There is something about aesthetic cottage-core anime that persuade the audience to indulge themselves in the aesthetic vibe of anime over and over again. The major cottage-core elements include a warm home in a big flower field, cute mushrooms, home-baked pies, herb gardens, and a ton of serenity that can never be found in chaotic city life.
If the fields are decked up with just cute plants and gorgeous flowers, how can you not crave a home like this? This is the perfect representation of the aesthetic vibes of rural life which we are seriously missing out on.
The idealization of rural living has been technically started in 2020 when everyone was struggling with the curse of the pandemic while being stuck in their homes, longing to go out. In these circumstances, aesthetic Cottage-core anime is a treat to the eyes, as people are bound to wish for better settings.
The magical world portrayed in these cottage-core aesthetic anime series and movies have a unique cozy vibe which is often craved in the present times.
The whimsical house decked up with cute plants laying in the backyard is one of the greatest attractions in these animated shows and movies. Here is a list of 20 popular cottage-core aesthetic anime that will relieve you from your hectic schedule.
20. The Secret Life Of Arrietty (2010)
- Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi
- Writer: Mary Norton
- Cast: Mirai Shida, Ryunosuke Kamiki, Shinobu Otake, Keiko Takeshita, Tatsuya Fujiwara, Tomokazu Miura, Kirin Kiki
- IMDb Rating: 7.6
- Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
In the pretty flower fields and tiny cozy houses, there exists a community of tiny humans known as Borrowers. Their existence is a secret, and they can never come in contact with human beings whatsoever.
The Secret Life of Arrietty is a fun anime that has taken the cottage-core aesthetic to unbelievable heights. The background filled with lush green plants and trees is one of the major attractions for the audience.
19. Moomin (1990-1991)
- Director: Hiroshi Saitō, Masayuki Kojima
- Writer: Akira Miyazaki, Shōzō Matsuda, Masaaki Sakurai, Naoko Miyake
- Cast: Emiko Shiratori, Minami Takayama, Ikuko Tani
- IMDb Rating: 8.3
- Rotten Tomatoes: No ratings
- Streaming Platform: Goanime
This is one of the popular anime adapted from a series of Swedish books by the anime industry. Although the anime is a product of the 90s, the characters are greatly appreciated in Japan even now on.
The Moominvalley is a perfect representation of an ideal aesthetic cottage-core anime vibe. The pastoral area is filled with rivers, plants, flowers, and hills. The plotline is straightforward but is sure to entertain you incredibly.
18. Wolf Children (2012)
- Director: Mamoru Hosoda
- Writer: Mamoru Hosoda
- Cast: Aoi Miyazaki, Takao Osawa
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
- Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
- Streaming Platform: Funimation
Wolf Children is a fascinating cottage-core anime that follows the life of a single mother and her efforts to raise her unusual wolf children in the countryside.
Every day brings new joy and happiness to this family. The life of the wolf children is insanely adventurous.
17. Mary And The Witch’s Flower (2017)
- Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi
- Writer: Mary Stewart
- Cast: Hana Sugisaki, Yūki Amami, Fumiyo Kohinata
- IMDb Rating: 6.8
- Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
Who doesn’t want to indulge in the life of a young woman and her magical adventures? The anime and visuals may seem to be a part of Studio Ghibli, but it is not.
What’s worth noting is that the film not only presents a peak of cottage-core aesthetics with gardens, woods, hills, and wildflowers, but it also portrays an amazing storyline about a female protagonist—one of the best movies that shows the actual cottage-core vibes.
16. Ancient Magus’ Bride (2017 – 2018)
- Director: Norihiro Naganuma
- Writer: Kore Yamazaki
- Cast: Atsumi Tanezaki, Ryōta Takeuchi, Kōki Uchiyama, Yūko Kaida
- IMDb Rating: 7.7
- Rotten Tomatoes: No ratings
- Streaming Platform: Funimation
This cottage-core slice-of-life TV series follows an orphan girl who is raised by a demon named Magnus. She is destined to be his bride, so he needs to take utmost care of her.
The protagonist makes friends with different magical animals, which is a perfect solution for her boredom. The Magnus cottage seems like a perfect cozy house to spend our whole lives in.
15. Hakumei To Mikochi (2018)
- Director: Masaomi Andō
- Writer: Takuto Kashiki
- Cast: Rise Matsuda, Shino Shimoji, Aoi Yūki, Chika Anzai
- IMDb Rating: 7.2
- Rotten Tomatoes: No ratings
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
Hakumei to Mikochi is a popular cottage-core TV series that follows the life of three tiny women who have the most adorable cottage in the woods, away from chaos and drama.
The idea of cottage-core aesthetics being included in the series full of fairies and other mysterious creatures makes it stand out from the rest of the other cottage-core series. This story is sure to melt your heart like crazy!
14. When Marnie Was There (2014)
- Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi
- Writer: Joan G. Robinson
- Cast: Sara Takatsuki, Kasumi Arimura
- IMDb Rating: 7.7
- Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
Set in the rural countryside, this cottage-core movie revolves around Anna, who is exhausted from her stressful life in Sapporo and takes a journey to the Kushiro Wetlands. This calm place is sure to relax the nerves of the anxious viewers watching the film. This is one of the best cottage-core movies ever created by Studio Ghibli.
13. My Neighbor Totoro
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Writer: Hayao Miyazaki
- Cast: Noriko Hidaka, Chika Sakamoto, Shigesato Itoi, Sumi Shimamoto, Hitoshi Takagi, Toshiyuki Amagasa
- IMDb Rating: 8
- Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
My Neighbor Totoro is a popular anime about two young girls who are bestowed with the unique capability of communicating with nature spirits. The father, along with his two daughters, shifts to a rural home where they have a nice time experiencing the wilderness of the place. The simplicity of this cottage-core movie makes it even more special.
12. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Writer: Diana Wynne Jones
- Cast: Chieko Baisho, Takuya Kimura, Akihiro Miwa
- IMDb Rating: 8.2
- Rotten Tomatoes: 87%
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
Howl’s Moving Castle is one such animation film that presents an extremely detailed beauty of nature in the most gorgeous way possible. The movie revolves around Howl, who lives in a moving castle. The aesthetic background and visuals are one of the major reasons why you need to watch the movie.
11. Kiki’s Delivery Service
- Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Writer: Eiko Kadono
- Cast: Minami Takayama, Rei Sakuma, Keiko Toda, Minami Takayama
- IMDb Rating: 7.8
- Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
Studio Ghibli did a fabulous job with the visuals in this cottage-core movie. The film revolves around Kiki, a young witch who tries hard to exist in a whole new community while running a flying courier service. Kiki’s Delivery Service is one of the best coming-of-age movies by Studio Ghibli.
10. Wolf Walkers (2020)
- Director: Tomm Moore, Ross Stewart
- Writer: Tomm Moore, Ross Stewart
- Cast: Honor Kneafsey, Eva Whittaker, Sean Bean, Simon McBurney, Tommy Tiernan
- IMDb Rating: 8
- Rotten Tomatoes: 99%
- Streaming Platform: Apple TV
This cottage-core series revolves around a young girl who is determined to follow her father in hunting for the last wolf pack. She makes friends with a mysterious girl who spills the secret of her tribe.
9. The Cat Returns (2002)
- Director: Hiroyuki Morita
- Writer: Aoi Hiiragi
- Cast: Chizuru Ikewaki, Yoshihiko Hakamada, Yosuke Saito
- IMDb Rating: 7.2
- Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
This interesting tale revolves around a teenage girl who is forced to marry a cat prince in a mysterious world after she voluntarily saves a cat. The cottage-core elements of this fantasy adventure movie are sure to entertain you thoroughly.
The characters, the vibe, and the aesthetic visuals make it a must-watch animated movie. This is one of the best fantasy movies by Studio Ghibli.
8. Humanity Has Declined (2012)
- Director: Seiji Kishi
- Writer: Romeo Tanaka, Sunaho Tobe
- Cast: Mai Nakahara, Unshō Ishizuka, Jun Fukuyama
- IMDb Rating: 7.2
- Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
- Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll
Humanity Has Declined is based on the popular manga of the same name. The premise is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is declining at an alarming rate. A little girl is a mediator between humans and tiny elf creatures.
These creatures are known to create massive destruction in their search for adventure. The cottage-core aesthetic is the reason why you need to watch this series as soon as possible.
7. Non-Non Biyori (2013)
- Director: Shinya Kawatsura
- Writer: Atto
- Cast: Rie Murakawa, Kotori Koiwai, Ayane Sakura, Kana Asumi
- IMDb Rating: 7.9
- Rotten Tomatoes: No ratings
- Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll
This intriguing anime follows the lives of a bunch of children who reside in the countryside area of Asahigaoka. Since the anime is based on rural life, you are sure to experience the actual aesthetic cottage-core anime vibes. The production team did wholesome work in creating amazing visuals of the English countryside. The anime series renders an unbelievable experience.
6. Snow White And The Seven Dwarves (1937)
- Director: David Hand, Perce Pearce, Ben Sharpsteen, Wilfred Jackson, Larry Morey, William Cottrell
- Writer: Ted Sears, Richard Creedon, Otto Englander
- Cast: Adriana Caselotti, Lucille La Verne, Harry Stockwell
- IMDb Rating: 7.6
- Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
- Streaming Platform: Disney Plus
The iconic movie of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves is adored by not only children but also adults who seem to enjoy watching the cottage-core vibes of this movie. The audience still fantasizes about the cozy cottage in which the seven dwarfs welcomed Snow White. Their bond is a true symbol of friendship and support.
5. The Secret Of Kells (2009)
- Director: Tomm Moore, Nora Twomey
- Writer: Tomm Moore
- Cast: Evan McGuire, Brendan Gleeson, Christen Mooney
- IMDb Rating: 7.6
- Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime
The Secret of Kells is a thrilling adventure series that revolves around Brendan, who lives in the Abbey of Kells. He unexpectedly meets a magical illuminator one day who owns a magical book containing mysterious magical powers.
While mysterious forces attack the area, Brendan is forced to seek answers from the book. His curious nature helps him in completing the quest.
4. Bambi (1942)
- Director: Clyde Geronimi, David Hand, Samuel Armstrong
- Writer: Perce Pearce
- Cast: Donnie Dunagan, Hardie Albright, Paula Winslowe
- IMDb Rating: 7.3
- Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
- Streaming Platform: Disney Plus
This family fantasy movie revolves around an adorable fawn named Bambi, who is determined to fulfill his prince’s duties in the forest. In this journey, he learns how to make new friends and how to combat enemies.
3. In This Corner Of The World (2016)
- Director: Sunao Katabuchi
- Writer: Sunao Katabuchi, Chie Uratani
- Cast: Rena Nōnen, Yoshimasa Hosoya, Natsuki Inaba, Minori Omi
- IMDb Rating: 7.7
- Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
The premise of this heart-melting anime is set in Hiroshima at the time of World War II. An eighteen-year-old teenager named Suzu is married to a man whom she has barely even interacted with in the past.
The anime describes the hurdles she has to overcome in her married life while living in Hiroshima. This anime is truly blessed with a wholesome aesthetic vibe which makes it stand out from the rest of the animated movie.
2. Song Of The Sea (2014)
- Director: Tomm Moore
- Writer: Tomm Moore
- Cast: David Rawle, Brendan Gleeson, Fionnula Flanagan, Lisa Hannigan
- IMDb Rating: 8
- Rotten Tomatoes: 99%
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime
Song of the Sea is a heartwarming anime movie that circles the bond of a brother and sister. Ben, a ten-year-old Irish boy, blames his mute sister for the sudden death of his mother.
His little sister Saoirse is not the usual sister as she can turn into a seal. The brother-sister duo set out on a magical adventure to protect the spirit world. This anime is enough to make a grown man cry like a baby.
1. The Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
- Director: Wes Anderson
- Writer: Roald Dahl (Fantastic Mr. Fox)
- Cast: George Clooney, Bill Murray, Meryl Streep, Owen Wilson, Michael Gambon
- IMDb Rating: 7.9
- Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
- Streaming Platform: YouTube
This interesting comedy adventure animated movie revolves around Mr. Fox, who is a family man. He goes back to his old ways of generating income by indulging in illegal activities. Soon he is unexpectedly trapped by three farmers who are intrigued to kill him. The audience couldn’t help craving the aesthetic forest presented in this animated movie.
Conclusion:
Cottage core aesthetic anime will always captivate the viewers by presenting satisfying visuals and audio. These anime are the trending internet sensation as they give a ton of aesthetic inspiration to boost our mood. Hope you liked our list of the 20 best aesthetic cottage-core anime series and movies! The magical adventure and other related topics make it a must-watch animated series.
