Streaming Release Date Announced for ‘The Boy and the Heron’ on Max

Hayao Miyazaki’s acclaimed animated film, “The Boy and the Heron,” is set to debut on Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming platform, Max, in the United States this September. This hand-drawn masterpiece, which is both written and directed by Miyazaki, marks his return to filmmaking after a decade. The movie will be exclusively available on Max starting Friday, September 6, joining the extensive library of Studio Ghibli films as part of the platform’s recent multiyear deal extension.

While viewers in the U.S. and Japan can enjoy “The Boy and the Heron” on Max, audiences elsewhere can look forward to its release on Netflix. The English-language version of the film features a star-studded voice cast including Christian Bale, Dave Bautista, Gemma Chan, Willem Dafoe, Karen Fukuhara, Mark Hamill, Robert Pattinson, and Florence Pugh. Produced by Studio Ghibli co-founder Toshio Suzuki, the film boasts a captivating musical score by Miyazaki’s longtime collaborator, Joe Hisaishi.

“The Boy and the Heron” has been a commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing film for international distributor GKids with a domestic box-office revenue of $46.8 million. The story follows young Mahito as he navigates a mystical world after discovering a mysterious tower on his family’s estate, embarking on a journey filled with secrets and self-discovery.

This enchanting film has garnered critical acclaim, winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film this year, marking Miyazaki’s second Oscar win following his triumph with “Spirited Away.” Additionally, Miyazaki received an honorary Academy Award in 2014 for his outstanding contributions to cinema.

Max has been the exclusive U.S. home for Studio Ghibli films since 2020, offering a collection of beloved titles such as “My Neighbor Totoro,” “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” “Ponyo,” “Spirited Away,” and “Howl’s Moving Castle.” The recent deal extension ensures that these iconic films will remain available on Max for the foreseeable future, delighting fans of Studio Ghibli’s enchanting storytelling and breathtaking animation.

As fans eagerly anticipate the U.S. streaming debut of “The Boy and the Heron,” the film’s trailer offers a glimpse into the magical world crafted by Miyazaki, promising a captivating and unforgettable cinematic experience.