Grave of the Fireflies returns to U.S. theaters for Ghibli fest 2025

Grave of the Fireflies is an award-winning animated movie from Japan’s famous Studio Ghibli. Unlike fantasy hits like Spirited Away or Howl’s Moving Castle, this movie tells a very real, heartbreaking story. It follows two siblings, Seita and Setsuko, trying to survive during World War II after losing their home and family. It’s not just a anime it’s a powerful drama about loss, survival, and the effects of war, often considered one of the greatest animated films of all time.
Every year, Studio Ghibli’s best movies return to theaters across the United States through GKIDS' Ghibli Fest. Fans look forward to watching iconic films like My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, and Spirited Away on the big screen.
In 2025, Grave of the Fireflies joins the lineup for the first time in seven years. Directed by Studio Ghibli co-founder Isao Takahata, the film offers a raw, emotional look at wartime Japan through the eyes of two innocent children.
Grave of the Fireflies will be shown in U.S. theaters for three special days:
August 10, 11, and 12, 2025.
This rare event will give fans a limited chance to experience the film’s emotional impact inside a theater — something that makes the heartbreaking story even more powerful.
Studio Ghibli is often known for magical adventures, colorful worlds, and heartwarming characters. Films like Kiki’s Delivery Service and Howl’s Moving Castle offer fantasy escapes.
However, Grave of the Fireflies is different. It tells the devastating real-world story of 14-year-old Seita and his 4-year-old sister Setsuko. After their mother dies during a bombing raid, the siblings struggle to find food, shelter, and hope as their world falls apart during World War II.
The movie does not shy away from showing the brutal realities of war. There are no fantasy elements — only the pure, painful emotions of two children trying to survive. Many critics and fans call it one of the most important anti-war films ever made, animated or not.
Prepare for an emotional journey. Fans often describe Grave of the Fireflies as “the film you can only watch once” because of how deeply it affects viewers. If you plan to attend, don’t forget to bring tissues.
The Ghibli Fest 2025 schedule brings some exciting new additions but also a few surprises. This year’s lineup features only eight movies from May through October, fewer than usual.
New additions:
While some beloved classics are missing, the rare chance to see Grave of the Fireflies in theaters makes this year’s Ghibli Fest especially emotional and unforgettable. Fans both old and new will have the opportunity to experience some of Ghibli’s deepest, most powerful stories on the big screen.