HBO Max Secures Exclusive Streaming Rights to All Studio Ghibli Films
HBO Max lands a major content deal by acquiring exclusive U.S. streaming rights to all 21 Studio Ghibli films, marking the first time the beloved animations are available legally online.
HBO Max aggressively expands its content library by securing exclusive U.S. streaming rights to all 21 Studio Ghibli films. This landmark deal brings beloved classics like "Spirited Away," "Princess Mononoke," and "My Neighbor Totoro" to the upcoming platform in spring 2020, with "The Wind Rises" following in the fall.
The agreement is particularly noteworthy because Studio Ghibli previously refuses to make its films available digitally anywhere in the world. The legendary animation studio prioritizes theatrical presentations, but HBO Max apparently changes this long-standing stance by bringing a massive checkbook to the negotiation table.
This acquisition represents a major strategic victory for HBO Max over competitors like Disney, which maintains a long-term relationship with the Japanese studio. By adding these iconic films to a roster that already includes "Friends" and "The Big Bang Theory," AT&T's streaming service positions itself as a formidable contender in the competitive digital landscape.