9 Cozy Anime That Feel Like Studio Ghibli Masterpieces

Studio Ghibli has always been a pinnacle for what anime should be like. Their one-of-a-kind magical realism combined with stunning animation has set a standard that's hard to match. But what if you've already watched everything the studio has to offer and naturally crave for more? Well, these 9 cozy anime will help you experience that distinctive Ghibli magic once again.

‘Penguin Highway’ (2018): Penguins Are Everywhere

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Penguin Highway has 100% from critics and 76% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Penguin Highway is rated 7.1/10.

Howl's Moving Castle made everything seem possible. Penguin Highway does the same, but through the eyes of a curious fourth-grader named Aoyama-kun.

One day, penguins started appearing out of nowhere. But that's not the only weird thing happening. A mysterious lady seems to be connected to it all somehow. Suddenly, our little hero is in the middle of an epic story.

Available on Hoopla and Plex for free.

‘Anne of Green Gables’ (1979): A Timeless Story

• On IMDb, Anne of Green Gables is rated 7.7/10.

We bet you already know what the story is about. Based on the novels by Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables follows an 11-year-old orphan who gets adopted by elderly Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert. Like Ghibli, the series finds magic in the mundane.

Available on Shahid VIP.

‘Chi's Sweet Home’ (2008): If Anime Embodied Pure Joy

• On IMDb, Chi's Sweet Home is rated 7.8/10.

If you're looking for pure comfort and wholesomeness, Chi's Sweet Home is your perfect match. This adorable series follows the adventures of a kitten named Chi who gets adopted by a loving family.

Available on: Netflix, Crunchyroll, Crunchyroll Amazon Channel.

‘A Place Further Than The Universe’ (2018): Dreams & Friendships

• On IMDb, A Place Further Than The Universe is rated 8.1/10.

A Place Further Than The Universe follows four high school friends who decide to go to Antarctica.

Mari Tamaki is a student who fears that she is not living life to the fullest. Shirase Kobuchizawa is determined to find her missing mother in Antarctica. Together with two other friends, they pursue what seems like an impossible dream.

This beautiful coming-of-age story has the same spirit of adventure and friendship that we love in Ghibli films.

Available on: Crunchyroll, Crunchyroll Amazon Channel.

‘The Garden of Words’ (2013): A Visual Feast

• On Rotten Tomatoes, The Garden of Words has 84% from the audience.
• On IMDb, The Garden of Words is rated 7.4/10.

As in Ghibli films, nature plays a significant role in The Garden of Words. The animation is absolutely mesmerizing. In fact, we would go so far as to say that it is poetry that came to life.

This anime is about a 15-year-old student who keeps meeting a mysterious woman in a garden during rainy mornings. They form an unusual friendship that helps both of them grow.

Available on Kanopy for free.

‘A Letter to Momo’ (2011): Emotional Story of Grief

• On Rotten Tomatoes, A Letter to Momo has 80% from critics and 75% from the audience.
• On IMDb, A Letter to Momo is rated 7.2/10.

Momo moves to her new hometown with her mother after her father’s passing. While trying to adjust to her new life, she encounters some creatures who turn her world upside down.

Though the story explores grief, it isn't dark. It has enough humor to make you laugh and enough philosophy to impact you.

Available on: Fandango At Home, Apple TV.

‘Flying Witch’ (2016): A Slice-Of-Life Anime

• On IMDb, Flying Witch is rated 7.2/10.

Young witch Makoto isn't out to save the world. She's just trying to learn while living with her relatives. If you're looking for a relaxing anime that will make you feel at home, check out Flying Witch. The series captures the Ghibli quality of finding wonder in the ordinary. There are no villains to defeat or worlds to save, but there is a whole life to experience.

Available on Hoopla and Spectrum On Demand for free.

‘Modest Heroes’ (2018): 3 Stories on 1

• On Rotten Tomatoes, Modest Heroes has 83% from the audience.
• On IMDb, Modest Heroes is rated 6.6/10.

Modest Heroes is a collection of 3 short stories that show us everyday heroes in different situations.

In “Kanini & Kanino,” we follow two crab siblings on an underwater adventure to save their father. “Life Ain't Gonna Lose” shows a mother protecting her son who has a severe allergy. “Invisible” tells a story of an invisible man finding his place in the world.

Available on: Netflix; Hoopla for free.

‘Barakamon’ (2014): The Art of Living

• On IMDb, Barakamon is rated 8.2/10.

After a moment of pride-fueled recklessness, a young calligrapher is exiled to a remote island, convinced that his world has ended. Instead, he finds himself surrounded by a community that teaches him more about art and life than any city ever could. Barakamon is a wholesome story you need to watch firstly because of its characters.

Available on: Crunchyroll, Crunchyroll Amazon Channel, Amazon Video, Apple TV.