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Hayao Miyazaki is one of the most prominent Japanese animators cum filmmakers cum manga artists of all time, and all of his projects are the living proof of that. But while the 82-year-old co-founder of Studio Ghibli may have started his career as an animator six decades ago in 1963 and earned international acclamation as a master storyteller, his movies weren’t able to break records in the US up until recently.
And by ‘recently’, we refer to his most recent fantasy adventure anime movie,The Boy and the Heron. This film not only broke records in American cinemas for the first time but also set a whole new level of competition for other animators with its sparkling success!
Also Read:“He wasn’t able to continue that story”: Hayao Miyazaki Changed The Boy and the Heron Storyline After a Personal Tragedy That Wrecked Him
Hayao Miyazaki’sThe Boy and the HeronBreaks Records In The US
Also Read:Hayao Miyazaki Apologized to ‘The Boy and the Heron’ Original Actor for the Role That Will Be Voiced by Robert Pattinson
Although Hayao Miyazaki’s Japanese animated films have previously survived at American Cinemas pretty finely, none of them has had such vast success as the recently releasedThe Boy and the Heron.
As per the tweet posted by@DiscussingFilm on X, the movie not only opened at #1 in the United States with a whopping $12.8 million, but it also became the first-ever film from Miyazaki to have broken the record to become #1 at the US box offices.
Hayao Miyazaki’s ‘THE BOY AND THE HERON’ opens at #1 in the US with $12.8M.
First ever Miyazaki film to become #1 at the US box office.
Read our review:https://t.co/iaAQBWgNEUpic.twitter.com/KwwgshhhTU
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm)July 18, 2025
The Boy and the Heronfeatures the story of a 12-year-old boy named Mahito, who struggles with life after moving to a new town after the loss of his mother. However, a little later, he encounters a talking heron who informs him that his mother is still alive. Thus, in search of her, he discovers and enters an abandoned tower that takes him to a whole new, different, and magical world.
To put it in a nutshell, the film revolves around the themes of growing up in a world affected by war and loss all the while serving as a semi-autobiographical reflection on life, death, and the actions and consequences of the creation. All in all,Hayao Miyazaki‘s imaginative storytelling skills have been on full display in this movie, making it as interesting as it could be.
Also Read:“It’s tough being a Japanese god today”: Hayao Miyazaki’s Obsession Made His Oscar-Winning Studio Ghibli Movie Possible Despite Risking His American Fanbase
Fans React ToThe Boy and the Heron‘s Exceptional Success
After hearing about the massive success of Hayao Miyazaki’s recent hit and the recordsThe Boy and the Heronbroke at American cinemas for the first time, fans have been geared up to praise the animator for such an incredible success of finally being truly recognized and appreciated.
While some, who hadn’t watched the movie before, are now more hyped up about seeing it than ever, others, who have already watched it, pile up to share their honest reviews on the film. Taking to X, here’s what they have to say:
This movie was peakkk
— Eli (@sameoldeli)June 13, 2025
Saw it with my brother and sister last night and you know what guys, I think this Miyazaki has some real promise in him.pic.twitter.com/k5sQcOrwAV
— kaley (@loonalovegood25)June 27, 2025
It was good. I plan on a second viewing tomorrow.
— Cory G (@EthanM1834)August 16, 2025
My first ever studio ghibili movie watch in theatres. Really enjoyed the experience.
— Griffin Quigley (@quigley46)August 15, 2025
Could’ve made more with a bigger release!!!His movies deserve better treatment in the US
— Stella Sassier (@stella_sassier)June 21, 2025
We will be therepic.twitter.com/nLdEvWM1Aa
— Tosin (@AdewolaTosin)July 29, 2025
Can’t wait to watchpic.twitter.com/i7um0KSaKC
i’m definitely going to see it
— mrs. venus ✨ (@iJaadee)July 11, 2025
From all these comments, one thing is evident: Hayao Miyazaki is one of the best animators cum filmmakers to ever exist, and people who think otherwise should rethink their decision after watchingThe Boy and the Heron!
Mahin Sultan
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2478
Mahin Sultan is a Senior Writer at FandomWire, where she brings a fresh perspective to entertainment news. Having been in the field for over 3 years now, she has already written more than 2,000 articles across a variety of niches, from entertainment to health and fashion. This diverse experience has allowed her to quickly build a solid foundation and a deep understanding of the industry.
