Hayao Miyazaki’s critically acclaimed film, The Boy and the Heron, has captivated audiences and critics alike since its North American debut. Praised by IGN as “Studio Ghibli’s most visually complex film to date” and “the most emotionally raw Miyazaki has ever gotten,” this masterpiece is a must-see for animation enthusiasts and newcomers alike. If you’re wondering Where Can I Watch The Boy And The Heron in 2024, we’ve compiled all the details on streaming, digital purchase, and Blu-ray options to guide you.
Stream The Boy and the Heron on Max
Watch The Boy and the Heron on Max Streaming Service
Max is currently the primary streaming home for The Boy and the Heron. For those with a Max subscription, you can start watching this animated marvel right now. Max offers various subscription plans starting at $9.99, providing access to a vast library of movies and shows, including the beloved Studio Ghibli collection (excluding Grave of the Fireflies).
To maximize your entertainment and savings, consider bundling Max with Disney+ and Hulu. This bundle offers a reduced price compared to subscribing to each service individually, giving you access to an even wider range of content.
Buy or Rent The Boy and the Heron Digitally
If you prefer to own a digital copy, The Boy and the Heron is available for digital purchase on several platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Vudu. The digital purchase price is generally around $19.99.
$9.99 at Prime Video$19.99 at Apple TV
While digital rental options aren’t currently available, purchasing the film digitally ensures you can watch The Boy and the Heron whenever you want, without needing a streaming subscription. Keep an eye on these platforms for potential rental options in the future.
The Boy and the Heron Blu-ray and 4K UHD Release
For collectors and those who appreciate physical media, The Boy and the Heron Blu-ray and limited-edition steelbook versions were released on July 9, 2024. You can purchase these editions from Amazon and other online retailers.
The Boy and the Heron Blu-Ray and 4K UHD Physical Media
Amazon is also currently offering sales on other Studio Ghibli films alongside the release of The Boy and the Heron Blu-ray, making it a perfect time to expand your Ghibli collection. Owning the Blu-ray or 4K UHD version provides the highest quality viewing experience and makes a great addition to any movie library.
What is The Boy and the Heron About?
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The Boy and the Heron marks Hayao Miyazaki’s return to feature filmmaking after a decade. Studio Ghibli describes the film’s plot as:
A young boy named Mahito yearning for his mother ventures into a world shared by the living and the dead. There, death comes to an end, and life finds a new beginning. A semi-autobiographical fantasy about life, death, and creation, in tribute to friendship, from the mind of Hayao Miyazaki.
This captivating story blends fantasy and poignant themes, typical of Miyazaki’s signature style, making it a deeply moving and visually stunning cinematic experience.
The Boy and the Heron Voice Cast
The Boy and the Heron Movie Poster Featuring English and Japanese Voice Cast
Written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, The Boy and the Heron boasts an impressive voice cast in both English and Japanese:
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
Rating and Runtime
The Boy and the Heron is rated PG-13 for some violent content, bloody images, and smoking. The film has a runtime of 2 hours and 4 minutes, including credits.
Whether you choose to stream on Max, purchase digitally, or own the Blu-ray, there are multiple ways to experience The Boy and the Heron. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary film from a legendary filmmaker.
