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Following the passing of his mother, young Mahito journeys into a magical realm, guided by a talking heron. He finds himself in a world where the boundary between the living and the deceased blurs, and where he must confront his grief and search for a path forward. Through this extraordinary adventure, he encounters unforgettable characters and discovers profound truths about life, loss, and the enduring power of family.

Following the passing of his mother, young Mahito journeys into a magical realm, guided by a talking heron. He finds himself in a world where the boundary between the living and the deceased blurs, and where he must confront his grief and search for a path forward. Through this extraordinary adventure, he encounters unforgettable characters and discovers profound truths about life, loss, and the enduring power of family.

Does The Boy and the Heron have end credit scenes?

No!

The Boy and the Heron does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of The Boy and the Heron

Explore the complete cast of The Boy and the Heron, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for The Boy and the Heron

See how The Boy and the Heron is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where The Boy and the Heron stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

84

Overall, The Boy and the Heron delivers an immersive cinematic work defined by its exceptional artistry and sensory depth, balanced against a storyline that some viewers find challenging. The film’s meticulously hand-drawn animation and lush orchestral accompaniment create a richly detailed world that draws audiences into its symbolic layers. Character portrayals often achieve genuine emotional resonance, though a subset of viewers perceives the protagonists as distant. Narrative ambition yields moments of thematic richness, but complex structure can obscure coherence. Ultimately, the film offers a compelling blend of visual splendor and emotional insight.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for The Boy and the Heron

95
Echo Score

Art & Craft

Art and craft stand out as a primary strength of The Boy and the Heron. Reviews highlight the film’s intricate hand-drawn frames, refined color palettes, and thoughtful production design that evoke a timeless quality. The direction balances whimsy and gravity through carefully composed shots. This consistent visual artistry underscores the film’s status as a showcase of masterful animation.

80
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

When it comes to character and emotion, the film offers nuanced performances and moments of genuine feeling. Critics commend the expressive voice work and emotional beats that explore themes of loss and wonder. Some viewers, however, find the protagonists less relatable amid fantastical elements. Overall, the film achieves a largely effective emotional connection through its thoughtful portrayal of internal struggles.

70
Echo Score

Story & Flow

In terms of story and flow, The Boy and the Heron exhibits ambitious thematic depth alongside moments of narrative opacity. Many praise its inventive structure and engaging symbolism, which frame reflection on life, death, and courage. Critics note, however, that the complex plot and extended runtime can challenge coherence. Ultimately, the story offers rich ideas but uneven pacing.

90
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

The sensory experience is among the film’s most celebrated features. Reviewers describe Joe Hisaishi’s orchestral score as shimmering and exultant, while sound design amplifies atmospheric tension. Visually, the film’s cohesive color schemes and dreamlike landscapes create immersive moments. Together, these elements foster an enveloping audio-visual tapestry that enhances the narrative’s emotional and symbolic depth.

85
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

The film’s rewatch value is notably high for audiences drawn to its layered symbolism. Many appreciate its interpretive richness, which reveals fresh nuances upon subsequent viewings and encourages discussion. Some viewers find the complexity—or extended length—less conducive to repeated viewing. Nonetheless, for those engaged by its thematic depth, the film retains lasting appeal and invites revisitation.

Metacritic

91

Metascore

7.7

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

96%

TOMATOMETER

review

88%

User Score

IMDb

7.4 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

74

%

User Score

Letterboxd

3.9

From 5.9K fan ratings

Movie Insider

0.00/5

Take the Ultimate The Boy and the Heron Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of The Boy and the Heron with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


The Boy and the Heron Quiz: Test your knowledge on the enchanting and poignant tale of 'The Boy and the Heron.'

In which year does the story of 'The Boy and the Heron' take place?

Awards & Nominations for The Boy and the Heron

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Discover all the awards and nominations received by The Boy and the Heron, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how The Boy and the Heron and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


52nd Saturn Awards 2025

Nomination

Best Animated Film

96th Academy Awards 2024

Hayao Miyazaki
Win

Animated Feature Film

Hayao Miyazaki

77th British Academy Film Awards 2024

Hayao Miyazaki
Win

Best Animated Film

Hayao Miyazaki

29th Critics' Choice Awards 2024

Nomination

Best Animated Feature

51st Annual Annie Awards 2024

Win

Best Animated Feature — Independent

81st Golden Globe Awards 2024

Win

Best Motion Picture – Animated

Nomination

Best Original Score

TIFF Awards 2023 2023

Hayao Miyazaki
Nomination

People's Choice Award, Second Runner Up

Hayao Miyazaki

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for The Boy and the Heron

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Read the complete plot summary of The Boy and the Heron, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


As the war-torn skies of 1943 Tokyo reverberate with the distressing sound of sirens, a desperate Mahito Maki emerges from his home, racing toward the inferno consuming the hospital where his mother, Hisako, is trapped. His anguished cries of “Mother!” pierce the desolate streets as panic twists his features.

In the aftermath of Hisako’s tragic loss, a grief-stricken Mahito begins a new chapter in life alongside his father, Shoichi Maki, at their countryside arsenal, where they attempt to rebuild amidst the chaos of wartime. It is here that Shoichi wedlocks with Natsuko, who harbors a secret of her own: she is with child.

Settling into Natsuko’s sprawling estate, Mahito finds himself surrounded by seven enigmatic maids, drawing his attention to the elusive Grey Heron that flutters about the grounds. His intrigue leads him to a mysterious tower constructed by Natsuko’s grandfather before her birth, which conceals secrets and hidden mysteries.

As the cruel realities of war unfold, Mahito encounters bullying at school, driving him into a desperate state. He resorts to self-harm to assert his strength but is rescued from his anguish by his father. During his recovery, he discovers a treasured book from his mother titled “How Do You Live?”—a poignant reminder of her love and wisdom that now comforts him.

Yet, the shadows of Hisako’s fiery demise linger, haunting Mahito with vivid nightmares. It is in this tumultuous time that he again meets the mystical Grey Heron, which taunts him with cryptic messages and invites him into a mysterious realm. Following its call, Mahito finds himself amidst an eerie assembly of frogs, which serves as a forewarning of more trials ahead.

Sensing the looming specter of doom, the estate’s maids scramble toward the tower, leaving behind an unsettling atmosphere. In horror, Mahito witnesses Natsuko vanish into the depths of the mysterious structure, urging him to pursue her. As Mahito’s journey continues, a curious maid joins his quest towards the tower, led by the Heron’s ethereal guidance, only to uncover unsettling illusions—a vision of Hisako, who materializes only to dissipate at Mahito’s touch.

Frustrated and confused, Mahito scolds the Heron, which then conjures a diminutive, bald figure. In a bizarre turn, the Heron’s beak, pierced by an arrow made of its own feather, transforms it into a short, pudgy man, drawing Mahito and the maid into the floor below, where they navigate a mystical world.

Suddenly, Mahito finds himself on an unfamiliar island, threatened by a ravenous flock of pelicans. Thankfully, Kiriko, a resourceful sailor, rescues him from the attacking birds while chastising him for his reckless actions. As they journey back to her home, Kiriko shares chilling tales of phantoms that haunt her mystical world.

Once at her abode, Kiriko looks after the Warawara—tiny, marshmallow-like spirits dependent on her nourishment to transcend into the spirit world. As they prepare a feast together, Mahito begins unraveling the truth about Kiriko’s identity, realizing she is none other than the maid that accompanied him into the spirit realm, surrounded by figurines of the other elderly maids from her past.

When night descends, Mahito and Kiriko witness the ascension of the Warawara, interrupted by a sudden attack from more pelicans. Amid the chaos, Lady Himi, a girl with fiery abilities, appears just in time. Mahito’s next encounter is with the lead Noble Pelican, Willem Dafoe, whose dying whisper reveals that the pelicans’ actions against the Warawara were borne out of sheer desperation.

Still battling his inner turmoil, Mahito shares a meal with the Heron for what may be the last time, as Himi’s assistance becomes crucial in repairing the Heron’s beak, freeing it from its natural constraints. However, their reunion proves fleeting, as Mahito soon finds himself amidst gigantic parakeets claiming to lead him to Natsuko—though their true motives are far from innocent. Fortunately, Himi intervenes, utilizing her fiery powers to scatter the aggressive creatures and reveal their deception.

Enlightened by Himi, Mahito learns she is Natsuko’s sister and that the Tower Master—the figure entwined with the celestial mysteries—created this realm along with its portals. Himi is determined to help Mahito reach a portal that could return him to his world. Yet, as they move forward, they are relentlessly pursued by the parakeets, and Mahito’s father, along with the maids, frantically search for both him and Natsuko.

Resolute not to abandon his quest, Mahito chooses to remain in the mystical realm to reunite with Natsuko. However, he ultimately succumbs to unconsciousness. During his slumber, a maid divulges the tower’s haunted history, establishing it was crafted from a meteorite—an event preceding Hisako’s unexplained disappearance a year before her return.

Mahito is summoned by the enigmatic Granduncle, who perceives potential in him as a successor. The elder seeks to draw upon Mahito’s lineage and pure intentions to liberate this world from its encumbering horrors. Mahito acknowledges his scar, a physical testament to the darkness he confronts.

Upon awakening, Mahito finds himself ensnared by the parakeets once more. The vigilant Heron infiltrates their territory, dispatching foes to rescue Mahito. Together, they converge at the chamber where Natsuko is imprisoned. However, when Mahito attempts to liberate her, a mystical energy encircles them, rendering her cold and indifferent towards him. His declaration that she will be his mother ignites a flicker of recognition that allows her animosity to fade and her true self to resurface.

As Mahito and the Heron embark on a bold mission to rescue Himi from the clutches of the Parakeet King (Dave Bautista), they stumble into a convoluted plot. The Parakeet King, in covert partnership with Granduncle, works to maintain dominion over his forces and the precarious balance of this whimsical world. Once liberated, Mahito is faced with a heart-wrenching decision: to continue under Granduncle’s guidance or carve his path, preserving the friendships nurtured amidst turmoil. Enraged by Mahito’s reluctance to submit, the Parakeet King topples Granduncle’s towering creation, sending shockwaves that threaten to fracture reality itself.

As the world spirals into chaos, Granduncle disappears, delivering a heartfelt farewell to his descendants. Himi bids Mahito and Natsuko goodbye, unveiling her identity as a younger Hisako—a twist that significantly alters the trajectory of their lives.

In the wake of the world-ending catastrophe, Mahito and his companions embark on a desperate flight through the collapsing landscape, narrowly escaping as reality crumbles. In the aftermath, Mahito reunites with Shoichi and Natsuko, alongside Kiriko, who, bearing the wisdom of their shared past, shows Mahito the importance of their connection. The Heron, in its unwavering guidance, imparts its final words of wisdom, reminding Mahito that eventually, he may forget the world they leave behind—a poignant reflection on the profound bonds created through their adventures.

Two years later, Mahito returns to a transformed Tokyo with Shoichi, Natsuko, and his younger brother—his journey now a tangible testament to the enduring strength of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for The Boy and the Heron

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from The Boy and the Heron. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Official English Trailer

Official Trailer 2

Behind the Scenes of “The Boy and the Heron”(君たちはどう生きるか)[Subtitled]

Joe Hisaishi on the Piano

Joe Hisaishi Conducts "The Last Smile"

Guillermo del Toro on Hayao Miyazaki's The Boy and the Heron

Kenshi Yonezu & Masaki Suda on working with Hayao Miyazaki [Subtitled]

Hayao Miyazaki's THE BOY AND THE HERON is a Staggering Work of Imagination | TIFF 2023

'The Boy and the Heron' | Scene at The Academy

Toshio Suzuki on Hayao Miyazaki & the Future of Animation [Subtitled]

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


magicgriefworld war twoparakeetfiredeathloss of motherghostheronstudio ghibli1940syear 1943maidmotherbirdstepmother stepson relationshiphuman animal relationshipself inflicted injuryfishsecret passagewaypelicantalking to one's dead motheryounger version of charactereccentric uncleinterdimensional travelkingfloodingshapeshiftingsearching for one's mothergranduncle grandniece relationshipgranduncle grandnephew relationshipafterlifeanthropomorphismdeath of motheranime animationhand drawn animationtraditional animationlifepowerpacific war20th centuryfatherschoolstudentarsenalmeteoriteaunthitting one's head with a rockbloodlie

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