The Boy and the Heron Emerges Victorious over Godzilla Minus One at US Box Office

The Boy and the Heron has just surpassed Godzilla Minus One at the US box office, earning the top spot. The Studio Ghibli film has garnered high praise and holds a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It premiered in the US on December 8, 2023.

According to Box Office Mojo, The Boy and the Heron raked in approximately 12.8 million USD during its opening weekend. While it has overtaken Godzilla Minus One in terms of ranking, it's worth noting that the latter also enjoyed significant success upon its US release on December 1, 2023.

The Boy and the Heron's global performance

As of now, the Godzilla movie has amassed a total of 25.3 million USD. Due to its extended run in theaters, its overall earnings are marginally greater than the Hayao Miyazaki film.

Hayao Miyazaki's latest film has been a major success internationally. As of now, the film has grossed approximately 97 million USD worldwide. It made its debut in Japan on July 14, 2023, and brought in around 56 million USD. The film was later released in South Korea on October 25, 2023, where it earned about 14.65 million USD.

The Boy and the Heron continued their journey to Spain and Turkey on October 27, 2023. The performance in these countries, however, did not match that of other European countries, with total collections amounting to 1.4 million USD and 169,306 USD, respectively. The film premiered in France on November 1, 2023 and managed to generate 11.1 million USD.

Hayao Miyazaki's film, The Boy and the Heron, was released in the Czech Republic on November 23, 2023, and grossed 147,242 USD. The film was also screened in Norway, but its performance fell short of expectations, only managing to generate 219,486 USD. It is important to note that all figures mentioned in the article are according to the data published by Box Office Mojo.

The Boy and the Heron plot in brief

A still from the movie showcasing Mahito and the talking heron (Image via Studio Ghibli)

The tale follows Mahito, a young boy grappling with the challenge of settling into a new town following the loss of his mother. However, everything changes when he encounters a talking heron who reveals that his mother is alive, leading Mahito into a whole new magical world.

Stay tuned for more anime and manga news as 2023 progresses.

Editor's P/S

As a passionate fan of Studio Ghibli films, I am thrilled to see The Boy and the Heron achieve such remarkable success at the US box office. Hayao Miyazaki's latest masterpiece has captivated audiences worldwide with its enchanting storytelling and breathtaking animation, surpassing even the highly anticipated Godzilla Minus One. The film's heartwarming tale of a young boy's journey of self-discovery and the power of friendship has resonated deeply with viewers, making it a truly deserving winner.

The film's global success is a testament to Miyazaki's enduring legacy and his ability to create timeless stories that transcend cultural boundaries. The Boy and the Heron has not only achieved commercial success but has also received critical acclaim, with a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This recognition further solidifies Miyazaki's position as one of the greatest filmmakers of our time. I eagerly anticipate the film's continued success and look forward to experiencing more of Miyazaki's magical worlds in the future.