Popular throughout Asia, Europe and Latin America, Studio Ghibli had reportedly passed deals to release their films on digital platforms before. But upon announcing its partnership, Ghibli producer Toshia Suzuki said the studio was finally embraced the streaming revolution and hoped to reach more audiences this way. 

“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,” he said in a statement released on Monday.

With the exception of the United States, Canada and Japan, Netflix will release the films worldwide from February to April. 

The first batch is set to roll out on Feb. 1 and will include several classics such as My Neighbor Totoro, whose character became Ghibli’s mascot, and the studio’s first production Castle in The Sky. 

In addition, Netflix has also agreed to provide subtitles to the films in 28 languages and dubbings in 20 languages. 

“Studio Ghibli's animated films are legendary and have enthralled fans around the world for over 35 years. We're excited to make them available in more languages across Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia – so that more people can enjoy this whimsical and wonderful world of animation,” said Aram Yacoubian, Netflix's director of original animation.

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Founded in 1985 by animation directors Hayao Miyazaki, Toshio Suzuki and Isao Takahata in Japan, Studio Ghibli has become one of the most acclaimed animation companies in the world. 

The studio has received numerous awards, including an Academy Award and the Critics’ Choice Award for Spirited Away as the Best Animated Feature in 2003.

Four other Ghibli films also received Oscar nominations, namely Howl’s Moving Castle, The Wind Rises, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, and When Marnie Was There.

Below is Netflix’s release schedule for Studio Ghibli films outside North America and Japan:

Feb. 1:

Castle in the Sky, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Only Yesterday, Porco Rosso, Ocean Waves, Tales from Earthsea

March 1:

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

April 1:

Pom Poko, Whisper of the Heart, Howl's Moving Castle, Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea, From Up on Poppy Hill, The Wind Rises, When Marnie Was There. (vel/wng)