GKIDS

Overview

GKIDS is a New York-based independent distribution company founded in 2008 that specializes in animated feature films for North American theatrical and home entertainment audiences. The company holds the North American theatrical distribution rights to the Studio Ghibli library -- including films by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata -- and releases animated features from top international studios alongside its Ghibli responsibilities. GKIDS has built a reputation as the premier theatrical distributor for world-class animation in North America, releasing films that combine artistic distinction with broad family and adult appeal.

The company has had films nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in most years since its founding, including multiple Studio Ghibli films and original acquisitions. This awards track record reflects GKIDS' curatorial positioning at the highest level of quality animation for North American audiences.

Studio Ghibli Distribution

GKIDS acquired the North American theatrical distribution rights to the Studio Ghibli library from Disney in 2011. Since then, the company has re-released classic Ghibli films theatrically in restored editions, released new Ghibli productions, and produced premium home entertainment editions for the North American market. The Ghibli relationship gives GKIDS a catalog of some of the most beloved animated films in cinema history and a trusted relationship with the Ghibli studio in Tokyo.

For major Ghibli theatrical releases in North America, GKIDS organises wide releases across hundreds of theatres, generating significant box office revenue from the dedicated Ghibli fanbase alongside new audiences discovering the films for the first time.

What GKIDS Distributes

Beyond Ghibli, GKIDS distributes animated features from European animation studios, Japanese animation companies, and independent animated productions from around the world. The company's programming identity spans family animation, adult animation, and animated documentaries and hybrid forms, united by a consistent commitment to quality and artistic ambition over commercial formula.

GKIDS has distributed animated features including The Secret of Kells (2009), A Cat in Paris (2010), Chico & Rita (2010), Ernest & Celestine (2012), Song of the Sea (2014), and many others -- films that represent the best of international animation from Ireland, France, Spain, Cuba, and other territories.

What Filmmakers Should Know

For animated feature filmmakers seeking North American theatrical distribution, GKIDS is the primary specialist contact. The company's focus on quality animation -- family-friendly and adult-oriented -- means it evaluates animated features on artistic and creative grounds alongside commercial potential.

GKIDS acquires at major animation festivals including Annecy International Animation Film Festival (the most important animation-specific festival in the world) and at Cannes, Sundance, and other festivals where animated features premiere. For international animated features seeking North American distribution, Annecy is the most important acquisition context, and GKIDS' consistent Annecy presence gives it early access to the films most likely to fit its catalog.

See Also

For how animated feature distribution works at the North American specialty level, see Distribution Deals Explained. For UK and European animated feature distribution, see StudioCanal and Curzon in this directory.