Despite a rise in competition for streaming services, Netflix remains the top dog as the company reaches a record-breaking 200 million subscribers.
2019 and 2020 brought the release of streaming services such as Disney+, Apple TV+, HBO Max and Peacock. They all proved themselves worthy competition for Netflix. However, the company still managed to bring in 37 million subscribers in 2020 alone.
To kick off 2021 with a bang, Netflix announced in a press release on Jan. 12 that the streaming service plans to release a new movie every week.
“Netflix will bring you a new movie every week featuring the biggest stars including Leonardo DiCaprio, Sandra Bullock, Dwayne Johnson, Idris Elba, Meryl Streep, Zendaya, Jennifer Lawrence, Ryan Reynolds, Jennifer Garner, Gal Gadot, Dave Bautista, Naomi Watts, Jake Gyllenhaal, John David Washington and Octavia Spencer,” according to the press release.
In that same press release, Netflix also provided a long list of filmmakers they will be partnering with and genres they will be releasing throughout the year. The catalog of movies Netflix plans to release was also posted along with the press release. The catalog contains the director, writers, producers and cast names, along with a synopsis of each movie.
Nick Clift, senior behavioral science major, said he believes Netflix remains the top contender because of their name recognition and continuous effort to push out content.
“Netflix is my go-to for streaming services,” Clift said. “I’ve always been able to find something to watch because of their wide variety of options. If they continue to push out good quality content at the rate they are now, they will continue to be the top streaming service.”
A total of 71 movies will be released on Netflix over the next 12 months.
Marlena Muro, junior film major, said she believes Netflix has better original series and movies.
“They’re a lot more intriguing and stories that people wouldn’t think they would like, but then they end up being good enough to binge,” Muro said. “Whoever is in charge-—producing, directing, whatever–—at Netflix is amazing and they need every raise. If Netflix keeps making really interesting and visually pleasing series and films that people just can’t miss like Birdbox and The Queen’s Gambit then they will stay on top.”
Netflix’s dedication to producing and releasing content is an important factor that sets it apart from other streaming services. The company’s long history and established reputation allowed it to be favored among its competitors during a season of increased competition.
