Netflix has acquired the rights to stream the Studio Ghibli films around the world. That is everywhere that Netflix is available except the US, Canada, and Japan. Which means that you will be able to stream all but one of the Studio Ghibli films in 2020.
What Is Studio Ghibli?
Studio Ghibli is a Japanese animation studio known for producing beautiful anime films. It has produced 22 animated feature films in total, including Spirited Away, which made $ 360 million worldwide, and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003.
While the Studio Ghibli films are obviously huge in the art house’s native Japan, they’re also popular around the world. And it’s this worldwide fanbase which has prompted streaming services to enter a bidding war for the rights. With Netflix and HBO Max winning.
How to Stream the Studio Ghibli Films
In a triumphant press release, Netflix announced that it had secured the rights to stream the Studio Ghibli films globally (excluding the US, Canada, and Japan). The collection of 21 films will be “subtitled in 28 languages, and dubbed in up to 20 languages.”
On February 1, 2020, Netflix will add Castle in the Sky, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Only Yesterday, Porco Rosso, Ocean Waves, and Tales from Earthsea.
Then, on March 1, 2020, Netflix will add Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Princess Mononoke, My Neighbors the Yamadas, Spirited Away, The Cat Returns, Arrietty, and The Tale of The Princess Kaguya.
Finally, on April 1, 2020, Netflix will add Pom Poko, Whisper of the Heart, Howl’s Moving Castle, Ponyo, From Up on Poppy Hill, The Wind Rises, and When Marnie Was There.
That’s 21 films in total, with Grave of the Fireflies the only Studio Ghibli feature missing from the list. Grave of the Fireflies is a somber film showing the horrors of World War II. However, Studio Ghibli don’t own the rights to it, hence its exclusion.
What About the US, Canada, and Japan?
While Netflix has secured the right to stream the Studio Ghibli films in most countries, in the US the films will be exclusive to HBO Max. HBO Max is set to launch in May 2020. We don’t yet know who (if anyone) will win the streaming rights in Canada and Japan.
This is great news for Netflix subscribers. Those who love the Studio Ghibli films have a chance to watch them again, while those who have never had the pleasure can finally stream them. We recommend watching them all, but it’s worth starting with Spirited Away.
Once you have watched all of the Studio Ghibli films on Netflix, be sure to check out our list of the best animated movies to download off Netflix.
Read the full article: The Studio Ghibli Films Are Coming to Netflix
