HBO Max & GKIDS Expand Japanese Animation Pact

HBO Max has sealed an exclusive licensing deal with GKIDS for the U.S. streaming rights to a range of Japanese animated films.

HBO Max is already the streaming home of the Studio Ghibli catalog via a deal with GKIDS. The new pact brings 20 additional live-action and animated films to the platform. The first batch of titles will launch on September 1. The slate arriving next month includes works by Makoto Shinkai, including Children Who Chase Lost Voices, as well as Fireworks and Lonely Castle in the Mirror. Titles coming to HBO Max later in 2025 and 2026 include Shin Godzilla, available for the first time in 4K, and works by Mamoru Hosoda, Masaaki Yuasa, Satoshi Kon, Mamoru Oshii, Naoko Yamada and more.

“HBO Max’s continued partnership with GKIDS indicates our commitment to bringing world-class Japanese animation and original films to our audiences,” said Royce Battleman, executive VP of global content acquisitions at Warner Bros. Discovery. “This deal, which introduces masterpieces and fan favorites to streaming for the very first time, allows us to continue delivering premium films to our subscribers and solidifies HBO Max’s position as a leading destination in the space.”

“We are excited to continue the relationship with HBO Max and to bring this exciting package to US streaming audiences,” said Dave Jesteadt, GKIDS’ president. “HBO Max’s focus on award-winning, genre-defining essential programming is a perfect match for the type of outstanding filmmaking that GKIDS champions.”

The deal was brokered by Liz Bannan Atcheson, VP of content acquisition for HBO Max, and Eric Beckman, GKIDS’ founder and CEO.