GKIDS
{{Short description|American animated films distributor}}
{{advert|date=October 2020}}
{{Use American English|date=February 2020}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Infobox company
| name = GKIDS
| logo = File:GKIDS logo.svg
| caption =
| type = Subsidiary
| parent = Toho International
(2025–present)
| founded = {{start date and age|2008}}
| founder = Eric Beckman
| key_people = {{Plainlist|
}}
| location_city = 225 Broadway, Lower Manhattan, New York City
| location_country = U.S.
| industry = {{Plainlist|
}}
| products = {{Plainlist|
}}
| homepage = {{url|https://gkids.com}}
}}
GKIDS is an American film and television distributor owned by Toho International. Based in New York City,{{cite web |author=Rebecca Keegan |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-xpm-2012-nov-14-la-et-mn-gkids-foreign-film20121114-story.html |title=GKIDS' winning pitch as the go-to market for foreign animated films - latimes |website=Articles.latimes.com |date=November 14, 2012 |access-date=September 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307161724/http://articles.latimes.com/2012/nov/14/entertainment/la-et-mn-gkids-foreign-film20121114 |archive-date=March 7, 2016 |url-status=live}} GKIDS releases mostly international animated films and television series to North American audiences,{{cite web |url=https://www.vox.com/culture/2015/12/9/9873262/boy-and-the-world-clip |title=Watch: the power and beauty of hand-drawn animation, in less than 2 minutes |date=December 9, 2015 |publisher=Vox |access-date=September 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812160352/http://www.vox.com/culture/2015/12/9/9873262/boy-and-the-world-clip |archive-date=August 12, 2016 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.awn.com/news/gkids-picks-studio-ghibli-only-yesterday |title=GKIDS Picks Up Studio Ghibli's 'Only Yesterday' | Animation World Network |website=Awn.com |date=August 24, 2015 |access-date=September 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120043754/http://www.awn.com/news/gkids-picks-studio-ghibli-only-yesterday |archive-date=January 20, 2017 |url-status=live}} as well as American films by independent filmmakers.{{Cite web|title=Films|url=https://gkids.com/films/|access-date=2021-01-20|website=GKIDS Films|language=en-US|archive-date=June 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614161845/https://gkids.com/films/|url-status=live}} The name is said to be an acronym for "Guerrilla Kids International Distribution Syndicate".{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2017/film/spotlight/eric-beckman-gkids-the-breadwinner-secret-of-kells-annecy-1202456408/|title=GKids' Founder Eric Beckman Champions Independent Voices in Animation|last=Clement|first=Nick|date=June 8, 2017|work=Variety|access-date=June 28, 2018|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628204904/https://variety.com/2017/film/spotlight/eric-beckman-gkids-the-breadwinner-secret-of-kells-annecy-1202456408/|archive-date=June 28, 2018|url-status=live}}
In October 2024, it was announced GKIDS would be sold to Japanese entertainment company Toho, becoming a subsidiary of the Los Angeles-based Toho International.{{cite web |last=Tangcay |first=Jazz |date=October 15, 2024 |title=Animation Distributor GKIDS Acquired by Japan's Toho |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/gkids-acquired-toho-animation-1236178963/ |access-date=October 16, 2024 |website=Variety}} GKIDS was officially acquired by Toho in 2025.{{Cite web |date=April 14, 2025 |title=TOHO Mid-Term Plan 2028 |url=https://www.toho.co.jp/assets/pdf/company/TOHO_Mid-Term_Plan_2028.pdf |access-date=June 3, 2025 |publisher=Toho |page=4}}
History
GKIDS was founded by Eric Beckman in 2008. He previously co-founded and ran the New York International Children's Film Festival.{{cite web|title=About us |url=http://www.gkids.tv/aboutus.cfm |work=GKIDS.tv |publisher=GKIDS |access-date=February 8, 2012 |date=February 2008 |quote=GKIDS is the producer of the fabulous New York International Children's Film Festival (NYICFF), ... Since its inception in 1997, ... This year's festival runs from February 29 to March 16 in multiple theaters around New York City. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080204210124/http://www.gkids.tv/aboutus.cfm |archive-date=February 4, 2008}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/27/nyregion/new-york-international-childrens-film-festival-showcases-dozens-of-works.html?_r=1 |title=New York International Children's Film Festival Showcases Dozens of Works - the New York Times |website=The New York Times |access-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181014010208/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/27/nyregion/new-york-international-childrens-film-festival-showcases-dozens-of-works.html?_r=1 |archive-date=October 14, 2018 |url-status=dead}} Their first general release was Azur & Asmar, a French film dubbed in English for British and Irish audiences.
The company attained national recognition with the 2010 release of The Secret of Kells,{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/03/movies/awardsseason/03kells.html |title=?Secret of Kells? Takes on Animation Big Boys in Oscar Races - NYTimes.com |website=The New York Times |access-date=February 10, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120201084451/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/03/movies/awardsseason/03kells.html |archive-date=February 1, 2012}} which received a nomination for Best Animated Feature at the 82nd Academy Awards.{{cite web |url=https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2010 |title= 2010 | Oscars.org | Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences |website= Oscars.org |date= March 7, 2010 |access-date= September 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417095231/https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2010 |archive-date= April 17, 2018 |url-status= live}} They also received two more Best Animated Feature nominations at the 84th Academy Awards, Spanish-language Chico and Rita and French-language A Cat in Paris.{{cite web |url=https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2012 |title=2012 | Oscars.org | Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences |website=Oscars.org |date=February 26, 2012 |access-date=September 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417095424/https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2012 |archive-date=April 17, 2018 |url-status=live}} Both nominations were considered highly surprising by film insiders,{{cite web |url=http://www.craveonline.com/culture/181765-the-2012-oscar-nominations-weird-us-out |title=The 2012 Oscar Nominations Weird Us Out |website=CraveOnline.com |date=January 24, 2012 |access-date=September 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304142226/http://www.craveonline.com/culture/181765-the-2012-oscar-nominations-weird-us-out |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/oscars-cartoon-snub-tintin-arthur-christmas-pixar-287831 |title=Why Oscar Snubbed Pixar, 'Tintin,' 'Arthur Christmas' for Best Cartoon |newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter |date=February 7, 2012 |access-date=September 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308031150/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/oscars-cartoon-snub-tintin-arthur-christmas-pixar-287831 |archive-date=March 8, 2016 |url-status=live}} beating out such notables as The Adventures of Tintin and Cars 2.{{cite web |last=Yamato |first=Jen |url=http://movieline.com/2012/02/16/john-carter-producer-pixar-backlash-to-blame-for-cars-2-oscar-snub/ |title=John Carter Producer: Pixar Backlash to Blame for Cars 2 Oscar Snub? |website=Movieline.com |date=February 16, 2012 |access-date=September 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125124719/http://movieline.com/2012/02/16/john-carter-producer-pixar-backlash-to-blame-for-cars-2-oscar-snub/ |archive-date=November 25, 2016 |url-status=live}} This marked the first time that an independent distributor had two films in the Best Animated Feature category in the same year,{{cite news|last=Kilday|first=Gregg|title=Independent Distributor GKIDS Makes Its Mark With Two Oscar Nominations|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/oscars-animation-gkids-chico-rita-cat-paris-290165|access-date=June 12, 2012|work=The Hollywood Reporter|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430153139/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/oscars-animation-gkids-chico-rita-cat-paris-290165|archive-date=April 30, 2012|url-status=live}} a decision which Puss in Boots director Chris Miller said indicated the academy's "respect for diversity."{{cite web|url=http://www.qconline.com/life/animation-feature-nominees-are-unexpected/article_ad76150b-fec1-518e-8d1f-d1d28d650ca7.html |title=Animation feature nominees are unexpected | Life |website=Qconline.com |date=January 28, 2012 |access-date=September 16, 2016}}
In September 2011, GKIDS announced the acquisition of the North American theatrical distribution rights to the Studio Ghibli library, which were previously held by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.{{cite web|last=Marechal|first=AJ|title=GKids to release Miyazaki toons in U.S.|url=https://variety.com/2011/film/news/gkids-to-release-miyazaki-toons-in-u-s-1118042372/|work=Variety|access-date=August 24, 2015|date=September 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222115730/http://variety.com/2011/film/news/gkids-to-release-miyazaki-toons-in-u-s-1118042372/|archive-date=December 22, 2015|url-status=live}} Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, however, retained the home media distribution rights. GKIDS would later also managed the North American distribution of three new Studio Ghibli films: From Up on Poppy Hill in 2013, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya in 2014, and When Marnie Was There in 2015 as well as the first-time North American releases of Only Yesterday and Ocean Waves in 2016.{{cite web |last=Douglas |first=Edward |url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/116228-gkids-to-distribute-studio-ghiblis-princess-kaguya |title=GKIDS to Distribute Studio Ghibli's Princess Kaguya |website=ComingSoon.net |date=March 19, 2014 |access-date=September 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422075942/http://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/116228-gkids-to-distribute-studio-ghiblis-princess-kaguya |archive-date=April 22, 2016 |url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/91078-studio-ghiblis-from-up-on-poppy-hill-heads-to-the-us-in-2013|title=Studio Ghibli's From Up On Poppy Hill Heads to the US in 2013|last=Lesnick|first=Silas|date=June 6, 2012|website=ComingSoon.net|access-date=September 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307221600/http://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/91078-studio-ghiblis-from-up-on-poppy-hill-heads-to-the-us-in-2013|archive-date=March 7, 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.cartoonbrew.com/feature-film/gkids-will-release-ghiblis-when-marnie-was-there-in-u-s-theaters-107883.html|title=GKIDS Will Release Ghibli's 'When Marnie Was There' in U.S. Theaters|date=January 14, 2015|newspaper=Cartoon Brew|access-date=February 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811061613/http://www.cartoonbrew.com/feature-film/gkids-will-release-ghiblis-when-marnie-was-there-in-u-s-theaters-107883.html|archive-date=August 11, 2017|url-status=live}}
On July 17, 2017, it was announced that the North American home media rights to the Ghibli library (with the exception of Grave of the Fireflies and The Wind Rises) had transitioned from Disney to GKIDS, with the distributor announcing plans to begin re-issuing the films beginning in October.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/behind-screen/gkids-studio-ghibli-ink-home-entertainment-deal-1021746|title=Gkids, Studio Ghibli Ink Home Entertainment Deal|author=Carolyn Giardina|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=July 17, 2017|access-date=July 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722144250/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/behind-screen/gkids-studio-ghibli-ink-home-entertainment-deal-1021746|archive-date=July 22, 2017|url-status=live}} The Wind Rises would eventually be reissued by GKIDS on September 2020.{{Cite web|url=http://gkids.com/films/the-wind-rises/|title=The Wind Rises|website=GKIDS Films|access-date=December 29, 2020|archive-date=January 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120215229/https://gkids.com/films/the-wind-rises/|url-status=live}}
In 2020, partnering with TMS Entertainment, GKIDS handled the American and Canadian release of Lupin III: The First, a 3DCG film adaptation of Monkey Punch's (Kazuhiko Kato) Lupin the Third franchise.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cartoonbrew.com/distribution/gkids-will-release-lupin-the-3rd-the-first-in-north-america-this-year-188531.html|title=GKIDS Will Release 'Lupin The 3rd: The First' in North America This Year|date=March 27, 2020|website=Cartoon Brew|language=en-US|access-date=April 15, 2020|archive-date=April 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200415084952/https://www.cartoonbrew.com/distribution/gkids-will-release-lupin-the-3rd-the-first-in-north-america-this-year-188531.html|url-status=live}}
In October 2020, GKIDS announced their license to the Neon Genesis Evangelion TV series, as well as the films Death (True)2 and The End of Evangelion for a release in 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-10-03/gkids-licenses-evangelion-tv-series-and-death-2-end-of-evangelion-films-for-blu-ray-digital-download/.164852|title=GKIDS Licenses Evangelion TV Series & Death (True)2, End of Evangelion Films for Blu-ray, Digital Download|publisher=Anime News Network|date=October 3, 2020|access-date=October 3, 2020|archive-date=October 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007133721/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-10-03/gkids-licenses-evangelion-tv-series-and-death-2-end-of-evangelion-films-for-blu-ray-digital-download/.164852|url-status=live}}
In February 2022, GKIDS and Fox Corporation's Tubi announced that they had entered into a content partnership deal.{{cite web|title=GKIDS, Tubi Enter Content Partnership Deal|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-02-11/gkids-tubi-enter-content-partnership-deal/.182534|website=Anime News Network|date=February 11, 2022|access-date=February 11, 2022|archive-date=February 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211183640/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-02-11/gkids-tubi-enter-content-partnership-deal/.182534|url-status=live}}
In March 2022, GKIDS announced their license to Makoto Shinkai's earlier works, Voices of a Distant Star, The Place Promised in Our Early Days, 5 Centimeters per Second and Children Who Chase Lost Voices, all of which were scheduled for release on home video in 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-03-10/gkids-acquires-n-american-rights-to-4-titles-by-makoto-shinkai/.183423|title=GKIDS Acquires N. American Rights to 4 Titles By Makoto Shinkai|publisher=Anime News Network|date=March 10, 2022|accessdate=March 13, 2022|archive-date=March 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220312225937/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-03-10/gkids-acquires-n-american-rights-to-4-titles-by-makoto-shinkai/.183423|url-status=live}}
On October 15, 2024, Toho announced their intent to acquire GKIDS for an undisclosed amount. In 2025, GKIDS officially became a subsidiary of Toho International.
Style and reception
Founder Eric Beckman has described the animated market in the U.S. as "dominated by expensive-to-produce, expensive-to-distribute movies."{{cite news |date=February 13, 2012 |title=Independent Distributor GKIDS Makes Its Mark With Two Oscar Nominations |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/oscars-animation-gkids-chico-rita-cat-paris-290165 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222081459/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/oscars-animation-gkids-chico-rita-cat-paris-290165 |archive-date=December 22, 2015 |access-date=September 16, 2016 |newspaper=The Hollywood Reporter}} GKIDS received Oscar nominations for each of its first three films.{{cite news |last=Cheney |first=Alexandra |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970204795304577219322759160722 |title=GKIDS Animation Studio Hopes to Win an Oscar |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=February 13, 2012 |access-date=September 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305093238/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970204795304577219322759160722 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |url-status=live}}
GKIDS has been called "one of the most notable independent distribution companies in the US,"{{cite web |url=http://www.rotoscopers.com/2014/07/10/gkids-screening-animation-retrospective-including-my-neighbor-totoro-and-ernest-and-celestine/ |title=GKIDS Screening Animation Retrospective Including My Neighbor Totoro and Ernest and Celestine |website=Rotoscopers |date=July 10, 2014 |access-date=September 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513055936/http://www.rotoscopers.com/2014/07/10/gkids-screening-animation-retrospective-including-my-neighbor-totoro-and-ernest-and-celestine/ |archive-date=May 13, 2016 |url-status=live}} and "the country's best distributor [for] traditional hand-drawn animation." Industry magazine Film Journal International said, "The reason GKIDS films keep getting nominated despite the company's low profile is that, simply put, their films tend to be really good."{{cite web |url=http://www.filmjournal.com/features/boy-in-the-world-ale-abreu-interview-gkids |title=A Whole New World: Brazilian director Alê Abreu brings his inner child out for one of the year's best animated films |website=Film Journal International |date=December 11, 2015 |access-date=September 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517150015/http://www.filmjournal.com/features/boy-in-the-world-ale-abreu-interview-gkids |archive-date=May 17, 2017 |url-status=dead}}
Eighteen feature films released by GKIDS have a perfect, 100% "Fresh" rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes: Sita Sings the Blues,{{cite web |title=Sita Sings the Blues (2008) |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/sita_sings_the_blues |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=August 28, 2019 |quote=100% |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403191732/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/sita_sings_the_blues |archive-date=April 3, 2019 |url-status=live}} Approved for Adoption,{{cite web |title=Couleur de peau: Miel (Approved for Adoption) (2013) |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/couleur_de_peau_miel |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=August 28, 2019 |quote=100% |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207222852/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/couleur_de_peau_miel/ |archive-date=December 7, 2017 |url-status=live}} The Tale of the Princess Kaguya,{{cite web |title=The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2014) |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_tale_of_the_princess_kaguya |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=August 28, 2019 |quote=100% |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920121849/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_tale_of_the_princess_kaguya |archive-date=September 20, 2019 |url-status=live}} Only Yesterday,{{cite web |title=Only Yesterday (1991) |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/only_yesterday_1991 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507003138/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/only_yesterday_1991 |archive-date=May 7, 2019 |access-date=August 28, 2019 |website=Rotten Tomatoes |quote=100%}}
Mind Game,{{cite web |title=Mind Game (2004) |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/mind_game |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=August 28, 2019 |quote=100% |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008140930/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/mind_game |archive-date=October 8, 2018 |url-status=live}} Grave of the Fireflies,{{Cite web |date=2017-03-11 |title=Grave of the Fireflies |website=Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/grave_of_the_fireflies |access-date=2023-08-22 |language=en}} Never-Ending Man: Hayao Miyazaki,{{Cite web |title=Never-ending Man: Hayao Miyazaki |website=Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/never_ending_man_hayao_miyazaki |access-date=2023-10-13 |language=en}}
This Magnificent Cake!,{{cite web |title=This Magnificent Cake! (Ce magnifique gâteau!) (2019) |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/this_magnificent_cake |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=August 28, 2019 |quote=100% |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190303222945/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/this_magnificent_cake |archive-date=March 3, 2019 |url-status=live}} Okko's Inn,{{cite web |title=Okko's Inn (2019) |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/okkos_inn |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=August 28, 2019 |quote=100% |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510005304/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/okkos_inn/ |archive-date=May 10, 2019 |url-status=live}} On-Gaku: Our Sound,{{Citation|title=On-Gaku: Our Sound|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/on_gaku_our_sound|access-date=February 8, 2022|archive-date=May 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512065304/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/on_gaku_our_sound|url-status=live}} Goodbye, Don Glees!,{{Citation|title=Goodbye, Don Glees!|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/goodbye_don_glees|access-date=September 21, 2022|archive-date=September 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922120647/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/goodbye_don_glees|url-status=live}} Summer Ghost,{{Citation |title=Summer Ghost |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/summer_ghost |access-date=May 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230504133042/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/summer_ghost |url-status=live |archive-date=May 4, 2023}} Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time,{{Citation |title=Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/evangelion_30_10_thrice_upon_a_time |access-date=June 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820123052/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/evangelion_30_10_thrice_upon_a_time |url-status=live |archive-date=August 20, 2021}} The First Slam Dunk,{{Cite web |date=2023-07-28 |title=The First Slam Dunk |website=Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_first_slam_dunk |access-date=2023-09-06 |language=en}} Ernest & Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia,{{Cite web |date=2023-09-01 |title=Ernest & Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia |website=Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ernest_and_celestine_a_trip_to_gibberitia |access-date=2023-09-06 |language=en}} Blue Giant,{{Cite web |date=2023-12-08 |title=Blue Giant - Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/blue_giant |access-date=2023-10-13 |website=www.rottentomatoes.com |language=en}} Mars Express{{Cite web |title=Mars Express {{!}} Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/mars_express |access-date=2024-05-17 |website=www.rottentomatoes.com |language=en}} and Look Back.{{cite Rotten Tomatoes|id=look_back_2024|type=m|title=Look Back|access-date=October 15, 2024}} Sita Sings the Blues, combining stylistic elements of Rajput painting, shadow puppetry, vector graphic animation, and Squigglevision, was selected by Chicago Sun-Times reviewer Roger Ebert for his annual Ebertfest, calling it "one of the year's best films".
Not all have been broadly successful with critics, though: Mia and the Migoo (38%),{{cite web |title=Mia et le Migou (Mia and the Migoo) (2011) |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/mia_et_le_migou |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=August 28, 2019 |quote=38% |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203175431/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/mia_et_le_migou/ |archive-date=December 3, 2017 |url-status=live}} Tales from Earthsea (37%),{{Cite web |date=2010-08-13 |title=Tales From Earthsea |website=Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/gedo-senki-tales-from-earthsea |access-date=2023-08-05 |language=en}} Fireworks (45%),{{Cite web |title=Uchiage hanabi, shita kara miru ka? Yoko kara miru ka? {{!}} Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/fireworks |access-date=2024-05-17 |website=www.rottentomatoes.com |language=en}} MFKZ (39%),{{cite web |title=MFKZ (2018) |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/mfkz |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=August 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523212353/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/mfkz/ |archive-date=May 23, 2019 |url-status=live}} Earwig and the Witch (28%),{{Cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/earwig_and_the_witch|title=Earwig and the Witch|website=Rotten Tomatoes|access-date=February 5, 2021|archive-date=February 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212231908/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/earwig_and_the_witch|url-status=live}} The Deer King (59%) and Lonely Castle in the Mirror (50%){{Cite web |date=2023-06-21 |title=Lonely Castle in the Mirror |website=Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/lonely_castle_in_the_mirror |access-date=2023-10-29 |language=en}} are, as of June 2023, the only seven with "Rotten" ratings.
Films distributed by GKIDS
Some Studio Ghibli films currently theatrically distributed by GKIDS were distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures for DVD and Blu-ray Disc. However, on July 17, 2017, GKIDS announced that they have acquired the home video rights for the entire Studio Ghibli catalog except Grave of the Fireflies, which Sentai Filmworks continues to license the US home video rights to, although GKIDS does own the US theatrical rights to the film, and The Wind Rises, which GKIDS would eventually release digitally on September 1, 2020, and on Blu-ray and DVD on September 22, 2020.{{cite web|title=GKIDS: A Note on Studio Ghibli Blu-rays|url=https://www.facebook.com/GKIDSfilms/posts/10154633365227213|website=www.facebook.com|access-date=July 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170721065243/https://www.facebook.com/GKIDSfilms/posts/10154633365227213|archive-date=July 21, 2017|date=July 19, 2017}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2017/07/studio-ghibli-blu-ray-my-neighbor-totoro-spirited-away-princess-mononoke-1201856128/|title=Studio Ghibli's Best Movies Are Being Reissued on Blu-ray This October, Including 'Spirited Away'|first1=Zack|last1=Sharf|date=July 17, 2017|access-date=February 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402115312/https://www.indiewire.com/2017/07/studio-ghibli-blu-ray-my-neighbor-totoro-spirited-away-princess-mononoke-1201856128/|archive-date=April 2, 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Mateo|first=Alex|date=June 11, 2020|title=GKIDS, Shout! Factory to Release The Wind Rises Film on BD/DVD in N. America on September 22|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-06-11/gkids-shout-factory-to-release-the-wind-rises-film-on-bd-dvd-in-n-america-on-september-22/.160530|access-date=July 13, 2022|website=Anime News Network|archive-date=December 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211054855/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-06-11/gkids-shout-factory-to-release-the-wind-rises-film-on-bd-dvd-in-n-america-on-september-22/.160530|url-status=live}}
The company also tours selections of short and feature films screened at NYICFF across the country. In mid-2009, the live-action features Tahaan and West of Pluto (À l'ouest de Pluton) were licensed for potential general releases but plans for both were dropped by late 2011 in favor of a focus on animation.{{cite web|url=http://www.gkids.tv/films/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091011102357/http://www.gkids.tv/films/|title=GKIDS Films|archive-date=October 11, 2009|publisher=GKIDS}}
= Studio Ghibli Fest =
Since 2017, GKIDS has partnered with Fathom Events to host an annual yearlong event called Studio Ghibli Fest, which features limited theatrical screenings of select Studio Ghibli films in select AMC, Cinemark, Regal and other venues. The only year since inception without Ghibli Fest was 2020.
{{col-float}}
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
| My Neighbor Totoro | June 25, 26 |
| Kiki's Delivery Service | July 23, 24 |
| Castle in the Sky | August 27, 28 |
| Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind | September 24, 25 |
| Spirited Away | October 29, 30{{Cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=spiritedawayfathom.htm|title=Spirited Away - Studio Ghibli Fest 2017|work=Box Office Mojo|access-date=April 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109234714/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=spiritedawayfathom.htm|archive-date=November 9, 2018|url-status=live}} |
| Howl's Moving Castle | November 26, 27 |
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{{col-float-end}}
{{col-float}}
{{col-float-break}}
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
| Spirited Away (20th Anniversary) | October 3, 4, 6{{Cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/releasegroup/gr1656574469/|title=Spirited Away: 20th Anniversary - Studio Ghibli Fest 2021|work=Box Office Mojo|access-date=January 27, 2022|archive-date=January 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127070801/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/releasegroup/gr1656574469/|url-status=live}} |
| Howl's Moving Castle | October 24, 25, 28 |
| Castle in the Sky (35th Anniversary) | November 14, 15, 18{{Cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/releasegroup/gr1840402949/|title=Castle in the Sky: 35th Anniversary - Studio Ghibli Fest 2021|work=Box Office Mojo|access-date=January 27, 2022|archive-date=January 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127070803/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/releasegroup/gr1840402949/|url-status=live}} |
| My Neighbor Totoro | December 5, 6, 9 |
{{col-float-end}}
{{col-float}}
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
| Princess Mononoke (25th Anniversary) | April 3, 4, 6{{Cite web |title=Princess Mononoke 2022 Re-release |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/releasegroup/gr3364704773/ |access-date=2022-08-26 |website=Box Office Mojo |archive-date=August 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826181438/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/releasegroup/gr3364704773/ |url-status=live}} |
| Ponyo | May 15, 16, 18 |
| The Cat Returns (20th Anniversary) | June 26, 27 |
| Kiki's Delivery Service | July 31, August 1, 3 |
| Only Yesterday | August 28, 29 |
| Howl's Moving Castle | September 25, 26, 28 |
| Spirited Away | October 30, November 1, 2 |
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{{col-float-end}}
{{col-float}}
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
| | Spirited Away | April 27, 28, 29, 30, May 1 |
| Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (40th Anniversary) | May 19, 21 |
| Castle in the Sky | May 20, 22 |
| The Secret World of Arrietty | June 9, 11 |
| When Marnie Was There (10th Anniversary) | June 10, 12 |
| Princess Mononoke | July 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
| Ponyo | August 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 |
| Whisper of the Heart | August 25, 27 |
| The Cat Returns | August 26, 28 |
| Howl's Moving Castle (20th Anniversary) | September 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, October 1, 2, 3 |
| Kiki's Delivery Service (35th Anniversary) | October 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 |
| Pom Poko (30th Anniversary) | November 24, 26 |
| The Tale of the Princess Kaguya | November 25, 27 |
| My Neighbor Totoro | December 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 |
{{col-float-end}}
{{col-float}}
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders"
|+ Studio Ghibli Fest 2025 | | Kiki's Delivery Service | May 17, 18, 29, 20, 21 |
| The Secret World of Arrietty (15th Anniversary) | June 22, 23, 24 |
| My Neighbor Totoro | July 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 |
| Grave of the Fireflies | August 10, 11, 12 |
| Ponyo | August 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 |
| Howl's Moving Castle | September 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Spirited Away | October 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 |
| The Boy and the Heron | November 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 |
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Television series distributed by GKIDS
Awards and nominations
= [[Academy Awards]] =
{{awards table}}
!{{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
! scope="row"| 2009
| rowspan="10"| Best Animated Feature
| {{nom}}
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row"| 2011
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;"|{{cite web |url=http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2012 |title= 2012 |date= October 7, 2014 |publisher= Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences |access-date= March 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015232303/http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2012 |archive-date= October 15, 2014 |url-status= live}}
|-
| {{nom}}
|-
! scope="row"| 2013
| {{nom}}
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row"| 2014
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;"|{{cite web|url=http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2015|title=2015|publisher=Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences|access-date=March 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223171100/http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2015|archive-date=February 23, 2015|url-status=live}}
|-
| The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
| {{nom}}
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row"| 2015
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;"|{{cite web|url=http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2016|title=2016|publisher=Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences|access-date=March 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222080122/http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2016|archive-date=December 22, 2017|url-status=live}}
|-
| {{nom}}
|-
! scope="row"| 2016
| {{nom}}
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row"| 2017
| {{nom}}
|-
| {{nom}}
|-
! scope="row"| 2018
| Mirai
| rowspan="3" scope="row"| Best Animated Feature
| {{nom}}
|-
! scope="row"| 2020
| {{nom}}
|-
! scope="row"| 2023
| {{won}}
|style="text-align:center"|{{cite web|url=https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2024|title=2024|publisher=Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences|access-date=January 25, 2024}}
|}
= [[Annie Award]] =
{{awards table}}
|-
! scope="row"|2009
| rowspan="9"|Best Animated Feature
| {{nom}}
|-
! rowspan="3" scope="row"| 2011
| {{nom}}
|-
| {{nom}}
|-
| Wrinkles
| {{nom}}
|-
! scope="row"|2012
| {{nom}}
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row"|2013
| {{nom}}
|-
| {{nom}}
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row"|2014
| {{nom}}
|-
| The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
| {{nom}}
|-
! rowspan="3" scope="row"|2015
| rowspan="23"|Best Animated Feature — Independent
| {{won}}
|-
| {{nom}}
|-
| {{nom}}
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row"|2016
| {{nom}}
|-
| {{nom}}
|-
! rowspan="3" scope="row"|2017
| The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales...
| {{nom}}
|-
| {{won}}
|-
| {{nom}}
|-
! rowspan="3" scope="row"|2018
| MFKZ
| {{nom}}
|-
| Mirai
| {{won}}
|-
| {{nom}}
|-
! rowspan="4" scope="row"|2019
| Buñuel in the Labyrinth of the Turtles
| {{nom}}
|-
| {{nom}}
|-
| Promare
| {{nom}}
|-
| {{nom}}
|-
! rowspan="3" scope="row"| 2020
| {{nom}}
|-
| {{nom}}
|-
| {{win}}
|-
! rowspan="3" scope="row"| 2021
| Belle
| {{nom}}
|-
| {{nom}}
|-
| {{nom}}
|-
! scope="row"| 2022
| Inu-Oh
| {{nom}}
|-
! rowspan="2" scope="row"| 2023
| Ernest & Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia
| {{nom}}
|-
| {{nom}}
|-
! rowspan="3" scope="row"| 2024
| rowspan="3"|Best Animated Feature — Independent
| {{nom}}
|-
| {{nom}}
|-
| {{nom}}
|}
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
- {{Official website|https://gkids.com/}}
- {{anime News Network|company|9638}}
Category:2008 establishments in New York City
Category:American companies established in 2008
Category:Film distributors of the United States
Category:Home video companies of the United States
Category:Mass media companies based in New York City