Calling all anime lovers: No more hiding, now we’re shining like we’re born to be!
Netflix‘s summertime hit KPop Demon Hunters has brought Asian animation, magical girls and demon-fighting into the spotlight, making it more socially acceptable than ever to be into anime (not that you ever needed an excuse).
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the genre, you’re probably looking for more movies that hit some of the same notes as KPop Demon Hunters.
Watch With Us recommends these three movies from HBO Max and Netflix — check out our picks below.
‘Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Cosmos: The Movie’ (2024)
Magical girls who fight demons wouldn’t exist if not for Sailor Moon. The epic saga, created by Naoko Takeuchi, follows Usagi Tsukino (voiced by Kotono Mitsuishi in Japanese, Stephanie Sheh in English), an ordinary schoolgirl who learns she has a secret destiny to become the princess of the moon and Earth’s guardian.
The story has been revisited many times, including the 1992–1996 anime series and the 2015 remake, Sailor Moon Crystal, which adapted the first three arcs of the story. The final chapters of Crystal were turned into films, and those are what we’re recommending for KPop Demon Hunters fans.
The Sailor Moon Cosmos arc is particularly relevant because it features the arrival of a monster-fighting pop idol group — the Three Lights. This may sound like a lot of lore, but don’t worry — just enjoy the fashion, magic and romance. Of course, if you want to watch all of Sailor Moon Crystal before the movie, we won’t stop you.
Watch Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Cosmos: The Movie on Netflix.
‘Belle’ (2021)
If one of your favorite parts of KPop Demon Hunters was the music, Belle will strike a chord. Directed by Mamoru Hosoda, this visually stunning film reimagines Beauty and the Beast in a virtual-reality setting. It follows Suzu (voiced by Kaho Nakamura in Japanese, Kylie McNeill in English), a shy high school student who becomes a sensation in the virtual world of “U” under the persona of her pop-star avatar, Belle.
As she navigates online fame, she meets a mysterious figure known as the Dragon (voiced by Takeru Satoh in Japanese, Paul Castro Jr. in English) and sets out to uncover his identity.
Combining breathtaking animation, emotional storytelling and an unforgettable soundtrack, Belle is a feast for both the eyes and ears.
Watch Belle on HBO Max.
‘Spirited Away’ (2001)
If you were intrigued by the magical demons and spirits in KPop Demon Hunters, we highly recommend this powerful coming-of-age film from animation master Hayao Miyazaki. Spirited Away follows Chihiro (voiced by Rumi Hiiragi in Japanese, Daveigh Chase in English), a strong-willed girl whose parents are transformed into pigs by a witch.
Determined to save them, Chihiro enters a mysterious bathhouse — bathhouses come up quite a bit in KPop Demon Hunters too, now that we think about it — where she encounters spirits and demons she must outwit. You’ll love the gorgeous animation and the unforgettable female protagonist.
Watch Spirited Away on HBO Max.
