Movies Like Why We Live

If you liked Why We Live (2016), a animation movie directed by Hideaki Ōba, 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
Yu Yu Hakusho: Eizou Hakusho (1994)
★ 8.7/10Also animation
Two recap specials that focus on Team Urameshi's matches in the Dark Tournament and four separate volumes focusing around one of the main characters; Yusuke, Kurama, Hiei, or Kuwabara.
2
Buddha 2: The Endless Journey (2014)
★ 7.7/10Also animation
2500 years ago, in India, Siddhartha was born as a prince of the Shakya clan, but he gives up his position as a prince to see the world. He meets a strange boy named Assaji, who can predict the future, a monk with only…
3
Inu-Oh (2022)
★ 7.5/10Also animation
A cursed dancer and a blind musician — both ostracized by society — become business partners and inseparable friends as their larger-than-life concerts propel them to stardom in 14th century Japan.
4
Kung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Masters (2011)
★ 6.5/10Also animation
Po and the Furious Five uncover the legend of three of kung fu's greatest heroes: Master Thundering Rhino, Master Storming Ox, and Master Croc.
5
Genius Party Beyond (2008)
★ 6.4/10Also animation
Five stories, five maestros, five styles and one common denominator: maximum creativity. Studio 4°C, the coolest label on the planet, invites us for the second time to an exclusive reunion of a talents with a group…
6
The Rose of Versailles (2025)
★ 7/10Also animation
In an age of revolution, Marie Antoinette and her protector Oscar François de Jarjayes face tough choices as women growing into their distinct roles.
7
Origin: Spirits of the Past (2006)
★ 6.9/10Also animation
It is 300 years into the future. Earth's environment had been devastated by mankind's own foolish plans and humankind is beleaguered by the sentient forests which they have awoken. The world balance is tipped when a…
8
Fighting Spirit - Mashiba vs. Kimura (2003)
★ 7/10Also animation
Kimura finally has his championship match. It takes place at the annual champion carnival. But now he must face the intense champion, Mashiba for the Junior Lightweight championship.
9
Stand by Me Doraemon (2014)
★ 7.5/10Also animation
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.
10
Sword of the Stranger (2007)
★ 7.6/10Also animation
Pursued by formidable Chinese assassins, young Kotaro and his dog run into No Name, a mysterious stranger who gets pulled into the chase. The unlikely companions form a bond over saving the dog from a poison attack…
11
Crayon Shin-chan: Action Mask vs. Leotard Devil (1993)
★ 7/10Also animation
Everyone's favorite TV superhero Action Mask shows up in Kasukabe, and he's trying to get something from Shin-chan -- but what could it be?
12
Naruto OVA 7: Naruto, the Genie, and the Three Wishes, Believe It! (2010)
★ 7.4/10Also animation
Naruto discovers a genie's bottle while he and the gang are at a genin grill party. When everyone finds out about the genie's ability to grant wishes, the ultimate chase begins.
13
Naruto OVA 8: Naruto x UT (2011)
★ 7.4/10Also animation
Naruto x UT is the eighth Naruto OVA. Approximately 200,000 copies of this OVA were distributed by Uniqlo to promote a line of Naruto-themed shirts designed by Masashi Kishimoto in conjunction with Studio Pierrot. It…
14
Stand by Me Doraemon 2 (2020)
★ 7.8/10Also animation
Nobita travels to the future to show his beloved grandma his bride, but adult Nobita has fled his own wedding.
15
Minions & More Volume 1 (2022)
★ 7/10Also animation
This collection of 10 short films produced by Illumination includes: From the "Despicable Me" franchise: Puppy (2013); Minion Scouts (2019); Training Wheels (2013); The Secret Life of Kyle (2017); Santa's Little…
16
Pokémon the Movie: Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction (2014)
★ 6.7/10Also animation
In the underground Diamond Domain, where many Carbink live, the Mythical Pokémon Diancie serves as ruler. The Heart Diamond that sustains the land is beginning to fall apart, and Diancie is not yet strong enough to…
17
Where Is Anne Frank (2021)
★ 6.6/10Also animation
The film follows the journey of Kitty, the imaginary friend to whom Anne Frank dedicated her diary. A fiery teenager, Kitty wakes up in the near future in Anne Frank's house in Amsterdam and embarks on a journey to…
18
Mai Mai Miracle (2009)
★ 7.1/10Also animation
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.
19
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.
20
Matriculated (2003)
★ 6.6/10Also animation
The human resistance works to convert a sentinel to their side. Part of the Animatrix collection of animated shorts set in the Matrix universe.