Studio Ghibli’s Arrietty is coming to IMAX screens in the UK and Ireland for the first time ever, with previews starting on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. The 2010 film has been newly remastered in 4K and will screen in both Japanese with English subtitles and the British English dub. The wider cinema release follows from Friday, October 16, 2026.
The film, directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi and based on a screenplay by Hayao Miyazaki, is an adaptation of Mary Norton’s classic children’s book “The Borrowers.” Tickets went on sale on July 9, 2026, through the official GKIDS website.
What Makes This IMAX Release Special
This is the first time Arrietty has been shown in IMAX format in the UK and Ireland. The film has been remastered in 4K under the supervision of Studio Ghibli, and the IMAX version uses IMAX with Laser technology.
BFI IMAX in London is hosting exclusive previews. Screening times include Thursday, October 15 at 18:00 and Sunday, October 18 at 14:15. BFI IMAX is the largest cinema screen in the country, which adds a unique layer to the experience. Watching a story about tiny people who live under floorboards on an enormous IMAX screen is a contrast that many fans have pointed out.
Otaku News noted this irony directly: “We think there’s something ironic about watching a movie about little people on a enormous IMAX screen!”
The IMAX run is limited to October 14 and 15, with the wider 4K cinema release beginning October 16. Screenings will be available at participating IMAX locations and standard cinemas across the UK and Ireland.
The British Dub Cast Includes Tom Holland and Saoirse Ronan
The UK and Ireland screenings will use the British English dub, which features several well-known actors in early career roles.
- Tom Holland voices Shō, a human boy who befriends Arrietty. This was Holland’s first feature film performance, long before he became Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
- Saoirse Ronan voices Arrietty, the brave Borrower girl at the centre of the story.
- Olivia Colman voices Homily, Arrietty’s mother.
- Geraldine McEwan voices Hara, the housekeeper.
- Mark Strong voices Pod, Arrietty’s father.
The film will also be available in the original Japanese language with English subtitles. The Japanese voice cast includes Mirai Shida as Arrietty, Ryûnosuke Kamiki as Shō, and Tatsuya Fujiwara as Spiller.
The choice to use the British dub for UK and Ireland audiences is notable because there are two English versions of the film. The US dub features different voice actors, including Bridgit Mendler, David Henrie, and Amy Poehler.
The Story Behind Arrietty
Arrietty tells the story of a family of tiny people called Borrowers who live secretly beneath the floorboards of a house in rural Japan. Arrietty, a young Borrower, spends her days gathering supplies from the human world. One day, she is discovered by Shō, a human boy who has come to the house to rest before a heart operation.
The two form a quiet friendship that grows despite the dangers that come with being seen by humans. The story is a gentle, emotional tale about trust and the fear of the unknown.
Hiromasa Yonebayashi directed the film and was nominated for an Academy Award for his work. Hayao Miyazaki wrote the screenplay and handled project planning, with Keiko Niwa also contributing to the script. The film was produced by Studio Ghibli and originally released in Japan on July 17, 2010.
The original UK release took place on July 29, 2011, through Optimum Releasing. The film runs for 95 minutes and carries a U certificate in the UK.
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GKIDS Partnership Brings Ghibli Library to UK and Ireland
This release is part of a larger deal between GKIDS and Studio Ghibli. On July 2, 2026, GKIDS announced it had acquired the UK and Ireland distribution rights to Studio Ghibli’s entire 23-film library, covering theatrical, home video, TV, and digital rights.
The deal was made through Goodfellas, and GKIDS is working with its sister company Anime Limited, a Glasgow-based distributor, for UK and Ireland operations. This is the first time in years that most Ghibli titles have had widespread availability in the territory.
The first release under this new agreement was Kiki’s Delivery Service, which came to IMAX screens on August 21, 2026. Whisper of the Heart followed in September 2026. Arrietty is the next title in this rollout.
“Adapted from the beloved book ‘The Borrowers,’ ARRIETTY enters IMAX cinemas in the UK & Ireland for the first time ever on 14 & 15 October.” — GKIDS Films, on X
Additional IMAX releases of new Studio Ghibli 4K remasters are planned for the future, along with a re-release of the entire Ghibli library across home video platforms.
How to Book Tickets
Tickets for Arrietty in IMAX and standard cinemas are on sale now. Screenings can be found through the official GKIDS UK website at gkids.co.uk/tickets.
The film will also be available on Netflix in the UK and Ireland as part of the Studio Ghibli catalogue.
For audiences in the United States, Canada, and other regions, a separate IMAX release of The Secret World of Arrietty took place on May 19, 2026, also using the 4K remaster. That release used the US English dub. UK and Ireland audiences get the British dub, which is a distinct version with its own cast.
The UK and Ireland IMAX previews run for two days only, on October 14 and 15. The wider cinema release begins October 16 and will continue at participating locations.
For more updates on Studio Ghibli releases and cinema news, keep reading VvipTimes.
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