Fans can finally watch Ghibli movies on Netflix

Love the whimsical and fairytale worlds of Ghibli movies? For those outside of Japan and North America, these magical worlds will be coming to your Netflix screens from next month.

Netflix has bought the rights to 21 Ghibli films and will be adding them to its library over time starting from February 1. Unfortunately Netflix users in Japan, USA and Canada will miss out, however an upcoming subscription service HBO Max has secured the same rights to stream the movies in the US. 

Some of the first lot of beloved Ghibli films to be released on Netflix include Castle in the Sky, My Neighbor Totoro and Kiki’s Delivery Service. Later on, Netflix will add titles like Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle and Ponyo.

On February 1 Netflix will release the Ghibli movies below:

• Castle in the Sky (天空の城ラピュタ)
• My Neighbor Totoro (となりのトトロ)
• Kiki’s Delivery Service (魔女の宅急便)
• Only Yesterday (おもひでぽろぽろ)
• Porco Rosso (紅の豚)
• Ocean Waves (海がきこえる)
• Tales of Earthsea (ゲド戦記)

Release schedule on March 1:

• Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (風の谷のナウシカ)
• Princess Mononoke (もののけ姫)
• My Neighbors the Yamadas (ホーホケキョとなりの山田くん)
• Spirited Away (千と千尋の神隠し)
• The Cat Returns (猫の恩返し)
• The Secret World of Arrietty (借りぐらしのアリエッティ)
• The Tale of The Princess Kaguya (かぐや姫の物語)

Release schedule on April 1:

• Pom Poko (平成狸合戦ぽんぽこ)
• Whisper of the Heart (耳をすませば)
• Howl’s Moving Castle (ハウルの動く城)
• Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea (崖の上のポニョ)
• From Up on Poppy Hill (コクリコ坂から)
• The Wind Rises (風立ちぬ)
• When Marnie Was There (思い出のマーニー)

Want to learn more about Studio Ghibli? Check out our blog article about the history behind the famous film studio.

The best 5 Ghibli movies

Here at Go! Go! Nihon, we of course love Studio Ghibli movies and recommend you watch all of them if you haven’t already. But, which ones should you watch first in order to get the best possible introduction to the enchanting world of Ghibli? 

We ran a poll in the Go! Go! Nihon office and here are the results:

5. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)

4. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)

3. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

2. Princess Mononoke (1997)

1. Spirited Away (2001)

While opinions invariably differed, everyone was united on their opinions of the sheer quality of artwork, storytelling, character development and the relatability of Ghibli movies. From staying true to the studio’s original style of animation, to the stories, characters and themes that touch audiences at a deeply personal level – Studio Ghibli movies are truly one of a kind. 

Do you agree/disagree with our ranking? Let us know what your must-watch Ghibli movie is in the comments!

Why not experience the magic of Ghibli firsthand? Several of our Study Trip courses include visits to the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo. Visit our website for more information.