"Mary and The Witch's Flower" is not made by Studio Ghibli, but it is directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, a former animator at Ghibli. The film was produced by Studio Ponoc, which was founded by several ex-Ghibli staff members. Released in 2017, it is based on the children's novel "The Little Broomstick" by Mary Stewart and features a similar artistic style to Ghibli films, which is likely why it is sometimes associated with the studio.

"Mary and The Witch's Flower" features a similar visual style to Studio Ghibli films because it was produced by Studio Ponoc, founded by former Ghibli animator Yoshiaki Nishimura. The film incorporates lush, vibrant animation and whimsical character designs reminiscent of Ghibli's aesthetic. Additionally, it shares thematic elements such as magic, adventure, and strong female protagonists, which are hallmarks of Ghibli's storytelling. This stylistic choice pays homage to the beloved legacy of Ghibli while establishing its own narrative.

Hayao Miyazaki, the co-founder of Studio Ghibli, expressed a positive opinion about "Mary and The Witch's Flower," directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi. He praised the film for its beautiful animation and storytelling, noting that it captured the spirit of adventure and magic reminiscent of classic Ghibli films. Miyazaki acknowledged the effort put into the film, which was produced by Studio Ponoc, a studio formed by former Ghibli staff. Overall, he appreciated the film's creativity and artistic quality.

"Mary and The Witch's Flower" and "Kiki's Delivery Service" are not directly related in terms of story or characters, but they share similar themes and stylistic elements. Both films are based on children's literature and feature young female protagonists with magical abilities. "Mary and The Witch's Flower," directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, is inspired by Mary Stewart's novel, while "Kiki's Delivery Service," directed by Hayao Miyazaki, is based on a book by Eiko Kadono. Both films celebrate friendship, self-discovery, and the wonder of magic.