Netflix first movie

When you think of Netflix, chances are you imagine binge-watching entire shows in a weekend or catching the latest blockbuster without leaving your couch. But have you ever wondered: what was Netflix’s first movie? The journey from mailing DVDs to becoming the world’s largest streaming platform is full of milestones, and the company’s very first film is a fascinating piece of entertainment history.

Before original productions and global hits like Stranger Things, Netflix’s library was entirely filled with licensed films and series. Over the years, the streaming giant transformed itself into a powerhouse studio producing award-winning films. But its “first movie” can mean two different things depending on whether we’re talking about the first licensed film Netflix streamed or the first original movie Netflix ever made. Let’s break it down.

Netflix’s First Movie vs Netflix’s First Original Movie

Netflix’s First Movie (Licensed): The first film available when Netflix launched its DVD-rental-by-mail service in 1998 was Beetlejuice (1988), the cult-classic fantasy comedy directed by Tim Burton. It quickly became one of the most rented DVDs in the early days of Netflix.

Netflix’s First Original Movie: In 2015, Netflix released Beasts of No Nation starring Idris Elba, marking its very first original feature film. Unlike licensed titles, this was produced and distributed directly by Netflix.

So, while Beetlejuice was Netflix’s first available movie, Beasts of No Nation was Netflix’s first original movie. Both represent huge milestones: one as the foundation of Netflix’s rental service and the other as the beginning of its film studio dominance.

Beetlejuice on Netflix

You might be wondering: Can you watch Beetlejuice on Netflix now? The answer depends on your region. Streaming rights change constantly, and while Beetlejuice has been available on Netflix in the past, it currently rotates between platforms like Peacock, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime in the U.S.

Despite being more than three decades old, Beetlejuice still has a strong fan following. In fact, when Netflix made it available for streaming, it was one of the most-watched classics during its run.

Fun Facts About Netflix and Beetlejuice

• Beetlejuice cast: Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Alec Baldwin, and Geena Davis brought unforgettable characters to life.
• Is Beetlejuice movie a hit? Yes! The film grossed nearly $75 million on a $15 million budget, became a cult classic, and even inspired a Broadway musical.
• How much did Netflix make by streaming Beetlejuice? While exact numbers aren’t public, Beetlejuice was one of Netflix’s most-streamed classic films, boosting subscriptions in its early years.
• How many subscribers watched Beetlejuice on Netflix? Netflix doesn’t disclose title-by-title viewership for older licensed films, but reports suggest millions streamed it during its availability window.

FAQs About Netflix’s First Movie

When did Netflix start streaming?

Netflix launched its streaming service in 2007, nearly a decade after starting DVD rentals in 1998.

When was Netflix created?

Netflix was founded on August 29, 1997, in California.

Who owns Netflix?

Netflix is a publicly traded company. Its co-founders are Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph.

What was the name before Netflix?

Netflix’s working title was “Kibble” before the official brand name was finalized.

When did Netflix become popular?

It skyrocketed in popularity around 2010 with the expansion of streaming across devices and exclusive content deals.

Netflix is owned by which country?

Netflix is an American company headquartered in Los Gatos, California.

How many Netflix headquarters are there?

Netflix has multiple offices worldwide, but its main headquarters are in Los Gatos, California.

Currently how many movies are streaming on Netflix?

As of 2025, Netflix’s global catalog includes 4,000–5,000 movies depending on the country.