How To Watch Studio Ghibli Films Online From Anywhere

How To Watch Studio Ghibli Films Online From Anywhere

Studio Ghibli produces some of the best Japanese animated films you can find anywhere. Favorites like Princess Mononoke (Japan Academy Film Association Prize of the Year winner), Spirited Away, and Castle in the Sky continue to entertain viewers. Before 2020, these films were only available if you purchased DVDs. However, in 2020, some of the films became available on Netflix and HBO max.

The challenge, however, is that users in the USA, Canada, and Japan have access to the HBO max option. Those outside of the region can access the films on Netflix. In addition, these streaming platforms have different catalogs for users to choose from. More so, it could pose a problem if a person without an HBO account travels to the United States. They will automatically be unable to watch any of the Ghibli films available on HBO, even if they have a Netflix account. The same goes for a US citizen who does not have a Netflix account but who travels outside of the country.

This review shows you how to access Ghibli films online from anywhere in the world.

Steps To Watch Studio Ghibli Films Online

As stated in the introduction, you can watch Studio Ghibli films online either on Netflix or HBO Max. However, the latter works only for users in the United States, Canada, and Japan, while Netflix has exclusive streaming rights in other countries. How do you bypass the blocks on these platforms? For instance, say you are in the US and want to use your Netflix subscription to access Studio Ghibli films online, how do you go about it?

First, you need to understand that these streaming platforms identify and block you because of your IP address. Your IP address has markers that identify your current location. Thus, if you can switch your IP address and your location, the streaming service will grant you access. To do this, you will have to connect to a VPN provider’s server in a compatible location. The full steps are as follows:

  • Get on a VPN subscription plan. In the next section, we will discuss some VPN providers you should consider. They are all great for unblocking online platforms that stream Studio Ghibli films.
  • Download and install the VPN app compatible with your device.
  • Connect to a server in your preferred location.
  • Open the streaming platform you intend to use.
  • Search for the Studio Ghibli movie you want.
  • Stream.

Best VPNs for Accessing Ghibli Films Online

These VPNs allow you to watch Ghibli films on Netflix or HBO max, regardless of your location.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN devices

Features

  • Number of servers: More than 3,000
  • Speeds: Unlimited
  • Server locations: 160 in 94 countries
  • Maximum devices supported: 5
  • 24 live chat: Yes
  • 30-day money-back guarantee: Yes

Pros/Cons

  • Fastest VPN out there
  • Strict no logs policy
  • 256-bit AES encryption
  • Few discounts
Visit ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is an impressive VPN provider whose services are beyond reproach. It has amazing features that make sure users lack nothing when it comes to the provision of VPN services. ExpressVPN is more than capable of accessing Studio Ghibli films online from any location.

ExpressVPN has about 3000 servers in over 90 countries and 120 locations. The spread of these servers is superb. For Netflix users in the US, Canada, or Japan, you can connect to servers in other countries to access Studio Ghibli films with ease. You would not have to get an HBO Max subscription. You will also be glad to know that ExpressVPN servers are quite fast. When you stream films with ExpressVPN, lags will be the least of your challenges.

This provider also makes sure your security is kept tight while you stream your favorite Studio Ghibli films, such as Castle in the Sky or Ocean Waves. Some of the security features include the AES 256-bit encryption model, support for strong protocols, including Lightway, its proprietary creation, NoSpy servers, Network kill switch, etc.

ExpressVPN has excellent cross-platform compatibility. You can download and install its apps for Android, macOS, iOS, Windows, and Linux devices. Furthermore, you are allowed to connect up to 5 devices at the same time. So you can expect the same level of seamlessness on the 5 devices.

  • Pros: Fastest VPN out there; Strict no logs policy; 256-bit AES encryption;
  • Lowest price: $6.67

NordVPN

NordVPN devices

Features

  • Cryptocurrency accepted? Yes
  • Simultaneous connections: 6
  • Dedicated IP-addresses? Yes
  • Servers: 5342 in 58 countries

Pros/Cons

  • Lots of pricing options
  • Netflix support kept up to date
  • 256-bit AES encryption
  • Slow app
Visit NordVPN

NordVPN is a viable alternative to ExpressVPN. It is a top-tier provider that ensures that users have no complaints when using its services. It is a stable means for accessing Studio Ghibli films either on Netflix or HBO.

This provider’s server count is higher than ExpressVPN’s at 5000. These servers are stationed in 59 countries. NordVPN has excellent unblocking abilities. Thus, it is reliable for unblocking both Netflix and Hulu (and HBO max, by extension). Whether you are in the United States or elsewhere, you can unblock any of these platforms for seamless access to Studio Ghibli films.

NordVPN is also excellent when it comes to security. It uses the standard AES 256-bit encryption to secure its servers. In addition, it also sports specialty features such as obfuscated servers, Tor over VPN servers, double encryption servers, and so on. NordVPN also has a kill switch, allows for split tunneling, and also has its own high-speed security protocol known as NordLynx.

NordVPN’s cross-platform compatibility is top-notch. You can download and install NordVPN apps on several devices. You can connect 6 devices to one NordVPN account. Furthermore, the provider has extensions for Mozilla and Chrome browsers. If you run into any challenge, you can reach out to the provider’s service personnel to resolve the issues quickly.

  • Pros: Lots of pricing options; Netflix support kept up to date; 256-bit AES encryption;
  • Lowest price: $3.71

Surfshark

Surfshark devices

Features

  • Free trial? Yes
  • Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
  • Ad blocking? Yes
  • Servers: 1000+ in 61 countries

Pros/Cons

  • No footprints
  • Allows torrenting
  • 256-bit AES encryption
  • Not the fastest
Try Surfshark

Surfshark is our third recommendation for streaming Studio Ghibli films online. This provider is relatively new. However, that does not mean that it is a pushover. In fact, it has features that place it at par with top-tier providers. Whatever needs the user has – streaming blocked content, getting tighter security, bypassing government surveillance, etc., Surfshark comes through.

This provider recently upped its server count to about 3200. These servers are available in 65+ countries. Surfshark considers its services perfect for unblocking restricted content. It states that all of its VPN apps are optimized to enable streaming in HD. You have access to 10 Netflix libraries on this platform. This is perfect for North American users in the United States and Canada who want to watch Studio Ghibli films online. Beyond that, this provider also unblocks HBO Max. Thus, if for any reason you prefer accessing the films using this route, you are good to go.

Surfshark has almost the same security features as top-tier providers ExpressVPN and NordVPN. Not only does it use the military-grade AES 256-bit encryption method, but it also employs other security mechanisms to keep users safe. For instance, its MultiHop feature routes users’ data through its servers multiple times, the Whitelister feature that splits users’ data through its servers and the VPN network, a kill switch, amongst others.

This provider has the distinction of being one of the very few that allow an unlimited number of simultaneous connections. This is fantastic because you can pool resources with family and friends, pay for the VPN subscription, and watch Studio Ghibli films like Princess Mononoke, Ocean Waves, Castle in the Sky, etc. It has largely affordable subscription plans and even affords you a 30-day window to use the service and request a refund.

  • Pros: No footprints; Allows torrenting; 256-bit AES encryption;
  • Lowest Price: $2.49

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN devices

Features

  • P2P support? Yes
  • 30-day money-back guarantee? Yes
  • Country of origin? Switzerland
  • Servers: 600+ in over 40 countries
  • Simultaneous devices: 5

Pros/Cons

  • Professional support
  • Modern interface and apps
  • AES-256 encryption
  • Lesser known provider
Try ProtonVPN

Although ProtonVPN is best known as a security-focused VPN provider, it does not do badly when it comes to unblocking geo-restricted content. Each paid ProtonVPN plan comes with a slew of features that make using the VPN a delight. We have no qualms recommending this service for use in watching Studio Ghibli films online.

Considering ProtonVPN’s fame when it comes to security, we will begin by highlighting its security features. It uses the AES 256-bit encryption model, just like top-tier providers. Added to this, its Tor over VPN feature makes for stronger security, the Perfect Forward Security feature prevents the leak of past VPN sessions, and its Secure Core function keeps your traffic well away from the watchful eyes of oppressive governments.

ProtonVPN has just a little above 1000 servers. These servers are great for P2P file sharing and torrenting. You also get to unblock streaming services using these servers. However, you need to be using a Plus or Visionary plan to do so. ProtonVPN’s free and basic plans are incompatible with streaming. You get to connect 10 devices to one ProtonVPN account. So to watch the popular Princess Mononoke or Porco Rossao or the Cat Returns on Netflix or HBO Max, you can comfortably use ProtonVPN.

  • Pros: Professional support; Modern interface and apps; AES-256 encryption;
  • Lowest price: €4

CyberGhost

CyberGhost devices

Features

  • Connected devices at once: 7
  • Automatic kill switch? Yes
  • One click connect: Yes
  • Servers: 5900 worldwide

Pros/Cons

  • No logs policy
  • 24/7 live chat
  • Apps for mobile devices and routers
  • No free option
Try CyberGhost

CyberGhost is an oldie in the VPN space. However, it has somehow managed to retain its place as one of the most sought-after VPN providers in the industry. Its 6800+ servers in more than 90 countries place it in the upper echelon of VPN providers. This feature also makes it perfect for streaming Studio Ghibli films like Spirited Away, Only Yesterday, Ocean Waves, amongst others.

Beyond the high server count, this provider also makes available stellar security features. You get access to the military-grade AES 256-bit encryption model. Also, you get to choose from the IKEv2, OpenVPN, and IPSec security protocols. In addition, CyberGhost offers you dedicated IP addresses that you can obtain at an additional cost. A kill switch, split tunneling features, and NoSpy servers are some of the security enhancements you get on CyberGhost.

CyberGhost maintains a strict no-log policy. The provider is upfront about the user details that it retains. These include minor details that pose security risks to users. Its location aids this privacy-friendly stance. This provider has its headquarters in Bucharest, Romania. The region is pro-privacy. Hence, there is hardly the possibility that the authorities will request that the VPN provider give up users’ data.

You will find CyberGhost VPN apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Linux devices. You can connect on routers for broader coverage or install its VPN extensions for browsers if you need to protect just the traffic from your browsers. This provider allows you to connect 7 devices at the same time and allows you a 45-day period to make up your mind about its service.

  • Pros: No logs policy; 24/7 live chat; Apps for mobile devices and routers;
  • Lowest price: €2

Factors To Consider When Choosing a VPN To Watch Ghibli Films Online

VPN providers abound in the market. However, they have different capabilities and functionalities. Some of them are well-suited for accessing Ghibli films online, and others are not. Here are a few factors to aid your decision process:

Unblocking Ability

Any provider you choose should have a proven track record of unblocking geo-restricted content. This is the only way you can be sure that you’ll not be locked out of any platform you want to access. 

Server Network

The number and spread of the VPN provider’s servers are very important. This is because you will need to connect to a server in a compatible location to unblock content restricted in your location. For instance, Netflix users in the United States will need the VPN provider to have servers in regions such as the UK, the Netherlands, South Korea, etc. Connecting to these servers will give them access to Ghibli films blocked on Netflix US. 

Speed

Besides the number and spread of the VPN servers, the server speed is also quite important. You do not want a streaming experience marred by lags and buffering. If the streaming platform takes ages to load, you will be put off. This is why you must confirm that the VPN provider you choose has fast servers. You can run speed tests to determine the provider’s speed and whether you can deal with that. 

Conclusion

It is wonderful that Ghibli films are now available on online streaming platforms. However, this is marred by the fact that geo-restrictions prevent users in certain locations from accessing these streaming platforms freely. This article shows you how to get around this challenge using a VPN. You also learn the fringe benefits using a VPN affords you.