In a recent interview, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos shared his thoughts on the box office success of films like Oppenheimer and Barbie, as well as the streaming potential of these films. Sarandos mentioned that both of these movies, starring Margot Robbie and Cillian Murphy, would have been equally successful on the Netflix platform. He emphasized that there is no reason to believe that certain types of movies only work in theaters, and that audiences can enjoy films of any size screen. Sarandos even highlighted the example of his son, who watched a classic film like Lawrence of Arabia on his phone.
Netflix’s Impact on the Industry
Barbie and Oppenheimer, directed by Greta Gerwig and Christopher Nolan respectively, were major box office hits, bringing in over $1.446 billion and $976 million respectively. However, Sarandos believes that these films could have reached just as large an audience on Netflix. The streaming giant recently made waves with the limited series Baby Reindeer, which was based on Richard Gadd’s real-life experiences with a stalker. Sarandos attributed the success of the series to Netflix’s algorithm, which recommended the show to international audiences. He pointed out that in the past, a series like Baby Reindeer might not have been widely seen, especially in the United States, but thanks to Netflix’s reach, it was able to find a global audience.
Changing Landscape of Viewing Habits
Sarandos’ comments reflect the changing landscape of entertainment consumption, where streaming platforms like Netflix are challenging traditional box office models. With more people turning to streaming services for their entertainment needs, the potential for success on these platforms is ever-growing. Sarandos’ acknowledgment of his son watching a classic film on a mobile phone highlights the shift towards more personalized and portable viewing experiences. The success of Baby Reindeer in reaching international audiences further underscores the global reach and impact of streaming platforms in reshaping the entertainment industry.
Ted Sarandos’ insights into the box office success of certain films and the potential for streaming platforms like Netflix shed light on the evolving nature of the entertainment industry. As viewing habits continue to change and audiences seek out diverse content, the role of platforms like Netflix in shaping the future of entertainment cannot be understated. The success of Baby Reindeer and the potential for films like Oppenheimer and Barbie to perform well on streaming platforms demonstrate the growing influence of digital platforms in reaching a global audience.