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● Movie Guide · Last updated May 13, 2026

The Boy and the Heron: Plot, Cast, Ending & Where to Watch

2023 · Japan · Animation, Fantasy, Drama · 2h 04m · Japanese

The Boy and the Heron is a 2023 Japan animation film directed by Hayao Miyazaki. This guide covers the plot, full cast, an overview of the ending, where to watch, and similar films you might want next.

Read Ending Explained → Movies Like The Boy and the Heron Where to Watch
AnimationFantasyNotable
Original Title
The Boy and the Heron
Director
Hayao Miyazaki
Writers
Hayao Miyazaki
Country
Japan
Runtime
2h 04m
Release
Jul 14, 2023
§ 01 Plot · 6 min read

The Boy and the Heron Plot Summary

The Boy and the Heron is a 2023 Japanese animated fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. Produced by Studio Ghibli, the film's Japanese title references Genzaburō Yoshino's 1937 novel How Do You Live? but is not an adaptation of it. The film stars the voices of Soma Santoki, Masaki Suda, Ko Shibasaki, Aimyon, Yoshino Kimura, Takuya Kimura, Kaoru Kobayashi, and Shinobu Otake. It follows a boy named Mahito Maki who moves to the countryside after his mother's death, discovers an abandoned tower near his new home, and enters a fantastical world with a talking grey heron.

● Quick takeaway

While the Second World War rages, the teenage Mahito, haunted by his mother's tragic death, is relocated from Tokyo to the serene rural home of his new stepmother Natsuko, a…

§ 02 Cast · 6 roles

Cast and Characters

Soma Santoki headshot
Soma Santoki
as Mahito Maki (voice)
Plays Mahito Maki (voice).
Masaki Suda headshot
Masaki Suda
as Gray Heron (voice)
Plays Gray Heron (voice).
Ko Shibasaki headshot
Ko Shibasaki
as Kiriko (voice)
Plays Kiriko (voice).
Aimyon headshot
Aimyon
as Lady Himi (voice)
Plays Lady Himi (voice).
Yoshino Kimura headshot
Yoshino Kimura
as Natsuko (voice)
Plays Natsuko (voice).
Takuya Kimura headshot
Takuya Kimura
as Shoichi Maki (voice)
Plays Shoichi Maki (voice).
§ 03 · Spoiler Zone · Read with care

Ending Overview

How does The Boy and the Heron end? Our spoiler-aware breakdown walks through the final act beat by beat — including the choices, motivations, and ambiguous final shot that viewers most often debate.

Read full Ending Explained →
§ 04 Watch · Updated May 13

Where to Watch The Boy and the Heron

Availability may vary by region and change over time.

H
HBO Max
Streaming · Subscription
● Available
H
HBO Max Amazon Channel
Streaming · Subscription
● Available
A
Amazon Video
Rent
● Available
A
Apple TV Store
Rent
● Available
View all regions & options →
§ 06

Frequently Asked

What is The Boy and the Heron about?

While the Second World War rages, the teenage Mahito, haunted by his mother's tragic death, is relocated from Tokyo to the serene rural home of his new stepmother Natsuko, a woman who bears a striking resemblance to the boy's mother.

Where can I watch The Boy and the Heron?

See the Where to Watch section below for the current streaming, rental, and purchase options in your region.