Image: Studio Ghibli

Netflix has picked up the exclusive streaming rights to the full film library from the popular Japanese animation house, Studio Ghibli for everywhere in the world, outside of the US and Japan.

The deal, detailed by the French distribution partner Wild Bunch International, represents a landmark partnership for the distribution of Japanese animation and animé to the world’s audiences, marking the first time that all 21 Ghibli films such as Hayao Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle will be made available via streaming on a global scale.

My Neighbour Totoro (1988). Image: Studio Ghibli

Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989). Image: Studio Ghibli

Spirited Away (2001). Image: Studio Ghibli

Netflix says it will now roll out the Ghibli catalogue across its subscription streaming service in monthly segments, beginning with an initial launch on 1st February 2020.

“This is a dream come true for Netflix and millions of our members,” said Aram Yacoubian, Netflix’s director of original animation. “Studio Ghibli’s animated films are legendary and have enthralled fans around the world for over 35 years.

“We’re excited to make them available in more languages across Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia – so that more people can enjoy this whimsical and wonderful world of animation.”

Launched in 1985 by animation directors Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, Studio Ghibli’s films have received six Oscar nominations in the animated feature category, winning one in 2003 for Spirited Away.

Until last year, Ghibli guarded its titles from digital platforms, signing a deal to stream their films in North America on HBO Max.

“In this day and age, there are various great ways a film can reach audiences,” said Studio Ghibli producer, Toshio Suzuki. “We have listened to our fans and have made the definitive decision to stream our film catalogue.

“We hope people around the world will discover the world of Studio Ghibli through this experience.”

• Netflix UK: Official Portal

• Studio Ghibli is online at www.ghibli.jp (in Japanese) | Ghibli Museum in Tokyo: www.ghibli-museum.jp (in Japanese)

• About the Author
• Latest Posts

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.

• The World of Doctor Who: Panel to Panel interviews artist Martin Geraghty
• “Ragtime Soldier”, successor to “Charley’s War” – Kickstarter prelaunch
• Los Angeles Wildfires: Artist, Animation and Star Trek fundraisers, “LA Strong” charity comic in the works from Mad Cave Studios

Categories: Animation, Digital Media, downthetubes News, Other Worlds

Tags: downthetubes News, Hayao Miyazaki, HBO Max, Howl’s Moving Castle, Netflix, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, Studio Ghibli, Toshio Suzuki