Netflix has officially acquired exclusive streaming rights to Studio Ghibli’s iconic animated feature film catalogue for all regions of the world excluding North America and Japan.
The deal comes in partnership with French distribution partner Wild Bunch International, and includes all 21 Studio Ghibli films. Netflix will roll out Ghibli’s catalog to its international customers in monthly segments, beginning February 1, 2020, for subscribers in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Netflix’s release schedule for Studio Ghibli films:
Feb. 1, 2020: Castle in the Sky (1986), My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989), Only Yesterday (1991), Porco Rosso (1992), Ocean Waves (1993), Tales from Earthsea (2006)
March 1, 2020: Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984), Princess Mononoke (1997), My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999), Spirited Away (2001), The Cat Returns (2002), Arrietty (2010), The Tale of The Princess Kaguya (2013)
April 1, 2020: Pom Poko (1994), Whisper of the Heart (1995), Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea (2008), From Up on Poppy Hill (2011), The Wind Rises (2013), When Marnie Was There (2014).
“This is a dream come true for Netflix and millions of our members. 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,” Aram Yacoubian, director of original animation at Netflix, said in a statement.
WarnerMedia’s upcoming HBO Max streaming service has exclusive streaming rights for Studio Ghibli films in North America. In December it was announced that for the first time ever fans in North America will be able to digitally purchase the critically acclaimed animated films to own.
“In this day and age, there are various great ways a film can reach audiences,” said Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki in a statement. “We’ve listened to our fans and have made the definitive decision to stream our film catalog. We hope people around the world will discover the world of Studio Ghibli through this experience.”
Added Vincent Maraval, CEO at Wild Bunch International: “In finding the best digital partner for Studio Ghibli, our most valuable and faithful collaborators for 20 years, the Netflix team convinced us with their consistent love and energy for finding the best ways to promote the incredible and unique catalog worldwide with respect to the Studio Ghibli philosophy.”
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