Netflix moves into Japanese animation, will start showing 21 Studio Ghibli movies from February
- Streaming giant’s customers in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America will be able to watch 21 films from Japan’s most famous animation house
- However, rival HBO has the exclusive rights to release them in the US, while Netflix has no presence in China
Online streaming platform Netflix will make more than 20 Studio Ghibli movies available to subscribers outside the United States, Canada and Japan, with a phased release beginning on February 1.
Netflix users in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America will be able to watch 21 films by Japan’s most famous animation house that are subtitled in 28 languages and dubbed in up to 20 languages.
“We’ve listened to our fans and have made the definitive decision to stream our film catalogue,” says Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki.
“With the streaming service coming along, it only increases the choices the audience can make [for how and where to watch films], which I think is a very positive thing for creators.
“Through this partnership with Netflix, I hope that people of all ages, from very young kids to elderly people, will enjoy our movies,” adds Suzuki, who hopes the films will carry on the success they had in Japan.
