Movies like Distant Islands (1981)
The best movies like Distant Islands (1981) are Barbie: Skipper and the Big Babysitting Adventure (2023), Monster High: Welcome to Monster High (2016) and PAW Patrol: Jet to the Rescue (2020). If Distant Islands hooked you with its animation, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedFar from the Tree (2021)8.1/10 from 395 votes
- NewestBarbie: Skipper and the Big Babysitting Adventure (2023)Released 2023
Barbie: Skipper and the Big Babysitting Adventure (2023)
When her babysitting business takes a hit, Skipper takes a summer job at the water park. Here she can quickly put her skills as a nanny to good use.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMonster High: Welcome to Monster High (2016)
Monsters once lived in hiding—even from each other—because they were afraid they would be in danger if humans knew they existed. But Draculaura, the daughter of Dracula, along with her best ghoulfriends, dreamt of a school where everyone was welcome and accepted for who they are. Determined to make their dream come true, the ghouls travel the world on an epic adventure to recruit new students. But even in this amazing place, there's drama: a villainess zombie is spreading trouble rather than friendship, and every student must live with the fear that their secret will be revealed. Now the ghouls must save their school so that every monster has a place where they belong and their uniqueness is celebrated!
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisPAW Patrol: Jet to the Rescue (2020)
A royal relative steals a gem with the power to make things fly, the Paw Patrol takes to the skies to stop him and save Barkingburg.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisKung Fu Panda: Secrets of the Masters (2011)
Po and the Furious Five uncover the legend of three of kung fu's greatest heroes: Master Thundering Rhino, Master Storming Ox, and Master Croc.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisGet a Horse! (2013)
Mickey, Minnie, Horace Horsecollar, and Clarabelle Cow go on a musical wagon ride until Peg-Leg Pete tries to run them off the road.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisPopeye the Sailor (1933)
Popeye and Bluto fight for the love of Olive Oyl in their debut short, featuring Betty Boop.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBarbie & Chelsea: The Lost Birthday (2021)
Barbie, Chelsea and their family go on a cruise ship for Chelsea's birthday. But when they cross the international date line skipping her birthday, Chelsea escapes to the jungle island to find a fabled wish and get her birthday back.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisBao (2018)
An aging Chinese mother suffering from empty nest syndrome gets another chance at motherhood when one of her dumplings springs to life as a lively, giggly dumpling boy.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMinions & More Volume 1 (2022)
This collection of 10 short films produced by Illumination includes: From the "Despicable Me" franchise: Puppy (2013); Minion Scouts (2019); Training Wheels (2013); The Secret Life of Kyle (2017); Santa's Little Helpers (2019). From the "Grinch" franchise: The Dog Days of Winter (2019). From the "Secret Life of Pets" franchise: Norman Television (2016); Weenie (2016). From the "Sing" franchise: Love at First Sight (2017). From the "Lorax" franchise: Forces of Nature (2012).
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisFar from the Tree (2021)
On an idyllic beach in the Pacific Northwest, curiosity gets the better of a young raccoon whose frustrated parent attempts to keep them both safe.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisTinker Bell (2008)
Journey into the secret world of Pixie Hollow and hear Tinker Bell speak for the very first time as the astonishing story of Disney's most famous fairy is finally revealed in the all-new motion picture "Tinker Bell."
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Tidal Zone: SpongeBob Universe Special (2023)
GrandPat travels through alternate dimensions and timelines to get home.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisLa luna (2012)
A young boy comes of age in the most peculiar of circumstances. Tonight is the very first time his Papa and Grandpa are taking him to work. In an old wooden boat they row far out to sea, and with no land in sight, they stop and wait. A big surprise awaits the boy as he discovers his family's most unusual line of work. Should he follow the example of his Papa, or his Grandpa? Will he be able to find his own way in the midst of their conflicting opinions and timeworn traditions?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBarbie as the Island Princess (2007)
Young Rosella is saved by a few kind animals after a shipwreck. Now called Ro, she learns to talk to animals. One day, she saves the life of a prince and returns to civilisation to discover her past.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMinions & More Volume 2 (2022)
This collection of 11 short films produced by Illumination includes: From the "Despicable Me" franchise: Mower Minions (2016); Yellow Is the New Black (2018); Competition (2015); Cro Minion (2015); Binky Nelson Unpacified (2015); Panic in the Mailroom (2013). From the "Secret Life of Pets" franchise: Super Gidget (2019). From the "Sing" franchise: Eddie's Life Coach (2017); Gunter Babysits (2017). From the "Lorax" franchise: Serenade (2012); Wagon Ho! (2012).
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAffairs of the Art (2021)
Look out: Beryl's back. With Affairs of the Art, British animator Joanna Quinn recounts another gloriously unhinged chapter in the adventures of Beryl, the comic everywoman she unleashed upon the world with her debut film, Girls' Night Out, which took home three major awards from Annecy in 1987.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
SnoozefestMovies like thisThe Sea Beast (2022)
When a young girl stows away on the ship of a legendary sea monster hunter, they launch an epic journey into uncharted waters — and make history to boot.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies 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
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisWhen the Day Breaks (1999)
A rooster has his last biscuit for breakfast and goes grocery shopping. A pig prepares her breakfast (potato peelings, with the potatoes thrown in the trash) and discovers she needs more milk. Their paths cross, a lemon falls into the sewer, and both lives are changed.
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 thisMake Me Psychic (1978)
Anita the duck buys a psychic device at a novelty store in an alternate universe and creates mayhem at a crazy party.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Cloudberry (2016)
A mere sight of a gray wolf terrifies the entire village. There’s just one little girl who can empathize with the wolf and even make friends with him.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Scooby-Doo! in Arabian Nights (1994)
Scooby-Doo and Shaggy travel to Arabia to become the Caliph's Royal Food Tasters. But they bite off more than they can chew and are forced to run for their lives! It's a wild magic carpet ride as Scooby-Doo, Shaggy and their genie (Yogi Bear) and a jolly sailor named Sinbad (Magilla Gorilla) take you on an adventure of mistaken identities, exotic locations and fun-filled action and surprises!
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMickey's Twice Upon a Christmas (2004)
Santa Claus, Mickey Mouse and all his Disney pals star in an original movie about the importance of opening your heart to the true spirit of Christmas. Stubborn old Donald tries in vain to resist the joys of the season, and Mickey and Pluto learn a great lesson about the power of friendship.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisBlue Comet SPT Layzner: Act-III Seal 2000 (1986)
An expanded version of the final episode of the TV series (38) that features new animation and a longer epilogue.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
A Journey to the Center of the Earth (1996)
Following the instructions on a mysterious parchment, Prof. Lindenbrock and his companion, Alex, discover and explore the center of the Earth, a mysterious place full of dangerous electrical storms, prehistoric reptiles and swamp monsters. Based on author Jules Verne's fantasy novel, this animated adventure follows the explorers' struggles to survive and prove their findings to the rest of the world.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Soif (2014)
A woman plays out her existence on the screen of her life. Alcohol is the essence of her being. She imbibes her youth and becomes completely absorbed by the desire to satisfy her thirst. Moving from parties to binge drinking, pleasure to distress, joy to delirium, she lets herself be lulled by the undulating waves of bottles. She floats in the intoxicating liquid, sees her childhood re-emerge, and feels as if she is a tiny fish lost in an ocean of madness. Her craving for alcohol engenders a burning passion. Drinking becomes a fatal embrace... On the verge of drowning in the torrent of this insane obsession, will she find the strength to rise to the surface?
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning (2008)
Follow Ariel's adventures before she gave up her fins for true love. When Ariel wasn't singing with her sisters, she spent time with her mother, Queen Athena. Ariel is devastated when Athena is killed by pirates, and after King Triton outlaws all singing. Along with pals Flounder and Sebastian, Ariel sets off in hopes of changing her father's decision to ban music from the kingdom.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisKirikou and the Wild Beasts (2005)
Kirikou's grandfather thinks that the story of Kirikou and The Witch was too short, so he proceeds to explain more about Kirikou's accomplishments. We find out how the little boy became a gardener, a detective, a maker of pottery, a merchant, a traveler and a doctor.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSuperman: Doomsday (2007)
When LexCorp accidentally unleashes a murderous creature, Superman meets his greatest challenge as a champion. Based on the "The Death of Superman" storyline that appeared in DC Comics' publications in the 1990s.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like this
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like Distant Islands?
The closest matches to Distant Islands are Barbie: Skipper and the Big Babysitting Adventure (2023), Monster High: Welcome to Monster High (2016) and PAW Patrol: Jet to the Rescue (2020). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after Distant Islands?
Start with Barbie: Skipper and the Big Babysitting Adventure (2023), the closest match to Distant Islands.
What is the highest-rated movie like Distant Islands?
Far from the Tree (2021), rated 8.1/10 by 395 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like Distant Islands?
Barbie: Skipper and the Big Babysitting Adventure (2023) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there English movies like Distant Islands?
Yes: Barbie: Skipper and the Big Babysitting Adventure (2023), Monster High: Welcome to Monster High (2016) and PAW Patrol: Jet to the Rescue (2020).
How are movies similar to Distant Islands chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside Distant Islands, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.