Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke is set to return to theaters nearly 28 years after its original release. Hayao Miyazaki’s classic anime will be re-released in IMAX, and what's more, it has been restored in 4K resolution for a stunning new look.
When it comes to making timeless animated movies, Studio Ghibli never misses. As difficult as it may be to choose the best from Hayao Miyazaki's legendary body of work — which includes films like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro — Princess Mononoke is a strong contender for the top spot. The historical fantasy anime’s grand re-release is an unmissable chance for fans to relive the classic, or even experience it for the first time if they haven’t.
Princess Mononoke Is Coming To IMAX In 4K
GKIDS Celebrates Studio Ghibli’s 40th Anniversary
This year, Princess Mononoke is set for an IMAX-exclusive re-release on March 26 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Studio Ghibli. GKIDS, the company best known for distributing award-winning anime in the North American market, has arranged this special re-run. The brand-new 4K restoration was overseen by cinematographer Atsushi Okui, who has worked on Ghibli films since Porco Rosso. IMAX has confirmed Princess Mononoke's re-release on social media and started ticket bookings on its website, with showtimes available for both the Japanese and English dub versions.
Two new posters for the film have also been released to commemorate this special occasion. One poster features a minimal close-up of San's iconic red mask, with a subtle mosaic of imagery from the film inside it. The other poster showcases San standing in front of Moro, her adoptive wolf mother, with a sprawling forest backdrop – also the central setting of the film’s story. A special promotional trailer cut for this re-release is also out.
What Is Princess Mononoke About?
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Film |
Princess Mononoke |
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Director |
Hayao Miyazaki |
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Original Release |
1997 |
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Studio |
Studio Ghibli |
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Distributor |
GKIDS |
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Languages |
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Visual Upgrade |
4K Remastered For IMAX |
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Re-Release Date |
March 26, 2025 |
Princess Mononoke follows the journey of a young warrior, Ashitaka, who sets out to find a cure for a deadly curse. Along the way, he meets San, a human girl raised by wolves, the people of Irontown and their leader, Lady Eboshi, as well as various animal gods and forest spirits—each locked in a long, violent conflict. Ashitaka must find a way to end the fighting, restore peace, and protect the forest, all while battling his own worsening condition.
At its core, Princess Mononoke explores themes of environmentalism and the eternal conflict between humanity and nature. The film brings nature to life by depicting it as sentient gods, such as the Deer God, the boar god Okkoto, and the wolf goddess Moro. However, it does not entirely reject human progress, acknowledging the necessity of technological advancement, even if it requires the use of natural resources. Ashitaka serves as a mediator between nature and humanity, and tries to maintain balance between the two.
Why Is Princess Mononoke A Masterpiece?
The Studio Ghibli Anime Inspired James Cameron
Princess Mononoke holds a special place not just in Studio Ghibli or anime, but in all film history. At the time of its release, it was both the most expensive animated movie ever made and went on to become the highest-grossing film in Japan. To this day, it frequently appears on various media outlets' lists of the greatest animated films of all time. And if it wasn’t already evident from the film’s “envirospiritual” subtext, Princess Mononoke was a major influence on James Cameron’s Avatar. Cameron himself acknowledged this in a 2009 interview with Sankei before Avatar's release.
I always watch Miyazaki's new works. In fact, there is a scene at the end of the movie that pays homage to Princess Mononoke.
Princess Mononoke influenced video games like Ori and the Blind Forest and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. It was a turning point in Miyazaki’s career, as it made him a Japanese cinema icon on the international stage. The film also marked a major shift in his storytelling style, with its nuanced themes influencing his later works. This evolution helped anime gain recognition not just as an art form but also as a subject of academic study.
Previous Theatrical Release History
The Princess Mononoke IMAX re-releas e isn’t its first international screening, and likely won’t be the last. Miramax Films handled its North American release distribution and English dub (translated by Neil Gaiman), but it didn’t do well. The voice cast included Billy Crudup (Ashitaka), Claire Danes (San), Minnie Driver (Lady Eboshi), Gillian Anderson (Moro), Jada Pinkett Smith (Toki), and Billy Bob Thornton (Jigo). GKIDS has re-released Princess Mononoke in theaters many times, including during its annual Studio Ghibli Fest.
How And Where To Watch The Movie Online
Is Princess Mononoke Meant For Kids Or Adults?
Fans without access to an IMAX theater can watch Princess Mononoke at home right away. In the United States, it is streaming on Max and available to rent on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Fandango. Blu-ray and DVD copies can also be purchased from the GKIDS store and Amazon. Like most Studio Ghibli films, Princess Mononoke can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages. However, younger viewers might find it a bit intense, and its deeper themes may go over their heads. Older tweens and teens will love its visuals and story, while adults can experience its profound, almost spiritual, cinematic depth.
Princess Mononoke
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- July 12, 1997
WHERE TO WATCH
- Cast
- Yôji Matsuda, Yuriko Ishida, Yûko Tanaka, Kaoru Kobayashi, Masahiko Nishimura, Tsunehiko Kamijô, Akihiro Miwa, Mitsuko Mori, Hisaya Morishige
- Runtime
- 133 Minutes
- Director
- Hayao Miyazaki
- Writers
- Hayao Miyazaki
- Main Genre
- Historical Fantasy
- Studio(s)
- Studio Ghibli
- Distributor(s)
- Toho
- Streaming Service(s)
- MAX
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.66
