Movies like 水鹿 (1985)
The best movies like 水鹿 (1985) are Strings (2004), A Tooth Fairy Tale (2025) and Throne of Elves (2016). If 水鹿 hooked you with its animation and fantasy, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
Quick picks
- Highest ratedNe Zha 2 (2025)8.2/10 from 865 votes
- NewestAll Wishes Come True! (2026)Released 2026
- In ChineseThrone of Elves (2016)Also in Chinese
Strings (2004)
The story of Prince Hal who sets out to avenge his dead father against the city's rivals, the Zeriths, little knowing it was his wicked uncle Nezo who is the real killer, with his own designs on the throne.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & fantasy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisA Tooth Fairy Tale (2025)
Van, the brave son of a tooth fairy leader, meets the goblins girl Gemma on his first mission. Despite the myths about ancient disputes between fairies and goblins, they share common values. When the greedy Spider Queen threatens both tribes, they must work together.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & fantasy
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThrone of Elves (2016)
In the mythical Elven world of Altera, an epic battle unfolds between the beautiful Princess Liya and the Dark Elf Elena, who has gained possession of a jewel so powerful it allows its holder complete authority over all Alterans.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy & animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisNew Gods: Nezha Reborn (2021)
While living as an ordinary deliveryman and motor racing fan, Nezha encounters old nemeses and must rediscover his powers to protect his loved ones.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & fantasy
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThe Spine of Night (2021)
When ancient dark magic falls into sinister hands and unleashes ages of suffering onto mankind, a group of heroes from different eras and cultures must band together in order to defeat it at all costs.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & fantasy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisEndless Journey of Love (2025)
In 1930s China, village girl Qian Xiao gains the power to control time, making her a target of powerful forces. As she uncovers the metropolis's hidden secrets, she faces peril and the cost of her gift.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & fantasy
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThe Legend of Hei 2 (2025)
When an attack shatters the fragile peace between the spirit world and humanity, Hei teams up with Luye, the last disciple of his Shifu Wuxian, to expose a conspiracy that threatens both realms - and the bond they've sworn to protect.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & fantasy
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisSecrets of the Heavenly Book (1983)
Yuangong, the deacon, opened the shrine and exposed the holy book to the human world. He is now punished to guard the book for life by the jade emperor for breaking heaven’s law. In order to pass this holy book to human beings, he would have to get by the antagonist fox.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & fantasy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisWhite Snake: Afloat (2024)
Xiaobai finally found Xu Xian, the reincarnation of Axuan, after 500 years, the two met on the Broken Bridge. Xiaobai and sister hid in the streets and alleys, started a lively life in human world with him and his brother-in-law Li Gongfu.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & fantasy
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisChickenhare and the Hamster of Darkness (2022)
A brave young animal explorer teams up with two trusty friends to find a powerful artifact before his greedy uncle can get his paws on it.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & fantasy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMonster High: Frights, Camera, Action! (2014)
When Draculaura is led to believe she's the rightful heir to the vampire throne, she and her best ghoulfriends are whisked away to Transylvania for a royal coronation to die for. But they soon discover the hunt for the queen is not over yet. The Ghouls must locate an ancient artifact known as the Vampire's Heart in order to discover the identity of the true Vampire Queen. It's a fangtastic adventure that will lead them from the Tower of Londoom, to a haunted river boat in New Goreleans and finally to the glamorous boo-vie lots of Hauntlywood. Could this be the moment when Draculara finally receives her vampire powers and discovers screams really can come true?
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & fantasy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMonster High: Scaris City of Frights (2013)
The Monstruitas of Monster High are obsessed with going to Scaris, The City of Frights for Fashion international competition where the winner will become the apprentice of the world famous Madame Ghostier designer.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & fantasy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisShrek 3-D (2004)
Lord Farquaad was eaten by the dragon, but his ghost has returned, and he's still evil. With the help of his henchman, Thelonious, he kidnaps Fiona. Shrek and the donkey set out to save her, with help from the dragon, before she goes over a waterfall on a raft.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy & animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMonster High: Why Do Ghouls Fall in Love? (2012)
Draculaura’s Sweet 1600th birthday is an extra special occasion to party at Monster High! But her high expectations lead to deadly results when she’s faced with the choice between practical boyfriend Clawd, and new vampire heartthrob, Valentine, a romantic blast from her past.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy & animation
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThe Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore (2012)
After a hurricane levels his city, a young man wanders into a mysterious library where books literally come to life. This film won the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film in 2012.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation & fantasy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisAfterlife of the Party (2021)
A social butterfly who dies during her birthday week is given a second chance to right her wrongs on Earth.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisJourney to the West: Conquering the Demons (2013)
In a world plagued by demons who cause great human suffering, young demon hunter Tang Sanzang must fight against monstrous demons, as well as contend with a beautiful demon hunting woman on his path to enlightenment.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisPrincess (2008)
A reclusive princess and a directionless young man embark on a quest to save the world's mythical creatures from becoming extinct.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisA Writer's Odyssey (2021)
Lu Kongwen is the author of a fantasy novel series following a heroic teenager, also named Kongwen, on a quest to end the tyrannical rule of Lord Redmane, under the guidance of a Black Armor. But through a strange twist of fate, the fantasy world of the novel begins to impact life in the real world, leading Guan Ning to accept a mission from Tu Ling to kill the author.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Primevals (2023)
Deep in the Himalayas, a group of sherpas kills a gigantic humanoid creature. Convinced that it is the legendary Yeti, Dr. Claire Collier organizes an expedition with her former student Matt Connor and hunter Rondo Montana, among others, to search for more specimens. But what awaits them is something that none of them could have imagined. A colorful fusion of real image and stop-motion that is reminiscent of fantastic films from the 1980s.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both fantasy
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisAll Wishes Come True! (2026)
Eight grassroot mortals use their street smarts and hilarious schemes to defy powerful gods, earning their title as the Eight Immortals.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & fantasy
Nie Xiaoqian (2024)
Nie Xiaoqian was betrayed and died with hatred. She turned into a ghost after death and was imprisoned in Lanruo Temple. Ning Sheng went to Capital to take examination and stayed here, and accidentally saved Xiaoqian.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both fantasy & animation
New Gods: Yang Jian (2022)
Fifteen hundred years after the war of gods, the heaven declined. Yang Jian, the God of Erlang, made a living by working as a catcher. One day, Yang Jian was ordered to hunt down a young man, his own nephew.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & fantasy
Worth the HypeMovies like thisNe Zha 3 (TBA)
Third chapter of the Ne Zha saga. Plot TBA
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & fantasy
God with Three Eyes (2024)
After he was demoted and sent to the mortal world, Erlang Shen needs to open his third eye in order to subdue the thousand-year dragon that violated heaven’s law and broke through the dragon gate. This is the only way he can return to heaven.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & fantasy
Ne Zha 2 (2025)
After a catastrophic event leaves their bodies destroyed, Ne Zha and Ao Bing are granted a fragile second chance at life. As tensions rise between the dragon clans and celestial forces, the two must undergo a series of perilous trials that will test their bond, challenge their identities, and decide the fate of both mortals and immortals.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & fantasy
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisNe Zha (2019)
A young boy is born as the reincarnation of a demonic power, into a society that hates and fears him. Destined by prophecy to bring destruction to the world, Nezha must choose between good and evil to see if he can change his fate.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation & fantasy
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisGreen Snake: The Origin (2025)
The Green Snake, who feeds only on demons and never harms humans, is misunderstood by the people of Hangzhou. Driven out and attacked, she escapes wounded and encounters a little ghost. The two decide to travel together. Upon entering the demon realm, the Green Snake attempts to rescue captured demons but faces skepticism and rejection. The Demon King, recognizing her abilities, assigns her a critical mission. As she spends time with the little ghost, the Green Snake begins to experience human emotions, and a deep bond forms between them.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both fantasy
Dragonflies and Coliaths (1998)
Based on the tales of Chinese writer Pu Songling, the film depicts the romantic relationships of a Chinese student with an undead girl and a fox spirit maiden. Rainer Sarnet's diploma film.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both fantasy
Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms (2023)
Based on the most well-known classical fantasy novel of China, Fengshenyanyi, the trilogy is a magnificent eastern high fantasy epic that recreates the prolonged mythical wars between humans, immortals and monsters, which happened more than three thousand years ago.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both fantasy
Worth the HypeMovies like this
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like 水鹿?
The closest matches to 水鹿 are Strings (2004), A Tooth Fairy Tale (2025) and Throne of Elves (2016). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after 水鹿?
Start with Strings (2004), the closest match to 水鹿.
What is the highest-rated movie like 水鹿?
Ne Zha 2 (2025), rated 8.2/10 by 865 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like 水鹿?
All Wishes Come True! (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
Are there Chinese movies like 水鹿?
Yes: Throne of Elves (2016), New Gods: Nezha Reborn (2021) and Endless Journey of Love (2025).
How are movies similar to 水鹿 chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside 水鹿, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.