Movies like Man & Whale (2007)
The best movies like Man & Whale (2007) are Snoopy Presents: Lucy's School (2022), Recess Christmas: Miracle On Third Street (2001) and Leo (2023). If Man & Whale hooked you with its animation, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedStrings (2013)8.0/10 from 230 votes
- NewestThe Space of the Dream (2026)Released 2026
- In JapanesePenguin Highway (2018)Also in Japanese
Snoopy Presents: Lucy's School (2022)
The Peanuts gang is anxious about starting at a new school in the fall, inspiring Lucy to start her own school instead. She soon learns that teaching isn't as easy as it sounds and that change can be a good thing.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisRecess Christmas: Miracle On Third Street (2001)
Principal Prickly gets his car stuck in a snowbank and decides it has to be the Recess gang's fault, but the teachers look back and remember all the good times they've had with T.J. and the rest of the gang.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLeo (2023)
Jaded 74-year-old reptile Leo has been stuck in the same Florida classroom for decades with his terrarium-mate turtle. When he learns he only has one year left to live, he plans to escape to experience life on the outside but instead gets caught up in the problems of his anxious students — including an impossibly mean substitute teacher.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisRecess: School's Out (2001)
The school year is finally ending, and T.J. Detweiler is looking forward to summer. But boredom quickly sets in when his friends leave for camp — until T.J. uncovers an evil plot to do away with summer vacation! A crazy former principal, Dr. Benedict, is planning to use a laser beam to alter the weather and create permanent winter. Faced with the dire threat of year-round school, T.J. rounds up the RECESS gang and bands together with some unexpected allies — Miss Finster and Principal Prickly — in a nonstop adventure to save everyone's summer break.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Snail and the Whale (2020)
A half hour animated film for all the family based on the much-loved book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. The Snail and the Whale is the much loved classic that shows us a restless young snail who has ambitions to travel the world. The other snails think she should stay put, but she puts out a call for a “Lift wanted around the world”. Eventually her call is answered by a great big grey-blue humpback whale! She sets off with him across the seas. On their journey the snail and the whale discover towering icebergs and far-off lands, fiery mountains and golden sands. The snail is delighted by the wonderful world around her, until she realises how small it makes her feel.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisRecess: Taking the Fifth Grade (2003)
Everyone's favorite fourth graders have graduated! It's an all-new school year for the kids — and the gang hits the fifth grade running! But they're stopped in their tracks when they discover some unwelcome changes — no pizza, no playground... no lockers! And to make things worse, their teacher turns out to be the cantankerous Miss Finster! It's all too much for T.J., who is determined to find a way to stand up for what the gang believes in and improve the school they love! The fifth grade brings out the best in everyone... even Miss Finster and Principal Prickly!
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisCiao Alberto (2021)
With his best friend Luca away at school, Alberto is enjoying his new life in Portorosso working alongside Massimo—the imposing, tattooed, one-armed fisherman of few words—who's quite possibly the coolest human in the entire world as far as Alberto is concerned. He wants more than anything to impress his mentor, but it's easier said than done.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisA Turtle's Tale: Sammy's Adventures (2010)
Born on a Baja, California beach in 1959, new hatchling Sammy races across the beach to the ocean while avoiding being caught by seagulls and crabs. Thus begins Sammy's incredible fifty-year ocean journey where he overcomes obstacles, both natural and man-made, while trying to fulfill his dream of travelling around the world. Along the way he meets his best friend, a fellow turtle named Ray, and never forgets about Shelly, a turtle he saved that first day on the beach and the one he's always loved.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMoana (2016)
In Ancient Polynesia, when a terrible curse incurred by Maui reaches an impetuous Chieftain's daughter's island, she answers the Ocean's call to seek out the demigod to set things right.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisPenguin Highway (2018)
A fourth-grader investigates the mysterious reason behind the sudden appearance of penguins in his village, which is somehow related to a power from a young woman working at a dental clinic.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisFinding Nemo (2003)
Nemo, an adventurous young clownfish, is unexpectedly taken from his Great Barrier Reef home to a dentist's office aquarium. It's up to his worrisome father Marlin and a friendly but forgetful fish Dory to bring Nemo home -- meeting vegetarian sharks, surfer dude turtles, hypnotic jellyfish, hungry seagulls, and more along the way.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisTotto-chan: The Little Girl at the Window (2023)
This engaging series of childhood recollections tells of an unconventional school in Tokyo during World War II that combined learning with fun, freedom, and love. The school had old railroad cars for classrooms and was run by an extraordinary man – its founder and headmaster, Sōsaku Kobayashi – who deeply valued children's independence, and who was a firm believer in freedom of expression and activity.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisWhisper of the Heart (1995)
Shizuku lives a simple life, dominated by her love for stories and writing. One day she notices that all the library books she has have been previously checked out by the same person: "Seiji Amasawa."
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisJonah: A VeggieTales Movie (2002)
Get ready as Bob the Tomato, Larry the Cucumber and the rest of the Veggies set sail on a whale of an adventure in Big Idea's first full-length, 3-D animated feature film. This is the story of Jonah and the Whale as you've never seen it before - a story where we learn that one of the best gifts you can give - or get - is a second chance.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHetalia: Axis Powers: Paint It, White! (2010)
The Pictorians have arrived from deep in space. They also have dangly glow-balls on their heads, which is kinda cool, but still. The freaky aliens are using use their crazy rainbow-beam-thingy to paint everything on Earth the same color: white! See, now the title of the movie makes more sense, right? Anyway, if the Pictorians are to be stopped, the Allied guys and the Axis boys - plus some new characters, too - must set aside their differences, unite against their common foe, and hopefully get together for a sweaty workout to make sure they're super-ready to save the world!
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSummer Ghost (2021)
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 one day. When a ghost named Ayane appears, she reveals she is only visible to those "who are about to touch their death." Compelled by the ghost and her message, Tomoya begins regularly visiting the airfield to uncover the true purpose of her visits.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes (2022)
Urashima Tunnel – Once you enter that tunnel, you can get whatever you want, but at a price. Kaoru Tohno, who seems to have an elusive personality and traumatic past, and Anzu Hanashiro, who is struggling to reconcile her ideal image and true-to-heart attitude, team up to investigate the Urashima Tunnel and get what they want. This is an unforgettable summer story of nostalgia and sprinting in a remote countryside.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisHigh☆Speed!: Free! Starting Days (2015)
Middle school freshmen Haruka and Makoto join the school swim team, and have to join forces with their new teammates to win.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLa Maison en Petits Cubes (2008)
La Maison en Petits Cubes tells the story of a grandfather's memories as he adds more blocks to his house to stem the flooding waters.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisBalto III: Wings of Change (2004)
Balto and the other sled dogs are feeling dejected because the mail that used to be delivered by dogsled is now being delivered by airplanes. But when a mail plane crashes in the mountains, the dogs come to the rescue.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisHey Good Lookin' (1982)
In 1953 Brooklyn, charismatic hood and The Stompers leader Vinnie Genzianna, his friend and second-in-command Crazy Shapiro, and their respective girlfriends Roz and Eva get wrapped up in an escalating conflict with the rival Black gang, The Chaplains, lead by Boogaloo Jones.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
SnoozefestMovies like thisSamson & Sally (1984)
Samson is a young whale that doesn't have friends. He spends his time listening to his mother's stories about the legendary whale Moby Dick. Samson becomes fascinated about it and decides to go on a journey to find Moby Dick.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
it’s nice and calm here for sure. there’s so much i wish i could’ve done, but now all i can do is this :( (2026)
Two children find each other under strange circumstances.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
The Portrait Studio (2013)
Late 19th century Japan: a studio photographer who always captures his clients’ best smile. One day he tries to coax a smile out of a little girl, but… A nostalgic tale of a relationship that transcends wars and disasters.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
A Clockwork Cock (2009)
A naughty boy had to stay in a young female teacher's office, receiving her separate and silent education. Finally, he decided to grow up as an obedient good student.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
The Space of the Dream (2026)
In a post-human world where dreams have vanished, a solitary woman wanders through silent cities, carrying with her memories of love and humanity that endure despite the desolation.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
CITSALP (2021)
CITSALP is an animated film based on the negative effects of plastic in our world and the irresponsible consumption and production of plastics.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Strings (2013)
María's routine at school is altered by the arrival of a very special child. Soon, they become close friends.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisCrayon Shinchan the Movie: The Storm Called: The Adult Empire Strikes Back (2001)
Shin-chan must rescue the adults of Kasukabe when they mysteriously abandon their responsibilities to relive their youth at the new 20th-century expo.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisMoby-Dick (1975)
In 1841 young Ishmael signs aboard the whaling ship Pequod, under the command of the strict, one-legged Capt. Ahab. Ishmael soon finds out that Ahab is searching for the legendary white whale, Moby Dick, who cost Ahab his leg, and he will let nothing stand in the way of getting his revenge on the beast.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Like Man & Whale and something else?
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Man & Whale?
The closest matches to Man & Whale are Snoopy Presents: Lucy's School (2022), Recess Christmas: Miracle On Third Street (2001) and Leo (2023). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Man & Whale?
Start with Snoopy Presents: Lucy's School (2022), the closest match to Man & Whale.
What is the highest-rated movie like Man & Whale?
Strings (2013), rated 8.0/10 by 230 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Man & Whale?
The Space of the Dream (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there Japanese movies like Man & Whale?
Yes: Penguin Highway (2018), Totto-chan: The Little Girl at the Window (2023) and Whisper of the Heart (1995).
How are movies similar to Man & Whale chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Man & Whale, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.