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Studio Ghibli’sPrincess Mononokeis 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 Ghiblinever misses. As difficult as it may be to choose the best from Hayao Miyazaki’s legendary body of work — which includes films likeSpirited AwayandMy Neighbor Totoro—Princess Mononokeis a strong contender for the top spot. Thehistorical fantasy anime’sgrand 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 MononokeIs Coming To IMAX In 4K
GKIDS Celebrates Studio Ghibli’s 40th Anniversary
This year,Princess Mononokeis set for anIMAX-exclusive re-release on March 26to celebrate the40th 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 sincePorco Rosso. IMAX has confirmedPrincess Mononoke’s re-releaseon 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.
1997
Re-Release Date
May 13, 2025
Princess Mononokefollows 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 Mononokeexplores 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 IsPrincess MononokeA Masterpiece?
The Studio Ghibli Anime Inspired James Cameron
Princess Mononokeholds a special place not just inStudio 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 Mononokewas a major influence onJames Cameron’sAvatar. Cameron himself acknowledged this ina 2009 interview withSankeibeforeAvatar’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 Mononokeinfluenced video games likeOri and the Blind ForestandThe 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
ThePrincess MononokeIMAX re-release 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-releasedPrincess Mononokein theaters many times, including during its annual Studio Ghibli Fest.
How And Where To Watch The Movie Online
IsPrincess MononokeMeant For Kids Or Adults?
Fans without access to an IMAX theater can watchPrincess Mononokeat 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 Mononokecan 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.
