Studio Ghibli's "The Boy and the Heron" Soars to Global Success, Breaking Anime Records
In a triumphant journey across continents, Ghibli's enchanting animated adventure, "The Boy and the Heron," has become a trailblazer for anime, achieving remarkable milestones in Europe, Asia, and North America. Following its historic Golden Globes win – the first for a non-English animated feature – the film has crossed numerous box office thresholds, solidifying its place in animation history.
The UK and Ireland have witnessed "The Boy and the Heron" becoming the second-highest-grossing anime title ever, trailing only behind "Pokemon: The First Movie." Surpassing £11.7 million at the box office, it stands as the biggest anime release in the region in over two decades. Meanwhile, North America has embraced the film, making it the top-grossing original anime with a staggering $42 million and counting.
In Japan, the birthplace of anime, the movie has earned $56 million, reaffirming its resonance with audiences. Italy has witnessed unprecedented success, with the film tracking to be five times more lucrative than any previous Japanese anime. The German audience has shown immense enthusiasm, contributing to the film's position as the third-highest opening weekend for an anime title in the country.
Hayao Miyazaki's creation unfolds the captivating tale of Mahito, a young boy exploring a magical realist world where the boundaries between the living and the dead blur. As the narrative weaves between life and death, "The Boy and the Heron" captures hearts globally with its poignant storytelling.
Anime, propelled by the expanding reach of international content, is experiencing a renaissance. The UK anime box office has witnessed exponential growth in both 2022 and 2023, surpassing the combined figures of any year between 2010-2021. "The Boy and the Heron" stands as a testament to the universal appeal of anime, captivating audiences and shattering records on its magical journey around the world.