Studio Ghibli’s animated adventure movie “The Boy and the Heron” has taken the world by storm, captivating audiences across Europe, Asia, and North America. Breaking records and setting new milestones, this film has become a game-changer for the anime industry. Hot on the heels of its historic Golden Globes win as the first non-English animated feature, “The Boy and the Heron” has achieved remarkable success at the box office.
“The Boy and the Heron” has left an indelible mark in the UK and Ireland, solidifying its place as director Hayao Miyazaki’s highest-grossing title ever in the region. With an impressive box office gross of £3.9M, it surpassed the earnings of Miyazaki’s previous masterpieces like “Spirited Away” (£1.1M, 2003), “Howl’s Moving Castle” (£999k, 2005), and “Ponyo” (£880k, 2010). Moreover, it stands as the second-highest grossing anime film of all time in the UK and Ireland, trailing only behind “Pokemon: The First Movie” (£11.7M, 2000). “The Boy and the Heron” has made history as the most successful anime release in the region in over two decades.
Across the ocean, “The Boy and the Heron” has also left an indelible mark. In Japan, where anime has a devoted fanbase, the film has become the highest-grossing original anime film ever released, raking in an astounding $56M at the box office and counting. Its success in North America has been equally remarkable, generating over $42M in ticket sales and captivating audiences with its magical storytelling.
Italy has been particularly enchanted by “The Boy and the Heron.” The film is predicted to surpass the box office earnings of any previous Japanese anime release, already achieving an impressive $4.3M within its first week of release. By the third day, it had already surpassed the records set by other popular anime films. The Italian audience has been captivated by the unique storyline and breathtaking animation.
A German Opening Weekend Triumph
“The Boy and the Heron” even found success in Germany, where it witnessed the third-highest opening weekend of all time for an anime title. The film’s captivating narrative and visually stunning animation have resonated with German audiences, solidifying its place as a cultural phenomenon.
The Global Rise of Anime
The phenomenal success of “The Boy and the Heron” is not an isolated event but rather a testament to the growing popularity of anime worldwide. The global proliferation of international content has given rise to a newfound appreciation for anime, with the UK anime box office experiencing exponential growth between 2022 and 2023. “The Boy and the Heron” stands as a shining example of how anime can transcend cultural barriers and captivate audiences on a global scale.
“The Boy and the Heron” has set a new standard for anime, breaking box office records and captivating audiences around the world. With its enchanting storyline, breathtaking animation, and universally relatable themes, this film has become a cultural phenomenon. Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki have once again proven their mastery of the art form, cementing their place as legendary figures in the anime industry. As the success of “The Boy and the Heron” continues to soar, it heralds a new era of global recognition and appreciation for the incredible world of anime.