If you’re a fan of animated movies, you’ve probably heard about Studio Ghibli. This famous Japanese animation studio has created some of the best animated films ever made, like Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Howl’s Moving Castle, and many more.
But if you’re living in the USA and wondering, “Where can I watch Studio Ghili movies?”, you’re not alone. These beautiful films weren’t always easy to find online. Luckily, things have changed. In this blog, we’ll tell you exactly where to stream every Studio Ghibli movie, whether you want to watch in English or Japanese.
🔥 Quick Answer: Where to Watch Studio Ghibli Movies in the USA
If you’re short on time, here’s the simple answer:
- 🏆 HBO Max – Best platform to stream all Studio Ghibli movies in the U.S.
- 🎥 Digital Purchase or Rent – Buy or rent on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube.
- 💿 Blu-ray/DVD – Buy physical copies for your collection from retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon.
Let’s break it down in detail for each option.
🎬 What Is Studio Ghibli?
Before we dive into where to watch them, let’s quickly talk about what makes Studio Ghibli so special.
Founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, Studio Ghibli is known for:
- Beautiful hand-drawn animation
- Deep emotional storytelling
- Strong female characters
- Magical, fantasy-driven worlds
- Messages about nature, love, and growing up
Some of the most popular Ghibli movies include:
- Spirited Away (2001) – Oscar-winning classic
- Princess Mononoke (1997)
- My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
- Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
- Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
- Ponyo (2008)
📺 1. Watch Studio Ghibli on HBO Max (Now Called Max)
In the USA, the exclusive streaming home for Studio Ghibli movies is HBO Max, now rebranded as Max.
✅ Why HBO Max Is the Best Choice:
- Offers all 21 Studio Ghibli films
- Includes both English dubs and Japanese with subtitles
- Available in HD quality
- Affordable monthly plans
💲 Pricing:
- Starting at $9.99/month (with ads)
- $15.99/month for ad-free
- 7-day free trial (may vary)
🖥️ How to Watch:
- Sign up on max.com
- Search for “Studio Ghibli”
- Choose your favorite movie and start streaming!
🎞️ Full List of Ghibli Movies on Max:
| Title | Release Year |
|---|---|
| My Neighbor Totoro | 1988 |
| Spirited Away | 2001 |
| Howl’s Moving Castle | 2004 |
| Princess Mononoke | 1997 |
| Kiki’s Delivery Service | 1989 |
| Ponyo | 2008 |
| The Wind Rises | 2013 |
| The Tale of the Princess Kaguya | 2013 |
| And more… |
📲 2. Buy or Rent Studio Ghibli Movies Digitally
If you don’t want to subscribe to a streaming service, you can also buy or rent Studio Ghibli movies online.
🎯 Platforms That Offer Ghibli Movies:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Google Play Movies & TV
- YouTube Movies
- Apple TV / iTunes
- Vudu
💵 Average Price:
- Rent: $3.99–$4.99 per movie
- Buy: $9.99–$19.99 per movie
This is great if you only want to watch a few select movies and don’t want a monthly subscription.
💿 3. Buy Ghibli Blu-ray or DVDs
Love collecting physical movies? You can still buy Studio Ghibli Blu-ray or DVD sets in the USA.
🛍️ Best Places to Buy:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Target
- Best Buy
🎁 Tip:
Many Ghibli Blu-ray releases come with bonus features, art books, and both English and Japanese audio.
🌐 4. Can I Watch Studio Ghibli on Netflix?
This is a common question, but the answer depends on where you live.
- ❌ Netflix does NOT have Ghibli movies in the USA.
- ✅ Netflix does offer Studio Ghibli movies in other countries, like the UK, Canada, and India.
If you’re in the USA and try to search for Ghibli on Netflix, you won’t find them due to licensing rights.
🛑 Don’t Use a VPN (Unless You Know the Risks)
While you can technically use a VPN to access Netflix libraries in other countries, it’s against Netflix’s terms and can result in a ban. So proceed with caution.
📅 What’s New in 2025 for Studio Ghibli Fans?
2025 is an exciting time for Ghibli lovers in the USA! Here’s why:
⭐ Trending:
- Hayao Miyazaki’s new film The Boy and the Heron is gaining buzz.
- Studio Ghibli’s movies are trending again thanks to TikTok and YouTube clips.
- More Ghibli-themed merch, theme park attractions, and events are coming this year.
Stay updated by checking Studio Ghibli’s official website or following Max’s official social media.
🎉 Top 5 Studio Ghibli Movies to Start With (Fan Favorites)
Not sure which Ghibli movie to watch first? Here’s a quick starter list:
1. Spirited Away – A magical journey full of spirits and heart.
2. My Neighbor Totoro – A cozy classic that’s perfect for families.
3. Princess Mononoke – Epic fantasy with deep messages about nature.
4. Howl’s Moving Castle – A whimsical love story with stunning visuals.
5. Kiki’s Delivery Service – Feel-good and empowering for all ages.
👨👩👧👦 Are Studio Ghibli Movies Good for Kids?
Yes! Most Studio Ghibli films are great for kids and families. They are:
- Safe and age-appropriate
- Full of important life lessons
- Often rated G or PG
However, some films like Princess Mononoke have more violence and may be better suited for older kids (ages 12+).
🧠 Why Ghibli Movies Are So Loved
Studio Ghibli films are not just cartoons. They are works of art that touch your heart. People love them because they:
- Respect the intelligence of children and adults alike
- Avoid clichés seen in many Western animated films
- Are full of strong, independent characters
- Have no clear villains — just complex people
- Offer calm, peaceful moments mixed with action
📝 Final Thoughts
So, where can you watch Studio Ghibli movies in the USA? The clear answer is HBO Max (Max), with digital rentals as a solid backup. These timeless movies are finally easy to find and enjoy from the comfort of your home.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the magical world of Ghibli, now is the perfect time to dive into these unforgettable stories.
🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Can I watch Ghibli movies on Disney+?
No. Studio Ghibli movies are not available on Disney+ in the USA.
❓ Are Ghibli movies dubbed in English?
Yes, every major Ghibli movie is available with a high-quality English dub.
❓ Is HBO Max the same as Max?
Yes, HBO Max was renamed to Max in 2023. It’s still the same streaming service.
Ready to start your Ghibli journey? Log into Max and get watching!
