Howl’s Moving Castle enchants viewers with its magical realism, anti-war themes, and profound character growth, blending whimsy with emotional depth.
For fans drawn to its exploration of self-discovery, found family, and richly crafted worlds, these 15 underrated anime offer similar charm, often overlooked in mainstream discourse.
1. The Ancient Magus’ Bride (2017)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 8.00
- Studio: Wit Studio
- Summary: Chise, a girl sold to a mystical mage, discovers self-worth in a world where magic and humanity intertwine.
- Similarities: Whimsical fantasy, themes of belonging, and a protagonist healing from trauma through connection.
2. Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms (2018)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 1 (Movie)
- MAL Rating: 8.38
- Studio: P.A. Works
- Awards: Japan Academy Prize for Animation
- Summary: An immortal girl raises a human child, exploring love, loss, and the passage of time.
- Similarities: Bittersweet focus on fleeting moments and maternal bonds, akin to Howl and Sophie’s relationship.
3. Natsume’s Book of Friends (2008)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 74 (6 seasons)
- MAL Rating: 8.33
- Studio: Brain’s Base
- Summary: A boy who sees spirits inherits a book binding them, forging bonds while confronting loneliness.
- Similarities: Serene tone, supernatural elements, and emphasis on empathy and healing.
4. Mushi-Shi (2005)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 46 (2 seasons)
- MAL Rating: 8.58
- Studio: Artland
- Summary: Ginko, a Mushi researcher, navigates ethereal creatures and human struggles in episodic tales.
- Similarities: Meditative pacing, nature-centric themes, and philosophical depth.
5. Patema Inverted (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 1 (Movie)
- MAL Rating: 7.55
- Studio: Rikka
- Summary: Teens from opposing gravity-bound worlds uncover secrets, challenging societal divides.
- Similarities: Unique world-building and romance defying physical/cultural barriers.
6. A Letter to Momo (2011)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Episodes: 1 (Movie)
- MAL Rating: 7.66
- Studio: Production I.G
- Summary: A grieving girl interacts with mischievous spirits, reconciling loss through magical encounters.
- Similarities: Blend of grief, humor, and supernatural healing.
7. Somali and the Forest Spirit (2020)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.70
- Studio: Satelight, Hornets
- Summary: A golem cares for a human girl in a dying fantasy world, exploring parental love.
- Similarities: Found family dynamics and lush, melancholic world-building.
8. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)
- Streaming: Hulu
- Episodes: 1 (Movie)
- MAL Rating: 8.66
- Studio: Madhouse
- Awards: Japan Academy Prize for Animation
- Summary: A teen’s time-leaping ability teaches her the consequences of altering fate.
- Similarities: Themes of impermanence and youthful self-discovery.
9. Barakamon (2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 8.32
- Studio: Kinema Citrus
- Summary: A calligrapher moves to a rural island, finding inspiration through quirky locals.
- Similarities: Heartwarming community integration and growth through humility.
10. Children Who Chase Lost Voices (2011)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Episodes: 1 (Movie)
- MAL Rating: 7.38
- Studio: CoMix Wave Films
- Summary: A girl ventures into a mythical underworld, grappling with loss and wonder.
- Similarities: Miyazaki-esque adventure and exploration of life/death cycles.
11. Haibane Renmei (2002)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 8.13
- Studio: Radix
- Summary: Angel-like beings in a walled town confront guilt and redemption.
- Similarities: Ethereal atmosphere and themes of purgatorial self-forgiveness.
12. Arrietty (2010)
- Streaming: Max
- Episodes: 1 (Movie)
- MAL Rating: 7.95
- Studio: Studio Ghibli
- Summary: A tiny “Borrower” girl befriends a human boy, challenging their worlds’ boundaries.
- Similarities: Intimate scale, environmental wonder, and cross-cultural connection.
13. Kemono no Souja Erin (2009)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 50
- MAL Rating: 8.16
- Studio: Production I.G
- Summary: A girl bonds with magical beasts, navigating political strife and ethical dilemmas.
- Similarities: Anti-war messaging and protagonist bridging human/animal worlds.
14. The Tale of Princess Kaguya (2013)
- Streaming: Max
- Episodes: 1 (Movie)
- MAL Rating: 8.43
- Studio: Studio Ghibli
- Awards: Nominated for Best Animated Feature Oscar
- Summary: A celestial princess yearns for freedom in a visually stunning folk tale.
- Similarities: Artistic brilliance and critique of societal expectations.
15. A Whisker Away (2020)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Episodes: 1 (Movie)
- MAL Rating: 7.02
- Studio: Studio Colorido
- Summary: A girl transforms into a cat to connect with her crush, blurring human/animal identities.
- Similarities: Whimsical romance and themes of authenticity.
Why These Anime Work for Howl’s Moving Castle Fans
Each series mirrors Howl’s Moving Castle’s blend of magic, emotional depth, and resistance against societal norms.
Whether through lush animation, anti-war themes, or characters finding strength in vulnerability, these underrated gems capture the heart and wonder that define Studio Ghibli’s legacy.
For viewers seeking stories where fantasy and humanity intertwine, these picks offer timeless journeys of growth and connection.
