Where is the best place to watch and stream Studio Ghibli films for free online in 2023? We've compiled an updated list of streaming services that currently have many or all the Ghibli films available to watch!
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The Enchanting World of Studio Ghibli Films
From fantasy classics like My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and Kiki's Delivery Service, to slice-of-life works such as Only Yesterday and From Up on Poppy Hill, Studio Ghibli is home to some of the most well-loved anime movies of all time. Many fans even got into anime because of Hayao Miyazaki's films.
From the most famous to the most obscure, Ghibli films are known to empower young viewers, encouraging them to appreciate the little things in life, be they heartwarming everyday interactions and habits, natural beauties, or good food.
Some of the most iconic anime moments, GIFs, and merch come from the beloved studio.
If you haven't watched at least one of their works, then you're missing out. So, here's how you can stream them online.
Are the Ghibli Films on Netflix?
Netflix is the best place to watch Ghibli films. Due to the studio's deal with the streaming giant, it's now easier than ever to watch the critically-acclaimed movies that were formerly hard to find.
As of writing, Netflix has streaming rights for most of the world with the exception of the US, Canada, and of course, Japan.
As Netflix is the first and only platform for many viewers, many people are now able to access all Ghibli movies easily without an extra charge.
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Are the Ghibli Films on Prime Video?
Many films are available on Amazon Prime Video for an extra cost if they aren't included in the membership, but this isn't the case for the Ghibli movies.
The one Ghibli film you can watch on Prime, but not on Netflix, is the 1988 film, Grave of the Fireflies.
If you make that brave choice though, make sure to have plenty of tissues at hand. You have been warned.
Are the Ghibli Films on Disney Plus?
Disney used to own the rights to the Ghibli movies. However, this is no longer the case, which means Disney Plus doesn't have the films in its library.
Are the Ghibli Films on HBO Max?
As of 2023, HBO Max is the only other place apart from Netflix where fans based in North America can stream their favorite Ghibli movies online.
Are the Ghibli Films on Hulu?
As of writing, the Ghibli films are not available to stream on Hulu. However, Hulu is a great platform for anime lovers, especially if you're interested in anime series.
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Are the Ghibli Films on Peacock?
At the time of writing, watching the Ghibli films on Peacock is not an option.
Are the Ghibli Films on Paramount Plus?
Paramount Plus is a new-ish streaming platform that's home to many good films and series. The Ghibli films, however, are not included in its library.
Are the Ghibli Films on Crunchyroll or Funimation?
Oddly enough, the beloved movies haven't made it to any of the major anime platforms in the West, such as Funimation and Crunchyroll, which is likely because of the Netflix deal.
Moreover, we don't expect Funimation to offer more films it doesn't currently have following the Crunchyroll merger.
That being said, many fans hope that at least some of the Ghibli films will one day be on Crunchyroll.
Are the Ghibli Films on HIDIVE?
HIDIVE has recently gained some traction as the main Crunchyroll competitor. While it isn't quite there yet, it does have some interesting options, but the Ghibli films aren't among them.
How to Watch the Ghibli Films Online for Free
To summarize, there are two main ways to watch Ghibli films. Netflix has exclusive streaming rights for Studio Ghibli movies in most of the world. But North American fans can find the Ghibli films on HBO Max, too.
Which Ghibli Films Are on Netflix and HBO Max?
Here's a list of all the Ghibli films you can watch on Netflix and HBO Max:
- Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
- Castle in the Sky (1986)
- My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
- Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)
- Only Yesterday (1991)
- Porco Rosso (1992)
- Ocean Waves (1993)
- Pom Poko (1994)
- Whisper of the Heart (1995)
- Princess Mononoke (1997)
- My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999)
- Spirited Away (2001)
- The Cat Returns (2002)
- Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
- Tales from Earthsea (2006)
- Ponyo (2008)
- Arietty (2010)
- From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)
- The Wind Rises (2013)
- The Tale of Princess Kaguya (2013)
- When Marnie Was There (2014)
- Earwig and the Witch (2020)
Are There Any Ghibli Films Missing?
The one exception to the above is Grave of the Fireflies. Some fans might be able to watch it on Hulu or Prime Video, depending on their region. It's also available on Apple TV+ but it's otherwise a harder film to find.
The reason Grave of the Fireflies isn't on Netflix is thought to be that the film is owned by Shinchosha rather than Ghibli, as it's based on a short story distributed by the publishing house.
While Ghibli obtained the rights to make the film, the distribution rights for one of the saddest anime movies of all time are still with Shinchosa, who first published Akiyuki Nosaka's short story.
Therefore, separate plans were made for the film's distribution to streaming services.
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