Elysian Film Group and Anonymous Content today announced that they are re-releasing two classic Studio Ghibli films across UK and Irish cinemas. Longtime fans and new viewers of Studio Ghibli can experience the Oscar-winning SPIRITED AWAY on the big screen once again on 26th December 2024, followed by the mystical HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE in cinemas 11th April 2025.
Both films, directed by legendary Academy Award-winning filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, follow the successful summer theatrical re-release of his family favourite, MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO, along with the success of the US 20th anniversary re-release of HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE.
This news also comes hot on the heels of the remarkable success of Miyazaki’s latest film, THE BOY AND THE HERON, which premiered in the UK and ROI Boxing Day last year and went on to become the highest-grossing Studio Ghibli release in UK history. Most recently, THE BOY AND THE HERON soared in the UK Home Entertainment chart.
“Spirited Away” – Back in Cinemas This Boxing Day
Winner of the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, SPIRITED AWAY is a “must see masterpiece” (Digital Spy) that follows Chihiro trapped in a fantastical world full of spirits and demons and continues to be celebrated as “the great treasure of 21st-century animation” (Financial Times) and a “a magical experience” (Empire) for family audiences.
With its “Mind-bogglingly superb animation” (The Guardian), SPIRITED AWAY is considered by many critics as one of the greatest films of all time. The Evening Standard called the film “vivid, amusing, and genuinely awe-inspiring,” with Dazed describing it as “pure pleasure” and “a total joy.”
“Howl’s Moving Castle” – Returns to Cinemas Easter 2025
The Academy Award®-nominated fantasy, HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE recently grossed close to $4 million for the 20th anniversary US re-release and Elysian are excited to have UK and ROI audiences swept away by the handsome wizard Howl in the gorgeous romantic fantasy. An adventure for the whole family, the April 11th release next year will extend its renewed appreciation.
Nick McKay of Elysian Film Group adds “The world-building of HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE never ceases to amaze, and on the big screen it is truly a treasure to behold. We are thrilled to be bringing it back to UK and Irish cinemas, with its beauty and themes of anti-war and feminism remaining as evocative and moving as they did upon its initial release.
A Celebration of Studio Ghibli’s Legacy
Elysian are thrilled to announce the return of these two iconic Studio Ghibli films to cinemas across the UK & Ireland. Bringing these timeless classics back to the big screen for families and fans continues Elysian’s commitment to celebrating Studio Ghibli’s extraordinary legacy. Following the successful re-release of MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO last summer, Elysian is proud to offer another Ghibli experience this Boxing Day, as it did last year with THE BOY AND THE HERON. This year, audiences can enjoy the festive magic of SPIRITED AWAY, along with the re-release of HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE in early 2025.
These events highlight the growing tradition of re-celebrating Studio Ghibli’s masterpieces during special occasions and holiday periods.
SPIRITED AWAY
Chihiro’s family is moving to a new house, but when they stop on the way to explore an abandoned village, her parents undergo a mysterious transformation and Chihiro is whisked into a world of fantastic spirits ruled over by the sorceress Yubaba. Put to work in a magical bathhouse for spirits and demons, Chihiro must use all her wits to survive in this strange new place, find a way to free her parents and return to the normal world. Overflowing with imaginative creatures and thrilling storytelling, Spirited Away became a worldwide smash hit, and is one of the most critically-acclaimed films of all time.
HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE
Sophie, a quiet girl working in a hat shop, finds her life thrown into turmoil when she is literally swept off her feet by a handsome but mysterious wizard named Howl. The vain and vengeful Witch of the Waste, jealous of their friendship, puts a curse on Sophie and turns her into a 90-year-old woman. On a quest to break the spell, Sophie climbs aboard Howl’s magnificent moving castle and into a new life of wonder and adventure. But as the true power of Howl’s wizardry is revealed, Sophie finds herself fighting to protect them both from a dangerous war of sorcery that threatens their world. Featuring the voice talents of Lauren Bacall, Christian Bale, Billy Crystal, Blythe Danner, Emily Mortimer, and Jean Simmons.
