If you loved the heartfelt storytelling and stunning animation of 'Ranking of Kings (2021),' you're in for a treat! This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same emotional depth, unique art style, and inspiring themes. Whether you're a fan of underdog tales or fantasy adventures, these recommendations will keep you hooked.

My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Description: A charming story about childhood wonder and the unseen magical beings that inhabit the natural world, offering a mix of innocence, adventure, and heartwarming moments.
Fact: Totoro has become the mascot for Studio Ghibli and is one of the most iconic characters in animation history. The film was initially a financial disappointment but gained a massive following over time.


Princess Mononoke (1997)
Description: A tale of conflict between humans and nature, featuring a young hero caught in the middle, with stunning visuals and a profound exploration of morality and coexistence.
Fact: This was the highest-grossing film in Japan until Titanic was released. The film's production involved hand-painting thousands of cels, contributing to its unique aesthetic.


Spirited Away (2001)
Description: A young girl's journey through a spirit world, filled with bizarre creatures and challenges, emphasizing growth, resilience, and the blurring of reality and fantasy.
Fact: This is the only hand-drawn and non-English-language film to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. The bathhouse setting was inspired by real locations in Japan.


Howl's Moving Castle (2004)
Description: A magical tale of transformation and self-discovery, featuring a whimsical yet profound narrative, stunning animation, and a blend of fantasy and human emotion.
Fact: The moving castle was designed to reflect Howl's personality, with its chaotic, ever-changing structure. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.


Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)
Description: Follows a strong, skilled protector and a young charge with a significant destiny, blending action, fantasy, and deep emotional bonds in a beautifully animated setting.
Fact: The series is based on the first novel of a 10-book series. It features some of the most realistic and fluid fight choreography in anime.


Natsume's Book of Friends (2008)
Description: A gentle, episodic story about a boy who can see spirits and his journey to understand his place in the world, filled with warmth, melancholy, and supernatural elements.
Fact: The series has over six seasons, making it one of the longest-running anime in its genre. Each episode often tells a self-contained story, focusing on different spirits.


From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)
Description: A heartfelt story set in a nostalgic past, focusing on community, young love, and the preservation of history, with a strong sense of place and period detail.
Fact: The film is based on a 1980s manga and was directed by Goro Miyazaki. It captures the essence of 1960s Japan with meticulous attention to historical accuracy.


Children Who Chase Lost Voices (2011)
Description: A young girl's adventure into a mystical underworld, combining breathtaking landscapes, emotional storytelling, and themes of loss and discovery.
Fact: The film was inspired by the director's love for classic adventure stories and features a mix of traditional animation and CGI. It's often compared to Studio Ghibli films for its visual style.


Made in Abyss (2017)
Description: Features a deep, mysterious world filled with fantastical creatures and a young protagonist on a perilous journey, blending adventure with emotional depth and dark undertones.
Fact: The Abyss is divided into layers, each with its own unique ecosystem and dangers. The series is known for its stunningly detailed world-building and hauntingly beautiful soundtrack.


Spice and Wolf (2008)
Description: Centers on a unique partnership between a human and a mythical being, exploring themes of trust, companionship, and the challenges of a journey through a richly detailed world.
Fact: The series is praised for its intelligent dialogue and economic themes, which are rare in anime. Holo, the wolf deity, is one of the most beloved characters in anime history.
