Kiki's Delivery Service - Recommendations

Alt title: Majo no Takkyuubin

If you're looking for anime similar to Kiki's Delivery Service, you might like these titles.

Spirited Away

Spirited Away

Chihiro and her family are on their way to their new home, when they discover an abandoned amusement park. After Chihiro's family mysteriously turn into pigs, she is thrown into a surreal world of magic and fantasy. Join her as she struggles to survive in the bathhouse of the gods, ruled by an evil witch who has stolen not only her name, but her way back to the real world.

13 votes

I agree

Reasons you might like Spirited Away...

nextolast nextolast says...

Both by the same director, they have the same feel in therms of character and are really strong in this regards. Spirited away does excell in visuals, which is not the case with kiki, but kiki is a pleasure to watch nonetheless. In terms of a mainstream (in north america) anime production, these are really the two best in existance today (with pricess mononoke a close 3rd

plannedsea plannedsea says...

Spirited Away and Kiki's Delivery Service are two of the most wonderful anime I have ever come across and they both deal with how each character struggles against various odds, be it spirits and witches or just struggling to be a useful witch in society! This somewhat parallels our own struggles in life, and leaves you with a "warm" feeling at the end. I'd highly recommend watching one if you liked the other or just for the heck of it; give them a try!

wolfangel87 wolfangel87 says...

Both Spirited Away and Kiki's are innocent in setting and are just fun loving. Both have aspects of magic and highly creative imagination. These movies seem to be more directed at children while being entertaining to the adult population as well.

styln styln says...

Both Kiki's and Spirited Away have a young female protagonist who is basically left to take on struggles all by herself. Both movies are great titles that have a nice charm to them and a great story in which these girls learn to become strong and independent!

Alkoriz Alkoriz says...

If you liked the adventures of Kiki in the big city, you'd adore Chihiro's adventures in a city of spirits. The two protagonists are lovely and strong, and are faced with a bad situation; each is an example of a strong will!

Freewind Freewind says...

If you're a big fan of Hayao Miyazaki directing films then you'll enjoy Spirited Away and Kiki's Delivery Service. Both anime star a young girl running around in a fantasy-style world with magic and adventure.

xwinterwolfgalx34 xwinterwolfgalx34 says...

Both of the main characters struggle in a new place while they try to reach their goal and are helped by a boy. Both movies also had the same "feel" and similar animation.

Antoniisenpai Antoniisenpai says...

If you liked this movie I would have to recomend that you watch Spirited Away. It is a heart filled anime where a little girl is trapped in a strange world. She trys to get home with the help of a few friends. This will fill the hearts of old and young alike. This movie is made by the same people who made Kiki's Delivery Service, Howl's Moving Castle, and Princess Mononoke, just to name a few! ^^

kooltilldend kooltilldend says...

Two girls end up in a world completely oblivious to them (an adventure so to speak)...both somewhat naive, both by themselves (other than the friends they make eventually)...made by the same studio as well

Honestly, there are so many similarities between the two that this is pretty much an inevitable recommendation...mind you, despite the similarities, both the stories are very different and really both deserve to be seen...only thing I suppose is that Spirited Away is a more serious story than Kiki's which is more child-friendly so to speak...but again, both are really wonderful anime and they simply have to be seen - what's more, the whole family can enjoy them...so bring on the popcorn, I say!

eaper eaper says...

Each of these series focus around magic and a young girl coming into her own. Through many hardships, the main character meets a lot of friends and learn who they really are. If you like this light, homey movie, you'll like the other one.

PinkMindedMe PinkMindedMe says...

This type of anime seems to be the most popular among the west. Both by the same creators and with creative ideas, it's a great anime to watch for those who love anime, and for those who don't apreciate it so much.

ToeBeans405 ToeBeans405 says...

Very different tones and settings in these two movies, but both tell stories of young girls put in new, hard situations and their character growth throughout.

mkbrewer mkbrewer says...

All three: Howl's Moving Castle, Spirited Away and Kiki's Delivery Service are the greatest of all time, hands down. My entire family is always down to watch any of them.

My Neighbor Totoro

My Neighbor Totoro

Satsuki, her younger sister Mei and their father have just moved to their new home in the countryside, where grand adventures await them. One day while playing outside in the garden Mei encounters a small creature and decides to follow it. After chasing it through the bushes Mei eventually finds herself at the base of a large Camphor tree and as she drops through a hole in its roots, she lands on the stomach of a large, sleeping forest spirit named Totoro. The two sisters befriend the gentle spirit and are soon introduced to a world more fantastical than they could ever imagine, from playing with soot spirits to meeting a Catbus, to flying through the air and even making the trees grow. However when Mei disappears, Satsuki must call on the help of her new friends if she wants any hope of being able to find her sister...

11 votes

I agree

Reasons you might like My Neighbor Totoro...

Abashi Abashi says...

Totoro is also from the same author. The story in this one portrays very benevolent characters. Everybody seems nice to each other, and there isn't any villain or negative role model. I didn't find this as entertaining as his other films, but you might still like it.

ironfrost ironfrost says...

The two films are both happy whimsical stories by Hayao Miyazaki, with no conflict and no antagonists. They're also both made by Studio Ghibl, so they have a similar style of animation.

chamomille chamomille says...

If you liked this because of unusual, view of life through children's eyes, you would like the other. Both are created by Miayzaki and studio Ghibli and so the animation is also similar. Both have very kind and sensitive side.

Menchi Menchi says...

Kiki and Totoro are both family-friendly, colourful and joyful movies. They're full of emotions, easy to watch and still they both tell about one important thing: childhood. The young can relate to the children in both anime, and elders can look back on their own childhood. To all Miyazaki-fans!

animegal33 animegal33 says...

These are two are sweet family-friendly movies. They both have alot of fantasy. All of the characters in both of these series are nice, and there are no evil villians. Of course, they are also both made by Studio Ghibli.

foureyedalice foureyedalice says...

Both prime examples of great all-ages movies, Totoro and Kiki's are both fun and whimsical tales of friendship, told with childlike wonder and a simple sweetness.   Though both films are well suited for all audiences, they're more appropriate for extremely young viewers than some other Ghibli fare.  

YotaVGA YotaVGA says...

In this film you can find the same joyful spontaneity and the same contact with the natural world.

Even if Kiki's delivery service have a well defined plot than Mi neighbor Totoro, and results more similar to other anime, the spirit behind the two operas is the same, and I think that if you like one you will like the other (I think that it is very hard that you don't like a similar masterpiece, anyway.)

babylinux babylinux says...

Both movies are great, the style in both films is very similar and enjoyable, if you have watched one of them and liked it you are sure to like the other as well.

Casandra Casandra says...

Both are excelent examples of Miyazaki and studio Ghibli at their best. Two fantastical tales for young and old.

HoopoeBird HoopoeBird says...

Both are Studio Ghibli and feature innocent female characters. There is an interesting mix of the supernatural/magic and every day life in both.

Starletka Starletka says...

Made by the same author, both of these movies follow the stories of little girls on a big adventure. Both are conflictless and simple, involve cute animals, and share the same art style.

Flying Witch

Flying Witch

Makoto Kowata is a 15 year-old witch-in-training who moves out of her parents' home in Yokohama to live with relatives in rural Aomori. She has a lot to learn about magic and living in the countryside, and she's enthusiastic to begin these new adventures. Balancing her days with both the otherworldly and the mundane, Makoto practices casting magic spells one day and growing her own vegetables the next. With her feline familiar Chito, her nomadic sister Akane, and her cousins, Kei and Chinatsu, Makoto makes the most out of each day- whether she's making enchanted snacks, accidentally summoning a giant flock of crows or exploring ancient ruins on the back of a flying whale!

8 votes

I agree

Reasons you might like Flying Witch...

AnnaSartin AnnaSartin says...

Light-hearted stories of lovable teenage witches who move away from their families at a young age as a part of their witches training and start new lives in different towns.

NatiBerry NatiBerry says...

In order to complete their apprenticeship, witches most travel far from home to live many adventures and happy moments that will help them with their personal growth

snivets snivets says...

These tales are two peas in a pod: young witches with feline familiars who move away from home to begin living on their own. Both are gentle, interesting stories about a witch exploring her new world.

Sadweeb Sadweeb says...

If you liked Kiki's Delivery Service or Flying Witch for the witches then you probably have a type and you might as well keep going. While Kiki is more plot driven as opposed to the pastoral Flying Witch, they damn near feel the same at time (a good thing) and will give you warm witchy feelings. 

hamletsmage hamletsmage says...

Both of these anime are about young witches that have moved away from home to continue their training. Both have adorable black cats as companions and have many low-key adventures with their friends. 

Jaimefm Jaimefm says...

Both stories focus on a young witch that leaves her family to complete her training. They’re both relatively laid back stories that have kind of a calming effect. The plot is really easy to follow and can be enjoyed by many ages. 

KarinXOXO KarinXOXO says...

If you like Flying Witch or Kiki's Delivery Service, you would like the other because both resemble teenagers leaving home to fulfill their training duties in becoming a witch. They both are a light-hearted story, embarking on a journey into their own world and adventure. And who can forget about their adorable familiars! 

cs12 cs12 says...

While still having great witchy elements (familiars, potion-making, and of course flying with brooms) these are more concerned with the protagonists growing as people and developing their future life as witches, rather than putting them in battles with great mystical forces. It handles a calmer but still engaging concept very well.

The Cat Returns

The Cat Returns

One afternoon on her way home from school, Haru saves a cat from getting run over by a truck and promptly gets the shock of her life when it stands on its hind legs to thank her. That night, she is greeted by a parade of felines who inform Haru that her earlier heroics saved the prince of the Cat Kingdom. Haru suddenly finds herself inundated with gifts of mice and catnip as means of thanks, culminating in the announcement that she will be taken to their kingdom to marry the prince. With no desire to marry Prince Lune, Haru turns to The Baron and Muta from the Cat Bureau for help, but unable to stop them, Haru is swept away by a horde of cats. Can Haru prevent this marriage of inconvenience and return home before she becomes a cat herself?

5 votes

I agree

Reasons you might like The Cat Returns...

MaximusThrax MaximusThrax says...

Both these movies are Studio Ghibli films and feature the same loving backgrounds and cute characters of other Miyazaki movies. Kiki is a coming of age story about a young witch who must learn to live in the world on her own. In somewhat of a departure from usual Ghibli terrirory, Neko no Ongaeshi is about a typical lovelorn, low self-esteemed teenage student who becomes part of a classical fairy tale where she must both use her wits and kindess to survive and learns something about herself. The character design in Neko is suitably more grown up, with taller and thinner characters than usual of more childlike Ghibli movies.

wickedshizuku wickedshizuku says...

These lovable films are about young girls on a quest to find themselves. The movies also deal with cats, and magic. The girls both suffer a period where they don't believe in themselves, but with a little soul searching they quickly get back on the right track.

great movies for children.

fizrox fizrox says...

Every once in a while, we like to spend some time with a child inside of us - then we can watch one of these movies. They are like a fairy tale, with interesting plot and magical aspects, enchatning characters and happy ending. Both take us for marvelous journey and entertain a lot.

chuckylover911 chuckylover911 says...

Playfull main charectors oviously need to mature immencely. And eventually they do and become wonderful people. family freindly... light romance... and magical settings! lovly animation and charector development, perfect for all ages!

qman621 qman621 says...

I can't believe this hasn't been suggested already.. If you loved this heart-warming; albeit somewhat childish, movie then I can think of no other that would pique your interest. Both are by studio ghibli and though he isn't listed as the main director, there is a spark of Miyazaki's brilliance in The Cat returns. A magical world with lovable characters and forbidden romance awaits - what are you waiting for? Watch it!

Laputa: Castle in the Sky

Laputa: Castle in the Sky

Legends tell of a floating island in the sky known as Laputa, upon which is rumoured to be treasure beyond a person’s wildest dreams. Sheeta is an orphan girl who is being hunted down because of her necklace, a rare Levistone, which legend says will lead the way to Laputa. One day she is saved by Pazu, a miner apprentice and also an orphan, and together they set out to escape from her would-be captors. Unfortunately, their friendship must go through endless trials in their quest to hide Laputa's location. What is Sheeta’s mysterious legacy, and what hidden motives do Sheeta’s enemies have in regards to finding Laputa?

5 votes

I agree

Reasons you might like Laputa: Castle in the Sky...

wolfangel87 wolfangel87 says...

Both Kiki's and Laputa are a story about independence and the coming of age for the main character.  There is a theme of cooperation between the hero and heroine in each, and a strength which they exude.

xwinterwolfgalx34 xwinterwolfgalx34 says...

In both movies the main character learns how to become independent and more mature during their journey. Both also had the same kind of feel (similar animation)

cerberus38 cerberus38 says...

Both films follow the friendship between a boy and girl as they go on their adventures in a world where magic exists. These films have similar looks to them and are great films for anyone to watch.

eaper eaper says...

Each series has a similar feel, being made for families to watch and focusing around children coming into their own. You'll see similar artwork, music, and directing styles in each (since they are both made by the same company), and this means that you will probably like the other film as much as you liked this one.

nultayy nultayy says...

Two Ghibli movies. Two beautiful, intelligent girls. Two unforgettable soundtracks.

There's something that really separates and unites Hayao Miyazaki's movies as a completely separate art form, outside of cartoon or even animation. Something in them romanticizes what is simplest in life; your cat, the sea, breakfast, sunrise. And it's why anyone who likes either one of these movies will become inadvertently attached to the other. 

Whisper of the Heart

Whisper of the Heart

Whisper of the Heart is a touching Ghibli slice-of-life story, about a young girl named Shizuku. While riding the train, she notices a fat cat riding alongside her. Following the cat, she finds a shop where she is told an enchanting story of a gold statue named "The Baron". WotH follows Shizuku in her struggles to grow, and her budding love with the shopkeeper's son.

5 votes

I agree

Reasons you might like Whisper of the Heart...

josiedm josiedm says...

Both Whisper of the Heart and Kiki's Delivery Service have the same kind of main character, a sweet naiive personality full of hope and dreams that they wish to come to fruitation. Both characters are about the same age, so they should appeal to the same audiance.

Roaziel Roaziel says...

Whisper of the Heart and Kiki's Delivery Service are both stories about young girls coming of age. It follows their trials and tribulations as they discover how the world around them really is and how it treats them as they grow older. They show their independence and intellect by overcoming these challenges.They not quite told in the same fashion, as one tends to have more magic and fantasy in it than the others, but they are both none the less magical. They are very interesting and heartwarming tales that leave you with a smile on your face.

kilrothi kilrothi says...

Both Kiki's Delivery Service and Whisper of the Heart are about young girls coming of age (as corny as it may sound) and the trials and self doubting that they face. Both have strong main characters, as well as wise adults to help see them through the rough spots. Both are also produced by Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli.

chamomille chamomille says...

Both anime are very kind, heart-touching. They both are connected with the same message - "try to do your best to follow your wishes and desires, don't give up.."

KittyEmperor KittyEmperor says...

Well for starters they both are directed by Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli so that's a fairly big plus.  But beyond that they both feature young girls who are at the point in their lives where they have to decide what they want to do with the rest of their lives or at the very least seriously begin considering it as well as the trials that come with live.  Finally both also seem to deliver the same sort of message though their storytelling is slightly different.

Mary and the Witch's Flower

Mary and the Witch's Flower

When ten year-old Mary Smith comes to live with her Aunt Charlotte, she finds her new home rather dull. Then one day a search for a missing cat leads Mary to discover a magical flower growing deep in the woods, along with a little broomstick. The broomstick whisks her above the clouds to Endor College, a secret training school for witches. The headmistress, Miss Mumblechook, thinks Mary would make an excellent pupil, but Mary soon learns the school - and its headmistress - are not all they appear to be.

5 votes

I agree

Reasons you might like Mary and the Witch's Flower...

FelicitaArcana FelicitaArcana says...

Both follow main characters that are young witches. Both also have beautiful animation and family friendly storylines.

KarmaKhameleon KarmaKhameleon says...

Both anime have similar animation style and follow a little magical witch girl and her journey away from home. 

ShiranaiSan ShiranaiSan says...

They're both about girls, who are/become witches and have magical flying adventures. Kiki is just more on the slife of life side whilst Mary and the Witch's Flower focuses on a magical butt beating adventure.

LamiaNymph LamiaNymph says...

Both involve a young witch,  and have a very similar feeling with the animation style and story telling.

TheAnimeArchivist TheAnimeArchivist says...

These are both family friendly, female protagonist, good witch, magical coming of age adventure story lines with a Ghibli/Disney style animation (of course Kiki is from the former studio).

Someday's Dreamers

Someday's Dreamers

In a modern world, magic has become a service industry. From transforming a house, to arranging an article in the newspaper, no job is too big or too small for a mage, who are thought of highly in the public eye. Kikuchi Yume, daughter of a famous mage, has finally reached the age of apprenticeship, and must move to Tokyo to find a mentor. Under the tutelage of the esteemed mage (and nightclub owner) Oyamada Masami, she will learn what it means to be able to bring magic to others' lives.

3 votes

I agree

Reasons you might like Someday's Dreamers...

sothis sothis says...

While Someday's Dreamers is much more solemn and adult-oriented than Kiki's Delivery Service, both are beautiful looks at a young girl who lives day to day, enthralled by the wonders of magic. If you liked one, you should like the other.

lisalover1 lisalover1 says...

Both Kiki's Delivery Service and Someday's Dreamers have a lighthearted, enthralling and pristine atmosphere about them. Something you can't quite understand, but it just feels so captivating and beautiful that you can't help but watch it. Both are works of art and sheer masterpieces. The plot shares several similarities as well, with both being based on a new witch/mage, on her own, trying to find their place in the world. I highly reccomend both animes.

cassiesheepgirl cassiesheepgirl says...

Both Kiki and Someday's Dreamers focus on the life of a young witch-in-training. Both are gentle anime that often leave you with a heartwarming feeling. If you enjoyed the slower and slice-of-magical-life nature of one of these, then you should definitely check the other out.

Howl's Moving Castle

Howl's Moving Castle

The responsible Sophie led a relatively normal life, safe within the walls of the hat shop in which she works; for outside, it is rumored, the evil wizard Howl roams the land in his mobile black castle. After a chance and mystical encounter, poor Sophie finds herself transformed by a witch's spell which makes her appear to be an old woman, and thus embarks on an adventure to find Howl’s castle and put an end to her curse. A mystical world of talking flames, sentient scarecrows, and magic aplenty awaits those who seek the legendary Howl...

3 votes

I agree

Reasons you might like Howl's Moving Castle...

dunkyrok dunkyrok says...

Both Kiki and Howl are tremendous flights of fantasy by Studio Ghibli. In both stories the female character will learn more about herself and the world around her. Kiki must persist to become a success, while Sophie in Howl it must find a way to become young once again. Along the way they both will meet some pretty interesting characters -both films share in common a comical & wise-cracking sidekick for example.

Some wonderful and breathtaking scenes such as some of the flying scenes in Kiki and the wide open meadows in Howl add to the real sense of magic in both these films. But athough both worlds look inviting, there are lessons to be learnt for Kiki and strong forces to oppose for Howl and Sophie, and lasting freindships to be made.

chamomille chamomille says...

If you liked this because of unusual view of life, you would like the other. Both are created by Miayzaki and studio Ghibli and so the animation is also similar. Both contain love, kindness and magic. Although Kiki is more childish and not so developed.

eaper eaper says...

Each of these series focus around magic, although in completely different aspects. Each series has a character being to "lose themselves" before "finding themselves." Also, each title has a similar feel, directing style, music, and artwork which means if you liked one of these series, you'll probably enjoy the other,

The Secret World of Arrietty

The Secret World of Arrietty

For nearly fourteen years, Arrietty has lived with her parents under the floorboards of a house. As 'tiny people', the family must remain hidden from humans, 'borrowing' items from them such as postage stamps or herbs to cook with. Arrietty is old enough to borrow for the first time, and alongside her father, the two explore the house in search of tissue and sugar. But when the pair is spotted by Sho, a boy who is visiting his great aunt, Arrietty's parents fear for their safety. However, unlike her family, Arrietty is convinced that not all humans are dangerous, and together she and Sho form an unlikely friendship.

3 votes

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Reasons you might like The Secret World of Arrietty...

LadyPsychic LadyPsychic says...

Both movies are from Studio Ghibli.  Both are family friendly and have a whimsical fantasy type feel to them.  If you like one, you will probably like the other.

DracoBlade DracoBlade says...

Both are beautifully realized fantasy world brought to life by the talent at Studio Ghibli (also employs similiar trademark themes such as trong female leads, nature/preservation and harmony etc. and so forth) just watch it!

Pumpkinuwu Pumpkinuwu says...

The Aesthetic and feel of Kiki is quite present in Arietty , maybe because they are both similar characters ?