- Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
- Castle in the Sky (1986)
- Now and Then, Here and There (1999)
- The Place Promised in Our Early Days (2004)
- Last Exile (2003)
- Origin: Spirits of the Past (2006)
- Children Who Chase Lost Voices (2011)
- Mirai (2018)
- Children of the Sea (2019)
- The Mysterious Cities of Gold (1982)
If you loved the post-apocalyptic adventure and heartfelt storytelling of 'Future Boy Conan (1978),' you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same spirit of survival, friendship, and resilience. Whether you're a fan of classic anime or looking for new adventures, these recommendations will keep you hooked.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
Description: Features a strong-willed young protagonist navigating a post-apocalyptic world, blending environmental themes with adventure and a deep connection to nature.
Fact: The film was based on Hayao Miyazaki's manga of the same name, which he created before the movie was produced. It was one of the first films to establish the foundation for Studio Ghibli.


Castle in the Sky (1986)
Description: A high-flying adventure with a young duo uncovering ancient technology, emphasizing themes of friendship, courage, and the balance between nature and human ambition.
Fact: The floating island of Laputa was inspired by Jonathan Swift's 'Gulliver's Travels.' The film's iconic robot designs have influenced many subsequent works in anime.


Now and Then, Here and There (1999)
Description: A dark yet poignant tale of a boy transported to a war-torn world, exploring resilience, survival, and the harsh realities of conflict through a young protagonist's eyes.
Fact: The series was praised for its unflinching portrayal of war and its impact on children, a rarity in anime at the time. It was created by Akitaro Daichi, known for his diverse range of works.


The Place Promised in Our Early Days (2004)
Description: A melancholic yet hopeful story of childhood friends separated by political strife, exploring themes of memory, longing, and the passage of time.
Fact: This was Makoto Shinkai's debut feature film, showcasing his signature visual style and atmospheric storytelling. It was created almost entirely by Shinkai himself, including the animation and music.


Last Exile (2003)
Description: A steampunk-inspired adventure with young protagonists navigating aerial battles and political intrigue, emphasizing camaraderie and the spirit of exploration.
Fact: The series was produced by Gonzo, known for its visually striking animation. It features a unique blend of 2D and early 3D animation techniques.


Origin: Spirits of the Past (2006)
Description: A sci-fi adventure set in a world where nature has rebelled against humanity, focusing on a young hero's journey to restore balance.
Fact: The film was the first production by Gonzo's movie division. Its environmental themes and lush animation drew comparisons to classic Studio Ghibli works.


Children Who Chase Lost Voices (2011)
Description: A journey into a mythical underworld, blending adventure, folklore, and emotional depth as a young girl seeks answers about life and loss.
Fact: The film was heavily inspired by Japanese mythology and the works of Hayao Miyazaki. It marked Makoto Shinkai's first foray into feature-length fantasy storytelling.


Mirai (2018)
Description: A heartwarming tale of a young boy navigating family dynamics and self-discovery through fantastical time-traveling encounters.
Fact: The film was the first non-Ghibli anime to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It was directed by Mamoru Hosoda, known for his family-centric stories.


Children of the Sea (2019)
Description: A visually stunning story about a girl's connection to the ocean and its mysterious inhabitants, exploring themes of nature, identity, and the unknown.
Fact: The film's animation was highly praised for its ethereal and watercolor-like aesthetic. It was adapted from a manga by Daisuke Igarashi, known for his detailed artwork.


The Mysterious Cities of Gold (1982)
Description: A historical adventure following children on a quest across the New World, blending mystery, exploration, and the discovery of lost civilizations.
Fact: The series was a co-production between Japan and France, making it unique in its international appeal. It was one of the first anime to incorporate real historical events into its storyline.
