Netflix and Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) have agreed on a first-of-its-kind global streaming deal for SPE movies.
The agreement will see SPE's feature films stream on Netflix worldwide – an industry-first for a pay-1 deal – following their full theatrical and home entertainment windows.
The new global pay-1 arrangement is worth a reported $7bn and runs through 2032. It will roll out gradually, starting later in 2026 as individual territory rights become available, with full global availability on Netflix in early 2029. As part of the deal, Netflix will also license rights to select SPE feature film and TV library titles.
Netflix currently has pay-1 rights to SPE's feature films in select territories, including the US, Germany, and across Southeast Asia. Hit films from the current deal include Uncharted, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, It Ends With Us, Anyone But You, and Venom: The Last Dance.
Some of the first SPE feature film titles that will stream on Netflix as part of the new deal include: The Nightingale, starring Dakota and Elle Fanning; Sony Pictures Animation’s Buds; Nintendo’s live-action The Legend of Zelda; Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse; and Academy Award-winner Sam Mendes’ quartet of Beatles films.
“Our members all over the world love movies, and giving them exclusive access to Sony’s much-loved films adds incredible value to their subscriptions,” said Lauren Smith, Vice President (VP) of Licensing and Programming Strategy at Netflix. “Sony’s impressive slate of iconic film franchises like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and originals like Anyone But You have been popular with our US audience and now we’re excited to expand that offering to our members all around the world.”
“Our partnership with Netflix has always been incredibly valuable,” said Paul Littmann, Executive Vice President (EVP) of Global Distribution at Sony Pictures Television. “This new pay-1 deal takes that partnership to the next level and reinforces the enduring appeal of our theatrical releases to Netflix’s global audience. It also further underscores the strength of our independence and unique ability to create meaningful opportunities that benefit our creative stakeholders, consumers, and world-class partners."
Netflix is expected to revise the terms of its offer for Warner Bros. Discovery, making an all-cash bid for the company’s studios and streaming businesses. Discover more here.
HbbTV Association formally integrates DRM in HbbTV 2.0.5
The HbbTV Association has published version 2.0.5 of its core specification, which formally integrates digital rights management (DRM). While HbbTV devices have supported DRM for many years, this is the first time it has been explicitly defined, providing a harmonised, interoperable approach across the ecosystem.
Netflix withdraws from race to acquire Warner Bros Discovery
Netflix has withdrawn from the race to acquire Warner Bros Discovery, leaving the way clear for Paramount Skydance to win the months-long battle for the historic Hollywood studio.
UK set to enhance regulation of major streamers such as Netflix and Disney+
The UK's biggest video-on-demand services will have to follow the same content and accessibility rules as traditional broadcasters, under new government legislation.
Avatar: Fire and Ash leads at Visual Effects Society awards
Avatar: Fire and Ash was the big winner at the Visual Effects Society’s 24th Annual VES Awards, taking home seven awards in total, including the top prize of Outstanding Visual Effects in a Photoreal Feature.
Charity publishes set of principles for mentally healthy productions
The Film and TV Charity has unveiled its new ‘Principles for Mentally Healthy Productions’ to help address systemic pressures and poor working practices across the UK screen sector, aiming to improve culture and conditions on productions.
