Mayazaki’s ‘The Boy and the Heron’ to release on Netflix

Academy Award-winning film ‘The Boy and the Heron’ is soon to arrive on Netflix screens.  Created by Hayao Miyazaki, the film earned the Best Animated Feature award.

Previously exclusive to Max, the growing demand has prompted the makers to expand its availability. Also known as ‘Kimitachi wa Dou Ikiru Ka’, the animated movie will now stream beyond the US and Japan.

Netflix has announced the global expansion of its exclusive deal with Studio Ghibli. The streaming giant has added 22 new films to its global library, all of which will be available on Netflix worldwide except in the US and Japan.

In the United States, Max recently acquired the streaming rights for the half-a-biographical fantasy film by Hayao Miyazaki, allowing it to become the streaming home exclusively for Studio Ghibli films.

In 2023, the film had its theatrical release in Japan. The story follows Mahito Maki, a young boy, during the time of the Pacific War. Mahito’s mother passes away, and he moves to the countryside. There, he comes across a deserted tower.

According to the studio, it is one of the most expensive animated productions to date in Japan. This was Miyazaki’s first film in a decade, and he directed and wrote it himself.

In Japan alone, the film grossed over $85 million. The film also became the highest-grossing film of the year in North America on its opening weekend, raking in an impressive $12.8m in theatrical ticket sales.