The Boy and the Beast (2015)
Kernel Score: 86% · 1,576 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Action, Adventure, Animation, Drama, Family, Fantasy
Released: 2015-07-11
Runtime: 119 minutes
Where to watch The Boy and the Beast
- Stream: HBO Max
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Kyuta, a boy living in Shibuya, and Kumatetsu, a lonesome beast from Jutengai, an imaginary world. One day, Kyuta forays into the imaginary world and, as he's looking for his way back, meets Kumatetsu who becomes his spirit guide. That encounter leads them to many adventures.
The Boy and the Beast parents' guide: ages 8+
Parents need to know that The Boy and the Beast follows a runaway boy mentored by a beast in a fantasy world, with themes of family and belonging.
- Violence & scariness: Some — Includes fantasy training and combat sequences between the boy and beast characters.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like The Boy and the Beast
If you liked The Boy and the Beast, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms (2018) — 92%
- Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie (2012) — 81%
- Drifting Home (2022) — 84%
- Patema Inverted (2013) — 84%
- Hunter x Hunter: Phantom Rouge (2013) — 76%
- Bubble (2022) — 82%
- Steins;Gate: The Movie - Load Region of Déjà Vu (2013) — 87%
- Hunter x Hunter: The Last Mission (2013) — 79%
Director
Cast
- Koji Yakusho as Kumatetsu (voice)
- Aoi Miyazaki as Young Kyuta (voice)
- Shota Sometani as Teenage Kyuta (voice)
- Suzu Hirose as Kaede (voice)
- Lily Franky as Hyakushūbō (voice)
- Yo Oizumi as Tatara (voice)
- Kazuhiro Yamaji as Iozen (voice)
- Mamoru Miyano as Teenage Ichirohiko (voice)
- Kappei Yamaguchi as Teenage Jiromaru (voice)
- Haru Kuroki as Young Ichirohiko (voice)
The Boy and the Beast FAQ
Is The Boy and the Beast good?
The Boy and the Beast has an 86% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,576 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Boy and the Beast?
In the US you can stream The Boy and the Beast on HBO Max and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is The Boy and the Beast OK for kids?
The Boy and the Beast is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 8+. Parents need to know that The Boy and the Beast follows a runaway boy mentored by a beast in a fantasy world, with themes of family and belonging.
What movies are like The Boy and the Beast?
If you liked The Boy and the Beast, try Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms, Road to Ninja: Naruto the Movie, Drifting Home and Patema Inverted.