If you’re not yet familiar with Studio Ghibli films, get ready for some memorable movie nights. And if their movies are already among your family favourites, you’re in for a treat revisiting them! Since 2020, Netflix has been home to a wonderful collection of 21 enchanting Studio Ghibli films, arriving in three batches — including plenty of firm family favourites you’re sure to love.
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We first came across Studio Ghibli films some years ago when our kids were about 7 and 10, and we were blown away by them. The animation is unlike anything you’ve seen from Disney or other Western animation studios. The stories are unusual and the characters are quirky, creating something really unique. If you’re not familiar with the movies, we’d highly recommend them!
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About Studio Ghibli
Studio Ghibli is a Japanese animation studio best known for its anime feature films. Founded in 1985, it has gone on to win numerous awards, with five of the studio’s films nominated for Academy Awards.
With a band of talented directors, animators and storytellers under the brilliance of Takahata and Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli films have been praised for their originality, dazzling animation and epic storytelling.
Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away won the Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature of 2002, and in 2005 Miyazaki was named one of “the most influential people” by TIME Magazine.
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Studio Ghibli Films on Netflix
Netflix confirmed that the films would arrive in three batches, with the first round landing on 1st February 2020. My Neighbor Totoro is a great starting place if you’ve never watched a Studio Ghibli film before.
Films from the first batch (1st February):
- Castle in the Sky (1986)
- My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
- Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
- Only Yesterday (1991)
- Porco Rosso (1992)
- Ocean Waves (1993)
- Tales from Earthsea (2006)
The second batch (1st March):
- Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
- Princess Mononoke (1997)
- My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999)
- Spirited Away (2001)
- The Cat Returns (2002)
- Arrietty (2010)
- The Tale of The Princess Kaguya (2013)
*The third and final batch (1st April), including one of our family’s favourites, Howl’s Moving Castle:*
- Pom Poko (1994)
- Whisper of the Heart (1995)
- Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
- Ponyo (2008)
- From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)
- The Wind Rises (2013)
- When Marnie Was There (2014)
These films became available to Netflix subscribers across Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. Streaming libraries do change over time as licensing deals are renewed, so it’s worth checking your own Netflix catalogue for the current full list before movie night.
If you’re reading this from the United States, Studio Ghibli’s catalogue has historically been available through GKIDS and HBO Max (now Max) rather than Netflix. Streaming rights can shift, so it’s best to check your regional service for the latest availability.
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Which Studio Ghibli Films Should You Watch With Kids?
All of the Studio Ghibli films are family-friendly, but we’d recommend starting with these four.
My Neighbor Totoro
My Neighbor Totoro tells the story of two girls, Satsuki and Mei, who have moved with their father to a new house in the countryside while their mother recovers from illness in a nearby hospital.
They discover they share their home with some unusual creatures and even stranger neighbours, including a rather large forest guardian the girls call Totoro. When trouble occurs, their new friends help them rediscover hope.
Kiki’s Delivery Service
Kiki’s Delivery Service is the adorable story of Kiki, a young witch, and her black cat Jiji. It’s tradition for all young witches to leave their families on the night of a full moon to learn their craft. That night comes for Kiki, who follows her dream and embarks on the experience of a lifetime.
Kiki flies off with Jiji to find the perfect spot in a faraway city. There, a bakery owner befriends Kiki and helps her start her own business: a high-flying delivery service.
Ponyo
Five-year-old Sosuke lives by the sea. One morning, while playing on the rocky beach below his house, he discovers a goldfish he names Ponyo, her head stuck in a jam jar. Sosuke rescues Ponyo and keeps her in a green plastic bucket.
Both Ponyo and Sosuke are fascinated by each other and promise to stay firm friends until Ponyo’s father, a sorcerer who lives deep under the sea, forces her to return with him to the ocean depths. What follows is an amazing underwater adventure for all ages.
Howl’s Moving Castle
Based on the book by Diana Wynne Jones, Howl’s Moving Castle tells the story of Sophie, an average teenage girl working in a hat shop. Her life is thrown into turmoil when she is literally swept off her feet by a handsome but mysterious wizard named Howl, and then turned into a 90-year-old woman by the vain and conniving Witch of the Waste.
Embarking on an incredible adventure to lift the curse, she finds refuge in Howl’s magical moving castle, where she becomes acquainted with Markl, Howl’s apprentice, and a hot-headed fire demon named Calcifer. As the true power of Howl’s wizardry is revealed, and his relationship with Sophie deepens, our young heroine finds herself fighting to protect them both from a war of sorcery that threatens their world.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Studio Ghibli films suitable for young children?
Most Studio Ghibli films are gentle, family-friendly stories, though a few (such as Princess Mononoke or Grave of the Fireworks, where included) have more mature or intense themes. It’s worth reading a quick synopsis first if you’re watching with younger children.
What’s a good first Studio Ghibli film to watch as a family?
My Neighbor Totoro is widely recommended as the perfect introduction — it’s warm, gentle and easy for younger viewers to follow.
Do I need to watch the films in any particular order?
No — the films aren’t connected in a series, so you can pick and choose based on your family’s interests and start wherever appeals most.
Where can I watch Studio Ghibli films now?
Availability depends on your region and can change as streaming deals are renewed. Check your Netflix library (or Max/GKIDS if you’re in the US) for the current selection.
Save This for Movie Night
Not ready to watch tonight? Save this guide and come back to it next time you’re planning family movie night, or browse more of our family entertainment picks for more ideas.
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Do you have a favourite Studio Ghibli film? Which one will you watch first? Leave a comment below and let us know — we’d love to hear from you!
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