HBO Max To Add More Anime And Live Action Films Through Deal With GKIDS

A number of additional adult animated and live action films are set to be added to the HBO Max catalog over the next year. The new arrivals are the result of an exclusive licensing deal with GKIDS.

Max already had a deal in place with GKIDS. In fact, an extension of this U.S. licensing deal in 2024 ensured the Studio Ghibli catalog remained available on the streaming service.

Now, as part of the newest deal, a batch of movies will arrive on HBO Max next month, some of which will be available to stream in North America for the first time.

Titles Available September 1st

• Children Who Chase Lost Voices
• Fireworks
• Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko (North American Streaming Debut)
• Ghost Cat Anzu (North American Streaming Debut)
• Lonely Castle in the Mirror (North American Streaming Debut)
• Love & Pop (North American Streaming Debut)
• The Place Promised in Our Early Days
• Your Name. (4K Streaming Debut)

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

In addition to the above titles, more anime and live action films will become available to stream later in 2025 and 2026.

These Coming Later In 2025 And 2026

• Angel’s Egg (North American Streaming Debut, 4K Streaming Debut)
• Liz and the Blue Bird
• Lu Over the Wall
• Millennium Actress
• Mind Game
• Perfect Blue (4K Streaming Debut)
• Shin Godzilla (4K Streaming Debut)
• Summer Wars (4K Streaming Debut)
• The Boy and the Beast (4K Streaming Debut)
• The Colors Within (North American Streaming Debut)
• The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (4K Streaming Debut)
• Wolf Children (4K Streaming Debut)

“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, EVP, 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.”