Whisper of the Heart - Recommendations

Alt title: Mimi wo Sumaseba

If you're looking for anime similar to Whisper of the Heart, you might like these titles.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

Makoto Konno is a somewhat foolish and tomboyish high school student who spends most of her time hanging out with her two male friends. Things change one day when she suddenly gains the ability to leap through time! At first, she uses her newfound ability to do things such as preventing her sister from stealing her dessert, cheating on a test, and singing Karaoke for 10 hours. However, the small alterations she makes to the timeline turn out to have unforeseen consequences that snowball into dramatic and lethal situations for her and those around her...

12 votes

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Reasons you might like The Girl Who Leapt Through Time...

vivafruit vivafruit says...

I've heard several people say that Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo has a "ghibli feel," and Whisper of the Heart is probably the film they most  often have in mind. The combination of sheer fantasy, schoolgirl life, and romance works wonders in both coming-of-age films.

Sangokagome Sangokagome says...

Both of these movies include a fantasic plot with romance playing a strong yet unexpected part in both of the main character's lives. Any romantic will fall in love with both of these amazing and beatifully animated movies!

Hekiru Hekiru says...

I thoroughly enjoyed both movies very much! They both touched on subjects about the future of one's life and the up's and down's of falling in love. I definitely recommend both films if you'd like to have a big slice-of-life.

EdtheRadical EdtheRadical says...

Both films, are shoujo coming of age tale. The story telling is what makes both films so brilliant. They take a relatively simple story and make it so interesting and captivating, that it almost feels magical. Another common element, is a complex female main character. Through this character both films explore the dillmma faced by young adults as they look towards the future.

cygaretka cygaretka says...

Both have a very unique charm, that will warm your heart a long after end watching. Both are about mentaly young people which are searching for their own way, and both are showing a piece of beautiful, pure love.

sleepercat236 sleepercat236 says...

Three minutes into Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo, I had already realized that this movie would become one of my favorites. I cannot say exactly why I came to this conclusion so early into the movie, but I assure you it is a good thing. I think it may have had something to do with the general ambiance - the animation (in both the aesthetic appearance and the fluidity and realism of the character movement), music, opening credit sequence, the general pace of the story. Another good thing: it immediately reminded me of Whisper of the Heart. The two movies have a similar feel to them. Their animation, in both look and movement, and the pace of the story. They are both shoujo slice-of-life stories that center around a female protagonist's coming of age, involve romance, have an interesting storyline, and take place in modern Japan. They are both MUST SEE movies!

frozenpandaman frozenpandaman says...

Although their plots are not all that smiliar, both movies involve a relationship that, at the time, cannot work due to unforseen events. The Girl Who Lept Through Time feels exactly like a Ghibli movie-- both are wonderful and creative (and maybe tear-jerking!) films!

KittyEmperor KittyEmperor says...

While reading the synopsis of either show they may not even sound remotely similar.  "Whisper of the Heart" is about a young girl and her growing relationship with a certian shopkeeper's grandson and "The Girl Who Leapt Through Time" is about a young girl who gains the ability to jump through time.  See they don't sound really all that similar expect for the fact that they both center around young girls.  But once you actually start watching either one you can begin to see how similar they both are.  They both center around young girls coming-of-age along with the path one person's life may take in the future as well as the good things & bad things with falling in love.  If you liked one then it is with a strong recommendation that you see the other.

SadisticTendencies SadisticTendencies says...

Whisper of the heart is made my Studio Ghibli, and Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo carries the same charming appeal that most movies from the studio do. The two movies also construct their narratives based on the romantic aspects of an adolescent girl, as well as a few fantasy-esque sequences. If you liked one, I can guarantee that you'll like the other. If I'm wrong, you shall receive permanent ownership of my soul.

Ebhen Ebhen says...

Both films have the similar feeling to them. Lighthearted drama and a romantic touch that really gets to you. Very likeble characters and they have the same pacing.

Jaebummie Jaebummie says...

If you like one you will like the other, they both have the power to open up a butt load of feels. Very entertaining. filled with love and the endings are really good. It will make you want to see it a million and one times all over again. Trust me its worth watching both!

cmzzjqu cmzzjqu says...

Intimate romance between two individuals whose paths intersect via extraordinary circumstances.

From Up on Poppy Hill

From Up on Poppy Hill

Yokohama, 1963. Japan is picking itself up from the devastation of World War II and preparing to host the Olympics. The mood is one of both optimism and conflict as the young generation struggles to throw off the shackles of a troubled past. Against this backdrop of hope and change, a friendship begins to blossom between high school students Umi  and Shun – but a buried secret from their past emerges to cast a shadow on the future and pull them apart.

10 votes

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Reasons you might like From Up on Poppy Hill...

sothis sothis says...

Both Ghibli titles were cut from the same cloth - a fairly slow-paced slice of life, coming of age tale about an unlikely relationship and the drama that ensues. The difference being Whisper of the Heart's occasional foray into fantasy.

plannedsea plannedsea says...

Both anime are similarly themed: peaceful yet romantic twisted around some light adventure - leaving you wanting more at the end. Keep some chocolate nearby... you'll probably need it!

mtgambier mtgambier says...

They both have the same simple story line that is about growing up and falling in love for the first time. Simply beautiful.

Sianeka Sianeka says...

Both Whisper of the Heart and From Up On Poppy Hill are from Studio Ghibli, and share the charming animation quality for which this studio is known. Both of these delicate, moving slice-of-life anime feature a budding romance that is central to the storyline. Each spotlights an independent young female protagonist making decisions that affect her life and help her determine her role with the others around her.  If you enjoy a calmer paced light romance, pull up a chair and share a poignant moment in the life of these young ladies.

Karasune Karasune says...

Whisper of the Heart and From Up on Poppy Hill are two very interesting and charming slice of life movies that revolve around romance and the adventure that comes with finding out more about yourself. They also share a similar atmosphere as both movies are from studio Ghibli. 

pinkdots41 pinkdots41 says...

Both stories involve kids in school. They both have innocent love and will make you feel so happy after watching them. Highly, highly recommend both movies.

Jaebummie Jaebummie says...

Both stories are about two kids falling in love for the first time and how they have to face obstacles to achieve their love. They are both heart warming stories that open up a big can of feels. the only difference is the obstacles they have to face. But if you like one, you will surely like the other.

lessiehanamoray lessiehanamoray says...

Definitely both slice of life.  Definitely about romance trouble by life simply getting in the way.  And definitely both incredibly sweet.

LadyPsychic LadyPsychic says...

Both are slice-of-life romance movies created by Studio Ghibli.  Both have similar vibes and sweet innocent romance.  From Up On Poppy Hill has a more historical setting and is firmly in the realm of realism, while Whisper of the Heart kind of shifts into fantasy here and there.  Still, if you like one of these movies, then you will most likely like the other.

animemangagirl94 animemangagirl94 says...

They meet their one true love. The characters go to the same school. Its sweet and romantic but not all lovey dovey.

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?

7 votes

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Reasons you might like The Cat Returns...

sothis sothis says...

Cat Returns is a loosely based sequel for Whisper of the Heart. This recommendation is probably obvious, then. It is wonderful to see more about the Baron and the fat cat... very, very enjoyable Ghibli film.

Fate Fate says...

The first time I watched The Cat Returns I was extremely skeptical of its content; but as the movie progressed it became more and more entertaining. The Cat Returns is Shizuku's story in a movie form. It's very entertaining and has a romantic edge to it. If you liked Whisper of the Heart then I'm almost positive that you'll at least enjoy The Cat Returns.

Myeerah Myeerah says...

Both of these movies are created by the same Ghibli Studio, and the Cat Returns is a loosely-based sequel to Whisper of the Heart, involving the same Baron character.

Ran Ran says...

Both WotH and Cat Returns have a very similar world; the characters that are present are in both anime, though in different roles. The stories are very different though, but the mood of the anime is quite similar, with a scent of fantasy and emotion.

whixie whixie says...

Ghibli films are always worth seeing and Whisper of the Heart and The Cat Returns are tied together mainly because they share some characters. They are very different films and, although you could call The Cat Returns a sequel, they tell very different stories. The fantasy elements and similar worlds however mean that if you enjoyed one it's worth seeing the other.

wickedshizuku wickedshizuku says...

These heartwarming tales center around young girls that meet the statue Baron. The girls go through points of low self-esteem, and don't have a clue of what they want to do with their lives. After meeting Baron they start to believe in themselves, and are no longer afraid to persue their dreams.

Children will certainly love these movies.

fizrox fizrox says...

If you have seen any of these two movies, you can easly recall the Cat - as a main character or statue. By this figure dircetor connects two anime. Thoug plot is somewhat different, it is sure that if you liked one, you will love another, because these share the same atmosphere and are great, magic adventure.

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.

6 votes

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Reasons you might like Spirited Away...

dracoflame dracoflame says...

Although Spirited Away and Whisper of the Heart seem like they are worlds apart they have many similarities in plot. Both lead characters are pushed into situations that will make them re-evaluate their feelings and goals. Each is definitely a well thought-out movie that makes you want to watch it again and again.

Foop Foop says...

Spirited Away and Whisper of the Heart are about girls who have nothing going on in their lives. Both meet someone and learn that even they are brave and of value. These are very good movies; you should see them both!

Nocturnalgloria Nocturnalgloria says...

Spirited Away and Whisper of the Heart feature a young girl's journey to self-fulfillment. Both are Ghibli productions and it shows; the visual aspect of these movies is very similar in terms of character design and animation. Spirited Away is more flamboyant and uses a fantasy element that is inherent to the plot, while Whisper of the Heart is more slice of life driven, being mostly slow paced and keeping the fantastic aspect in a psychological frame that does not interfere with the plot directly. In both cases a budding romance ensues, more pronounced in WotH than in SA. The general impression of one is reminiscent of the other, all things considered.

KittyEmperor KittyEmperor says...

Well both are directed and produced by Hayao Miyazaki which should really be all I have to say for you to go and see either one of these films, but if you need more of a reason as to why you should then how about this.  They both movies feature a young female who ends up in a situation where they are forced to re-evaluate their lives and come the end they have grown as grown as a person.  Though they both feature similar artstyles Spirited Away tends to have more of a fantasy element to it opposed to Whisper of the Heart is more slice of life.  But in any event if you liked one then you should check out the other.

Nuuuuu Nuuuuu says...

Its a really beautiful and calming movie. You would love it. The characters are soo fun to watch. The whole atmosphere of the film makes you want to get invovlved in it so much. It is beautiful...

Seawooo Seawooo says...

Beautiful animation, same studio, same art style, same chilled feel, likeable characters, and overall memorable movies.

5 Centimeters per Second

5 Centimeters per Second

Although today Tono Takaki and Shinohara Akari live far apart due to a family move shortly after elementary school, they were once two shy young students brought together by their shared differences from their peers. It is because of this that the two built a bond of closeness between them that still survives through their continued correspondence, even over such a distance. Secretly they both fear the loss of this bond over time, and for this reason they arrange a meeting between just the two of them. The journeys both of them take in their minds and in their lives create an atmosphere of intense emotional upheaval, but also a sense of peace. It is a twist of fate and a series of decisions that put the two in place to carry what they choose of their pasts into the future they will create for themselves.

6 votes

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Reasons you might like 5 Centimeters per Second...

Darkrystal Darkrystal says...

Both movies focus on a young couple who are seperated by distance, and their attempts to cope with this seperation. The relationships in both films are depicted with beatiful subtlety, complimented by some trully dazzling animation. If you liked the understated emotion of one then you'll more than likely be able to appreciate the other.

cassiesheepgirl cassiesheepgirl says...

Both of these films deal with seperation and romance. While 5cm per second is more melancholic than Whisper of the heart, if you liked the human interaction of one then you may enjoy the other.

avedenik1 avedenik1 says...

Love, love, and love. This two are about just that. Also, a life story of two different couples of teenagers trying to find meaning of love. Enjoy.

babyeinstein12 babyeinstein12 says...

Not only do both titles feature the innocence and sweetness of young love, but the tone of both are I think quite similar. Granted, Whisper of the Heart is more carefree and lighthearted, but it, like 5 Centimeters per Second, captures the ineffable ideal "Japanese school life" very similarly.

kiddtic kiddtic says...

These two movies though differently paced and have diffrent art styles have the same sort of romantic feel towards them. It starts off innocent and builds into something a little bit mre deep. Definetly would recommend this one

Sianeka Sianeka says...

If you saw and enjoyed either 5 Centimeters Per Second or Whisper of the Heart, you should watch the other one. Although both anime FEEL different from one another (each anime has a very distinctive feel to it, and each evokes an entirely different atmosphere), they share a similar enough storyline that the adventure of watching the other one will round out your total anime experience.  Both movies explore the emotions of two characters developing feelings for each other and then undergoing a separation.

Watch Whisper of the Heart to feel the development and growth of burgeoning young love and watch 5 Centimeters Per Second to feel the pangs of yearning and longing. Seeing both really does help give a feeling of having experienced both sides of the same coin. Both movies will really touch you! If you enjoyed either one, do yourself a favor and check out the other.

Kiki's Delivery Service

Kiki's Delivery Service

Kiki is a young witch who has just turned thirteen, and as tradition dictates she must now leave the safety of her home for a year to undergo witch training. One clear night, Kiki takes off with her cat Jiji and her mother's broomstick to start her new life, and finds herself in a town near the ocean - but she's disappointed to find that people aren't nearly as friendly as she'd imagined they'd be. With nowhere to stay and no outstanding magical skills besides flying, Kiki begins to wonder if she's come to the right place; but after returning a pacifier to a customer of a local shop, its owner, Osono, offers her a place to stay. Kiki soon decides that she'll start her own delivery service, and with the help of newfound friends she sets forth on a journey to discover who she is and how to make it on her own.

5 votes

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Reasons you might like Kiki's Delivery Service...

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.

Iblard Jikan

Iblard Jikan

In a lush and detailed fantasy world, magical airships sail amidst floating islands and villas. Luxurious earthly homes lie amidst hillsides of flowers and trees, and a lone pond houses a single shoot of life. Miniature tram cars come and go, ladies’ dresses flutter in the breeze, will o’ wisps dance in the midst of dusk and lights flicker warmly. With a lack of narrative, Iblard Jikan shows us these visions and more alongside a soundtrack of lilting melodies.

4 votes

I agree

Reasons you might like Iblard Jikan...

Ran Ran says...

Iblard Jikan has the same ambiance and aspect as the world in Shizuku's imagination. If you liked the representations of the Baron's story by the heroine in WotH, you'll be happy to find that mood and discover her world more through Iblard Jikan.

Sangokagome Sangokagome says...

Personally, one of my favorite things about movies made by Studio Ghibli is the backround art. In Iblard Jikan, they went above and beyond to create beautiful scenery, captivating your eyes and imagination. In Whisper of the Heart, you get the chance to see the images again when they are incorperated with the main story.

ajnrules ajnrules says...

Some of the best moments in Whisper of the Heart were when Shizuku explored her imaginary landscapes. Part of the appeal was due to the incredible background art of Naohisa Inoue. In Iblard Jikan he takes this world and fleshes it out, creating a screensaver-like ambience.

Astelia Astelia says...

Do you want to visit a magical place created by Shizuku's imagination? Then you should totally watch Iblard Jikan. It's very relaxing and sweet (with almost no plot it allows your imagination run wild).

Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou

Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou

In a quaint Japanese town, far from the footprints of tourists, an abandoned robot named Alpha lives a quiet life, while running a coffee shop left by her previous owner. With hardly a customer from day to day, she tends to focus on life's little pleasures, while sporadically wishing for her master's return. But one day, a delivery-robot brings Alpha a camera, and through the pictures inside, her eyes are opened for the first time to the world around her.

3 votes

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Reasons you might like Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou...

Rar Rar says...

Though perhaps the most obvious connection between Whisper and Yokohama is the noticeable lack of action, for these two animes it's all about atmosphere. They just give a wonderful feeling of calm and everything being well in the world. There aren't many things you can watch that will make the rest of your day seem brighter, but somehow Whisper and Yokohama manage it.

vivafruit vivafruit says...

Both Whisper of the Heart and Yokohama Shopping Log rely on subtle moods evoked from seemingly mundane actions, and will probably both bore those more action-oriented. However, for the rest of us, either anime will provide a satisfyingly relaxing tone while simultaneously delivering some deeper themes of spiritual growth and self-realization.

knaecke knaecke says...

Well on the one side the two titles are very different in plot an characters but on the other side there's still this calm "ghibli'ish makes-you-forget-all-the-problems-around-you" feeling in both of them which is (at least for me) reason enough to recommend the other to someone who's watched one of these two.

Gauche the Cellist

Gauche the Cellist

Gauche is a small-town musician with a passion for playing the cello, and is a dedicated member of the local orchestra. With an important performance in a matter of weeks, the group practices daily to hone their skills. But lately, Gauche's musical ability has been lacking, and to get it back, he must accept help from the unlikeliest of kin -- the furry and feathered friends who dwell on his land...

3 votes

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Reasons you might like Gauche the Cellist...

sothis sothis says...

Goshu the Cellist is conveniently is a film by one of the heads of Ghibli, before Ghibli was created. But the reason I chose this as a recommendation is because they both are centered around a main character and their love of music. Both don't necessarily have anything special that makes them exceptional, they just give you a great feeling at the end.

Mew7931 Mew7931 says...

These animes are both beautiful with a theme of music. Their characters are mellow, but still have a need to get what they want. Small-town setting with many interesting characters that are timeless and beautiful

hamletsmage hamletsmage says...

Both of these films have a musical storyline, as well as the personal growth of the lead character. Both also start out with the intervention of a cat. With small town settings and the Ghibli touch, these two are very similar in style. 

Only Yesterday

Only Yesterday

Taeko Okajima lives a nondescript life in Tokyo performing office duties in the day and then coming home in the evening to listen to her mother’s remarks on the phone about her unmarried status. In a bid to escape the monotony, Taeko decides to visit the countryside she once loved as a child and spend time on a safflower farm run by relations of hers. But her journey awakens memories she thought she had long abandoned, and Taeko must once again decide the kind of person she truly wants to be.

3 votes

I agree

Reasons you might like Only Yesterday...

abunai abunai says...

"Whisper of the Heart" and "Only Yesterday" are two of Ghibli's best, most understated, films. In many ways, they deal with aspects of the same process - growing up. In "WotH", we follow a young girl glimpsing her own potential for growth into adulthood. In "OY", a grown woman travels back in her memory to her childhood. Two sides of the same story.

cygaretka cygaretka says...

Only Yesterday and Whisper... are created by the same studio, but this is not the only connection.Both are showing a way that every person must went - groving up. In very touching, slowly style, creators gives us a unique stories about changes in child life and mind.

LLORAtheLLAMA LLORAtheLLAMA says...

Watching Only Yesterday instantly reminded me of Whisper of the Heart. Besides both being Studio Ghibli movies, both have that extremely slow pace they follow. They both also touch on the lives of children and their own kind of struggles. If you want to watch another calm movie, then the other should be the next one.