Movies like Wake Up, Girls! The Shadow of Youth (2015)
The best movies like Wake Up, Girls! The Shadow of Youth (2015) are The Colors Within (2024), Doraemon the Movie: Nobita's Earth Symphony (2024) and The Anthem of the Heart (2015). If Wake Up, Girls! The Shadow of Youth hooked you with its animation and music, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedMy Little Pony: Equestria Girls – Rainbow Rocks (2014)8.1/10 from 216 votes
- NewestLoving forever (2026)Released 2026
- In JapaneseThe Colors Within (2024)Also in Japanese
The Colors Within (2024)
Totsuko is a high school student with the ability to see the 'colors' of others. Colors of bliss, excitement, and serenity, plus a color she treasures as her favorite. Kimi, a classmate at her school, gives off the most beautiful color of all. Although she doesn't play an instrument, Totsuko forms a band with Kimi and Rui, a quiet music enthusiast they meet at a used bookstore in a far corner of town. As they practice at an old church on a remote island, music brings them together, forming friendships and stirring affections.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisDoraemon the Movie: Nobita's Earth Symphony (2024)
When a malevolent entity intent on eradicating music from the world surfaces, Nobita and his friends must unite with supernatural companions to safeguard the planet.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Anthem of the Heart (2015)
A young girl had her voice magically taken away so that she would never hurt people with it, but her outlook changes when she encounters music and friendship. Will Naruse be able to convey the anthem of her heart?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisCOLORFUL STAGE! The Movie: A Miku Who Can't Sing (2025)
Ichika is a high school musician who can enter a mysterious place called “SEKAI,” where she and her friends express their innermost emotions through music alongside Hatsune Miku. One day after giving a live performance, Ichika meets a new Miku that she has never seen before. No matter how hard this new Miku tries to sing, she struggles connecting with the hearts of her listeners. Miku must rely on the help of others to find a way to sing again.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & music
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisLove Live! The School Idol Movie (2015)
Although μ's, the defending champions of the school idol tournament, plans to dissolve their group after the graduation of their senior members, they receive news that leads them to holding a concert event! The 9 girls continue to learn and grow in this new and unfamiliar world. What is the last thing that these girls can do as school idols? With the clock ticking, what kind of meaning will the μ's members find in performing the most exciting live performance?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBlue Giant (2023)
High school student Dai Miyamoto has his life is turned upside down the day he discovers jazz. Picking up a saxophone and leaving his sleepy hometown for the bustling nightclubs of Tokyo, Dai will find that the life of a professional musician isn’t for the faint of heart, as he must confront what it truly means to be great.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisOn-Gaku: Our Sound (2020)
A bored trio of high school delinquents start a rock 'n' roll band together. They have no skill, money, or even a full set of drums, but are determined to jam out and impress their only friend.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMake Mine Music (1946)
In the tradition of Fantasia, Make Mine Music is a glorious collection of musically charged animated shorts featuring such fun-filled favorites as "Peter and the Wolf", narrated by the beloved voice behind Winnie the Pooh. In addition you'll enjoy such classic cartoon hits as "Casey at the Bat," "The Whale Who Wanted to Sing at the Met" and "Johnnie Fedora and Alice Bluebonnet."
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & music
SnoozefestMovies like thisMelody Time (1948)
In the grand tradition of Disney's great musical classics, Melody Time features seven timeless stories, each enhanced with high-spirited music and unforgettable characters. You'll be sure to tap your toes and clap your hands in this witty feast for the eyes and ears.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisLiz and the Blue Bird (2018)
In their last year of high school, two girls in the brass band club perform a song inspired by a fairy tale that parallels their friendship.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Piano Forest (2007)
Shuhei Amamiya transfers to Moriwaki Elementary filled with hope and ambition. But it doesn't take long before he gets picked on by the class bullies, and gets involved in a dare to play the mysterious piano in the forest. Igniting his meeting with an equally enigmatic child, Kai Ichinose, who seems to be the only one capable getting sound out of the thought to be broken piano.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMy Little Pony: Best Gift Ever (2018)
As the ponies prepare for another Hearth's Warming, families come together to celebrate the holiday; Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash are ready for the big day, but Princess Twilight Sparkle doesn't have time to celebrate.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisK-ON! The Movie (2011)
With graduation right around the corner, every member of the Light Music Club except for Azusa will be leaving for good. But the girls aren’t going to let something as silly as graduation tear them apart! For their final hurrah, the girls are going on the ultimate vacation tour— all the way to London! Their overseas journey will lead them on a trip of discovery and friendship as they take the stage one last time for their final encore together.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & music
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisMy Little Pony: Equestria Girls – Rainbow Rocks (2014)
Music rules and rainbows rock as Twilight Sparkle and pals compete for the top spot in the Canterlot High "Mane Event" talent show. The girls must rock their way to the top, and outshine rival Adagio Dazzle and her band The Dazzlings, to restore harmony back to Canterlot High.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & music
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisArlo the Alligator Boy (2021)
Upon learning that he is from New York City, a wide-eyed boy, who is half human and half alligator, decides to leave his sheltered life in the swamp and search for his long lost father. A musical adventure.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBeauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration (2022)
In honor of the 30th anniversary of the animated classic, this animated and live-action blended special showcases the fan-favorite movie, along with new musical performances, sets and costumes inspired by the classic story.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music & animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBECK (2010)
Yukio is your average high school student who spends his days going to class and avoiding bullies. That is until he meets Ryusuke, a guitar prodigy. Together with Taira, Chiba, and Saku they form the rock band BECK. As their popularity increases so does the danger as Ryusuke's past catches up with him.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisYour Lie in April (2016)
Arima Kousei won numerous piano competitions while under the strict watch of his mother. He was known as the human metronome during that time. Since the death of his mother, Kousei has been unable to hear the sound of his piano. He then meets Miyazono Kaori through childhood friend Sawabe Tsubaki. Kaori plays the violin and has a free sprit. Since meeting her, Kousei is able to face the piano again. Meanwhile, Kaori holds a secret.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLinda Linda Linda (2005)
Only three days before the school festival, a newly formed high school band rushes to put together a set for their big show — including a hit single by '80s by the Japanese punk rock band The Blue Hearts.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Worth the HypeMovies like thisSwing Girls (2004)
A group of delinquent high school girls form a band when they accidentally poison their school's brass band and have to replace them.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both music
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisi☆Ris the Movie - Full Energy!! - (2024)
A movie inspired by the 10th anniversary celebrations of i☆Ris voice actress idol unit.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & music
Viva I Romantici: Il Sogno (2011)
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Loving forever (2026)
Edoardo Iaschi (known as Eddie Brock) is an Italian indie singer born and raised in Rome. When his song “Non è mica te” unexpectedly goes viral on TikTok, Edo is thrust into the spotlight and forced to confront the realities of adulthood, fame, and a world far bigger than he ever imagined…
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Al Coda (2025)
A student at a prestigious music academy struggles to recreate a piece of sheet music stolen by an egocentric professor. After given just 2 hours to complete this task, he experiences the highs and lows of this process as it alters the way he thinks about the creation of art itself.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
When the Masks are Taken Off (1975)
A satirical anthology film transforms popular humorous and sarcastic stage songs into standalone vignettes that lampoon the absurdities of bureaucratic officials and the liberal attitudes that were systematically targeted and suppressed in that era.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both music
Digimon Adventure tri. Part 5: Coexistence (2017)
Meicoomon rampages after witnessing Meiko Mochizuki being injured by the man bearing Gennai's likeness. "It would have been better if you hadn't been born..." Meicoomon disappears into the Real World, which has since become distorted. Possessing overwhelming power, she's the key to the world's destruction.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisYuuki Yuuna is a Hero: Washio Sumi's Chapter 3 - Promise (2017)
In the year 298 of the Divine Era, elementary school girls Washio Sumi, Nogi Sonoko, and Minowa Gin are tasked with an important mission. They are to become heroes and fight Vertex, a mysterious enemy that is attacking Shinju-sama, the god tree that protects Shikoku, the only area in the world that is still habitable. What they don't know, is that this fight will cost them more than they could have ever imagined.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Haikyu!! The Movie: Talent and Sense (2017)
A compilation film depicting the match against Aoba Johsai High School in the second season of the anime series. It will also include new scenes portraying what happened after the match.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Haikyu!! The Movie: Battle of Concepts (2017)
A recap film depicting the match against Shiratorizawa Academy in the third season of the anime series.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisOut (2020)
A boy and his ageing grandfather are connected by the music his grandfather plays. When the grandfather suddenly can’t remember how to play and his very own light goes out, the boy must find a way to bring his grandfather and the light back.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Wake Up, Girls! The Shadow of Youth?
The closest matches to Wake Up, Girls! The Shadow of Youth are The Colors Within (2024), Doraemon the Movie: Nobita's Earth Symphony (2024) and The Anthem of the Heart (2015). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Wake Up, Girls! The Shadow of Youth?
Start with The Colors Within (2024), the closest match to Wake Up, Girls! The Shadow of Youth.
What is the highest-rated movie like Wake Up, Girls! The Shadow of Youth?
My Little Pony: Equestria Girls – Rainbow Rocks (2014), rated 8.1/10 by 216 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Wake Up, Girls! The Shadow of Youth?
Loving forever (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there Japanese movies like Wake Up, Girls! The Shadow of Youth?
Yes: The Colors Within (2024), Doraemon the Movie: Nobita's Earth Symphony (2024) and The Anthem of the Heart (2015).
How are movies similar to Wake Up, Girls! The Shadow of Youth chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Wake Up, Girls! The Shadow of Youth, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.