Movies Like Pretending Not to See

If you liked Pretending Not to See (2012), a drama and animation movie directed by Shinpei Miyashita, here are 20 movies with a similar feel, based on TMDB's recommendations. Each one links to its cast, trailer and where it's streaming.

1
Look Back (2024)
★ 8.2/10Also animation and drama
Popular, outgoing Fujino is celebrated by her classmates for her funny comics in the class newspaper. One day, her teacher asks her to share the space with Kyomoto, a truant recluse whose beautiful artwork sparks a…
2
Summer Ghost (2021)
★ 7.3/10Also animation and drama
An urban legend says that lighting fireworks at an abandoned airfield will beckon the "summer ghost," a spirit that can answer any question. Three teenagers, Tomoya, Aoi, and Ryo, each have their own reason to show up…
3
The Karate Kid (1984)
★ 7.2/10Also drama
New Jersey teen Daniel LaRusso moves to Los Angeles with his mother, and soon strikes up a relationship with Ali. He quickly finds himself the target of bullying by a group of thugs, led by Ali's ex-boyfriend Johnny…
4
100 METERS (2025)
★ 7.8/10Also animation and drama
A gifted runner trains a determined but unskilled classmate, unaware he's creating a rival who will challenge him on the track for years to come.
5
Colorful (2010)
★ 7.2/10Also animation and drama
Upon reaching the train station to death, a dejected soul is informed that he is lucky and will have another chance at life. He is placed in the body of a 14-year-old boy named Kobayashi Makoto, who has just committed…
6
From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)
★ 7.5/10Also animation and drama
Yokohama, 1963. Japan is picking itself up from the devastation of World War II and preparing to host the 1964 Olympics—and the mood is one of both optimism and conflict as the young generation struggles to throw off…
7
The Boy and the Heron (2023)
★ 7.4/10Also animation and drama
While the Second World War rages, the teenage Mahito, haunted by his mother's tragic death, is relocated from Tokyo to the serene rural home of his new stepmother Natsuko, a woman who bears a striking resemblance to…
8
Mai Mai Miracle (2009)
★ 7.1/10Also animation and drama
Inspired by her grandfather's stories, young Shinko embarks on wild flights of fancy about the history of the little town she lives in. But dreams can't fend off the realities of growing up.
9
The Swan (2023)
★ 6.8/10Also drama
Two large, ignorant bullies ruthlessly pursue a small, brilliant boy in this young adult Roald Dahl short story.
10
Monster (2023)
★ 7.9/10Also drama
After an outburst at school involving her son, a concerned single mother demands answers, triggering a sequence of deepening suspicion and turmoil.
11
Kids Return (1996)
★ 6.9/10Also drama
Shinji and Masaru spend most of their school days harassing fellow classmates and playing pranks. They drop out and Shinji becomes a small-time boxer, while Masaru joins up with a local yakuza gang. However, the world…
12
The Boy and the Beast (2015)
★ 7.9/10Also animation and drama
Kyuta, a boy living in Shibuya, and Kumatetsu, a lonesome beast from Jutengai, an imaginary world. One day, Kyuta forays into the imaginary world and, as he's looking for his way back, meets Kumatetsu who becomes his…
13
Naruto OVA 9: Chunin Exam on Fire! and Naruto vs. Konohamaru! (2011)
★ 7.3/10Also animation
Naruto faces off against his old pupil Konohamaru in a tournament during the chuunin entrance exams.
14
Monster High: Friday Night Frights (2012)
★ 7.8/10Also animation
After Monster High’s roller skating team is defeated at the Skulltimate Roller Maze tournament, the ghouls team up to face an all-boys league, with the hope of winning back the school crest and restoring school spirit.
15
Bubble (2022)
★ 7.3/10Also animation
In an abandoned Tokyo overrun by bubbles and gravitational abnormalities, one gifted young man has a fateful meeting with a mysterious girl.
16
Haikyu!! The Movie: Battle of Concepts (2017)
★ 8/10Also animation and drama
A recap film depicting the match against Shiratorizawa Academy in the third season of the anime series.
17
JUJUTSU KAISEN: Execution (2025)
★ 6.1/10Also animation
A veil abruptly descends over the busy Shibuya area amid the bustling Halloween crowds, trapping countless civilians inside. Satoru Gojo, the strongest jujutsu sorcerer, steps into the chaos. But lying in wait are…
18
Stand by Me Doraemon (2014)
★ 7.5/10Also animation and drama
Sewashi and Doraemon find themselves way back in time and meet Nobita. It is up to Doraemon to take care of Nobita or else he will not return to the present.
19
All About Lily Chou-Chou (2001)
★ 7.5/10Also drama
Charts the troubled teenage years of students Yūichi Hasumi and Shūsuke Hoshino, exploring the shifting and complex power dynamics of their relationship against the backdrop of Yūichi's love for the dreamy and abstract…
20
Pokémon the Movie: White - Victini and Zekrom (2011)
★ 6.5/10Also animation and drama
The Kingdom of the People of the Earth once ruled over the land, but now all that remains is the Sword of the Earth. in the city of Eindoak. Satoshi, Iris, and Dent arrive in Eindoak during a harvest festival's Pokémon…