Hayao Miyazaki’s latest film, The Boy and the Heron, has captivated audiences and critics alike since its North American debut. Garnering exceptional reviews, including a 9 out of 10 from IGN, who lauded it as “Studio Ghibli’s most visually complex film to date” and “the most emotionally raw Miyazaki has ever gotten,” the question on everyone’s mind is: where to watch The Boy and the Heron? If you’re eager to experience this animated marvel, here’s your guide on how and where to watch The Boy and the Heron in 2024.
Stream The Boy and the Heron Online
Streaming service logo for Max, formerly HBO Max.
Max Streaming Service
Starting at $9.99 per month, Max offers a variety of plans to suit your viewing needs.
Watch The Boy and the Heron on Max
The Boy and the Heron is currently available to stream on Max. For those without a Max subscription, don’t worry, there are still several other ways to watch this acclaimed film, detailed below. If you’re looking for cost-effective entertainment, consider bundling Max with Disney+ and Hulu for a reduced monthly rate, offering a wide range of content in one package.
Purchase The Boy and the Heron Digitally
The Boy and the Heron (Digital Purchase)
Available for $19.99 on various platforms, with occasional discounts.
$9.99 at Prime Video (Limited Time)
$19.99 at Apple TV
For those who prefer to own movies digitally, The Boy and the Heron is available for digital purchase across multiple platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Vudu, typically priced at $19.99. Keep an eye out for potential sales and promotions, like the current discount at Prime Video! Currently, online rental options are not available, making purchasing the primary digital route to watch the film at your convenience.
The Boy and the Heron on Blu-ray and 4K UHD
The physical release of The Boy and the Heron arrived on July 9, 2024, with Blu-ray and limited-edition steelbook versions hitting shelves. You can purchase your copy from Amazon and other online retailers. Coinciding with the Blu-ray release, Amazon is also hosting a sale on other beloved Studio Ghibli films, making it a perfect time for Ghibli fans to expand their collections.
The Boy and the Heron Blu-ray disc cover.
The Boy and the Heron Blu-Ray
Standard Blu-ray and high-definition 4K UHD versions are available for purchase, offering the best visual quality for home viewing.
What is The Boy and the Heron About?
[Play Video]
Hayao Miyazaki, the celebrated director, returns after a decade with The Boy and the Heron. Studio Ghibli provides this official plot summary:
“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 introspective and imaginative film delves into themes of loss, grief, and the journey of self-discovery, hallmarks of Miyazaki’s storytelling.
How to Watch Previous Studio Ghibli Movies
For fans wanting to revisit other classics or new viewers intrigued by Studio Ghibli’s magic, almost every Studio Ghibli film, except Grave of the Fireflies, is available for streaming on Max. Unfortunately, Grave of the Fireflies is currently unavailable for digital rental or purchase.
Studio Ghibli Movie Streaming Availability
| Platform | Movies Available |
|---|---|
| Max | Extensive library excluding Grave of the Fireflies |
| Grave of the Fireflies | Currently Unavailable |
The Boy and the Heron Voice Cast
Promotional poster for The Boy and the Heron featuring Mahito and the Heron.
Written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, The Boy and the Heron boasts a stellar voice cast in both English and Japanese:
English Dub 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 Original 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
The Boy and the Heron 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 the end credits.
In conclusion, whether you choose to stream on Max, purchase digitally, or own the Blu-ray, there are multiple ways to watch The Boy and the Heron. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this critically acclaimed and visually stunning film from Hayao Miyazaki.
