Netflix announced on September 9 that Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki’s film, The Boy and the Heron, will debut globally on October 7, excluding the U.S. and Japan. This exciting news comes as part of a new deal between Netflix, Goodfellas, and GKIDS. The film will be available in France in 2025.
The story follows Mahito as he navigates a world where life and death are intertwined, embarking on a journey filled with mysterious events alongside a mischievous gray heron. The film originally premiered in Japan in July 2023, quickly becoming a box office hit. It sold over 1 million tickets and earned $13.2 million in its first three days.
In the U.S., The Boy and the Heron opened in theaters on September 6, where it garnered significant success, topping the box office in its opening weekend and earning over $12 million in its first three days. This achievement marks a milestone as the first original anime production to lead the U.S. box office.
Furthermore, the film received critical acclaim and recognition, winning the Best Animated Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards ceremony. This accolade adds to Miyazaki’s impressive list of achievements, with this film being his second to win after Spirited Away in 2003. He has also received nominations for Howl’s Moving Castle and The Wind Rises.
As part of the deal with Netflix, a total of 22 Studio Ghibli titles will be available for streaming on the platform, including beloved classics like Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and My Neighbor Totoro. This partnership expands the reach of these iconic films to a global audience, further solidifying the legacy of Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki in the world of animation.
Fans around the world can look forward to experiencing the magic of The Boy and the Heron on Netflix starting October 7, immersing themselves in the enchanting storytelling and captivating animation that Studio Ghibli is renowned for. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to witness a masterful creation from one of the greatest animators of our time.
