The Secret World of Arrietty

Arrietty, a tiny but tenacious 14-year-old, lives with her parents in the recesses of a suburban garden home, unbeknownst to the homeowner and her housekeeper. Like all little people, Arrietty remains hidden from view, except during occasional covert ventures beyond the floorboards to "borrow" scrap supplies like sugar cubes from her human hosts. But when 12-year-old Shou, a human boy who comes to stay in the home, discovers his mysterious housemate one evening, a secret friendship blossoms. If discovered, their relationship could drive Arrietty's family from the home and straight into danger.

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From the same studio, it trades tiny-borrower wonder for a spirit-world adventure, but keeps that same gentle coming-of-age discovery of a hidden world.

My Neighbor Totoro 82%

1 eps · 1988

Another quiet countryside home hides something magical, and the sisters' curiosity mirrors Arrietty's careful wonder at a bigger world.

Ponyo 80%

1 eps · 2008

A small creature crossing into a human's world sparks a tender, nature-touched friendship much like Arrietty's secret bond with Shou.

Princess Mononoke 80%

1 eps · 1997

It's louder and more mythic, but the same reverence for the natural world and its hidden inhabitants runs through every frame.