 If you liked
Mimi wo Sumaseba
|
 ...then you might like
Kimi to, Nami ni Noretara
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Both films use a song as a narrative motif. Ride Your Wave uses an original song, "Brand New Story" by Japanese band Generations from Exile Tribe while Whisper of the Heart uses the classic John Denver song "Country Roads" (specifically Olivia Newton-John's cover).
Both films follow a female protagonist who at some point during either film, realizes and works towards a goal that is personal to them. While both films are similar in that they're about young woman coming of age, they are quite different in subject matter/themes.