If you were captivated by the intimate and inspiring documentary 'Never-Ending Man: Hayao Miyazaki (2017),' which delves into the legendary animator's creative struggles and triumphs, you'll love these 10 similar films and shows. This article explores documentaries and narratives that celebrate artistic passion, perseverance, and the magic of animation, offering a deeper look into the minds of visionary creators.

The Triplets of Belleville (2003)
Description: A whimsical and visually inventive animated film that tells a quirky, almost wordless story with rich, detailed artistry. It shares a love for unconventional storytelling and striking visual aesthetics.
Fact: The film was nominated for two Academy Awards. It features a memorable soundtrack with minimal dialogue, relying heavily on music and sound effects.


Persepolis (2007)
Description: An animated autobiographical film that combines personal and political narratives with a distinctive black-and-white visual style. It shares themes of identity, resilience, and the power of storytelling.
Fact: The film is based on Marjane Satrapi's graphic novel of the same name. It was the first animated film to compete for the Palme d'Or at Cannes.


Mary and Max (2009)
Description: An animated film that explores themes of loneliness, friendship, and acceptance through a unique visual style and heartfelt storytelling. It shares a deep emotional resonance and artistic originality.
Fact: The film uses stop-motion animation with clay figures. It was the first animated film to open the Sundance Film Festival.


The Pixar Story (2007)
Description: A documentary chronicling the rise of an iconic animation studio, focusing on the innovation and teamwork that revolutionized the industry. It shares the spirit of artistic collaboration and visionary storytelling.
Fact: The film includes interviews with key figures like Steve Jobs and John Lasseter. It was released to celebrate Pixar's 20th anniversary.


Waking Sleeping Beauty (2009)
Description: This documentary captures the renaissance of Disney animation during the late 1980s and early 1990s, highlighting the creative struggles and breakthroughs. It resonates with themes of artistic revival and perseverance.
Fact: The film features never-before-seen footage from Disney's archives. It was directed by Don Hahn, a producer of 'The Lion King' and 'Beauty and the Beast.'


Waltz with Bashir (2008)
Description: An animated documentary that blends personal memory with historical events, using a unique visual style to explore trauma and recollection. It mirrors the use of animation to convey complex, emotional truths.
Fact: The film was Israel's official submission for the Academy Awards. It combines traditional animation with Flash animation techniques.


Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011)
Description: A documentary that delves into the life of a master craftsman, highlighting the relentless pursuit of perfection and the deep personal connection to one's art. It mirrors the themes of dedication and creativity.
Fact: Jiro Ono, the subject of the film, is considered one of the greatest sushi chefs in the world. The documentary was shot over several months to capture the meticulous process of sushi-making.


Tim's Vermeer (2013)
Description: This film explores the intersection of art and technology, following an inventor's quest to replicate a masterpiece using unconventional methods. It reflects the blend of creativity and technical precision.
Fact: Tim Jenison, the inventor, had no formal training in art before attempting to recreate Vermeer's painting. The project took five years to complete.


The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness (2013)
Description: This documentary provides an intimate look into the creative process of a legendary animation studio, showcasing the dedication and passion behind the scenes. It captures the struggles and triumphs of bringing imaginative worlds to life.
Fact: The film was shot over the course of a year, capturing the daily life and work at Studio Ghibli. It includes rare footage of Hayao Miyazaki at work.


The Red Turtle (2016)
Description: A visually stunning animated film that tells a wordless, poetic story of survival and connection with nature. It embodies the beauty of minimalist storytelling and profound emotional depth.
Fact: The film is a co-production between Studio Ghibli and European studios. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
