Movies like A Descent into the Maelström (2021)
The best movies like A Descent into the Maelström (2021) are Tome of the Unknown (2013), Tokyo Mater (2008) and Mater and the Ghostlight (2006). If A Descent into the Maelström hooked you with its animation, these 30 similar films are what to watch next, and every pick says why it matches.
A Descent into the Maelström
Quick picks
- Highest ratedOnce Upon a Studio (2023)8.3/10 from 457 votes
- NewestCrossfaded: Thesis Film (2026)Released 2026
Tome of the Unknown (2013)
Wirt and Gregory are brothers who get tired of walking, so, they borrow a car from a romantic songster made of vegetables.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisTokyo Mater (2008)
A routine tow lands Mater in Tokyo, where he is challenged to a drift-style race against a nefarious gang leader and his posse of ninjas. With the help of his friend, 'Dragon' Lightning McQueen, and some special modifications, Mater attempts to drift to victory and become Tow-ke-O Mater, King of all Drifters.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisMater and the Ghostlight (2006)
Mater, the rusty but trusty tow truck from Cars, spends a day in Radiator Springs playing scary pranks on his fellow townsfolk. That night at Flo's V8 Café, the Sheriff tells the story of the legend of the Ghostlight, and as everyone races home Mater is left alone primed for a good old-fashioned scare.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisYellow Is the New Black (2018)
An adventure about two Minions who make a daring (though temporary) escape from jail. As they navigate the chaos of their breakout, their antics showcase the Minions' signature blend of resourcefulness and mischief, resulting in a short filled with hilariously unpredictable moments.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Ugly Duckling (1939)
An outcast duckling's search for a family to accept him leads to constant rejection before learning his true identity as a swan.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisDragons: Dawn of the Dragon Racers (2014)
A hunt for a lost sheep turns into a competition between Hiccup and friends as they compete to become the first Dragon Racing champion of Berk.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisCars Toon Mater's Tall Tales (2008)
Mater the tow truck travels from country to country as he retells his infamous but unbelievable stories.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisFor the Birds (2000)
One by one, a flock of small birds perches on a telephone wire. Sitting close together has problems enough, and then comes along a large dopey bird that tries to join them. The birds of a feather can't help but make fun of him—and their clique mentality proves embarrassing in the end.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisFerdinand the Bull (1938)
This Oscar-winning short tells of a bull who preferred to sit under trees and smell flowers to clashing horns with his fellow animals. As luck would have it, an untimely bee reveals Ferdinand's ferocious side via pained howls and wild stomping. This lands him in the bull-fighting arena amidst characters based on Walt's animators with a matador reportedly modeled after Walt himself.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Radiator Springs 500½ (2014)
A 'leisurely drive' planned in honor of Radiator Springs’ town founder, Stanley, turns precarious as Baja pros descend on the town and challenge Lightning McQueen to an off-road race. Meanwhile, the townsfolk, led by a Stanley-costumed Mater, enjoy the planned 'leisurely drive' to retrace Stanley’s original frontier route. Thinking they’re on the same course, a wrong turn sends McQueen and the Baja pros on a treacherously wild bid for survival. The misunderstanding leaves the racing professionals in awe of the 'legend' of Stanley: the Original Off-Road Racer.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisSea Scouts (1939)
Donald is an admiral on a seagoing voyage with his nephews in which they encounter a ravenous shark.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Pied Piper (1933)
The people of Hamelin, overrun with rats, offer a bag of gold to anyone who can get rid of the rats. A piper offers to do the job, and successfully lures the rats into a mirage of cheese, which disappears. The citizens, disappointed that all he did was play a tune, offer only pocket change. The piper, angered, plays a new tune that has all the children of the city follow him, even the new twins the stork is preparing to deliver.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisThe Big Bad Wolf (1934)
The Big Bad Wolf torments Little Red Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisArctic Dogs (2019)
Animals band together to save the day when the evil Otto Von Walrus hatches a sinister scheme to accelerate global warming and melt the Arctic Circle.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
SnoozefestMovies like thisNo Time for Nuts (2006)
Scrat comes across a time machine and is transported to various times all in pursuit of his beloved acorn.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisOnce Upon a Studio (2023)
Created for Disney's 100th anniversary, the short features Mickey Mouse corralling a gallery of legendary Disney characters for a group photo.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Absolute CinemaMovies like thisThe Little Matchgirl (2006)
An animated short based on Hans Christian Andersen's tale about a poor young girl with a burning desire to find comfort and happiness in her life. Desperate to keep warm, the girl lights the matches she sells, and envisions a very different life for herself in the fiery flames filled with images of loving relatives, bountiful food, and a place to call home.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisMr. Incredible and Pals (2005)
An animated short film produced by Pixar included as a bonus on the DVD edition of the 2004 feature film "The Incredibles."
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
SnoozefestMovies like thisSing: Thriller (2024)
Buster Moon dreams up a star-studded spectacle set to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" in this animated short featuring characters from the hit "Sing" films.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisZog (2018)
Zog is a keen young dragon who wants to learn to fly, roar, and breathe fire, so he studies at the Dragon School. He is desperate to impress his teacher and win a golden star, but he is prone to accidents and he has to be helped by a kind young girl who patches up his bumps and bruises.
Why it matches: Recommended by TMDB viewers · both animation
Popcorn FlickMovies like thisIn the Box (1999)
A character is inside a cubical room; there is a hole in the roof, which is too high to reach. But pushing on the walls distorts the room in various ways, always appearing to bring the hole closer while still leaving it tantalizingly inaccessible.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
The Disheveled Sparrow (1967)
According to the fairy tale of the same name, how the little sparrow Pashka, as a token of gratitude to his mistress, the girl Masha, fearlessly enters the crow's dwelling in order to return the girl's father's gift stolen by the crow.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
The Road Called Life (2014)
Korea's leading modern literature writers Kim Yu-jong, Lee Hyo-seok and Hyun Jin-geon revive literature with pictures. "Spring", about the youthful romance of the 20s, "A Lucky Day", about the terrible sadness of the 40s and "Buckwheat Flower" is about the lingering memories of the 60s.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
We Are Human, After All (2016)
During a very harsh winter, a hare has to deal with the bitter cold, hunger and the threats posed by hunters and other animals. One day he sees the easy, comfortable and safe lives that rabbits lead. He decides to go and stay with them in the hutch.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Garden Party (2017)
In a deserted rich house, a couple of amphibians explore their surroundings and follow their primal instincts.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Worth the HypeMovies like thisThe Flight of Paloma (2023)
A short film narrated by the drag queen Paloma, in interview with the filmmaker.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Sounds Between the Crowns (2022)
A troubadour is expelled from the city when the queen sees his disfigured face. The palace guards smash his instrument as punishment, but the musician does not lose his determination to continue making music.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
A Silky Scarf (2024)
In a Spiders' Village suspended high among the trees, a shy boy finds comfort in small, quiet moments. He is the complete opposite of his older sister, a skilled and confident Huntress that he can always rely on. After a humiliating incident leaves him alone and ashamed, she warmly comforts him by wrapping him up in her yellow silky scarf... Later, When a deadly plague descends upon the village, the boy that has now grown into an aspiring Alchemist, is forced to confront his fears. Together with his sister, he embarks on a journey in search of the key ingredient for a life-saving antidote, before it's too late.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
Crossfaded: Thesis Film (2026)
When a cynical, weed-pedaling stoner and a people pleasing social drinker are trapped in the basement of a frat party, the two strangers struggle to connect in a seemingly superficial world.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
The Fall of the House of Usher (1982)
In this animated version of Edgar Allan Poe's story, a traveller arrives at the Usher mansion to find that the sibling inhabitants are living under a mysterious family curse. The brother's senses have become painfully acute, while his sister has become nearly catatonic.
Why it matches: Similar story and style · both animation
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best movies like A Descent into the Maelström?
The closest matches to A Descent into the Maelström are Tome of the Unknown (2013), Tokyo Mater (2008) and Mater and the Ghostlight (2006). Below are 27 more, each with the reason it matches.
What should I watch after A Descent into the Maelström?
Start with Tome of the Unknown (2013), the closest match to A Descent into the Maelström.
What is the highest-rated movie like A Descent into the Maelström?
Once Upon a Studio (2023), rated 8.3/10 by 457 TMDB users.
What is the newest movie like A Descent into the Maelström?
Crossfaded: Thesis Film (2026) is the most recent release on this list.
How are movies similar to A Descent into the Maelström chosen?
First come films that Trakt’s viewers watch alongside A Descent into the Maelström, then TMDB’s recommendations and films it rates as similar in story and genre. Each pick says which signal put it there.