9 Must-Watch Anime for Fans of Emotional Storytelling and Supernatural Themes

She and Her Cat: A Glimpse into Shinkai's Early Work

Embark on a journey through Shinkai's early masterpiece, She and Her Cat: Everything Flows. This series beautifully captures the bittersweet essence of Shinkai's storytelling, offering a poignant exploration of love and loss. The visual artistry and originality of this adaptation make it a compelling watch for fans of Shinkai's early creations.

Miyu gently petting her cat, Daru, while he eats from his bowl in She and Her Cat

When Marnie Was There: An Emotional Tale of Self-Discovery

Delve into the emotional depth of Studio Ghibli's When Marnie Was There, a captivating exploration of self-worth and the transformative power of human connections. Through its magical realist themes, this film resonates with the supernatural storytelling found in Shinkai's works, offering a profound and resonant viewing experience.

Two young girls comfort each other from the film When Marnie Was There

Kanon: A Classic Romance Infused with Supernatural Elements

Immerse yourself in the classic romance of Kanon, a poignant narrative that skillfully weaves supernatural elements into its dramatic love story. With its compelling character dynamics and heartfelt exploration of relationships, Kanon captures the essence of Shinkai's storytelling, making it a timeless classic for fans of emotional anime.

The main girls from Kanon standing together on a snowy day.

Clannad: A Masterful Blend of Romance and Supernatural Intrigue

Journey into the enchanting world of Clannad, a mesmerizing tale that intertwines romance, drama, and supernatural elements with breathtaking visuals. As a testament to Kyoto Animation's storytelling prowess, Clannad offers a compelling narrative that echoes the emotional depth and visual splendor characteristic of Shinkai's works.

The main cast of Clannad in a group shot, all wearing their school uniforms accented by cherry blossoms.

Violet Evergarden: A Melancholic Exploration of Humanity

Immerse yourself in the melancholic world of Violet Evergarden, where the depths of human emotion are poignantly depicted through a captivating blend of drama and introspection. With stunning animation and a profound character-driven narrative, Violet Evergarden resonates with the emotional storytelling style of Shinkai, offering a deeply immersive viewing experience.

violet evergarden anime series key visual of violet and her mentor standing back to back.

Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day - A Bittersweet Tale of Loss and Healing

Experience the bittersweet beauty of Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day, a poignant story of loss, friendship, and the enduring resilience of the human spirit. Through its stellar animation and heartfelt storytelling, Anohana captures the essence of emotional depth found in Shinkai's works, delivering a profoundly moving narrative.

A still from the anime series AnoHana: The Flower We Saw That Day showing Jintan reminiscing on when the characters were children

Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms - A Poignant Exploration of Family and Loss

Embark on a heartfelt journey through Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms, a poignant tale that delicately explores the themes of family, loss, and the enduring bonds of love. With its emotive storytelling and captivating visuals, Maquia resonates with the emotional depth and thematic richness prevalent in Shinkai's works, offering a deeply evocative cinematic experience.

Characters in Maquia When the Promised Flower Blooms

Ride Your Wave: A Thoughtful Meditation on Love and Loss

Dive into the surreal and heartfelt narrative of Ride Your Wave, a captivating exploration of love, loss, and the transformative power of resilience. With its unique art and animation, Ride Your Wave offers a compelling viewing experience that resonates with the emotional depth and thematic complexity found in Shinkai's works.

Ride Your Wave's main character running through the street with an inflatable manatee.

Belle: A Touching Tale of Coping with Loss and Self-Discovery

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Belle, a poignant story that delicately navigates themes of loss, self-discovery, and the enduring power of hope. With its stunning artistry and heartfelt storytelling, Belle captures the essence of emotional depth found in Shinkai's works, offering a visually stunning and emotionally resonant cinematic masterpiece.

The poster for Belle, featuring the main character and a dragon