We have heard people discuss how visually stunning and emotionally-engaging Studio Ghibli films are—but the problem is these gems are so hard to find online unless we resort to downloading them illegally. Since piracy is a crime and no one wants to go behind bars (obviously), Netflix has recently announced about their acquired streaming rights to Studio Ghibli movies!
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Hayao Miyazaki’s best films of all time will finally be available on the international streaming platform on February 1, 2020. Together with French distribution partner Wild Bunch International, the full film catalog contains 21 iconic features from the critically-acclaimed animation house with subtitle and dubbing options in 28 and 21 languages, respectively.
We are not trying to get you too hyped about this, but here are some of the films included in the said catalog:
Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
Kiki’s Delivery Service is about a 13-year-old witch named Kiki who needs to leave home and train herself to be independent, as part of her village’s traditions. Trying to navigate the night sky with her broomstick, she ends up in a foreign community where she sets up her own “flying courier service.” But she will eventually lose her powers when self-doubt and insecurity start to consume her.
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
Taking place in the future, post-apocalyptic world, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind revolves around the adventures of young Nausicaä whose purpose is to regain peace in the toxic environment she lives in and find ways for humans and animals to co-exist.
The Wind Rises (2013)
Miyazaki’s classic works can also be a combination of romance and drama just like The Wind Rises, a fictionalized biopic of Japanese aviation engineer Jiro Horikoshi (Hideaki Anno). The story follows a young Hirokoshi who dreams of becoming a pilot and designer of the Mitsubishi A5M fighter aircraft and A6M Zero during World War II. He also meets the love of his life who sadly suffers from a life-threatening disease.
The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)
Just like any Ghibli movie, The Secret World of Arrietty offers amazing visual effects with a compelling story about friendship and family. Based on Mary Norton’s children novel called The Borrowers, the story is about a thumb-sized teenager Arrietty who resides under the floorboards of Shawn’s house. As the movie progresses, the two will become friends—however, their friendship will only lead Arrietty’s family to danger.
This may seem good news to all Ghibli fans but access to it will not be available in Canada, United States and surprisingly, Japan. Check out this link to see the full list of movies.