In a major announcement for animation enthusiasts, Studio Ghibli’s acclaimed film The Boy and the Heron, directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, will be available for global streaming on Netflix from October 7. Notably, the film will not be available in Japan or the United States, where it can already be streamed on Max.
Netflix has also released an English-dubbed trailer for the film, offering audiences a glimpse into this highly anticipated release.
The Boy and the Heron marks Miyazaki’s first directorial venture since The Wind Rises in 2013. Since its debut in Japan in July 2023, the film has garnered significant acclaim, winning the Oscar for Best Animated Feature and the Best Animated Film award at the 77th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA).
Inspired by Yoshino Genzaburo’s 1937 novel How Do You Live?, The Boy and the Heron blends elements from Miyazaki’s own experiences with the source material, creating a unique narrative. The film premiered internationally at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival and was showcased to New York audiences at the 61st New York Film Festival.
The official synopsis of the film is as follows:
“After losing his mother during the war, young Mahito relocates to his family’s countryside estate. There, he encounters a series of mysterious occurrences leading him to an ancient, secluded tower inhabited by a mischievous gray heron. When Mahito’s new stepmother vanishes, he follows the heron into the tower, entering a fantastical realm where the living and the dead coexist. Guided by the heron, Mahito embarks on an epic journey to uncover the secrets of this otherworldly domain and discover his own true self.”
Prepare for an enchanting experience as The Boy and the Heron becomes available for streaming on Netflix from October 7.