28 years after its original release, one of the best Studio Ghibli movies is getting a restored IMAX re-release

San in warpaint next to wolf Moro in Princess Mononoke
(Image credit: Studio Ghibli)

Princess Mononoke is returning to theaters in the US and Canada – in IMAX, and with a 4K restoration.

The Studio Ghibli flick follows Ashitaka, a young Emishi prince who's exiled after being cursed by a demon. On a quest to cure himself of the curse, he becomes entangled in the conflict between Irontown and the nearby forest of the gods, including a feud between the town's leader, Lady Eboshi, and San, a young girl raised by wolves.

Originally released in 1997 and written and directed by Studio Ghibli boss Hayao Miyazaki, the voice cast for the English-language dub included Billy Crudup, Claire Danes, Billy Bob Thornton, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Gillian Anderson.

Princess Mononoke was a hit with critics and has a near-perfect score of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes. It was a success at the Japanese box office, too, becoming the highest-grossing movie in the country. Now, almost three decades later, it's still the eighth highest-grossing movie of all time in Japan.

While the re-release is limited to North America for now, it's quite likely that the movie might make its way across the pond in the near future as there have been a spate of Ghibli re-releases over the past few months. Last summer, for example, My Neighbor Totoro returned to UK cinemas, with Spirited Away following a few months later and Howl's Moving Castle set to arrive this April.

Princess Mononoke arrives in theaters in the US and Canada on March 26. For more, check out our guide to this year's biggest upcoming movies.

Entertainment Writer

I’m an Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, covering everything film and TV-related across the Total Film and SFX sections. I help bring you all the latest news and also the occasional feature too. I’ve previously written for publications like HuffPost and i-D after getting my NCTJ Diploma in Multimedia Journalism. 

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

Read more
Attack on Titan: The Last Attack
Thanks to "overwhelming demand," Attack on Titan's movie release has been extended
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim
Just two weeks after its theatrical release, Lord of the Ring: The War of Rohirrim is heading to digital
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim
The Lord of the Rings anime movie sets streaming date, meaning every movie will be available in one place
Demon Slayer Infinity Castle
Over 80 countries and 42 days: the first Demon Slayer Infinity Castle movie's remarkable staggered release plans have been revealed – including a US date
Sailor Moon
Good news Sailor Moon fans, this fan-fave '90s anime series is making a comeback
A New Dawn trailer
New anime movie from artist behind Your Name gets stunning first trailer that looks like a dreamy watercolor painting
Latest in Anime Movies
Ahead of his new Gundam series, Evangelion's director reveals he's currently writing scripts for five more anime projects
Hypnosis Mic: Division Rap Battle
A new anime movie is "the world’s first fully interactive theatrical film" with 48 different versions – and requires you to use your phone to choose its ending
Claymore
Over 20 years later, live-action adaptation of beloved Claymore manga and anime in development by Heroes star
San in warpaint next to wolf Moro in Princess Mononoke
28 years after its original release, one of the best Studio Ghibli movies is getting a restored IMAX re-release
Ultraman: Rising still from the movie
Director of popular Netflix anime Ultraman: Rising offers disappointing update on sequel
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX still of protagonist Machu
I beg of you, learn nothing more about the incredible new Gundam anime beyond the fact that you should learn nothing more about it
Latest in News
The Demon's Hand
League of Legends shadow-drops a Balatro-style roguelike, but the catch is that to complete it you'll have to actually play League of Legends
Gwyneth Paltrow in Avengers: Endgame
Gwyneth Paltrow can't believe how many Marvel movies she's been in: "That can't be right"
The Bride
Maggie Gyllenhaal’s upcoming horror movie starring Christian Bale and Jessie Buckley gets delayed in big Warner Bros. shake-up
Assassin's Creed Shadows Naoe assassinating target with Tanto skill
Assassin's Creed Shadows' day-one patch removes blood and makes shrines indestructible following backlash
Cyberpunk Turf Wars
There's an official new Cyberpunk 2077 game, but the bad news is that it's housed in a 9-foot, 1,500lb arcade machine
Assassin's Creed Shadows screenshot showing female protagonist Naoe
Not even 1 day after release, Assassin's Creed Shadows' player count on Steam already has Valhalla beat – and now it's coming for Odyssey and Origins