This essay aims to explore some issues of the distribution of Miyazaki Hayao’s animated films in the US, in particular, censorship, modification, and diverse impact these had on the reception of his films. Drawing on two aspects of the status of his films, a work of artistic value on the one hand, and a consumer product on the other, I analyze many different materials which include taglines, the cover design of the VHS/DVD, and edited scenes. Miyazaki has been praised as an auteur by critics and audiences in the US. Here I suggest that such factors as fans, distribution companies and reviews also played an important role in Miyazaki establishing the present status. Today Miyazaki’s films have an influence on the art of feature-length animated films and beyond in the US popular culture.