Little Witch Academia is about a school for witches, showing the path and journey towards becoming witches. The story starts with an introduction about famed witch Shiny Chariot. Shiny Chariot is fantastic, and everyone wants to be just like her! However, over time, her fandom slowly fizzles out, and her followers grow out of their obsession. Fast-forward and we are introduced to Atsuko Kagari, a new student at Luna Nova Magical Academy, and still a loyal mega fan of Shiny Chariot. As Atsuko muddles through her boring studies, the constant trash talk about her Shiny among peers, and her lack of magical talent, can she essentially prove to herself and others that she has what it takes to become a witch? “Never forget, believing is your magic!”

Little Witch Academia is a beautiful anime movie that is very similar to Kiki’s Delivery Service because it expresses perseverance and determination of becoming a great witch. While many may find it simple to blend and fit in, Atsuko and Kiki go against the grain, showing that being yourself is your real strength. Being able to stand out regardless of what others may say is an admirable feature, something that proves easier said than done in a competitive environment. Additionally, Little Witch Academia and Kiki’s Delivery Service are both entertaining anime films that are empowering and endearing.

Sakura Kinomoto is an energetic and cheerful middle school student who leads an average life except for the fact that she is a Cardcaptor, responsible for capturing all the Clow Cards. Continuing the Cardcaptor saga, we follow Sakura on her journey. It’s winter break, and Sakura scores a vacation to Hong Kong. Luck or coincidence? Kero wonders about this trip that Sakura won, raising his defenses by keeping an even closer eye on her. On one occasion, Sakura goes sightseeing and is targeted by an evil force that brings her to a phantom world. Here, we discover that Sakura’s trip wasn’t by chance but because of a woman named Madoushi, plotting revenge on Clow Reed. With the help of her friends and mentors, Sakura must fight to save her captured companions.

Cardcaptor Sakura Movie 1 and Kiki’s Delivery Service are both anime movies that involve magic in a similar real-life environment. Sakura and Kiki are two bright and hopeful young ladies who take on a role more significant than themselves and must learn to accept their responsibilities. Both of them have so much to learn and have an excellent support system to help build their confidence. Moreover, Sakura and Kiki are sweet, loveable, and enchanting characters.

Omoide Poroporo or Only Yesterday follows the story of a young woman named Taeko Okajima. An established office worker for a company in Tokyo, Taeko, in her mid-twenties appears to have her life all sorted out. However, she hits a plateau, deciding to take a break from her routine in the city and venture out to the countryside to visit family. As Takeo spends more time in the wide-open space, she gains a new outlook on living; experiencing farm life and recalling nostalgic memories of her childhood, adolescence, and everything before having grown up responsibilities. Further, into her journey, Taeko evaluates the path she has chosen and questions if it is ultimately her calling.

Only Yesterday does not have the magical element demonstrated in Kiki’s Delivery Service but is an equally fantastic Studio Ghibli film. Only Yesterday and Kiki’s Delivery Service exudes the similar quality of Taeko and Kiki rediscovering a spark within themselves that was lost and regained once more. Both ladies in each film display extensive character development as well as realism and authenticity. We can’t help but wish for success for Taeko and Kiki because they’re both cool gals.

Mary and the Witch’s Flower documents the ordinary life of Mary, who by chance meets Tib the black cat and stumbles across a beautiful and magical flower. By this enchanted flower, Mary is bestowed the honor of being a witch for a limited amount of time. In this short period, Mary encounters the beautiful and enchanting world of witchcraft, leading viewers on the most fantastic adventure imaginable. We are shown all the pros and cons of magic, from one new engagement to the next.

Mary and the Witch’s Flower and Kiki’s Delivery Service are both excellent anime movies that must be on your “to watch” list if you haven’t already! They are beautifully animated films that share a similar art style. Both are suitable for all ages, and we cannot stress enough how great they are. Mary and the Witch’s Flower and Kiki’s feature magical elements set in a fictitious Western country. Mary and Kiki are two magical witches that ignite willfulness, adventure, and an insatiable thirst to unlock the unknown. Highly acclaimed as top films for their respective years, Mary and the Witch's Flower and Kiki's Delivery Service are honestly two peas in a pod.

Mary and the Witch’s Flower Trailer

Doubutsu no Mori is a game adaptation that follows the life of Ai. Ai is a self-reliant, independent girl who recently moves to Animal Village. Ai transitions smoothly to life in the village, making friends with the various villagers. Settling in, Ai one day takes a walk on the beach and finds a message in a bottle. This message is exceptionally intriguing, setting her on a quest to fulfill a winter miracle. Will she succeed?

In both Doubutsu no Mori and Kiki’s Delivery Service, the premises offer a girl, Ai and Kiki, going off to an unknown town for the first time to learn more about themselves and how to make it out in the world. Ai and Kiki are surrounded by a lot of helpful people who mentor and guide them the best they can without being overcrowding or coddling. Doubutsu no Mori and Kiki’s Delivery Service also captures life’s downfalls, as the girls struggle at one point, but ultimately climb out of their rut. Mostly, each film shares a touching, charming, and heartwarming story.

Spirit of Wonder: China-san no Yuuutsu follows a young 19th century woman named Miss China. In this time, Miss China has made waves as the established business owner of the Tenkai Restaurant and Boarding House. Miss China has success and fortune uncommon for women in this era and should be excited about life, but she is not. She is full of ennui, faced with obstacles that make her near-perfect being very complicated, such as dealing with the world’s most awful tenant and falling in love with a man who has his sights on another woman. However, the universe Miss China lives in is same-same but different than ours. It is a world that has the Spirit of Wonder when on occasion, miraculous things happen. For Miss China, Mr. Breckenridge and Jim, victory is about to strike on all fronts.

Spirit of Wonder: China-san no Yuuutsu and Kiki’s Delivery Service vastly differ in theme, tone, and animation style, but carry a few common characteristics that are suitable for this list. Miss China and Kiki are both fantastic young ladies that light up a room the moment they walk in. They are different, individual, and unique, with personalities that are hard to miss. Also, both anime films have the element of magic and enchantment, which is an alluring factor for fans of the fantasy genre. Furthermore, Spirit of Wonder and Kiki’s offer excellent storylines.