Hello, my dear otaku friend! So, you’re looking for other anime movies like Colorful, right? Okay, if that’s it, get ready to dive into the perfect list of emotional anime movies like “Colorful”! (Don’t forget to bring your tissues with you, you’ll need them!) Here you’ll find all the drama you need and finally fill your watch list again! However, if you’re new to the otaku world, I recommend you read my anime movies for beginners list. Now, let’s go to the list!
Top Anime Movies Like Colorful That Will Give You Chills
Highlights
- Not all movies here are family-friendly! If you want family-friendly anime movies recommendations, click on my other list.
- The scores are all based on my personal opinion.
- Here, you’ll find the best anime movies like Colorful!
15. Hal (Haru)
| Animation | Characters | Plot | Total Score |
| 6/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 20/30 |
If you enjoy drama with sci-fi, you’ll love this! Just see:
This is a moving anime movie set in the near future, where advanced technology allows the creation of humanoid robots. Honestly, I love this idea but also fear it at the same time. I mean, just imagine falling in love with a robot… I guess that’s why scientists tell us to not love our technological devices.
Continuing, after Hal’s tragic death, his girlfriend Kurumi falls into a deep state of sadness. However, to help her overcome this pain, a robot called Q01 is programmed! The most terrifying thing about it is that it has Hal’s appearance and personality. If I were her, I’d rather be in grief and go through all the pain. What about you? This Japanese film tackles complex themes, so you’ll find yourself thinking about it. In the movie, you’ll see the importance of human connection and the power of technology to shape our emotions.
I wonder what I would do if I were her! I haven’t faced the death of dear ones yet, but I can guess that I’ll never want robots to replace them. About Kurumi… Will she overcome sadness and be able to open her heart again? You’ll have to watch to figure it out!
14. Child of Kamiari Month (Kamiarizuki no Kodomo)
| Animation | Characters | Plot | Total Score |
| 7/10 | 7/10 | 6/10 | 20/30 |
About this anime movie, you’ll find yourself overthinking everything you know. The story follows a young girl called Kanna. She is born during the sacred month of Kamiarizuki when the gods come from heaven to interact with humans. Plus, it has a surprise that came with her birth: the little girl is gifted with mystical abilities. So, she’s seen as a connection between the human and divine worlds. Imagine being born with powers! I’d feel like the most important person in the world.
This interesting film will talk about identity, destiny, and the relationship between humans and divinities. The animation is rich in cultural symbolism, capturing the magic of Shinto rituals. It’s really captivating, I swear. Do you like historical anime too? Give this movie a try and I promise you’ll fall in love with it!
13. A Letter to Momo (Momo e no Tegami)
| Animation | Characters | Plot | Total Score |
| 7/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 21/30 |
Get your tissues and a bucket to not flood your room with tears. I warned you.
This touching coming-of-age story combines elements of fantasy and family drama. So, yes, you can expect a lot of sad moments. Why? Well… The plot follows Momo, a young girl who has recently lost her father. She moves with her mother to the remote island of Shio. Suddenly, Momo discovers a series of letters left by her father. However, those letters weren’t just letters, of course. They trigger supernatural events in the form of three mischievous guardian spirits called Iwa, Kawa, and Mame. Sounds creepy, right? Chill, you don’t have to fear these spirits at all! There is not even a hint of horror in this anime film.
You’ll see the impact of loss, family love, and personal growth through Momo’s experiences with the spirits. Momo’s interactions with them provide comic and touching moments. With their help, she gradually learns to accept her past and find the courage to move on. This is definitely one of the best anime movies like Colorful. Especially if what you liked the most about it was the death and grief themes!
12. Stand by Me Doraemon
| Animation | Characters | Plot | Total Score |
| 7/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 21/30 |
I’ve talked about this one before and here I am again! I know, it looks like a child’s anime movie at first sight, but It’s not! Trust me, it portrays deep themes you won’t expect it to. Follow me:
Stand By Me Doraemon is an exciting story that combines nostalgia and adventure. The movie follows Nobita, an ordinary boy who is visited by Doraemon from the future. Who’s Doraemon? A robotic cat with pockets full of fantastic gadgets! Still sounds like a child’s kind of anime, I know. Just keep reading…
Continuing, together, they face problems together, solving Nobita’s issues at school and at home. This companionship strengthened their special friendship. Showing topics of friendship and personal growth, the film captivates with its comforting messages. You’ll see closely how a friendship can help you get through anything!
11. Children Who Chase Lost Voices (Hoshi wo Ou Kodomo)
| Animation | Characters | Plot | Total Score |
| 8/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 22/30 |
Now, this Japanese animation will take you to a mystical world. You can guess by the name that this is a deep-feeling movie. The story develops around Asuna, a young girl who discovers a portal to Agartha. What is that? An underground land of legends and mysteries. Don’t worry, nothing to fear about it! Again, this is not a horror anime, but it can surprise you a little.
Going on, Asuna is accompanied by Shun, a boy who comes from Agartha. Yes, he comes FROM THERE! As she meets him, Asuna discovers the truth about life and death, facing mythical creatures and challenging her own beliefs. Now, being 100% honest I’d never be curious enough to explore a different world. I’d prefer to stay curious. What about you? As you can guess, the film talks about loss and the redemptive power of love. If you like adventure anime movies with after-life themes, this is for you!
10. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day (Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai)
| Animation | Characters | Plot | Total Score |
| 7/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 22/30 |
What can the death of a friend do to a group of friends that, once, was inseparable? That’s what you’ll figure out after watching this anime film! First, I need to tell you this is an emotional story about friendship and overcoming. So… Yes, everything about the tissues and the bucket too. If you’re looking for anime movies like Colorful, this one is a must-watch!
The plot follows a group of childhood friends who become estranged after the tragic death of a dear friend, Menma. Years later, Menma’s spirit appears to Jinta, one of the friends. She asks him to fulfill an unfulfilled wish for her. Would you try to do it if it was your best friend’s spirit? Honestly, I’d cry rivers first (out of fear and happiness to see her again). The journey to fulfill this wish brings the group together again. This encounter confronts past hurts and strengthens lost bonds.
Can you guess what Menma’s last wish was? I could have an idea right from the start! However, you’ll need to watch the movie to discover it! Let me tell you… It can be a bit surprising, or really predictable. The movie’s message is beautiful, I guarantee you that! Yet, the reason I didn’t give it a better position in the list is because of its end.
9. The Place Promised in Our Early Days (Kumo no Mukou, Yakusoku no Basho)
| Animation | Characters | Plot | Total Score |
| 8/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | 22/30 |
Here, you’ll take a trip to an alternative world with two children, Hiroki and Takuya. They promise to reach a mysterious tower that divides their country. I know I’m taking you to multiple universes here, but, hey! I’m trying to find the perfect match for you! So, keep up with me, and let’s see if this is the one.
Moving on, years later, now teenagers, they are separated. On the other hand, their destinies lead them back to the promise they made as children. Like I always say: a promise is a debt. The film shows the importance of friendship, love, and the human desire to overcome emotional barriers. Who else loves a melancholic atmosphere? If you appreciate it, give this movie a try and you’ll be left open-mouthed. In fact, an anime film similar to Colorful you need to watch.
8. When Marnie Was There (Omoide no Marnie)
| Animation | Characters | Plot | Total Score |
| 8/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 24/30 |
Do you know what hurts more than a romantic broken heart? A broken heart by a lost friendship. When Marnie Was There shows that a friend can mark our lives more than anything else. What do you think about that? I can tell you that this is the truest truth I’ve ever heard. Stay with me:
This touching story follows Anna, an introverted young girl. She is sent to the countryside to improve her emotional health. There, she discovers an old mansion where she meets Marnie. She’s a mysterious girl with whom Anna forms a deep connection. Oh, but we all know we need to be careful to create bonds with people… As Anna unravels the secrets of Marnie’s past, she discovers the true meaning of friendship and love. Their friendship is not linear, as they face some problems because of Marnie’s mysterious aura and story. Was she honest about everything she said? Why is Marnie so mysterious? What are her real secrets? Will they manage to stay friends after all?
Oh, dear, you know my answer: watch and figure it out! I promise you’ll be surprised by every part of this movie. Also, you’ll feel a nostalgic feeling from it. It’s a light-weight movie, with a deep storyline and meaning. If you like friendship stories, watch this! This is one of my favorites anime movies like Colorful.
7. Wolf Children (Ookami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki)
| Animation | Characters | Plot | Total Score |
| 8/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 24/30 |
How could I ever talk about drama, grief, and sentimental movies, without mentioning Wolf Children? Definitely, one of my favorite anime movies like Colorful, too!
It pictures the emotional journey of a mother and her only children. After the death of her beloved husband, Hana finds herself raising two children alone. However, they have the ability to transform into wolves. That’s why she moved to a calmer place, where they could grow up peacefully. She could never trust people to see her children and I don’t blame her! Actually, I would never trust people to see anything different, if I knew something like that. I mean, people have this grand power to destroy everything they lay eyes on. What could happen to the half-wolf children, right?
The most interesting part of the movie is how it shows Hana struggling to balance raising her children with their extraordinary natures. Capturing both the beauty of nature and the intimacy of motherhood, Wolf Children shows the strength of family. Also human resilience in the face of adversity. What can’t a mother do for her children? This is a great example of inspirational anime movies like Colorful.
6. 5 Centimeters per Second (Byousoku 5 Centimeter)
| Animation | Characters | Plot | Total Score |
| 9/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 25/30 |
Remember the tissue and basket rule I talked about earlier? Well… Here we go again. Bring them to your room and enjoy the movie! If you want a sad anime like “Colorful”, go for this one! However, I need to tell you something else: this can be really sad, due to its real-life theme. So, be ready to be angry with life. If you want to escape reality for a second, skip this.
This film explores the delicate emotional journey of Takaki and Akari throughout their lives. The movie is divided into three parts that follow the protagonists from childhood to adulthood. That’s a lot interesting, you see them growing up and parting ways. After that, you see them facing challenges of maintaining their strong bond while they’re apart. Could you keep being friends with someone if they move away? I can tell I’d try my best to never let my friendship die.
Showing the melancholic passage of time, 5 Centimeters per Second evokes a deep reflection on the nature of human relationships. You’ll feel so in love with the pretty aesthetic of the animation and the nostalgic vibes. Also, I can guarantee you that you’ll feel every emotion with the main characters.
The inevitability of life’s changes is clear in the movie. If you want to cry for days, go for this Japanese film. One of the best anime movies like Colorful!
5. The Garden of Words (Kotonoha no Niwa)
| Animation | Characters | Plot | Total Score |
| 9/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 27/30 |
Moving on to my Top 5 list, prepare yourself to find the best anime movies like Colorful!
It’s not like I love this movie… I like the plot but normally, I wouldn’t give it a high position. However, the melancholy atmosphere present in Colorful is so present in this film too. That’s why I put it in 5th position this time. This is a visual masterpiece that emphasizes a sudden meeting between two strangers, Takao and Yukari. During rainy days in a Japanese garden, they seek refuge from the rain. Can you hear the sound of the raindrops falling? Every time I talk about this movie, I hear them.
Going on, the two begin to open up to each other, sharing their dreams and frustrations. However, when the rain stops, will they stop talking to each other too? Will they fall in love with each other? Don’t keep wondering, just go and watch it already!
The film praises the beauty of love and human connection. You’ll feel nostalgic and emotional while watching it. The Garden of Words is a poetic reflection on the healing power of mutual understanding. Such a comfort movie, if I’m being honest!
4. I Want to Eat Your Pancreas (Kimi no Suizou wo Tabetai)
| Animation | Characters | Plot | Total Score |
| 9/10 | 9/10 | 10/10 | 28/30 |
The movie’s name might sound a little bit fun and childish… My dear friend, the silly-named ones are the worst. Mark my words. I guess they make the saddest stories and put silly names on them to trick us, really.
This is an emotional story that talks about friendship, loss, and acceptance. I don’t want to tell you about the plot, but you’re here for it, so… It revolves around a lonely young teenage boy who discovers that his classmate, Sakura, is sick. No, “sick” is too friendly to talk about her. She is really dying of a terminal pancreatic disease. You can assume how it ends, but It’s worth watching till the end.
Despite initial differences, the two develop a deep connection. They share experiences and face life’s challenges together. The film will teach you the importance of living fully and valuing life’s precious moments. One of the best anime movies like Colorful, believe me.
3. Perfect Blue (Pafekuto Buruu)
| Animation | Characters | Plot | Total Score |
| 9/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | 29/30 |
Warning: this one has drama, but It also has a complex psychological story. So, I recommend that you check if your mental health is fine before you watch this one. I mean it, this movie is actually banned from being watched in some countries. Okay, now, if you’re brave enough to stay, check this out:
The plot goes into the psychology and intensity of a pop star in transition to an acting career. When it comes to the artistic world, everything tends to go to the darker side. Have you ever noticed this? The protagonist, Mima, deals with the pressure of success, obsessed fans, and a series of disturbing events. Of course, all those events challenge her sanity. The film disturbingly mixes reality and fantasy. When I say “disturbing”, I mean DISTURBING. It explores themes of identity, obsession, and the loss of innocence in the entertainment industry.
With an atmosphere of psychological suspense, Perfect Blue is an in-depth analysis of the limits of human perception. Just like Colorful, it enters the subject of mental illness and how it can affect someone’s life. That’s why this movie is one of my favorites anime movies like Colorful, for sure.
2. A Silent Voice (Koe no Katachi)
| Animation | Characters | Plot | Total Score |
| 10/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | 30/30 |
A Silent Voice is a piece of cinema art that talks about bullying, redemption, and forgiveness. The story follows Shouya Ishida, a young teen boy who used to bully his deaf classmate, Shouko Nishimiya. Years later, tormented by remorse, he tries to reconnect with Shouko. You’ll hate him in the beginning, I just know that! The story portrays complex themes of social isolation, empathy, and reconciliation. It also offers an intense reflection on the importance of communication and forgiveness. You’ll notice how deep and emotional the story is, right from the start!
The narrative of “A Silent Voice” confronts the devastating consequences of bullying. It also illuminates its characters’ personal growth and maturation. You must think that the movie is only about bullying and redemption… However, It’s way deeper than this. The movie’s name can trick you into believing It’s about Shouko’s deafness. Yet, with an emotional backstory, you’ll find out why Shouya’s voice is the real silent one.
Did I convince you to watch the movie? This is one of the must see anime movies like Colorful! The best part is that you can watch it on Netflix!
1. Your Name (Kimi no Na wa)
| Animation | Characters | Plot | Total Score |
| 10/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | 30/30 |
Now let’s talk about my forever one&only Top 1!
Your Name is a cinematic work that talks about the interconnection of love and destiny transcending time and space. The story follows Taki and Mitsuha, two teenagers. They mysteriously start switching bodies periodically! It causes them to be startled by such an unexpected event. What would you do in this situation? I only accept funny responses. As they try to unravel the enigma behind this strange connection, they try to save their lives from a catastrophe. Yes, romance lovers, they do discover the true meaning of their feelings for each other.
This Japanese film is more than just a love story, It emphasizes the magic of encounters and the power of true love. After watching this movie, you’ll want to fall in love, trust me! The movie’s emotional story makes it similar to Colorful, making you tear up. That’s why this is one of the best anime movies like Colorful (if not the best!).
Final Notes
Oh, you’ve reached the end, my friend! Now, tell me: which movies called your attention the most? I hope I could convince you to watch some of those movies because I really appreciate them all! I bet your must-watch list is full again, now. Also, I know you found all the best anime movies like Colorful that you were looking for, right? Well, if you’re actually looking for something else, like action anime movies, I have great news for you. You can find the perfect list for you in Anime Fleek too! Isn’t it perfect? So, don’t hesitate to take a look at Anime Fleek’s other lists too!
Now, I must say goodbye to you, my otaku friend! See ya next time.
QNA
What anime should I watch if I liked Colorful?
If you’re looking for anime movies like Colorful, you should watch “I Want To Eat Your Pancreas”, “A Silent Voice”, and “Your Name”.
What are the best uplifting anime like Colorful?
Now, If you’re looking for anime movies like Colorful, with an uplifting mood, I recommend “Your Name”.
