Disney+ Signs New Anime Deal For UK & France

Disney has announced that it has made a new multi-title deal with Anime Ltd to bring a curated slate of globally celebrated Japanese animated films to Disney+ subscribers in the U.K. and France. Under the deal, Disney+ will become the streaming home for more than 10 iconic and award-winning Japanese films, expanding its premium anime offerings for subscribers and further cementing the platform as the go-to destination for prestige anime storytelling.

Debuting on Disney+ later this year, the lineup includes films from internationally renowned filmmakers, such as Golden Globe-nominated director Makoto Shinkai’s Your Name. and Weathering with You; Mamoru Hosoda’s Academy Award and Golden Globe-nominated Mirai and acclaimed feature Belle; Mamoru Oshii’s Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence, the only anime film ever nominated for the Cannes Palme d’Or; and Katsuhiro Otomo’s landmark cyberpunk classic Akira.

The collection also features works by legendary filmmakers, including Satoshi Kon’s Perfect Blue and Naoko Yamada’s A Silent Voice. Many of the films will also be making their streaming debut in the U.K. and France.

• A Silent Voice (dir. Naoko Yamada; U.K. & Ireland only)
• Akira (dir. Katsuhiro Otomo; U.K. & Ireland only)
• Belle (dir. Mamoru Hosoda; U.K. and France streaming debut)
• Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (dir. Mamoru Oshii; U.K. and France streaming debut)
• The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (dir. Mamoru Hosoda; U.K. and France streaming debut)
• Mirai (dir. Mamoru Hosoda; U.K. and France streaming debut)
• Perfect Blue (dir. Satoshi Kon)
• Summer Wars (dir. Mamoru Hosoda; U.K. and France streaming debut)
• Weathering with You (dir. Makoto Shinkai; U.K. and France streaming debut)
• Wolf Children (dir. Mamoru Hosoda; U.K. and France streaming debut)
• Your Name. (dir. Makoto Shinkai)

Lauren Tempest, Head of Content Planning & Partnerships, DTC at The Walt Disney Company, said in a statement regarding the deal:

“Anime is a powerful global storytelling force—resonating deeply with audiences around the world, including in key markets like the U.K. and France where fan communities continue to expand. We’re committed to meeting the audience where they are and making Disney+ the home of beloved anime storytelling—bringing culture, community, and must-watch stories to one destination.”

Karl Holmes, General Manager, Disney+ EMEA, said:

“Anime fans have a handful of films they always come back to and love sharing, and this collection brings many of those favourites together. It’s easy to see why they’re so loved. Created by some of anime’s greatest storytellers, these films have inspired fans for years with unforgettable characters and extraordinary worlds. We can’t wait for our customers in the U.K. and France to discover them on Disney+.”

Kerry Kasim, Co-Managing Director of Anime Ltd, added:

“Fresh off the back of Annecy Film Festival, anime remains one of the most compelling story telling mediums for audiences today.  We’re overjoyed to make Disney+ the home of such strong story-lead features from some of anime’s brightest lights.  French, British and Irish fans are in for a treat! ”

Disney will be announcing the premiere dates for each film on Disney+ at a later time.

Roger’s Take: Anime continues to become more and more popular, with Disney heavily investing in original anime, but it’s also investing more in licensing titles and it’s great to see Disney+ subscribers in the UK and France are going to get more films to enjoy soon.  

Will you be checking out these anime films on Disney+?  Let me know on social media!