If you loved Your Name, you’re likely on the lookout for more anime films that capture the same enchanting blend of romance, emotion, and stunning visuals. 5 best anime movies like Your Name presents a selection of films that resonate with similar themes of connection, longing, and the complexities of youth. These movies not only showcase beautiful animation but also delve into heartfelt narratives that explore the intricacies of relationships and personal growth.
Let’s discover our list right now:
1. Weathering with You
If you enjoyed Your Name, you should definitely check out other anime films directed by Makoto Shinkai, particularly Weathering with You (天気の子), which is highly recommended. Released three years after Your Name, it marks Shinkai’s seventh animated feature.The story follows Hodaka Morishima, a high school student who escapes from his remote island home to Tokyo.
There, he encounters Hina Amano, a girl with a remarkable ability to manipulate the weather and bring sunshine.Weathering with You beautifully captures the vibrant everyday life of Tokyo, much like Your Name. The emotional dynamics between Hodaka, Hina, and those around them will resonate with fans of Taki and Mitsuha, offering a compelling narrative filled with adventure and heartfelt moments.
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2. Fireworks
Fireworks (打ち上げ花火、下から見るか? 横から見るか?), also known as Fireworks, Should We See It from the Side or the Bottom?, is a romance anime film released in 2017. It is based on the Japanese television drama of the same name directed by Shunji Iwai in 1993 and was adapted into an anime movie by Akiyuki Shinbo at the studio Shaft.Set in a fictional beachside town inspired by Asahi City in Chiba Prefecture, the film explores the complex relationships between three junior high school students: Norimichi, Yusuke, and the heroine, Nazuna.
Nazuna faces serious family issues and seeks Norimichi’s help as she contemplates running away.In a twist reminiscent of Your Name, Norimichi and Nazuna navigate different timelines through a mysterious glass marble that allows them to alter events. While Fireworks does not delve into fantasy as deeply as Your Name, it still presents a poignant narrative that intertwines harsh realities with elements of fantasy, highlighting the power of choice and connection in their lives.
3. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (時をかける少女) is a fantasy anime film directed by the acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Mamoru Hosoda, released in 2006. This captivating movie blends various genres, including romance, mystery, and slice-of-life.The story centers on Makoto Konno, a high school girl who, along with her friends Kosuke and Chiaki, navigates the ups and downs of teenage life.
One day, Makoto discovers that she has the ability to travel back in time, which leads her to explore her newfound power while dealing with the challenges of adolescence.As one of the first popular anime films to focus on time travel, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time shares a similar narrative style with Your Name, featuring everyday life intertwined with mysterious and pivotal events. The film beautifully illustrates the characters’ experiences while prompting viewers to reflect on the significance of their choices and relationships.
4. Whisper of the Heart
Whisper of the Heart (耳をすませば), released in 1995, is a highly recommended Studio Ghibli film for fans of Your Name. Although it was not directed by the renowned Hayao Miyazaki, it has received high praise in Japan.The film beautifully captures the essence of young love through the story of two main characters: Shizuku Tsukishima and Seiji Amasawa.
Shizuku, an aspiring writer, stumbles upon a mysterious antique shop called Chikyuya, owned by Shiro Nishi. There, she becomes acquainted with Seiji, who shares her passion for creativity. As they both pursue their dreams—Shizuku working on her novel and Seiji aspiring to become a violin maker—they navigate their feelings for each other.
5. The Garden of Words
The Garden of Words (言の葉の庭), released in 2013, is a drama anime film directed by Makoto Shinkai, created just before his acclaimed work Your Name. This film explores the innocent theme of “boy meets girl” set against the backdrop of rain.The story follows 15-year-old Takao Akizuki, an aspiring shoemaker who often skips school to sketch his designs in Shinjuku Gyoen, a beautiful garden in Tokyo.
During one of his visits, he encounters Yukari Yukino, a 27-year-old woman who frequently visits the garden to escape her personal and professional troubles.While their relationship develops through their rainy day meetings, the film beautifully depicts everyday life and the ordinary moments that connect people. Although The Garden of Words does not delve into fantasy like Your Name, it captures the essence of human connection and the emotional depth of its characters. The narrative emphasizes how they learn from each other while navigating their own struggles, making it a poignant exploration of loneliness and understanding.
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