Max and GKIDS Extend Exclusive Multiyear U.S. Licensing Deal for Studio Ghibli Catalogue

Max announced a multiyear agreement with GKIDS to extend the exclusive U.S. film streaming rights for Studio Ghibli, Japan’s legendary, Oscar-winning animation house. The streamer has been the U.S. home to the Studio Ghibli catalogue since 2020, marking the first time the films were available to stream.

As part of the deal, Max will be the future home of the Oscar-winning and Golden Globe-winning film “The Boy and the Heron,” with an announcement of the Max streaming premiere date to be made later this year. This hand-drawn, original story is Hayao Miyazaki’s first feature film in 10 years, written and directed by the Academy Award-winning director. Produced by Studio Ghibli co-founder Toshio Suzuki, the film features a musical score from Miyazaki’s long-time collaborator Joe Hisaishi.

“Our subscribers are always looking for unique stories, and we are happy to continue to offer these award-winning, critically acclaimed films and to add ‘The Boy and the Heron’ to our deep and rich Max content offering,” said Elizabeth Bannan Atcheson, VP, Content Acquisitions, Warner Bros. Discovery.

Studio Ghibli is one of the most acclaimed and influential animation studios in the world, inspiring filmmakers and audiences alike over the last 30 years with beloved stories and breathtaking visuals. Under the brilliance of visionary animation directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, and producer Toshio Suzuki, the studio’s films are known for timeless classics such as “My Neighbor Totoro,” “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” and “Ponyo” and have won countless international awards including an Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature for “Spirited Away,” as well as additional Oscar nominations for “Howl’s Moving Castle,” “The Wind Rises,” “The Tale of The Princess Kaguya,” and “When Marnie Was There.”

Below is a full list of films that will be available to stream on Max in the U.S. as part of this new deal:

• 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)
• The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)
• From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)
• The Wind Rises (2013)
• The Tale of The Princess Kaguya (2013)
• When Marnie Was There (2014)
• Earwig and the Witch (2020)
• The Boy and the Heron (2023)