HBO Max and GKIDS Announce Major 20 Deal for Adult Animated Films

HBO Max and GKIDS have expanded their partnership with a new 20-title deal, solidifying HBO Max as a top destination for critically acclaimed Japanese animated films in the U.S. This new agreement builds upon HBO Max’s existing exclusive U.S. rights to the Studio Ghibli catalog.

The first batch of films from the deal will become available on the streaming service on September 1. This includes several works from filmmaker Makoto Shinkai, such as Children Who Chase Lost Voices and The Place Promised in Our Early Days. His film Your Name. will also make its streaming debut in 4K. Other films in this initial release are Fireworks, Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko, Ghost Cat Anzu, Lonely Castle in the Mirror, and Love & Pop.

The deal also includes future releases in 2025 and 2026, featuring films from renowned directors like Mamoru Hosoda, Satoshi Kon, Mamoru Oshii, and Naoko Yamada. Several of these titles, including Shin Godzilla, Summer Wars, and Perfect Blue, will also be available for the first time in 4K on the platform.