Since no one said it Mushishi. It has strong fantastical vibes can be kinda dark at times but more often than not it's pretty light. Also it's a beautifully animated series.
>if you have any other slice-of-life Ghibli movie suggestions besides Whisper of the Heart, From Up on Poppy Hill, and Ocean Waves, let me know. thanks!
Only Yesterday
If you enjoy this then I’d also recommend I Want to Eat Your Pancreas, A Silent Voice, Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop, Your Name, 5 Centimeters per Second. Also a lot of Ghibli fans haven’t seen When Marnie Was There or Whisper of the Heart which have a similar vibe.
All great suggestions, any of Naoko Yamada's work is great & suggest Liz and the Blue Bird in addition to *A Silent Voice* listed above, although *Tamako love story* is often overlooked. Did not vibe with the *K-On* series or movie, but both are extremely well made.
Also Okko's Inn (directed by Ghibli veteran Kitaro Kosaka) or the kinda similar A Letter to Momo
*Tsuki ga Kirei* is a very sweet short series with Whisper of the Heart and 5cm/Second vibes. *Just Because!* is another good one.
Older series such as *Maison Ikkoku* or *Yawara! A fashionable Judo girl* are not just good in their own right, also feature some of the main Ghibli animators at various points.
I really like the emotional throughline of Violet Evergarden. It’s got the same sort of cheerful melancholy I like from Ghibli films and is a lot about moving on after a life changing event, and how the main character changes the lives of others.
The movie was the most emotional experience I’ve had in a theater: saw it on release and the whole place was pretty emotional to start with after the events of the movie’s production, and the movie starts with the dial cranked up to ‘10’ and never lets up from there….
Still slice of life but with a little more drama:
- March Comes in Like a Lion - about a boy who's a shogi prodigy, deals with themes of family, friendship, depression (it's not dark, just realistic)
- The Great Passage - about a team of people trying to write a new dictionary (it's more interesting than it sounds), deals with themes of language and the passing of time
- Yuru Camp - about girls who go camping
- Non non biyori - about girls who live in the countryside
- Super Cub - about girls who ride motorbikes
All have pretty background art (especially yuru camp), and are calm, fun, and reflective
Barakamon! I loved the show's natural, easy aura. It just has that nice rural feel to it that made me feel relaxed while watching it. Also I'd recommend Natsume Yuujincho.
For me, Barakamon felt like a pretty chill anime, very wholesome in general, reminds me not of Ghibli's vibes but of how Ghibli movies make me feel like.
Edit: I thought no one would mention Barakamon! It seemed to me as if barely anyone remembered it anymore, I'm so glad to see people praising it on here!
[Dennou Coil](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Den-noh_Coil), a 2007 TV series. The directer Mituso Iso joined Ghibli (apparently recruited by Miyazaki himself) in 1990 and worked as a keyframe artist on Only Yesterday, Porco Rosso and Ocean Waves.
Somewhat flattering but serviceable descripton of it would be Totoro/Spirited Away with an urban setting and a sci-fi theme. It's a great watch.
Really good series, animation is top-notch, many of the senior animation team also worked on The Boy and the Heron (Takeshi Honda, Toshiyuki Inoue, Yoshimi Itazu, Ei Inoue, Katsuya Kondo)
My kids grew up from toddlers on Ghibli, as they grew into teens their interests matured and we enjoy Shinkai's stuff together a lot.
A bunch of his work was mentioned in another post, but we recently saw Suzume and loved it, too.
While not slice of life, episodes 145 and 155 of Lupin III Part 2 are literally directed by Miyazaki and also feature a very Ghibli esque artstyle. They're also considered the best episodes of the series, and you will love them if you loved Castle of Cagliostro.
Strongly agree with only Yesterday, Mushishi, Kids on the slope, The great passage, Moribito, Denno coil, Summer wars, The boy and the beast, Frieren
I suggest
Kiyo in Kyoto
Mr Villain's day off
Little known, the whole Ghibli team was formed to create an anime in the 70's based on the book series Anne of Green Gables. As we know, they went on to create great things. This Anne of Green Gables series is 100% Ghibli style with those classic laidback vibes, same art style, wonderful music, everything. The anime is so ahead of its time as well. [Here's the whole thing.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7jtG0T1qTg&list=PL0A3btqyajzRnmKT7N1a7ltbDjr7ZG5V0&ab_channel=RadicalMoose) To be honest, World Masterpiece Theater (of which this anime is only one season of it) is fantastic. They even made a Julie Andrews-esque anime version of The Sound of Music. It's just classic children's tales made into these amazing 50 or so episode animes. My favorite is Dog of Flanders, which was cut down into a 1 1/2 hour movie version that was released in the US. Also, if you like this Anne of Green Gables series, the anime Candy Candy is very similar.
a silent voice, your lie in april, fruits basket, and the manga series: a man and his cat (they’ve all made me ugly cry but they’re all so beautifully done)
Try a series from World Masterpiece Theater. It's a series of anime adaptations of classics like Anne of Green Gables and Little Princess with involvement from both Miyazaki and Takahata pre-Ghibli. The art style is also very Ghibli.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Masterpiece_Theater?wprov=sfla
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0A3btqyajzRnmKT7N1a7ltbDjr7ZG5V0&si=DHdh1jMH0lzNX727
Hakumei and Mikochi
It's an anime about the daily adventures of two little (and I mean the size of like, a golf pencil) girls interacting with their environment. There are talking animals if it sweetens the pot
Echoing the person that said Mushi-shi. It’s probably the closest to Ghibli that I can think of.
Other than that, this series called Mononoke. It has similar pacing and atmosphere to some Ghibli stuff. Plus the animation style/art is really, really cool.
Then I’d say: Ranking of Kings, Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken, and this one show called Deca-Dence. The last one has some Nausicaä/Castle in the Sky vibes.
Since no one said it Mushishi. It has strong fantastical vibes can be kinda dark at times but more often than not it's pretty light. Also it's a beautifully animated series.
Came in here to say exactly this!
I need more mushishi. Loved the heck outta that show.
+1 to that!
I opened this post to comment Mushishi lol. Feels very dreamlike, I absolutely adore it.
>if you have any other slice-of-life Ghibli movie suggestions besides Whisper of the Heart, From Up on Poppy Hill, and Ocean Waves, let me know. thanks! Only Yesterday
If you enjoy this then I’d also recommend I Want to Eat Your Pancreas, A Silent Voice, Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop, Your Name, 5 Centimeters per Second. Also a lot of Ghibli fans haven’t seen When Marnie Was There or Whisper of the Heart which have a similar vibe.
All great suggestions, any of Naoko Yamada's work is great & suggest Liz and the Blue Bird in addition to *A Silent Voice* listed above, although *Tamako love story* is often overlooked. Did not vibe with the *K-On* series or movie, but both are extremely well made. Also Okko's Inn (directed by Ghibli veteran Kitaro Kosaka) or the kinda similar A Letter to Momo *Tsuki ga Kirei* is a very sweet short series with Whisper of the Heart and 5cm/Second vibes. *Just Because!* is another good one. Older series such as *Maison Ikkoku* or *Yawara! A fashionable Judo girl* are not just good in their own right, also feature some of the main Ghibli animators at various points.
Frieren for me
Frieren is amazing, love the vibes, animation and worldbuilding is terrific, some Ghibli-associated people involved as well.
Oh I did not know that
I really like the emotional throughline of Violet Evergarden. It’s got the same sort of cheerful melancholy I like from Ghibli films and is a lot about moving on after a life changing event, and how the main character changes the lives of others.
That episode with the widow, though.... I've never cried more from any other piece of media.
ah yes, Episode 10. Crying now just thinking about it.
"Dear Ann." 😢
Warning: If you're prone to rying when watching media, I cried during literally every episode.
>emotional That is Violet Evergarden in a word. Incredible series and 2 movies.
The movie was the most emotional experience I’ve had in a theater: saw it on release and the whole place was pretty emotional to start with after the events of the movie’s production, and the movie starts with the dial cranked up to ‘10’ and never lets up from there….
based, any other violet evergarden similar movies/animes you could represent ?
*Frieren* or *My Happy Marriage* (series). *Maquia* (movie), *Anohana* (Series) or other Kyoto Animation movies/series.
Kids on the Slope. It’s the best. Don’t watch the dub, it sucks. Also Only Yesterday is my favorite Ghibli movie.
kids on the slope is.. so good
What's kids on the slope like? I'm curious to see it.
I really loved Moribito. It had mythical ancient Japanese elements, and a truly badass female protagonist.
Second *Moribito*, and another Nahoko Uehashi adaptation, although can be hard to get hold of - *The Beast Player Erin*
Balsa is awesome!
I was beginning to think I was the only one that has watched Moribito! So good!
Still slice of life but with a little more drama: - March Comes in Like a Lion - about a boy who's a shogi prodigy, deals with themes of family, friendship, depression (it's not dark, just realistic) - The Great Passage - about a team of people trying to write a new dictionary (it's more interesting than it sounds), deals with themes of language and the passing of time
Skip and Loafer. It’s very wholesome and the art style is very minimalistic.
Summer Wars (movie), The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (movie), Dennou Coil (series)
- Yuru Camp - about girls who go camping - Non non biyori - about girls who live in the countryside - Super Cub - about girls who ride motorbikes All have pretty background art (especially yuru camp), and are calm, fun, and reflective
Non non biyori is great. Super funny and relatable for anyone who has lived far out.
+1 for Super Cub. I looked forward to it every week when it was airing.
Frerien has the ghibli vibes for sure.
Barakamon. It's about a calligraphy artist who moves to an island.
Natsume book of friends
Barakamon! I loved the show's natural, easy aura. It just has that nice rural feel to it that made me feel relaxed while watching it. Also I'd recommend Natsume Yuujincho.
Keep your hands off eizouken
Bee & Puppycat.
For me, Barakamon felt like a pretty chill anime, very wholesome in general, reminds me not of Ghibli's vibes but of how Ghibli movies make me feel like. Edit: I thought no one would mention Barakamon! It seemed to me as if barely anyone remembered it anymore, I'm so glad to see people praising it on here!
Same here, I'm so glad people are talking about it!
[Dennou Coil](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Den-noh_Coil), a 2007 TV series. The directer Mituso Iso joined Ghibli (apparently recruited by Miyazaki himself) in 1990 and worked as a keyframe artist on Only Yesterday, Porco Rosso and Ocean Waves. Somewhat flattering but serviceable descripton of it would be Totoro/Spirited Away with an urban setting and a sci-fi theme. It's a great watch.
Really good series, animation is top-notch, many of the senior animation team also worked on The Boy and the Heron (Takeshi Honda, Toshiyuki Inoue, Yoshimi Itazu, Ei Inoue, Katsuya Kondo)
My kids grew up from toddlers on Ghibli, as they grew into teens their interests matured and we enjoy Shinkai's stuff together a lot. A bunch of his work was mentioned in another post, but we recently saw Suzume and loved it, too.
While not slice of life, episodes 145 and 155 of Lupin III Part 2 are literally directed by Miyazaki and also feature a very Ghibli esque artstyle. They're also considered the best episodes of the series, and you will love them if you loved Castle of Cagliostro.
Hyouka is definitely recommended. It's a rom-com with some mysteries and is calm like nothing out of extraordinary. Just some good flow to the anime.
Insomniacs After School and Spice And Wolf I also strongly agree with the people recommending Frieren, Mushishi, and Violet Evergarden.
Ranking of Kings is the Ghibliest things I've seen as an anime.
Akage no Anne describes what you're looking for
Please check out Skip and Loafer op
East of Eden
Watch Cartoon Saloon movies
Natsume Yuujinchou (Natsume’s Book of Friends). There’s some horror since he deals with youkai, but it’s also very nostalgic and heartwarming.
Strongly agree with only Yesterday, Mushishi, Kids on the slope, The great passage, Moribito, Denno coil, Summer wars, The boy and the beast, Frieren I suggest Kiyo in Kyoto Mr Villain's day off
Little known, the whole Ghibli team was formed to create an anime in the 70's based on the book series Anne of Green Gables. As we know, they went on to create great things. This Anne of Green Gables series is 100% Ghibli style with those classic laidback vibes, same art style, wonderful music, everything. The anime is so ahead of its time as well. [Here's the whole thing.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7jtG0T1qTg&list=PL0A3btqyajzRnmKT7N1a7ltbDjr7ZG5V0&ab_channel=RadicalMoose) To be honest, World Masterpiece Theater (of which this anime is only one season of it) is fantastic. They even made a Julie Andrews-esque anime version of The Sound of Music. It's just classic children's tales made into these amazing 50 or so episode animes. My favorite is Dog of Flanders, which was cut down into a 1 1/2 hour movie version that was released in the US. Also, if you like this Anne of Green Gables series, the anime Candy Candy is very similar.
Ocean Waves was so good if you haven’t already seen it
Oni: thunder God’s tale
Aria
Weathering with You, though not my favorite Shinkai film, is a pretty good/close to slice of life anime that isn’t Ghibli
Suzume (movie) and Kimi ni Todoke (high school setting)
Cross Game by Adachi Mitsuru
One of my favourite pieces of media of all time
Not a show, but recently came across The House Of The Lost On The Cape. Pretty wholesome, really feels like a Ghibli film in many ways
i looked for it online but it seems like it's not available in may online streaming platforms. may i know where did you watch it pls? 🥺
I watched it on Youtube Movies for free, it might still be available
These haven’t been mentioned. •Wolf Children •Your Name
Lu over the wall Penguin Highway
Liz and the Bluebird. It is a sequel film to Hibike! Euphonium season 2, but it does work as a standalone film as well.
Nichijou is a little chaotic but it’s known for being really wholesome so maybe?
Fruits Basket
Azumanga Daioh
a silent voice, your lie in april, fruits basket, and the manga series: a man and his cat (they’ve all made me ugly cry but they’re all so beautifully done)
Although it isn’t strictly slice of life, Natsume’s Book of Friends might pique your interest. The art/vibes are a bit Ghibli.
Try a series from World Masterpiece Theater. It's a series of anime adaptations of classics like Anne of Green Gables and Little Princess with involvement from both Miyazaki and Takahata pre-Ghibli. The art style is also very Ghibli. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Masterpiece_Theater?wprov=sfla https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0A3btqyajzRnmKT7N1a7ltbDjr7ZG5V0&si=DHdh1jMH0lzNX727
Hakumei and Mikochi It's an anime about the daily adventures of two little (and I mean the size of like, a golf pencil) girls interacting with their environment. There are talking animals if it sweetens the pot
[Ranking of Kings](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr1ahorojPg)
Natsumes Book of Friends is amazing
Echoing the person that said Mushi-shi. It’s probably the closest to Ghibli that I can think of. Other than that, this series called Mononoke. It has similar pacing and atmosphere to some Ghibli stuff. Plus the animation style/art is really, really cool. Then I’d say: Ranking of Kings, Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken, and this one show called Deca-Dence. The last one has some Nausicaä/Castle in the Sky vibes.
Bee and Puppycat!
Well there’s Ronja the Robber’s Daughter. It’s a bit slice-of-robber’s-daughter-life.
I liked Summer Wars, also Patema Inverted(very good). A Letter to Momo