Netflix is not the new kid on the block when it comes to original content and movies, but 2019 may be a memorable standout that finally acknowledges Netflix as a true film studio.
At the beginning of 2019, Netflix joined the Motion Picture Association of America, the Hollywood trade group that represents movie studios. It then went on to produce 60 English language films over the year. Included in those films are Oscar contenders “the Irishman” and “Marriage Story”.
This is in line with Netflix’s goal of releasing 50 to 60 films a year. It has since capitalized in a big way on movies that other studies would not pick up. You basic adult dramas, romantic comedies and action movies without superheroes. Two of those movies scored 70 million views within a month of release on Netflix.
Netflix has attracted some big names and talent in the industry as well, such as Adam Sandler, Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson, and director Peter Berg.
Netflix has swept into Golden Globe nominations, Oscar nominations, and wins and has its eye on the big screen for month-long releases of original content. This appears the reverse order of other Hollywood greats such as Universal Pictures and Warner Bros, who want to get their movies onto streaming services faster.
So “binge-watching” has hit an all-time high, and the small company that started with TV content and some movies has become a Hollywood force to be reckoned with for mainstream entertainment.