It appears Netflix will continue to expand into the anime market, announcing 21 Studio Ghibli films that will be streamable on the platform Netflix ANZ and globally but not available in the U.S., Canada, or Japan.
Current speculation for why the films will be restricted outside of those countries is because WarnerMedia’s HBO Max already bought the rights to stream Ghibli films on their service in October of 2019. HBO Max is poised to launch in May, 2020.
Perhaps Netflix’ move to acquire exclusive rights for Studio Ghibli films outside of those aforementioned countries is a direct step to compete with the upcoming HBO Max.
If so, I can’t complain much, although I would enjoy having the films on Netflix, I am also glad that Netflix will compete with HBO Max.
As we’ve seen already with Rooster Teeth, HBO/Warner doesn’t exactly seem to be the most consumer friendly conglomerate.
Alternative sites like Crunchyroll, aren’t ideal either in my opinion, as I dislike how they seem to act as if they are a great boon for the anime industry ( when in reality, that doesn’t seem to be the case ).
Netflix at least takes a “no nonsense” approach to bringing content to their platform. While Netflix has plenty of its own flaws, I’m glad they are around to compete with the likes of WarnerMedia, Crunchyroll, etc.
Anyways, here’s the news.
“From February 2020, 21 films from the legendary animation house Studio Ghibli are coming exclusively to Netflix. We’re proud to bring beloved, influential stories like Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle and My Neighbour Totoro to first-time viewers and high-flying fans alike.
From February 1 you can expect to see: 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)
From March 1, you’ll be able to stream: 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)
And, no joke, from April 1 you’ll be able to catch: Pom Poko (1994) Whisper of the Heart (1995) Howl’s Moving Castle (2004) Ponyo (2008) From Up on Poppy Hill (2011) The Wind Rises (2013) When Marnie Was There (2014)”
From February 2020, 21 films from the legendary animation house Studio Ghibli are coming exclusively to Netflix.
We’re proud to bring beloved, influential stories like Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle and My Neighbour Totoro to first-time viewers and high-flying fans alike. pic.twitter.com/955uiYAzA1
— Netflix ANZ (@NetflixANZ) January 20, 2020
2 Response Comments
I don’t have Dinsey+ some someone will have to confirm this theory but…. The ghibli films were dubbed through Disney so it’s possible they legally don’t have the rights for the three.
Oh well, hazzah for VPNs
Do u know if these will be avible in UK version of Netflix