If you loved the enchanting adventures of 'Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina' (2020), you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same magical spirit, whimsical storytelling, and breathtaking journeys. Whether you're drawn to Elaina's independence, the show's episodic charm, or its fantasy world, these recommendations will keep you spellbound.

Castle in the Sky (1986)
Description: A high-flying adventure featuring a young girl with a mysterious past, exploring themes of lost civilizations, flight, and the bond between unlikely allies.
Fact: It was one of the first films produced by Studio Ghibli and features music by Joe Hisaishi, a frequent collaborator with Hayao Miyazaki.


Princess Mononoke (1997)
Description: An epic fantasy film that explores the conflict between humans and nature, featuring a journey of self-discovery and the search for harmony between opposing forces.
Fact: It was the highest-grossing film in Japan until Titanic was released later the same year.


Spirited Away (2001)
Description: A magical adventure about a young girl navigating a spirit world, filled with fantastical creatures and themes of growth, resilience, and transformation.
Fact: It won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, the first and only hand-drawn and non-English film to do so.


Howl's Moving Castle (2004)
Description: A whimsical fantasy tale about a young woman transformed by a curse, embarking on a journey that intertwines magic, war, and self-acceptance.
Fact: The film is loosely based on the novel by British author Diana Wynne Jones.


Haibane Renmei (2002)
Description: A mysterious and introspective series about winged beings living in a secluded town, dealing with themes of redemption, identity, and the unknown.
Fact: The series was created by Yoshitoshi ABe, who also worked on the character designs for Serial Experiments Lain.


Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)
Description: A fantasy adventure featuring a strong, independent female protagonist who protects a young prince, exploring themes of destiny, sacrifice, and the supernatural.
Fact: The anime is based on the first novel in a ten-book series written by Nahoko Uehashi, who is also a cultural anthropologist.


Natsume's Book of Friends (2008)
Description: A supernatural series centered around a protagonist who travels between the human and spirit worlds, encountering various yokai and learning about their stories, emphasizing themes of loneliness and connection.
Fact: The manga has been serialized since 2005 and has over 30 volumes, making it one of the longest-running supernatural manga series.


From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)
Description: A nostalgic and heartfelt story set in 1960s Japan, blending coming-of-age themes with a gentle exploration of history and community.
Fact: The film is based on a 1980 manga by Tetsuro Sayama and Chizuru Takahashi, and it marked Goro Miyazaki's second directorial effort.


Flying Witch (2016)
Description: A slice-of-life fantasy that follows a young witch as she moves to a rural town, blending everyday life with magical elements in a serene and whimsical manner.
Fact: The series is known for its calming atmosphere and has been praised for its accurate depiction of rural Japanese life.


Spice and Wolf (2008)
Description: A fantasy adventure with a strong focus on travel and exploration, featuring a wise and mysterious female protagonist who forms a deep bond with her companion during their journey.
Fact: The series is based on a light novel series that blends economics with fantasy, a unique combination for its genre.
