HBO Max is significantly expanding its collection of Japanese cinema, announcing an agreement with GKIDS to add 20 acclaimed animated and live-action films to its streaming library, with the first wave set to arrive on September 1, 2025. This deal not only reinforces HBO Max’s position as the exclusive U.S. streaming home for Studio Ghibli but also introduces a diverse range of celebrated works, many of which will be available in 4K for the first time on a streaming platform, and some making their North American streaming debut.
First Wave of Titles Arriving September 1
The initial rollout on September 1 will feature a compelling selection of films, including several from renowned director Makoto Shinkai. Among the highly anticipated titles in this first batch is Shinkai’s Golden Globe-nominated hit, Your Name., which will debut in 4K.
Other films set for release on September 1, 2025, include:
- Children Who Chase Lost Voices (dir. Makoto Shinkai)
- Fireworks (dir. Akiyuki Shinbo, Noboyuki Takeuchi)
- Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko (dir. Ayumu Watanabe) – North American Streaming Debut
- Ghost Cat Anzu (dir. Yôko Kuno, Nobuhiro Yamashita) – North American Streaming Debut
- Lonely Castle in the Mirror (dir. Keiichi Hara) – North American Streaming Debut
- Love & Pop (dir. Hideaki Anno) – North American Streaming Debut
- The Place Promised in Our Early Days (dir. Makoto Shinkai)
Many of these films will be exclusive to HBO Max in the United States, with several making their streaming premieres or returning after long absences from streaming platforms.
Upcoming Additions in Late 2025 and 2026
Beyond the initial September 1 launch, HBO Max subscribers can anticipate a steady stream of additional critically acclaimed Japanese films throughout late 2025 and into 2026. This subsequent wave promises significant titles, including some making their 4K streaming debut and others their North American streaming debut.
Key films slated for later release include:
- Angel’s Egg (dir. Mamoru Oshii) – North American Streaming Debut, 4K Streaming Debut. This 1985 art film, directed by Mamoru Oshii (Ghost in the Shell), will be legally available to stream in the U.S. for the first time.
- Shin Godzilla (dir. Hideaki Anno, co-director Shinji Higuchi) – 4K Streaming Debut. This critically acclaimed live-action kaiju film, celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2026, will be available in stunning 4K.
- Perfect Blue (dir. Satoshi Kon) – 4K Streaming Debut.
- Millennium Actress (dir. Satoshi Kon)
- Mind Game (dir. Masaaki Yuasa)
- Summer Wars (dir. Mamoru Hosoda) – 4K Streaming Debut.
- The Boy and the Beast (dir. Mamoru Hosoda) – 4K Streaming Debut.
- The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (dir. Mamoru Hosoda) – 4K Streaming Debut.
- Wolf Children (dir. Mamoru Hosoda)
- Liz and the Blue Bird (dir. Naoko Yamada)
- Lu Over the Wall (dir. Masaaki Yuasa)
- The Colors Within (dir. Naoko Yamada) – North American Streaming Debut.
This extensive lineup also includes works from other celebrated directors such as Naoko Yamada and Masaaki Yuasa.
HBO Max’s Commitment to Japanese Animation
This expanded, multiyear licensing agreement with GKIDS solidifies HBO Max’s dedication to becoming a premier destination for world-class Japanese animation and original films in the U.S. Royce Battleman, EVP, Global Content Acquisitions at Warner Bros. Discovery, stated that the continued partnership with GKIDS demonstrates their commitment to bringing “masterpieces and fan favorites to streaming for the very first time,” enhancing HBO Max’s position in the space. This deal complements HBO Max’s existing exclusive U.S. streaming rights to the Studio Ghibli catalog, also distributed by GKIDS.
