Anime fans across the globe should be excited to learn that Netflix has just acquired the international distribution rights to Studio Ghibli’s iconic animated films from. So people should expect to see some of Japan’s greatest animated films- courtesy of one Hayao Miyazaki- appear in their Netflix queues very soon.
According to Collider, Castle in the Sky, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Only Yesterday, Porco Rosso, Ocean Waves, and Tales from Earthsea will all be released on February 1st, and that Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Princess Mononoke, My Neighbors the Yamadas, Spirited Away, The Cat Returns, Arrietty, The Tale of The Princess Kaguya will be available on March 1st. And finally the movies Pom Poko, Whisper of the Heart, Howl’s Moving Castle, Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, From Up on Poppy Hill, The Wind Rises, and When Marnie Was There will be released on April 1st.
Unfortunately for Studio Ghibli fans living in the United States, Canada, and even Japan, Variety has reported that Netflix cannot distribute Miyazaki’s movies to those particular countries. Instead Canadians and Americans will have to purchase these movies through home media or other sources. However, if you happen to live in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, or the Middle East, get ready to binge watch these amazing films!