Netflix moves into Japanese animation, will start showing 21 Studio Ghibli movies from February

Streaming giant’s customers in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America will be able to watch 21 films from Japan’s most famous animation house

However, rival HBO has the exclusive rights to release them in the US, while Netflix has no presence in China

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A still from My Neighbor Totoro (1988), written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. It will be one of 21 Studio Ghibli films released by Netflix from next month. Photo: Studio Ghibli

Published: 3:05pm, 20 Jan 2020Updated: 3:38pm, 10 Jun 2020

Online streaming platform Netflix will make more than 20 Studio Ghibli movies available to subscribers outside the United States, Canada and Japan, with a phased release beginning on February 1.

Netflix users in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America will be able to watch 21 films by Japan’s most famous animation house that are subtitled in 28 languages and dubbed in up to 20 languages.

This is the second time Studio Ghibli films have been made available on an online platform after HBO Max, Netflix’s rival, obtained exclusive rights to them in the US.

“We’ve listened to our fans and have made the definitive decision to stream our film catalogue,” says Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki.

A still from Kiki’s Delivery Service, a 1989 film produced by Studio Ghibli. Photo: Studio Ghibli

“With the streaming service coming along, it only increases the choices the audience can make [for how and where to watch films], which I think is a very positive thing for creators.