The Boy and the Beast

On a crowded street in Shibuya, a restless boy named Kyuta stumbles into a parallel realm where beasts walk as people and danger hides in bright alleys. There he meets Kumatetsu, a brash but loyal warrior who trains under rough conditions and an outrageous sense of humor. When Kyuta slips back to the ordinary world, he carries a new resolve and a stubborn appetite for self discovery. Back in the human city he finds little peace until Kumatetsu returns as a mentor figure who pushes him to test limits, confront fear, and understand that strength comes from trust, humility, and choosing a path rather than surrendering to chaos. What follows is a growing bond that reshapes both their lives together.

Directed by Mamoru Hosoda, The Boy and the Beast is an original feature produced by Studio Chizu. It premiered in 2015 in Japan via Toho, with Hosoda co creating the story and shaping a bustling urban fantasy for audiences worldwide.

Box office for the film totaled about 49,714,378 dollars worldwide, reflecting solid interest for an anime aimed at families and older audiences. It performed best in Japan and saw performances in China, Europe, and North America through various distribution channels.

Critics praised its warmth and kinetic action, noting Hosoda's balance of humor and heart as Kyuta splits his time between two worlds. The film explores identity, mentorship, and chosen family, while balancing brisk action with quiet moments, vibrant animation and a soundtrack that reinforces emotional depth for kids and adults.

Fans often recall the dynamic between Kyuta and Kumatetsu, the humor of the beast's unorthodox training, and the film's striking city-beast visuals. Its most memorable moments park ideas of found families and courage in unlikely mentors that echo beyond the theater. These moments helped spark interest in family anime worldwide.