Movies like My Friend The Sun (2026)
The best movies like My Friend The Sun (2026) are The Book of Life (2014), Encanto (2021) and Hotel Transylvania (2012). If My Friend The Sun hooked you with its animation and family, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedThe Legend of the Black Charro (2018)8.4/10 from 233 votes
- NewestForgotten Island (2026)Released 2026
- In SpanishThe Legend of the Nahuala (2007)Also in Spanish
The Book of Life (2014)
The journey of Manolo, a young man who is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart. Before choosing which path to follow, he embarks on an incredible adventure that spans fantastical worlds where he must face his greatest fears.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Worth the HypeMovies like thisEncanto (2021)
The tale of an extraordinary family, the Madrigals, who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia, in a magical house, in a vibrant town, in a wondrous, charmed place called an Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family—every child except one, Mirabel. But when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is in danger, Mirabel decides that she, the only ordinary Madrigal, might just be her exceptional family's last hope.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHotel Transylvania (2012)
Welcome to Hotel Transylvania, Dracula's lavish five-stake resort, where monsters and their families can live it up and no humans are allowed. One special weekend, Dracula has invited all his best friends to celebrate his beloved daughter Mavis's 118th birthday. For Dracula catering to all of these legendary monsters is no problem but the party really starts when one ordinary guy stumbles into the hotel and changes everything!
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Legend of the Nahuala (2007)
Leo San Juan, an insecure child of nine years old, lives eternally frightened by horror stories that Nando tells his older brother. Within these stories it is 'The Legend of Nahuala', according to which, an old abandoned Casona is possessed by the spirit of an evil witch known as the Nahuala.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both family & animation
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThe Casagrandes Movie (2024)
On a birthday trip to Mexico, 12-year-old Ronnie Anne accidentally frees a demigod trapped in a mountain and needs her family's help to set things right.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Worth the HypeMovies like thisKubo and the Two Strings (2016)
Kubo mesmerizes the people in his village with his magical gift for spinning wild tales with origami. When he accidentally summons an evil spirit seeking vengeance, Kubo is forced to go on a quest to solve the mystery of his fallen samurai father and his mystical weaponry, as well as discover his own magical powers.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Worth the HypeMovies like thisForgotten Island (2026)
While celebrating their last night together, high school graduates and best friends Jo and Raissa stumble upon a mysterious portal that transports them to the fantastical island of Nakali. When they discover that the memories of their entire friendship are the price for returning home, Jo and Raissa must race to find a way to leave the island before they forget each other forever.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThe Legend of the Guanajuato Mummies (2014)
Three friends confront a horde of mummies, who have inexplicably awakened, and try to rescue their pal, not realizing they have fallen into a trap.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisSalma's Big Wish (2019)
In the Mexican town of Santa Clara, Salma, a 16 year-old orphan who never got to meet her biological parents, has spent most of her life searching for clues of their identities and whereabouts, that is until she discovers a special book that is filled with stories of the town's past and the history of it's people.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBarnyard (2006)
Otis is a mischievous, carefree Holstein cow who lives on a farm where, unbeknownst to humans, the animals are anthropomorphic. He prefers having fun with his best friends: Pip the mouse, Freddy the ferret, Peck the rooster, and Pig the pig - rather than following strict rules and accepting responsibility. But when his adoptive father is killed in a coyote attack, he has a heavy responsibility thrust upon him to become leader of his farm home's community.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisScooby-Doo! Shaggy's Showdown (2017)
When the Scooby gang visits a dude ranch, they discover that it and the nearby town have been haunted by a ghostly cowboy, Dapper Jack, who fires real fire from his fire irons. The mystery only deepens when it’s discovered that the ghost is also the long lost relative of Shaggy Rogers!
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Worth the HypeMovies like thisOnward (2020)
In a suburban fantasy world, two teenage elf brothers embark on an extraordinary quest to discover if there is still a little magic left out there.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAngela's Christmas Wish (2020)
A determined Angela makes a wish to reunite her family in time for Christmas, then launches a plan to find her way from Ireland to Australia.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisCoco (2017)
Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector, and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel's family history.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both family & animation
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisMonster High: Friday Night Frights (2012)
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.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Worth the HypeMovies like thisIce Age (2002)
Manny the mammoth, Sid the loquacious sloth, and Diego the sabre-toothed tiger go on a comical quest to return a human baby back to his father, across a world on the brink of an ice age.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse (2022)
The unlikely friendship of a boy, a mole, a fox and a horse traveling together in the boy's search for home.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThe Legend of the Black Charro (2018)
After releasing the Chupacabras, Leo San Juan decides that it is time to return together with his brother Nando to his grandmother's house. Halfway down the road, Charro Negro manages to confuse Leo and because of him, an innocent girl is dragged into the underworld. Leo is forced to repair the damage. His friends will come to try to help him and get out of there as soon as possible. But it is no coincidence that the Charro has chosen to involve Leo, his intentions go beyond getting a new soul.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisEpic (2013)
A teenager finds herself transported to a deep forest setting where a battle between the forces of good and the forces of evil is taking place. She bands together with a rag-tag group of characters in order to save their world—and ours.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & family
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMemoir of a Snail (2024)
Forcibly separated from her twin brother when they are orphaned, a melancholic misfit learns how to find confidence within herself amid the clutter of misfortunes and everyday life.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisKronk's New Groove (2005)
After his adventures with Kuzco, Kronk opens his own diner, but struggling business and the impending visit from his father push him to hatch a risky plan for success. When the scheme explodes—literally—Kronk must rely on his many personalities to rediscover that true happiness comes from staying true to himself.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & family
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGRUFF (2024)
GRUFF is a handmade, paper short film that tells the story of a daughter, mother, and grandfather and how love is conveyed in different ways.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & family
Emily and King Oscar (1978)
Part four in the Emilia animation series. King Oskar rules his little kingdom, which is an island in the sea. After the king falls ill, people at first wonder how they will get along without Oskar. But then they start to listen to themselves, obey themselves and come up with a lot of new things.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & family
The Youngest Evangelist (2021)
Based on a True Story, we journey back to 1980 to see John King, a 10yr old African American boy, see his mother experience the Joy of Salvation, after witnessing her endure domestic violence, to then desire and experience Salvation deeply for himself. He then begins a hard journey and increases in his love for God, which results in him answering the call to Evangelism. See him in his everyday life, at home, school, church, and play, as he learns the importance of being obedient and respecting his parents, teachers, and elders by facing the consequences of his actions. The underline story is a true return to core parenting by introducing our youth to the Lord at a young age. Other short cross sub-stories involve using wisdom dealing with a dreaded disease, the lack of respect for our public school educators, and the irreplaceable benefits of continuing to offer music/band programs in schools.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both family
Almost Humans (2026)
From the vast randomness of the universe, countless alternative life forms emerge. Among them, fragile and delicate, human life reveals itself as something precious, quietly worthy of celebration.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Hearts Beat Loud (2018)
In the hip Brooklyn neighborhood of Red Hook, single dad and record store owner Frank is preparing to send his hard-working daughter Sam off to college while being forced to close his vintage shop. Hoping to stay connected through their shared musical passions, Frank urges Sam to turn their weekly jam sessions into a father-daughter live act. After their first song becomes an internet breakout, the two embark on a journey of love, growing up and musical discovery.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both family
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSuperman/Batman: Public Enemies (2009)
United States President Lex Luthor uses the oncoming trajectory of a Kryptonite meteor to frame Superman and declare a $1 billion bounty on the heads of the Man of Steel and his ‘partner in crime’, Batman. Heroes and villains alike launch a relentless pursuit of Superman and Batman, who must unite—and recruit help—to try and stave off the action-packed onslaught, stop the meteor Luthors plot.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Bad News Bears (1976)
An aging, down-on-his-luck ex-minor leaguer coaches a team of misfits in an ultra-competitive California little league.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both family
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMutant Aliens (2002)
An unlikely crew – an astronaut, his intrepid daughter, and a quintet of sympathetic, albeit violent, alien creatures – seek revenge against a space industry baron.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)
One year after their incredible adventures in the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Peter, Edmund, Lucy and Susan Pevensie return to Narnia to aid a young prince whose life has been threatened by the evil King Miraz. Now, with the help of a colorful cast of new characters, including Trufflehunter the badger and Nikabrik the dwarf, the Pevensie clan embarks on an incredible quest to ensure that Narnia is returned to its rightful heir.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both family
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like My Friend The Sun?
The closest matches to My Friend The Sun are The Book of Life (2014), Encanto (2021) and Hotel Transylvania (2012). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after My Friend The Sun?
Start with The Book of Life (2014), the closest match to My Friend The Sun.
What is the highest-rated movie like My Friend The Sun?
The Legend of the Black Charro (2018), rated 8.4/10 by 233 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like My Friend The Sun?
Forgotten Island (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there Spanish movies like My Friend The Sun?
Yes: The Legend of the Nahuala (2007), The Legend of the Guanajuato Mummies (2014) and Salma's Big Wish (2019).
How are movies similar to My Friend The Sun chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside My Friend The Sun, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.