghibli fans and need something warm, nostalgic, and full of heart. Whether you want cozy anime like My Neighbor Totoro, emotional stories like Whisper of the Heart, or fantasy worlds that feel like Spirited Away, there is a Ghibli-like anime on this list waiting for you.