Beyond Totoro: 5 Healing Fantasy Anime Every Ghibli Fan Needs to Watch

We all have that “Ghibli void.” You know the one—that craving for a world that feels like a warm blanket, where magic isn’t about power levels, but about the rustle of leaves, a quiet cup of tea, and the bittersweet ache of growing up.

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If you’ve already watched Spirited Away ten times and need something new that captures that “gentle but deep” vibe, these five series are the closest you’ll get to home.

1. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

Imagine if the credits rolled on a massive fantasy adventure, and then the real story started. That’s Frieren. It follows an immortal elf who outlives her hero comrades and only realizes too late that she missed the point of their short lives.

• The Ghibli Connection: It feels like the quiet parts of Howl’s Moving Castle. It’s slow, melancholic, and obsessed with small details—like a flower crown or a specific type of bread.

• The “Real” Feel: It’s not about the dragon they killed; it’s about the regret of not saying “thank you” while the person was still there. It’ll make you want to call your friends.

2. Mushishi: The Ultimate “Slow Life”

If Princess Mononoke was a chill, episodic mystery series, it would be Mushishi. Ginko, a white-haired traveler, wanders a rural, mythical Japan to deal with “Mushi”—primitive life forms that aren’t good or evil, they just exist.

• The Vibe: Pure atmosphere. No screaming, no flashy fights. Just the sound of snow falling and the mystery of nature.

• Personal Grip: It’s almost too quiet. If you’re tired, you might fall asleep—but it’ll be the best nap of your life. It’s a masterclass in “show, don’t tell.”

3. Spice and Wolf: Economics with a Soul

Don’t let the “economics” part scare you off. This is a road-trip story about a traveling merchant and a snarky wolf deity named Holo. It’s 90% banter and 10% trading wheat, and somehow, it’s captivating.

• The Ghibli Connection: It shares that Kiki’s Delivery Service energy—focusing on the mundane struggles of making a living in a world that’s slowly changing.

• Why it works: Holo is one of the best-written female characters in anime. She’s ancient and wise, yet insecure and playful. Their relationship feels earned, not forced.

4. Natsume’s Book of Friends: The “Healer”

Natsume can see spirits (Yokai), which made him a weirdo and an outcast as a kid. When he inherits a book of spirits’ names from his grandma, he decides to return them instead of using them for power.

• The Feel: This show is a hug. It’s about loneliness, kindness, and finding where you belong.

• The Hook: Each episode is a small, self-contained story about a spirit’s longing. It’s got that rural Japanese charm that Ghibli fans live for. It’s simple, honest, and will probably make you cry at least once per season.

5. The Ancient Magus’ Bride: A Darker Fairytale

Chise is a girl who has lost everything and is “bought” by a magus with a skull for a head to be his apprentice (and eventual bride). It sounds weird, but it’s actually a beautiful, sometimes dark, story about trauma and healing.

• The Aesthetic: It’s like Spirited Away met a British folklore book. The magic feels old, dangerous, and deeply tied to the earth.

• The Draw: The backgrounds are lush and the world-building is top-tier. It captures that “awe and terror” of magic that Ghibli does so well—where nature is beautiful but doesn’t necessarily care about your feelings.

Which vibe are you in the mood for? If you want something cozy, go for Natsume. If you want a cinematic journey, Frieren is your best bet.