What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedAnime
Jonathan Clements · Book · 2023
If you loved Anime, start with Spirited Away (Hayao Miyazaki, 2001) — a film on the same thread. Below: 4 films, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Anime across media.
If Jonathan Clements' Anime deepened your appreciation for the medium's evolution, these selections showcase the diverse storytelling power behind that history.
Films on the same thread
Spirited Away
Hayao Miyazaki · Film · 2001
Explores: environmentalism, loss of innocence, identity.
Clements highlights the Oscar-winning success of this masterpiece in Anime, making it an essential watch for those interested in the medium's transition into global cinematic prestige and artistry.
The Wind Rises
Hayao Miyazaki · Film · 2013
Explores: Dreams of Flight, Engineering and Innovation, The Price of Progress.
Just as Anime examines the technological development of the industry, this film explores the intersection of human ambition, engineering, and the complex consequences of progress throughout Japanese history.
Akira
Katsuhiro Otomo · Film · 1988
Explores: Psychic Powers, Government Conspiracy, Youth Rebellion.
This seminal work represents the aesthetic and cultural shift discussed in Anime, illustrating how the medium pushed boundaries to reflect urban decay and societal anxiety in modern Japan.
Your Name.
Makoto Shinkai · Film · 2016
Explores: Fate, Interconnectedness, Rural vs. Urban Life.
Clements emphasizes how modern hits shape the current media landscape; this film exemplifies that global influence through its unique blend of traditional folklore and contemporary emotional resonance.
Series on the same thread
Pokémon
Series · 1997
Explores: Friendship, Personal Growth, Overcoming Challenges.
As detailed in Anime, the massive commercial success of this franchise was pivotal to the industry's growth, proving how character-driven adventures could capture a truly international audience.
NANA
Ai Yazawa · Series · 2006
Explores: Female Friendship, Dreams and Aspirations, Urban Life.
Clements explores the maturation of the medium beyond simple tropes, and this series serves as a perfect example of how anime effectively depicts the nuances of adult friendship.
Naruto
Series · 2002
Explores: Coming of Age, Underdog, Friendship.
This series embodies the long-standing shonen tradition that Clements tracks in Anime, showing how iconic characters and underdog narratives drive the medium's enduring popularity and cultural reach.
One Piece
Series · 1999
Explores: Pirates, Treasure Hunting, Found Family.
By examining the industry's massive output in Anime, you see how long-running epics define the medium; this story perfectly captures the spirit of adventure that fuels global fandom.
Podcasts on the same thread
Wake Up and Win
Podcast
Explores: anime inspiration, personal growth, goal achievement.
Clements notes the profound impact these stories have on viewers, and this podcast bridges the gap between the history covered in Anime and the personal growth it inspires.
Literature and History
Doug Metzger · Podcast · 2026
If the historical context provided in Anime was the highlight of your reading, this podcast offers a similar deep dive into the cultural narratives behind iconic creative works.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Anime by Jonathan Clements a comprehensive history of the medium?
Yes, Anime by Jonathan Clements serves as a comprehensive guide that chronicles the production and reception history of Japanese animation. It covers the evolution of the medium from its origins with hobbyists in the 1910s to the global success of Oscar-winning films like Spirited Away.
How long has the industry covered in Anime been developing?
The book Anime documents the development of Japanese animation over more than a century. It traces the industry from its humble beginnings with a handful of hobbyists in the 1910s to its current status as a massive international multimedia industry worth over 23.6 billion dollars annually.
What industries are linked to the subject matter in Anime?
According to Anime, Japanese animation is at the center of an international multimedia industry. It is linked to a wide range of related sectors, including manga, computer games, the Pokémon franchise, and various merchandise such as plushies, reflecting its significant economic impact and reach.
Does Anime explore the international reach of Japanese animation?
Yes, Anime explores the international reach of the medium. The book details how Japanese animation has grown into a 23.6 billion dollar industry, examining how it expanded from early experimental works to become a global phenomenon recognized through achievements like the Oscar-winning film Spirited Away.