Are you a fan of Hayao Miyazaki’s work and want to learn about The Boy and the Heron showtimes and streaming updates? You have come to the right post! 

Considering that Hayao Miyazaki, one of the co-founders of Studio Ghibli, has been working in the animation industry for sixty years, it is not uncommon to hear him referred to as “the Walt Disney of Japan.” 

There are a number of crucial distinctions between Miyazaki and Disney, the most important of which is that Miyazaki is a stronger writer, and the animated worlds he creates surpasses most of Disney’s films in terms of their level of creativity. Even the most recent picture that Miyazaki directed, The Boy and the Heron, has been hailed as a contemporary masterpiece and is among the finest animated films released in 2023.

The story of Mahito Maki, a Japanese kid twelve years old who suffers the loss of his mother in a terrible fire that occurred during World War II. After that, his father, Shoichi, who worked as a mechanic for warplanes, wed Natsuko, who was her younger sister. The family moved to the countryside not too much longer after the occurrence. 

Mahito is having a hard time adjusting to all of these changes, and he is also reeling from losing his mother. Eventually, he follows a heron inside a tower that is shrouded in mystery. There is a gateway to a mystical and enchanted place shared by both the living and the dead in that tower.

The Boy and the Heron is a film that is not just about coming to terms with loss and maturing but is also considered a personal picture for the director. A number of similarities can be seen between Mahito’s life and Hayao Miyazaki’s early life, such as the fact that his family relocated from Tokyo to the countryside. 

Both of their fathers are employed in the same field, and both of them have experienced the agony of having a mother who is confined to living in bed. However, in contrast to Mahito’s situation, Miyazaki’s mother survived.

After having a successful broad release in theaters all over the world, Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron has piqued the interest of many people; they are interested in when it will be available to stream online.

It took five months for The Boy and the Heron to debut in theaters across North America after it was first shown in Japan. The Boy and the Heron US release has been an enormous success, bringing in more than $37 million in the United States and $134.2 million in other countries.

On Rotten Tomatoes, it has received a score of 97% from critics, and it has been nominated for several awards, including a couple of Golden Globes and earning the Best Animated Film Award. It has been an even more successful movie in terms of critical achievement.

In addition, the movie has been selected for the Best Music (Original Score) shortlist at the Academy Awards, which may attract further attention from fans who do not wish to go to the theater.

A Guide to Watching The Boy and the Heron

Due to the fact that it was just recently released in cinemas across the United States and Canada on December 8, 2023, it is possible that a digital release may not take place until at least the spring or summer of 2024. 

Despite this, an early The Boy and the Heron streaming release date might be more feasible, given the enthusiasm surrounding the picture during the awards season, as well as the increased interest and excitement in the most recent Studio Ghibli feature.

It is possible that a digital release could occur approximately two months after the film’s launch in North America; hence, audiences can anticipate that they will be able to purchase the movie online in March.

There is a possibility that audiences outside of the fanbase will be interested in watching the movie because it is being considered for a nomination for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards, which will be broadcast on March 10.

To summarize The Boy and the Heron where to watch? There are still a lot of theaters that are showing The Boy and the Heron, and several of the larger chains are still showing it every day. For the time being, the film is still available to watch in cinemas. You can learn about The Boy and the Heron showtimes on the following platforms, including The Boy and the Heron Cinemark:

• Fandango
• AMC Theaters
• Atom Tickets
• Cinemark
• Cineplex
• IMAX

The Boy and the Heron Release For Streaming 

There is still a lack of clarity on the streaming status of The Boy and the Heron watch online. This is primarily because the digital release date online is not yet known, and streaming would generally correspond to the film’s release.

For those curious about where it will eventually be streamed, the answer will most likely be on Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max (except if the firm contracts the stream rights elsewhere).

Max purchased the streaming rights to all of Studio Ghibli’s films in 2019 when it was still known as HBO Max. These films include timeless classics such as Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Howl’s Moving Castle, and others.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 90-day window between the release of a film in theaters and its release on streaming services has become the norm. This is based on some trends observed in Western studios.

This would probably result in AMC The Boy and the Heron on Max’s streaming release during June 2024. The summer of 2024 is a good guess as to when Miyazaki’s most recent hit will be readily available to stream online.

Other Hayao Miyazaki Films That Are Available for Streaming Right Now

It is generally agreed that Hayao Miyazaki, a Japanese animator, director, co-founder of Studio Ghibli, and manga artist, is among the most outstanding filmmakers in the field of animation. As we can see in The Boy and the Heron, the works of Hayao Miyazaki are distinguished by the presence of magical ideas and visually captivating imagery, both of which he transforms into hand-drawn animation. 

He has contributed some of the most outstanding animated films to the world of global cinema during the course of his career, which has spanned six decades. In particular, he has contributed to the production of Ghibli Movies, which are films made by Studio Ghibli. The following continue to be extremely popular and are favorites throughout history.

1. Spirited Away ‐ 2001

Spirited Away is not only the best film Hayao Miyazaki has ever directed. It is also widely considered one of the best-animated films ever produced because it is a classic and the director’s crowning effort. On her route to her new home, Chihiro, who is just ten years old, finds herself trapped in a magical realm. The story is told in the film that was released in 2001.

 In order for Chihiro to save her parents from the spell cast by the witch Yubaba, which transformed them into pigs, she will need to be courageous and confront the terrifying monsters that inhabit the unknown realm.

Featuring a teenage protagonist experiencing a coming-of-age quest, an ethereal setting filled with magical animals, and an environmental message, Spirited Away is a film that exemplifies everything that makes a Miyazaki film a masterpiece. 

The magnificent visuals of the film are a fantastic match to the phenomenal storyline of the film, which depicts Chihiro’s transformation from a vulnerable youngster into a courageous hero during her journey. Without a doubt, Spirited Away is Ghibli and Miyazaki very best work, and it is the kind of work that could only have been produced by the fantastic collaboration between the two of them.

2. My Neighbor Totoro ‐ 1988

Fans of Studio Ghibli all around the world consider My Neighbor Totoro one of their all-time favorite anime films. It is widely regarded as one of the most influential films of the 1990s. The film focuses on two sisters, Mei and Satsuki, as they, along with their father, move to the countryside in order to be closer to their sick mother throughout the story, which takes place in postwar rural Japan. 

In the course of their exploration of the forest that surrounds them, they come across mischievous spirits. One of them is the famous Totoro, a delightful and enormous creature that becomes their closest companion.

Throughout the entirety of My Neighbor Totoro, Miyazaki’s ability to capture the awe and amazement of children is on full show. The enjoyable and imaginative journey that Satsuki and Mei take through the forest develops leisurely at the beginning. 

The audience is gradually encouraged to appreciate their personal connection with nature through the use of their endearing relationship with Totoro, which provides a symbolic message. However, it never takes a heavy-handed approach to conveying this environmental message; instead, it chooses to highlight the joyful experiences that its protagonists have.

3. Howl’s Moving Castle ‐ 2004

The happenings of Howl’s Moving Castle take place in a fictional kingdom that is at war with another kingdom. The universe in which the story takes place is both technologically advanced and magically filled. 

As a result of a jealous witch’s curse, Sophie, who gives the impression of being an ordinary person, is converted into an aged version of herself. While searching for a remedy, she comes across a wizard named Howl. She quickly becomes caught in his complicated past and his firm rejection of the idea of fighting for the country.

The title character, the titular living structure, is a distinctive character in its own right, making Howl’s Moving Castle one of the most magical and powerful films that Hayao Miyazaki has ever directed. Because it was produced amid the Iraq War, it is most commonly recognized as a powerful manifestation of the anti-war values held by the film’s director. 

Given that it demonstrates the pointlessness of war and emphasizes the significance of love, compassion, and humanity instead, the movie is considered to be one of the most significant works that Miyazaki has ever produced.

4. Ponyo ‐ 2008

The story of Ponyo revolves around the story of the titular goldfish princess, who manages to flee from her life beneath the ocean and comes into contact with a little boy named Sōsuke, who is five years old. Ponyo’s yearning to become human to experience things in the same manner as Sōsuke, rather than being confined to a glass jar, is only fueled by the unexpected friendship that the two develop with one another. 

The intensity of her desire for independence escalates to an extent where she resorts to extreme measures in order to achieve her release, putting Sōsuke and his tribe in jeopardy in turn.

Ponyo narrates a simple and well-known story while having a great deal of heart. He does this by completely embracing warmth and simplicity. It does so by examining the transformational impact of friendship from the point of view of the two young characters. 

Even though its animation is not quite as impressive as that of Studio Ghibli’s more critically praised films, it is nonetheless a worthwhile viewing experience for fans searching for a fantasy picture with a humorous structure.

5. Kiki’s Delivery Service ‐ 1989

Kiki’s Delivery Service is a lovely story that tells about a young witch named Kiki. Kiki, who is thirteen years old, follows the customary path and travels to a new town in order to perfect her abilities as a witch. 

Kiki starts a delivery service with her talking cat, Jiji, but she quickly starts to question her abilities. Jiji is by her side throughout the entire process. After losing her magical powers, she will need to work on herself to triumph over the challenges she faces.

Through the events that Kiki goes through, Miyazaki creates a coming-of-age story that is both straightforward and profound. Kiki’s foes are her self-doubt and fears, and the movie concentrates on the steps she takes to transform and develop confidence in her new situation. 

Rather than depending on a typical antagonist, the movie focuses on how Kiki adapts to her new circumstances. Despite the fact that it is not as emotionally engaging as the director’s other works, the film’s uncomplicated plot makes it an uplifting and joyful experience that can be enjoyed on repeat.

FAQs

Who stars in Studio Ghibli’s Boy and the Heron?

Hayao Miyazaki wrote and directed both The Boy and the Heron. In it, the following actors are featured:

English Voice Cast

• Christian Bale as Shoichi Maki
• Dave Bautista as The Parakeet King
• Gemma Chan as Natsuko
• Willem Dafoe as Noble Pelican
• Karen Fukuhara as Lady Himi
• Mark Hamill as Granduncle
• Robert Pattinson as Gray Heron
• Florence Pugh as Kiriko

Japanese Voice Cast

• Takuya Kimura as Shoichi Maki
• Jun Kunimura as The Parakeet King
• Yoshino Kimura as Natsuko
• Kaoru Kobayashi as Noble Pelican
• AIMYON as Lady Himi
• Shohei Hino as Granduncle
• Masaki Suda as Gray Heron
• Ko Shibasaki as Kiriko

What is The Boy and the Heron’s rating, and what is its runtime? 

The Boy and the Heron has been given a rating of PG-13 due to the presence of smoking and some violent or bloody images. Considering the credits, The Boy and the Heron run time is two hours and four minutes.

Is The Boy and the Heron worth a watch according to online ratings?

A certified fresh rating of 97% and an audience score of 88% have been awarded to The Boy and the Heron by the website Rotten Tomatoes.

Will The Boy and the Heron come to HBO Max?

Unfortunately, The Boy and the Heron full movie will not be shown on Max because it is not a Warner Bros. production. Additionally, the platform, formerly known as HBO Max, does not engage in direct-to-streaming streaming releases. Instead, they have decided to establish a window of forty-five days between the premiere of the film in theaters and the release of the movie at the Max.

Will The Boy and the Heron Be Available on Netflix?

Despite popular belief, The Boy and the Heron will not be available on Netflix, at least not in the near future. In the meantime, you will have to either go to the cinema or wait for it to become accessible on digital platforms. However, The Boy and the Heron Netflix will likely be available on the streaming service at a certain point.

Closing Words 

Those who are lovers of Studio Ghibli should definitely watch the movie because there is no valid excuse not to. Joe Hisaishi, well-known for his contributions to the original soundtracks of films such as Howl’s Moving Castle, Spirited Away, and My Neighbor Totoro, was also involved in composing the original music for The Boy and the Heron. 

However, none of the streaming services that have permission to broadcast a wide collection of Studio Ghibli films have yet to include The Boy and the Heron YTS in their watchlist. Various streaming platforms hold this license. 

The Boy and the Heron videos just can’t come fast enough, as critics have hailed it as the best film that Studio Ghibli has produced in recent years. There is currently no official indication of when The Boy and the Heron will be made available on digital platforms, which concerns viewers who would prefer to watch the film at home. 

In most cases, the popularity of a movie in theaters is the determining factor in whether or not it will be made available for digital download, whether for rent or purchase. The Boy and the Heron has been quite successful in other countries, yet it may only be shown in theaters in the United States for a few weeks. The Boy and the Heron will probably be uploaded online at the beginning of 2024, giving viewers another chance to watch the film.

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