The Boy and the Heron (2023)
A grieving boy navigates a surreal, dreamlike world where whimsy and melancholy intertwine after a family tragedy.
While the Second World War rages, the teenage Mahito, haunted by his mother's tragic death, is relocated from Tokyo to the serene rural home of his new stepmother Natsuko, a woman who bears a striking resemblance to the boy's mother. As he tries to adjust, this strange new world grows even stranger following the appearance of a persistent gray heron, who perplexes and bedevils Mahito, dubbing him the "long-awaited one."
How intense is The Boy and the Heron?
The Boy and the Heron is mildly scary, with no gore and some violence. Emotionally it is heavy. The pace is measured, and it is a full-attention watch and a late-night trip. Rated PG-13.
What The Boy and the Heron feels like
- Tone
- whimsicalmelancholydreamlikeatmosphericsurreal
- Pace
- Measured
- Best for
- Full attentionLate night
Where to stream The Boy and the Heron
US availability via TMDB, last checked Sep 15, 2026. The app filters picks to the services you actually have.
Is The Boy and the Heron for you?
Is The Boy and the Heron scary?
Only a little. The Boy and the Heron has a few tense moments (scare level 1 of 3), nothing that follows you to bed.
Is The Boy and the Heron gory or violent?
No gore (0 of 3) and some violence (1 of 3). Squeamish viewers are fine here.
Is The Boy and the Heron sad or heavy?
It is emotionally heavy (2 of 3). Expect it to land.
Is The Boy and the Heron OK for kids?
It is rated PG-13. Intensity: scare 1, gore 0, violence 1, each out of 3. Your call for older kids.
How long is The Boy and the Heron?
The Boy and the Heron runs 2h 4m.
Where can I stream The Boy and the Heron?
The Boy and the Heron is streaming on Max.
Does The Boy and the Heron have a happy ending? spoiler-safe answer
It leaves the ending open to interpretation.
Cast and crew
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