Gkids Acquires UK and Ireland Distribution Rights for Ghibli Film Collection

Anime film distributor Gkids has secured the distribution rights to the entire 23-film collection of Studio Ghibli for the UK and Ireland, providing more access to theatrical, home video, TV and digital platforms. The distribution process will kick off with "Kiki’s Delivery Service" available in Imax in both countries from August 21.

The Studio Ghibli catalogue comprises several Oscar-winning and nominated films such as "Spirited Away" and "Howl’s Moving Castle", respectively. Past limited availability issues might now be addressed with this new arrangement.

Future releases are planned, with 4K remasters of "The Secret World of Arrietty" and "Whisper of the Heart" among them, to be released in fall 2026. A refreshed home video platform release of the full film library is also in the pipeline.

Gkids will coordinate efforts with Anime Limited, a Glasgow-based distributor and recent acquisition by Gkids' parent company, Toho Global. The companies have previously cooperated on other releases, such as "Arcane" and "Perfect Blue", and are expected to collaborate on Toho's "Godzilla Minus Zero".

Eric Beckman from Gkids and Vincent Maraval from Goodfellas, which acts as Studio Ghibli’s global sales agent outside select territories, negotiated the deal. Gkids has distributed Ghibli films in North America across various platforms for years, while Goodfellas retains streaming rights for the UK and Ireland, which are licensed to Netflix.

David Jesteadt, president of Gkids, showed enthusiasm for the opportunity to reintroduce these unparalleled films to both existing and new audiences. Vincent Maraval, president of Goodfellas, shared a similar sentiment about bringing Studio Ghibli's esteemed films to the UK and Irish viewers.

Notably, Studio Ghibli, co-founded by Miyazaki Hayao, Takahata Isao, and producer Suzuki Toshio, has clinched two Oscars for best animated feature and received an Honorary Palme d’Or at the 77th Cannes Film Festival.