Are Studio Ghibli Movies Streaming On Netflix? Here’s How To Watch Them Online

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Numerous animation studios exist in Japan, however, only a handful have achieved the same degree of success and global acclaim as Studio Ghibli. This esteemed studio is responsible for some of the most outstanding animated films ever made. Titles such as “Howl’s Moving Castle,” “My Neighbor Totoro,” and “Spirited Away” are part of this impressive collection. The latter, in particular, won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003 – one of the many accolades Studio Ghibli has garnered since its establishment by the legendary Japanese animation director Hayao Miyazaki.

It wasn’t until much later that Studio Ghibli gained recognition beyond Japan, but as its fanbase expanded rapidly over time, people in the United States started watching their movies. At first, these were mostly on VHS or other physical formats; eventually, they could also be streamed online.

Currently, most Studio Ghibli movies can be streamed on Max, except for one which is exclusively available on Netflix due to a licensing agreement. At the moment, Netflix holds the rights to stream all of the studio’s films outside the U.S., Canada, and Japan. However, licensing agreements may change periodically, but as of 2025, this is where you can watch all Studio Ghibli movies in North America.

Netflix isn’t entirely out of the Studio Ghibli game in the U.S.

In North America, only the Studio Ghibli film “Grave of the Fireflies” is available on Netflix at this time. This is because its distribution rights are held by Shinchosha Publishing instead of Studio Ghibli, even though it is still considered a Studio Ghibli production.

In the 1980s, Shinchosha Publishing acquired the rights to the story that the movie is adapted from and commissioned an animation studio to produce it. Later, these rights were transferred to Sentai Filmworks, but they have since been returned to their original owner. This original owner recently struck a deal with Netflix to broadcast the film globally.

Among the most poignant movies ever produced, “Grave of the Fireflies” tells a heart-wrenching tale of two children struggling to endure in Japan during the aftermath of World War II. The film’s ending, one of the darkest in animation history, is particularly memorable for its bleakness. Studio Ghibli’s films are known for their deep themes and messages, but none quite compare to this story about children coping with the deadliest conflict humanity has ever faced – it will surely bring tears to your eyes. Regardless of being animated, nothing is sugarcoated in this powerful portrayal.

Most Studio Ghibli films are streaming on Max

Since 2020, Warner Bros. Discovery has acquired rights to all Studio Ghibli films except “Grave of the Fireflies”. This happened when they signed a licensing contract with GKids, the U.S. distributor for these movies, allowing them to stream in the United States. Prior to this deal, the only options were buying the films or catching them in cinemas. However, starting from November 2020 and extended till March 2024 (with further years to follow), watching a Studio Ghibli film in the U.S. has become more accessible due to Warner Bros. Discovery renewing their agreement.

Although the specifics of the agreement remain undisclosed, it appears that Warner Bros. Discovery views Studio Ghibli’s movies as valuable assets they wish to retain. This means that Max, their streaming platform, will serve as the U.S.’s primary streaming destination for 21 Studio Ghibli films and two documentaries about director Hayao Miyazaki for an extended period.

If you’re new to Studio Ghibli movies, you might be wondering how best to start watching them since they don’t have a continuous storyline. You can watch any of their films in whichever order you prefer. You could begin with timeless classics such as “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” or “My Neighbor Totoro,” or explore more recent releases like “Ponyo” and “The Boy and the Heron.” Regardless of where you start, you’ll find that Studio Ghibli offers something for everyone.

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2025-05-03 14:30