Introduction
Netflix is expanding its partnership with Studio Ghibli and GKIDS by picking up the Oscar-winning The Boy and the Heron in all regions, excluding Japan and the United States, in October 2024. The hand-drawn movie, which debuted in theaters last year, is Hayao Miyazaki’s first feature film in over a decade and, according to some reports, his very last. In recent weeks, it took home the coveted Oscar for best-animated feature, beating out titles like Netflix’s own Nimona,
Elemental, and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. The movie follows a headstrong boy named Mahito as he ventures into a dreamlike world shared by the living and the dead. The stacked English dub version of the movie includes the voices of Florence Pugh, Willem Dafoe, Christian Bale, Dave Bautista, Robert Pattinson, Gemma Chan, and Dan Stevens.
Netflix acquired the international rights to the Studio Ghibli library in 2020, adding 21 movies in three waves in the early parts of the year. Among the titles Netflix continues to stream include Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Kiki’s Delivery Service. A year later, it also acquired the international rights to Earwig and the Witch. Netflix holds the global rights excluding Japan and the United States, with every film subtitled in 28 languages and dubbed in up to 20 languages. Last summer, there was a scare when all the Studio Ghibli movies began displaying removal notices.
Thankfully, those were removed, and we learned that they’ve all been renewed for at least an additional three years. The back catalog is currently set to expire in 2026 unless anything changes. When is The Boy and the Heron coming to Netflix? Netflix has confirmed that the global release of The Boy and the Heron is October 7th, 2024! The three countries excluded from the release are the United States, Japan, and France. However, Netflix has confirmed that the Academy Award-winning film will be released on the streaming service in France sometime in 2025.
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The Exciting Return of Hayao Miyazaki
Netflix is expanding its partnership with Studio Ghibli and GKIDS by picking up the Oscar-winning The Boy and the Heron in all regions, excluding Japan and the United States, in October 2024. The hand-drawn movie, which debuted in theaters last year, is Hayao Miyazaki’s first feature film in over a decade and, according to some reports, his very last. This monumental event marks the return of one of animation’s greatest filmmakers, bringing his unique vision and storytelling to a global audience.
A Star-Studded English Dub
The movie follows a headstrong boy named Mahito as he ventures into a dreamlike world shared by the living and the dead. The English dub version of The Boy and the Heron includes an impressive cast, featuring the voices of Florence Pugh, Willem Dafoe, Christian Bale, Dave Bautista, Robert Pattinson, Gemma Chan, and Dan Stevens. Such a high-caliber cast only adds to the film’s allure, ensuring that it reaches and resonates with a wide audience.
Studio Ghibli and Netflix: A Growing Partnership
Netflix acquired the international rights to the Studio Ghibli library in 2020, adding 21 movies in three waves in the early parts of the year. Among the titles Netflix continues to stream include Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Kiki’s Delivery Service. This was a strategic move that expanded Netflix’s diverse content library and gave global viewers access to some of animation’s most beloved films. A year later, Netflix also acquired the international rights to Studio Ghibli’s Earwig and the Witch, further solidifying the streaming platform’s dedication to bringing quality animated content to its subscribers.
Recent Scare and Future Stability
Last summer, there was a scare when all the Studio Ghibli movies on Netflix began displaying removal notices. Thankfully, those were removed, and we learned that they’ve all been renewed for at least an additional three years. The back catalog is currently set to expire in 2026 unless anything changes. This stability ensures that fans can continue to enjoy their favorite Studio Ghibli films without interruption.
Release Schedule and Regional Exclusions
When is The Boy and the Heron coming to Netflix? Netflix has confirmed that the global release of The Boy and the Heron is October 7th, 2024. However, there are some regional exclusions to consider. The film will not be available on Netflix in the United States, Japan, and France. That said, Netflix has confirmed that the Academy Award-winning film will be released on the streaming service in France sometime in 2025, allowing French viewers to experience this latest masterpiece a bit later.
Why the US Exclusion?
So, why isn’t The Boy and the Heron coming to Netflix in the US? GKIDS has a separate contract for all rights to Studio Ghibli titles in the United States and recently extended their arrangement with Warner Bros. Discovery. They maintain the back catalog and will also be the streaming home of The Boy and the Heron under similar arrangements as with Netflix internationally. No release date has been set for The Boy and the Heron on Max just yet.
Conclusion
Netflix is expanding its partnership with Studio Ghibli and GKIDS by picking up the Oscar-winning The Boy and the Heron in all regions, excluding Japan and the United States, in October 2024. This marks Hayao Miyazaki’s first feature film in over a decade and potentially his last. The film has captured audiences worldwide, taking home the Oscar for best-animated feature. The story follows a young boy named Mahito into a dreamlike world and features a star-studded English dub cast, including Florence Pugh, Willem Dafoe, and Christian Bale.
Netflix’s partnership with Studio Ghibli, which began in 2020, continues to flourish, providing global audiences with timeless classics and new releases alike. The Boy and the Heron will be available on Netflix starting October 7th, 2024, although viewers in the US will need to look to GKIDS and Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max for future release details. With continued renewals and strong partnerships, Studio Ghibli’s presence on Netflix remains robust, delighting current fans and attracting new ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the release date for The Boy and the Heron on Netflix?
Netflix has confirmed that The Boy and the Heron will be released globally on October 7th, 2024, excluding the United States, Japan, and France.
Why is The Boy and the Heron not released on Netflix in the US?
GKIDS holds the exclusive rights to Studio Ghibli titles in the United States and has a separate contract for streaming through Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max platform.
Who are the main voice actors in the English dub of The Boy and the Heron?
The English dub features Florence Pugh, Willem Dafoe, Christian Bale, Dave Bautista, Robert Pattinson, Gemma Chan, and Dan Stevens.
What other Studio Ghibli movies are available on Netflix?
Netflix streams a range of Studio Ghibli films including Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Kiki’s Delivery Service.
How many Studio Ghibli movies did Netflix acquire in 2020?
Netflix acquired 21 Studio Ghibli movies in three waves throughout early 2020.
Will Studio Ghibli movies get removed from Netflix after 2026?
As of now, the back catalog is set to expire in 2026, unless further renewals are agreed upon.
When will The Boy and the Heron be available in France on Netflix?
The film is slated to be released in France on Netflix sometime in 2025.
Is The Boy and the Heron Hayao Miyazaki’s last film?
According to some reports, The Boy and the Heron may be Hayao Miyazaki’s final feature film.
What is the storyline of The Boy and the Heron?
The movie follows a boy named Mahito as he ventures into a fantastical world shared by both the living and the dead.
Where can I watch The Boy and the Heron if I am in the US?
US viewers will need to check out the film on Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max platform, managed by GKIDS.
For more updates and to check out other titles, visit Netflix or CineRecap.