“There’s always a voice inside me that says, ‘Things won’t go that smoothly.”, Shizuku Tsukishima whispers. This beautiful line encapsulates the poetry, the internal turmoil of a teenager who is in pursuit of a dream. This Studio Ghibli coming-of-age movie depicts the life of a teenager who loves reading books and one day writing a book. 

The innocence, youthful dream, creativity, and the sheer love and support of the family. Shizuku’s determination to write a novel mirrors the universal struggle to find one’s place in the world and pursue personal passions amidst societal expectations. It takes the audience on a magical journey of love, friendship, and the power of self-belief.

If you want more of the positivity, slice-of-life movie that brings on the realization that it is very important to follow your dream even if you are unsure then we have hand-picked the anime movie like Whisper of the Heart. Each selection resonates with themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and the joy of pursuing dreams, mirroring the spirit that makes Whisper of the Heart a cherished classic.

15 ANIME MOVIES LIKE WHISPER OF HEART You’ll Love

The Cat Returns (2002)

Director: Hiroyuki Morita

The Cat Returns is a fantasy film about a young high school student, Haru Yoshioka. She is shy, clumsy, and lacks confidence. When a truck is about to hit a cat, Haru saves it. The cat turns out to be the Prince Lune of Cat Kingdom. After knowing this incident, The king of Cat Kingdom offers Haru a proposal to marry his son. Haru is afraid about this proposal and seeks help from Baron, a founder of the Bureau. Will Haru be able to prevent the marriage? Will she be able to reclaim her freedom?

The story of Haru’s self-discovery and courage matches that of Shizuku from Whisper of Heart. Both characters lack willpower and courage. The character known as Baron has an important role in both of the films. Baron is an inspiration for Shizuku in Whisper of Heart. In The Cat Returns, Baron guides and gives wise advice to Haru.

My Neighbour Totoro (1988)

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

This is a tale of two sisters, Satsuki and Mei in a magical world. They along with their father move to the countryside after their mother becomes sick. They begin exploring their new home. While in a forest they meet Totoro, a magical spirit. Two sisters become friends with Totoro as they experience a magical experience.

Like Whisper of Heart, this movie explores themes of childhood, challenges, and growth. In My Neighbour Totoro, both sisters learn to face their fears through support. They also show strong family bonds and the power of friendship. Both films exhibit strong personal growth and assist the character’s dreams and passions.

Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

Kiki is 13 years old witch. She wants to be a better witch so she moves to a coastal town. There she works as a delivery girl. She uses her power and flies on a broom from place to place. She faces challenges after losing her flying ability. She also loses another power that helps her communicate with her cat, Jiji. How will she gain back her powers? Will that be a heartbreaking disassociation with Jiji?

Kiki evolves into a more mature and confident individual. She faces challenges that push her backward. Like Shizuku in the whisper of heart, she overcomes challenges with a kind heart and passion. She has good friends like Ursula (An artist) and a kind baker named Osono to help her. 

From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)

Director: Goro Miyazaki

The story delves into the story of Umi, a high school student from Yokohama. She runs a lodge called Kokuriku Manor. Umi and her group try to save the school’s historic clubhouse from demolition. Along her journey, she falls in love with Shun Kazama. Umi and Shun discover a buried secret of their family that risks their relationship.

Like Whisper of Heart, this film shows strong-willed characters. Both films highlight themes of love, personal growth, and human connections. The touch of self-determination and the pursuit of dreams fuels each protagonist.

Only Yesterday (1991)

Director: Isao Takahata

Taeko is a 27-year-old office worker. She spent all these years in Tokyo. One day she decides to take a break and visit her relatives in the countryside. While on the train she starts to reflect on her childhood days. She looks back to her school days, struggles with math, and onset of puberty. The story continues when she encounters a young farmer Toshio.

Only yesterday’s thought-provoking portrayal of the coming-of-age theme is remarkable. Its storyline portrays a heartwarming tale of human memory and emotions. Like Whisper of Heart, this film explores themes of personal growth. It will help you understand life better and appreciate its beauty.

When Marnie Was There (2014)

Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi

Anna is a shy 12-year-old girl with asthma. Feeling isolated she leaves Sapporo to spend some time with her mother’s relative in the countryside. There she meets Marnie, a mysterious young girl with blonde hair. Their relationship starts to build up making them almost inseparable. But who is Marnie? Watch as Anna begins to understand her new friend’s curious past.

The touch of loneliness and friendship makes this an enchanting movie. It shows the possibilities of love and friendship and how it can help us grow. This movie shares a similar story of its protagonist to that of the Whisper of Heart. Both films explore coming-of-age themes, the importance of friendship, and the exploration of self.

The Garden Of Words (2013)

Director: Makoto Shinkai

The Garden of Words is a story of 15-year-old Takao. He skips morning class every day to follow his passion for becoming a shoemaker. There he meets 27 years 27-year-old woman, Yukari Yukino. Yukari also happens to be in the garden as an escape from her work. They both find common issues in their life where they develop an unlikely friendship.

The relationship between a 15-year-old boy and 27 years 27-year-old woman captivates its audiences. It has exciting visuals setting up a beautiful poetic tone to the story. Yukari admires Takao’s talent which enchances his art life to a greater degree. Their relationship reminds you of Shizuku and Seiji from Whisper of Heart.

5 Centimeters Per Second

The name ‘5 Centimeters Per Second’ is a metaphor for the speed taken by cherry blossom petals to fall to the ground.

The film has 3 segments. The first part is ‘Cherry Bloosm’ where Takaki and Akira are close friends. As they get older, Akari moves to a different town. Their relationship starts to drift away. The second part ‘Cosmonaut’ focuses on Takaki’s life as an adult several years later. He struggles with memories of Akari and feels isolated working in an office. The final part ‘5 Centimeters Per Second’ revisits Takaki’s story in full circle. It shows his feelings for Akari are still alive. 

This critical well-received movie emphasizes the uncertainties of life. Despite having a strong connection two people can still drift apart. The name of the movie itself is a perfect metaphor for the theme it is trying to portray. 

5 Centimeters Per Second and Whisper of Heart both focus on the young protagonists. They navigate their way through complexities in search of dreams. Both films share themes of love and relationships. They also portray the challenges and beauty of life one must walk when following passion.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

Director: Mamoru Hosoda

Makoto Konno gains the ability to leap through time in a near-fatal accident. She uses this power to change her grades, extend good times, and avoid shameful situations. She soon realizes that this power comes with a cost. Those around her have negative effects of this power. This includes her bestfriend Chiaki and Kousuke. The film tension soars when Chiaki reveals he is from the future.

Makoto realizes that her powers need to be at rest. She understands the importance of living in the present. Like Whisper of Heart, this film emphasizes on importance of love and self-discovery. It blends themes of choice, responsibilities, and complications of time.

Your Name (2016)

Mitsuha, a high school girl lives in the rural town of Itimori. Taki, a high school boy lives in Tokyo. Both gain the ability to switch bodies. They develop a deeper connection but never meet in a person. One day there is a full stop in their ability and lose communication. Taki becomes desperate to find Mitsuha but discovers a darker truth. Spoiler alert: He finds that the town Taki lived in no more exists. 

Your Name’s deeper connections and relationships remind you of the Whisper of Heart. Both films explore the emotional journey of characters who are in love. Like Whisper of Heart, this film uses symbols of fate and love. 

The Wind Rises

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

The plot revolves around Jiro Horikoshi. He wants to be an aeronautical engineer. Jiro gets his inspiration from Giovanni Caproni. Caproni is a plane designer. But here is a big hurdle for Jiro. He has poor eyesight. Will this prevent him from following his passion?

The Wind Rises is a blend of history and fiction. Jiro Horikoshi is a real-life character. He was an innovative mind behind WWII Zero fighter planes in Japan.

Jiro’s passion for chasing his dream despite challenges is heartwarming. This film celebrates themes of passion and the chase of one’s dream. 

I Want To Eat Your Pancreas

Director: Shinichiro Ushijima

The plot revolves around the story of Sakura Yamauchi and Haruki Shiga. Both are contrasting characters. Haruki finds a heart-breaking truth in a hospital after reading the diary of his popular classmate. Sakura reveals she is suffering from a terminal pancreatic illness. They soon form friendships and start spending time together.

Haruki never spoils Sakura’s secret. Sakura’s zest for life amazes him. Her desire to live life at its fullest inspires detached Haruki.

If you loved The Whisper of Heart you will love I Want To Eat Your Pancreas poignant story-telling. It resonates with feelings of love and friendship. The underlying theme here is we are all immortal. We need to understand our immortal nature to live like Sakura.  

The Anthem Of The Heart

Director: Tatsuyuki Nagai

The story revolves around Jun Naruse. A childhood incident scares and drains her emotions. When she was a kid, her careless words led to her parents’ divorce. Mystical ‘Egg Fairy’ appears and curses Jun which steals her freedom of speech.

Jun’s classmates, Takumi, Natsuki, and Daiki play a great role in uplifting her spirit.

The Anthem Of The Heart explores themes of music and how it can play a vital role in changing one’s life. It illustrates trauma and how a clinch of honesty can bring personnel growth. Like Whisper of Heart, this film shows the importance of friendship and love. 

Flavors of Youth

Director: Li Haoling

Li Mo is an architect. He recalls his memory of living in Shangai and his unspoken love for Xiao Yu. Li uses cassettes and letters to rewind his past lives and missed opportunities.

Flavors Of Youth grip on the core of living everyday life. It shows you the importance of time and how small things can impact our future. The poignant storytelling highlights the importance of simple moments. Like Whisper of Heart, it shows the importance of love. This is a must-watch movie no matter your age. 

Castle In The Sky

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

Sheeta, a young girl has a unique and mysterious crystal amulet. Pazu is a young boy whose dream is to find the floating city of Laputa. When the government finds out about Sheeta’s power her life is at risk. Sheeta and Pazu unite together and must prevent Laputa’s power from falling into a wrong hand.

Castle In The Sky shares similar themes of friendship and strong will with Whisper of Heart. Both films emphasize on value of dreams. Hallmark traits of Studio Ghibli’s stunning animation will grip you till the end.