Netflix to stream Studio Ghibli films including Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro

Fans have been clamouring for the animated films to be released on the streaming service

A number of classic Studio Ghibli films will finally be available on Netflix from February.

Until recently, the company had refused to offer digital versions of its content in any format.

Netflix will host 21 Ghibli films, including the Oscar-winning Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service and The Tale of the Princess Kaguya.

The films will be screened in their native Japanese with subtitles, and available globally on Netflix with the exception of the US, Canada and Japan.

In a statement, producer Toshio Suzuki at Studio Ghibli said: “In this day and age, there are various great ways a film can reach audiences. 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.”

The first wave of releases is on 1 February and includes:

Castle in the Sky

My Neighbor Totoro

Kiki’s Delivery Service

Only Yesterday

Porco Rosso

Ocean Waves

Tales from Earthsea

On 1 March, Netflix will add:

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

Princess Mononoke

My Neighbors the Yamadas

Spirited Away

The Cat Returns

Arrietty

The Tale of The Princess Kaguya

Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away won an Oscar for Best Animation in 2002 (Studio Ghibli)

On 1 April, the service will stream:

Pom Poko

Whisper of the Heart

Howl’s Moving Castle

Ponyo

From Up on Poppy Hill

The Wind Rises

When Marnie Was There