Due to licensing agreements, Studio Ghibli’s beloved film catalog is not available on Netflix in the US and Japan. However, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) makes it possible to access these movies.
By connecting to a VPN server in a country where the Ghibli library is available on Netflix, such as the UK or New Zealand, you can stream them from the US.
- Sign up for a VPN. (We highly recommend ExpressVPN)
- Download the app and connect to a server in a country that has Ghibli on Netflix (e.g., the UK, New Zealand, or Canada).
- Open Netflix and log in. Search for “Ghibli” to find the entire collection.
Once connected, you’ll be able to browse the full Studio Ghibli library on Netflix and select your preferred audio and subtitle languages.
Here are some of the classic Studio Ghibli movies you can watch on Netflix:
- Kiki’s Delivery Service
- Spirited Away
- Castle in the Sky
- Porco Rosso
- My Neighbor Totoro
- Princess Mononoke
- Ponyo
- Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
- The Secret World of Arrietty
- Howl’s Moving Castle
Why Netflix Libraries Differ by Country
While Netflix operates globally, the library of movies and TV shows you can watch changes depending on your location. This is all due to territorial licensing agreements.
The streaming rights for a film or series are often owned by different companies in different countries. Here’s why a movie might be on Netflix in one region but not another:
- Exclusive Regional Rights: Another company may hold the exclusive streaming rights for a specific country. This is the case with Studio Ghibli in the United States, where the streaming rights are held exclusively by Max (formerly HBO Max).
- Complex Ownership: The international rights for a single movie can be split among multiple distributors, and Netflix must negotiate with each one for every region.
- Rights Aren’t For Sale: Sometimes, the streaming rights for a particular country are simply not available for purchase.
This can create a confusing experience. For example, a Google search for “studio ghibli on netflix” will show official results from Netflix, because the films are available on the platform in many parts of the world. However, if you are in the US or Japan and click on the official link for “Studio Ghibli Movies | Netflix,” you will see the following screen.
Where to Watch Studio Ghibli Movies on Netflix
The Studio Ghibli film collection is available on Netflix in most parts of the world. However, due to licensing rights, the movies are not available on Netflix in a few countries, most notably the United States and Japan.
This means you can find the entire Ghibli catalog on Netflix in regions such as:
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- Canada
By using a VPN, you can access the Netflix library of one of these countries and watch Studio Ghibli movies from anywhere.
How a VPN Unlocks Studio Ghibli on Netflix
Netflix determines which content library to show you based on your IP address, a unique identifier that reveals your geographic location. If you log in from the US, Netflix sees your US-based IP address and shows you the US library.
A VPN allows you to change your virtual location. It works by routing your internet connection through a private server in a country of your choosing.
For example, when you connect to a VPN server in New Zealand, your real IP address is replaced with one from New Zealand. To Netflix, it now appears as though you are accessing the service from within New Zealand, granting you full access to its movie library, including all the Studio Ghibli films.
If you connect to a VPN server in New Zealand, your IP address will then appear to be from that country.
How to Watch Studio Ghibli Movies on Netflix in the US
Watching Studio Ghibli movies on Netflix from the US is simple with a VPN. Just follow these three steps:
- Sign up for a VPN. (We highly recommend ExpressVPN)
- Download the app and connect to a server in a country that has Ghibli on Netflix (e.g., the UK, New Zealand, or Canada).
- Open Netflix and log in. Search for “Ghibli” to find the entire collection.
Step 1: Sign up for ExpressVPN
To register with ExpressVPN, click the “Claim Exclusive Deal” button as shown below. After the price plan is shown, follow the instructions.
STEP2. Download the app and connect to a Server
After registering with ExpressVPN, download and launch the app. Next, connect to a VPN server in a country where Studio Ghibli movies are available on Netflix, such as New Zealand and United Kingdom. Click “…” in the app and type “New Zealand” in the search box.
Select a server and click the power icon in the middle. Now, you can connect to a server in New Zealand.
STEP3. Access Netflix and Log in and Search for “Ghibli” via a VPN Server
With the VPN still connected to your chosen country (e.g., New Zealand), open your web browser and navigate to the Netflix website.
You can confirm the connection is working by checking the URL in your address bar. It should include the country code for the region you are connected to, such as www.netflix.com/nz/ for New Zealand.
Once you see the correct regional page, log in to your Netflix account. Type “Ghibli” into the search bar, and the full collection of films will appear. Simply select the movie you want to watch and press play.
Using a VPN in the same way, you will also be able to watch Harry Potter movies on Netflix.
How to watch Harry Potter movies on Netflix anywhere you are
Best VPN Services for Watching Studio Ghibli Movies on Netflix
Here are some excellent VPN services we recommend.
| ExpressVPN | NordVPN | SurfShark | |
| Prices | 1-Month: $13.99 12-Months: $5.99/month 24-Months: $4.49/month | 1-Month: $11.99 12-Months: $4.99/month 24-Months: $3.99/month | 1-Month: $12.95 12-Months: $3.99/month 24-Months: $2.39/month |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Countries | 105 | 118 | 100 |
| Servers | 3,000+ | 7,000+ | 3,200+ |
| Maximum devices supported | 12 | 10 | Unlimited |
| Connection Speed | Ultra Fast | Fast | Fast |
| Security | AES-256 Kill Switch | AES-256 Kill Switch | AES-256 Kill Switch |
| Privacy | No-logging | No-logging | No-logging |
| Support | 24/7 Live Chat Support | 24/7 Live Chat Support | 24/7 Live Chat Support |
ExpressVPN: Ultra-fast Internet Speeds
| Prices | 1-Month: $13.99 12-Months: $5.99/month 24-Months: $4.49/month |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 days |
| Countries | 105 |
| Servers | 3,000+ |
| Maximum devices supported | 12 |
ExpressVPN offers some of the fastest internet speeds among the VPNs we have used. All VPNs may slow down your internet connection, but ExpressVPN is one of the fastest, and you rarely notice the difference. Review sites consistently rank ExpressVPN as one of the fastest VPNs. Additionally, with over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, you have a wide choice of countries to change IP addresses to. Real humans are available 24-hour live chat support to help you with setup and troubleshooting. ExpressVPN also has a no-log policy.
After you’ve registered with ExpressVPN, you can use it to easily browse the internet just by downloading their app.
- Excellent speed and stability
- Fast and user-friendly app
- Strict no-logs policy
- Wide range of server countries
- Accepts Bitcoin payments
- Slightly more expensive than competitors
- Place a high importance on internet speed
\30 day Money-Back Guarantee/
NordVPN: The Ultimate Balance of Price and Internet Speed
| Prices (standard plan) | 1-Month: $11.99 12-Months: $4.99/month 24-Months: $3.99/month |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 days |
| Countries | 118 |
| Servers | 7,000+ |
| Maximum devices supported | 10 |
NordVPN’s excellent service, and balance of price, internet speed, servers, and countries, has allowed it to gain the greatest market share in the world. Overall, NordVPN consistently receives great reviews from leading experts. NordVPN has more than 5,800 servers in 60 countries, so you also have a lot of choices for which country to change your IP address to. You can et help and advice from our friendly customer support team through email or live chat for your 24/7. And NordVPN also has a no-log policy.
After you’ve registered, you can easily browse the internet using NordVPN just by downloading their app.
- World's most popular VPN by new user subscriptions
- Large number of available servers
- Competitive pricing
- Strict no-logs policy
- User-friendly dedicated apps
- Accepts cryptocurrency payments
- Short-term plans can be relatively costly
- Want to balance price and internet speed
\30 day Money-Back Guarantee/
Surfshark: Impressive Performance with a Lower Price
| Prices (standard plan) | 1-Month: $12.95 12-Months: $3.99/month 24-Months: $2.39/month |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 days |
| Countries | 100 |
| Servers | 3,200+ |
| Maximum devices supported | Unlimited |
Surfshark offers impressive performance with a lower price. You can get Surfshark much cheaper than other services if you apply for the 24-month plan. Furthermore, Surfshark has no connection limits. So, you and your family can connect and use all your devices simultaneously. Surfshark has more than 3,200 servers in 100 countries. Just like the other VPNs, you also have a lot of choices for which country to change your IP address to. Customer support experts are there for you 24/7, if you need a helping hand with them via live chat or email. And SurfsharkVPN also has a no-log policy.
After you’ve registered, you can easily browse the internet using Surfshark by downloading their app.
- Affordable price (cheaper than NordVPN & ExpressVPN)
- Unlimited simultaneous connections (ideal for families)
- Large number of available servers
- Speeds comparable to top-tier providers
- Strict no-logs policy
- Accepts cryptocurrency payments
- Less effective at bypassing geo-restrictions
- Limited service history / Less established
- Who are budget conscious and want to want to connect with lots of devices
\30 day Money-Back Guarantee/
FAQs
Is it legal to watch Studio Ghibli movies on Netflix with VPNs?
Using VPNs to watch Studio Ghibli movies is legal. VPNs are widely used by individuals to protect their private information and other online activity. And also, connecting to Netflix while traveling abroad is a common occurrence. So, access from a different country than usual is unlikely a violation of Netflix’s terms and conditions.
Do I need a new Netflix account or payment method?
No, you do not. Your existing Netflix account is global. The library of content you see is determined by the IP address you are using at the time of access, not the country where you created your account.
This means that even with an account created and paid for in the US, when you connect to a VPN server in New Zealand, Netflix will show you the New Zealand library.
Can I use a free VPN to watch Netflix?
We do not recommend using free VPN services for streaming Netflix.
Most free VPNs are unable to bypass Netflix’s advanced geo-blocking technology, resulting in error messages instead of movies. Furthermore, free services often impose strict data limits and slower connection speeds, which cause frequent buffering and low-quality video.
For a smooth and secure viewing experience, a premium VPN with a money-back guarantee is the most reliable choice.
Is a VPN necessary for watching other movies?
No, a VPN is not required for watching content that is already available in your country’s Netflix library.
However, using a VPN is always a good practice for protecting your online privacy and security, regardless of what you are watching.
What should I do if the VPN isn’t working with Netflix?
Sometimes you may connect to a VPN server in an eligible country and still not see the Ghibli library. This happens because Netflix actively tries to identify and block IP addresses that belong to VPN servers.
Even the best VPNs can face this issue. If it happens, try these simple solutions:
- Connect to a different server. Try disconnecting and reconnecting to another server in the same country.
- Switch countries. Connect to a server in a different country where Ghibli is also available, like Canada or the UK.
- Contact customer support. Your VPN’s support team can tell you which servers are currently optimized for Netflix.
Top VPN providers are constantly working to stay ahead of these blocks. Services like ExpressVPN and NordVPN are known for their reliability in accessing streaming content, making them excellent choices for a seamless experience. Having a subscription to more than one top-tier VPN is a surefire way to guarantee access. service that has servers in countries from which you can access Studio Ghibli movies.
Why shouldn’t I just watch them on Max (formerly HBO Max)?
If you already have a subscription to Max, watching Studio Ghibli movies there is the simplest option, as they hold the US streaming rights.
However, if you do not have a Max subscription but already pay for Netflix, using a VPN is often more cost-effective. A monthly VPN subscription is typically cheaper than adding a new Max subscription solely for Ghibli films. Additionally, as previously mentioned, a VPN offers extra benefits like online security and access to other global content.
Can I watch Ghibli movies with Japanese audio and English subtitles?
Yes, you can typically choose your preferred audio and subtitle language.
Netflix libraries in regions like the UK, Canada, and Australia usually include the original Japanese audio track along with English subtitles and English dubbing options.
Once the video is playing, simply click the “Audio & Subtitles” icon at the bottom of the screen to select your preferred settings.
Can I watch on my TV, Fire TV Stick, or mobile phone?
Yes, you can watch on a wide variety of devices.
Top-tier VPN providers offer dedicated apps for major platforms, including iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, and Android TV.
This allows you to easily switch between watching on your smartphone during a commute and enjoying a movie on your big screen at home.
What else can a VPN be used for?
In addition to bypassing geographical content restrictions, VPNs can also enhance your online privacy and security. Furthermore, it can be used to save money on subscription services like YouTube Premium and Netflix by allowing you to subscribe from regions where prices are lower.
Conclusion
- Sign up for a VPN. (We highly recommend ExpressVPN)
- Download the app and connect to a server in a country that has Ghibli on Netflix (e.g., the UK, New Zealand, or Canada).
- Open Netflix and log in. Search for “Ghibli” to find the entire collection.