The weather has taken a chilly turn here in Cape Town. And while I absolutely love the gloomy season , I know many don’t share my opinion 😅
But nothing quite beats snuggling up in your favourite sweats, with a bowl of cripsy hot wings and a good movie.
A good ANIME movie – or series – is just what the doctor ordered to fight those winter blues! So get comfy, folks!
Ponyo
As a Capetonian, I have an inherent love for the ocean. And this sea-side adventure is so whimsical and heartwarming. After befriending a young boy, a little goldfish, Ponyo, soon yearns to become a human girl 🐟👧
This film comes from the talented hands of award-winning director Hayao Miyazaki, who is also responsible for films like Spirited Away and The Wind Rises.
The english version stars Noah Cyrus as Ponyo and Frankie Jonas as Sōsuke, along with the talents of Tina Fey, Laim Neeson, and Matt Damon among others ♥️
Mononoke
Okay, so not your slice-of-life-type of cozy. But! I think there is nothing better than spooky shows during the winter – I mean, you’ve got your blankets and pillows to protect you! It’s so snuggly!
This 2007 series is about a mysterious medicine seller (exorcist in disguise) who travels across feudal Japan, investigating and slaying evil spirits known as Mononoke.
There is also a 2024 movie, Mononoke the Movie: The Phantom in the Rain, which is also a fun watch! While the animation and colouring are far better than the series, I prefer the storytelling style of the 2007 show (plus, it’s way creepier and intriguing 🫣).
Flying Witch
I’ve not watched this one yet, but it was highly recommended by the online community. The film description on iMDB says: Young witch Makoto moves to the beautiful countryside to live with her distant relatives and study witchcraft.
Girls going to live in the countryside, surrounded by funny and whacky neighbors and stunning views, are all elements of an excellent – cozy – anime!
This anime received two awards at the 2016 Anime Trending Awards for Slice of Life and Best Female Character.
Kikis Delivery Service
It is an amusing and magical story of a young witch who turns 13 (!!!) and is now ready to leave the nest and take on the world. I seriously recommend this movie! Watching Kiki find her feet in the workplace and the big world is truly heartwarming 💕
Also…she’s 13!? Haha. If you were once a headstrong or stubborn kid who just wanted to grow up and adult – like me – you’re going to seriously fall in love with this film.
Delicious in Dungeon
Now I’ve spoken about this fantasy show before. And obviously, it had to go on this cozy list, too!
A band of adventurers explore a dungeon in hopes of finding one of their lost teammates. The tale is just so wholesome and wonderful – and absolutely hilarious! Like, I’ve never cackled so loud for a show (except The Office).
And if you’re not convinced yet, just know there’s a good reason why it is a nominee at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards.
Spy × Family
We’ve gotta protect Anya! Want to feel it all? This show is for you! It’s got comedy, romance, action, intrigue, and mystery – and of course, espionage! A show that me and the hubby loved watching together ❤️
As The Wind Rises
The first Ghibli studio movie my husband truly enjoyed! This film is a frictionalised version of Japanese aeronautical engineer Jiro Horikoshi, who is best remembered for designing planes used during the Second World War. The storyline also features a super sweet romance between Jiro and his wif⅕e Nahoko! You are going to melt!!!
Mr Hayao Miyazaki initially intended for this movie to his final feature film! But I am happy he made a 180 and came back at directed The Boy and the Heron.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Another anime I haven’t watched yet – but it was highly recommended to me by an online anime geek friend.
And that’s it for now! Let me know what you love to watch when the weather gets gloomy.
Z 🥰
GirlOnTheBus 