Major news on the anime front today with the announcement from GKIDS that, for the first time ever, Studio Ghibli’s near-entire catalog will be made available for streaming in the United States via HBO Max. The announcement comes just a day after a 2018 quote from the studio resurfaced stating that it would never happen, with GKIDS today announcing that, minus Grave of the Fireflies, the full catalog would be made available on HBO Max when the service launches in Spring 2020.
✨Major news, #StudioGhibli fans! ✨
Studio Ghibli films will be available for US streaming on HBO Max for the first time ever! 🎉
Coming soon in Spring 2020. pic.twitter.com/gMh5ggUals
— GKIDS Films (@GKIDSfilms) October 17, 2019
Given the incredibly high profile of Studio Ghibli on a global scale, this news is nothing short of exciting. While it’s a shame that the incredible Grave of the Fireflies won’t be joining the roster, there’s certainly no shortage of other breathtaking works for us to sink our teeth into. Though it’s unfortunate that HBO Max is set to be a US-exclusive streaming platform, I can gladly say that I’m thrilled for my North American friends who will be able to enjoy the studio’s incredible catalog, even if I am quite envious.
This acquisition is one that’s sure to bring in quite a subscriber-base for the upcoming platform, even if I’m sure many will begrudgingly be shelling out their money for yet another streaming service. With a total of 21 films to be added from Studio Ghibli, I’m sure people will quickly find their decision justified, however. For those curious on the full list of films, you can find them outlined below:
- Castle in the Sky
- The Cat Returns
- From Up On Poppy Hill
- Howl’s Moving Castle
- Kiki’s Delivery Service
- My Neighbor Totoro
- My Neighbors the Yamadas
- Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
- Ocean Waves
- Only Yesterday
- Pom Poko
- Ponyo
- Porco Rosso
- Princess Mononoke
- The Secret World of Arrietty
- Spirited Away
- The Tale of The Princess Kaguya
- Tales From Earthsea
- When Marnie Was There
- Whisper of the Heart
- The Wind Rises (Launching Fall 2020)
Set to launch in Spring 2020, those interested in checking out additional information on Studio Ghibli should be sure to check back, as well as follow GKIDS’s official Twitter account for more details.