Hayao Miyazaki’s latest film, The Boy and the Heron, has captivated audiences and critics alike since its North American debut. Garnering rave reviews, including a 9 out of 10 from IGN, which hailed it as Studio Ghibli’s “most visually complex film to date” and Miyazaki’s “most emotionally raw,” the film is a must-see for animation enthusiasts and beyond. If you’re wondering where you can experience this masterpiece, here’s your guide on Where To Watch The Boy And The Heron in 2024.
Stream The Boy and the Heron on Max
Max is currently the primary streaming service where you can watch The Boy and the Heron online. A Max subscription provides immediate access to this critically acclaimed film. Plans begin at $9.99, offering a range of content beyond just Studio Ghibli movies. For those looking for more value, consider bundling Max with Disney+ and Hulu for a reduced monthly price, unlocking a vast library of entertainment.
Buy or Rent The Boy and the Heron Digitally
For those who prefer to own the film or don’t have a Max subscription, purchasing The Boy and the Heron digitally is another excellent option. You can find it available for purchase on various platforms including:
- Amazon Prime Video : Currently offering a discounted price of $9.99 (originally $19.99).
- Apple TV : Available for purchase at $19.99.
- Vudu and other digital retailers also offer the movie for purchase.
Currently, online rental options are not yet available, but keep an eye on these platforms for potential future updates.
Bring Home The Boy and the Heron on Blu-ray and 4K UHD
The Boy and the Heron Blu-Ray and 4K UHD Edition
For collectors and fans who appreciate physical media, The Boy and the Heron Blu-ray and limited-edition steelbooks were released on July 9, 2024. You can purchase standard Blu-ray and stunning 4K UHD versions. Amazon is a primary retailer offering these editions, often with sales on other Studio Ghibli titles to celebrate the release.
Buy The Boy and the Heron Blu-Ray on Amazon
What is The Boy and the Heron All About?
Hayao Miyazaki’s return to feature filmmaking after a decade is a deeply personal and imaginative journey. Studio Ghibli provides this official plot introduction:
“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 synopsis hints at the film’s themes of grief, acceptance, and the delicate balance between life and death, all wrapped in Miyazaki’s signature breathtaking animation style.
Explore More Studio Ghibli Movies Online
If you’re a fan of The Boy and the Heron, you’ll be delighted to know that almost every Studio Ghibli film, except for Grave of the Fireflies, is available for streaming on Max. This makes Max the ultimate destination for Ghibli enthusiasts.
Unfortunately, Grave of the Fireflies remains unavailable for digital rental or purchase at this time, highlighting the unique licensing situations that can affect film availability.
Studio Ghibli Movie Availability on Streaming Platforms
| Studio Ghibli Channel | Grave of the Fireflies |
|---|---|
| Max | N/A |
The Boy and the Heron: Voice Cast Details
The Boy and the Heron Movie Poster Featuring Main Characters
Written and directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, The Boy and the Heron features a stellar 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 Information
The Boy and the Heron is rated PG-13 due to “some violent content/bloody images and smoking.” The film has a runtime of 2 hours and 4 minutes, including the end credits, providing a substantial and immersive cinematic experience.
Contributed by Jordan, freelance writer for IGN, covering games, shows, and movies.
