Netflix Australia buys the streaming rights to all of Studio Ghibli’s classic films including Spirited Away and Kiki’s Delivery Service
Netflix Australia has acquired the streaming rights to the Studio Ghibli library.
Subscribers in Australia and New Zealand will soon be able to watch every movie from the legendary Japanese animation studio.
The films – including Spirited Away, which won Best Animated Feature at the Oscars – will be released in batches between February and April.
Coming soon: Streaming giant Netflix has just picked up the rights to Japan’s Studio Ghibli animated films and they will be coming to Australia and New Zealand
Until now, Studio Ghibli has declined to offer digital versions of its films in any format, but the company’s producer Toshio Suzuki told The Hollywood Reporter they are moving with the times.
‘We’ve listened to our fans and have made the definitive decision to stream our film catalogue. We hope people around the world will discover the world of Studio Ghibli through this experience,’ he said.
Launched in 1985 by animators Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, Studio Ghibli has become world-renowned for its vivid and artistic fantasy films.
Oscar winner: Twenty one films from Studio Ghibli will available to stream on Netflix including Oscar winning ‘Spirited Away’
Netflix has secured the rights to all 21 Studio Ghibli titles, including Princess Mononoke, Arrietty and Kiki’s Delivery Service.
Australian fans were quick to react to the announcement on social media.
‘The half dozen or so I have seen over the years were pure magic. Having access to more will be a real treat,’ one person wrote on Facebook.
‘Best news I’ve ever heard, EVER!’ Excited Social Media users were quick to share their excitement at the announcement on Social Media
‘This is the best shocking unexpected thing from Netflix ever,’ added another.
The films will be subtitled in 28 languages and dubbed in up to 20 and will be available in most regions of the world excluding the U.S., Canada and Japan.
The first movies will be available to stream from February 1
Outrage: US fans were outraged at the announcement as the movies will not be made available in America, Canada or Japan. ‘You made and ruined my day in an hour,’ said one angry subscriber