Seven - that's right seven - more Studio Ghibli titles have been added to Netflix's extensive catalogue from today.
With 14 titles now available to stream on Netflix, Studio Ghibli have well and truly infiltrated the online streamer and we very much stan that infiltration.
The first wave of seven titles that were released on February 1st were 'Laputa Castle in the Sky', 'My Neighbor Totoro', 'Kiki’s Delivery Service', 'Only Yesterday', 'Porco Rosso', 'Ocean Waves', and 'Tales from Earthsea'.
All of the titles are available in their original Japanese, with English subtitles. But don't let that deter your interest, as they are pretty phenomenal and worth your time.
If the Japanese animation studio is news to you, then here's a rundown of the seven new titles that you can while your time away with.
‘Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind’
Originally released in 1984, the movie was created before Studio Ghibli even existed. However, that doesn't mean it that it lacks the typical anime elements that we associate with the Japanese film-makers. It is an epic adventure, and one which might ring true even more so today, as we become more concerned with climate action and its impact on our animals.
‘Princess Mononoke’
Another one to carry the weight of war on its shoulders, 'Princess Mononoke' sees young warrior Ashitaka journey deep into the depths of the Great Forest Spirit's realm where he meets San, a girl raised by wolves. Ashitaka becomes caught in the middle of a battle between humans and the forest dwellers, and the movie is full of non-stop, incredible action.
’My Neighbors the Yamadas’
Taking a charmingly sweet break from all of the action surrounding it, this is a comedy film from director Isao Takahata whose 'Grave of the Fireflies' previously received critical acclaim. 'My Neighbors the Yamadas' follows the Yamada family through a series of vignettes, as we see the mother, father, grandmother, son, daughter, and dog Pochi go about their funny little lives.
’The Cat Returns’
A magical adventure that follows the story of Haru, a schoolgirl bored by her ordinary routine. One day she saves the life of an unusual cat, and suddenly her world is transformed beyond belief. 'The Cat Returns' is a delightful watch, and is all about believing in yourself and learning to appreciate the everyday.
‘Arrietty’
We've all seen 'The Borrowers' - or read the original book by Mary Norton, and this is the animated Studio Ghibli version of the classic tale. Arrietty is the star of the show, and she and her little family try to get around completely undetected by humans. The movie was very popular when it was released in 2010, and became the highest-grossing Japanese film at the Japanese box office that year.
‘The Tale of the Princess Kaguya’
With breathtaking visuals, 'The Tale of the Princess Kaguya' is a must-watch if you haven't already indulged yourself in anime. Released in 2014, the incredible story is about a man who discovers a princess while working in a bamboo forest. The movie was nominated for many awards, including the 87th Acamedy Awards (but lost out to Disney's 'Big Hero 6').
‘Spirited Away'
Arguably the studio's most well-known feature film, 'Spirited Away' is one of Hayao Miyazaki's most famed masterpieces. All about the concept of greed, we follow young Chihiro, who discovers a secret world of strange spirits, creatures and sorcery as she tries to save her parents.
Keep an eye out for the seven remaining titles from Studio Ghibli, which will hit Netflix on April 1st.
