Holiday Viewers Choose Netflix- But Not Netflix Originals

 New picks at Netflix did well on the Holiday BOD charts- but one thing is very notable. Unlike Universal, which also made its presence felt with a spate of homegrown releases, viewers are choosing Netflix, but not Netflix Originals. Blake & Wang P.A. entertainment attorney, Brandon Blake, has all the facts and figures for us.





Brandon Blake

Keeping Chart Prominence

Netflix has had a palpable presence on the Top 10 VOD lists throughout 2023. Take a closer look at the charts, however, and it is also apparent that the streamer is increasingly relying on non-original fare to keep its viewer’s attention. Some in the industry are even starting to call Netflix ‘Sony’s go-to streamer’- probably not what they had in mind from the partnership!


Additionally, Warner Bros. Discovery is increasingly turning over high-attention films to the streamer instead of their homegrown Max service. Elvis, Meg 2: The Trench, the original Aquaman, and Joker all made their mark. Then add two of the John Wick films from Lionsgate to finish the list. 

The Lure of Familiar, Interesting Successes

So there’s a clear message here. Netflix viewers are increasingly turning to the service for familiar titles with a solid theatrical release behind them. Not the award-contenders and splashy-budgeted originals they were once known for.


This is in marked contrast to other studios, too. Universal continues to make fantastic use of its own recent releases. Just look at how Oppenheimer- just 6 months off a magnificent theatrical release- managed to jump straight to the No. 1 spot for both Google Play and iTunes.


There are arguments to be made from both sides. On one hand, it shows that Netflix has reinvented the old licensing model for the streaming era to resounding success. Just look at the stellar reinvigoration Suits had on the streamer this year. However, one does have to wonder how happy the studio and development side of the streamer is at losing so much ground to ‘alien’ imports above their own fare. It’s an interesting trend, and one that we will be keeping an eye on through 2024, too.

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