After the recent and momentous reveal that Zack Snyder's JUSTICE LEAGUE is coming to HBO Max in 2021, the powers behind the upcoming streaming service would like to remind you all that Studio Ghibli's legendary library of films will be available to stream for the first time when the platform launches on May 27th.
Ever since the 1986 release of Castle in the Sky, Studio Ghibli has continuously raised the bar for creativity and storytelling within the animation medium. Whether you're emitting a primal scream alongside Totoro, wandering into a world ruled by gods, witches, and spirits with Chihiro Ogino, or searching for the cure to a Tatarigami curse with Ashitaka, Studio Ghibli always invites viewers to worlds that leave them breathless and mystified by the wonders of magic, nature, and imagination.
As per HBO Max's official press release:
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 four additional Oscar nominations for Howl’s Moving Castle, The Wind Rises, The Tale of The Princess Kaguya, and When Marnie Was There. Director and studio co-founder Hayao Miyazaki was separately given an Honorary Award at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Governors Awards in 2014, and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures will pay tribute to his artwork with a special exhibit when the Museum opens later this year.
Here's the full list of films that are coming to HBO Max on May 27th:
Castle in the Sky
The Cat Returns
From Up On Poppy Hill
Howl’s Moving Castle
Kiki’s Delivery Service
My Neighbor Totoro
My Neighbors the Yamadas
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
Ocean Waves
Only Yesterday
Pom Poko
Ponyo
Porco Rosso
Princess Mononoke
The Secret World of Arrietty
Spirited Away
The Tale of The Princess Kaguya
Tales From Earthsea
When Marnie Was There
Whisper of the Heart
The Wind Rises
Back in October of 2019, Koji Hoshino, chairman of Studio Ghibli, spoke to Variety about bringing the studio's timeless library of films to HBO Max.
“We are excited to be working with HBO Max to bring the complete collection of Studio Ghibli films to streaming audiences in the U.S. As a premium content brand, HBO Max is an ideal home for our films,” said Hoshino. “Upon launch of the service this spring, existing Ghibli fans will be able enjoy their favorites and delve deeper into the library, while whole new audiences will be able to discover our films for the first time.”
Are you looking forward to having Studio Ghibli's library all in one place when HBO Max launches on May 27th? Which is your favorite of their many films? If I had to give a Top 5, this would be my personal list: SPIRITED AWAY, PRINCESS MONONOKE, MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO, THE CAT RETURNS, KIKI'S DELIVERY SERVICE. Why not share your list in the comments section below?