Netflix and Sony seal landmark global Pay-1 deal, bringing blockbuster films
Netflix already holds Pay-1 rights to SPE films in key markets such as the U.S., Germany, and Southeast Asia.
On The Move
Netflix and Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) have unveiled a landmark global Pay-1 licensing agreement, setting a new industry benchmark. Under this exclusive, multi-year deal, SPE’s feature films will stream on Netflix worldwide after completing their full theatrical and home entertainment runs—marking the first time a Pay-1 arrangement of this scale has gone truly global.
The rollout will begin later this year as territory-specific rights become available, with Netflix achieving full global access by early 2029. Alongside new releases, Netflix will also secure streaming rights to select Sony Pictures feature film and television library titles, further sweetening the slate.
Netflix already holds Pay-1 rights to SPE films in key markets such as the U.S., Germany, and Southeast Asia. Popular titles from the existing partnership include Uncharted, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, It Ends With Us, Anyone But You, and Venom: The Last Dance.
“Our members around the world love movies, and giving them exclusive access to Sony’s beloved films adds incredible value to their subscriptions,” said Lauren Smith, Vice President of Licensing and Programming Strategy at Netflix. “Sony’s powerful franchises and originals have resonated strongly with U.S. audiences, and we’re thrilled to now extend that experience to members globally.”
Echoing the sentiment, Paul Littmann, EVP of Global Distribution at Sony Pictures Television, said the expanded Pay-1 deal elevates an already strong partnership. “It reinforces the enduring appeal of our theatrical releases for Netflix’s global audience and highlights the strength of our independence in creating opportunities that benefit creators, consumers, and world-class partners alike.”
Among the first Sony titles slated to stream on Netflix under the new agreement are The Nightingale, the much-anticipated adaptation of Kristin Hannah’s bestseller starring Dakota and Elle Fanning together for the first time; Sony Pictures Animation’s Buds; Nintendo’s live-action The Legend of Zelda; Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, concluding the acclaimed trilogy; and Academy Award-winner Sam Mendes’ ambitious four-film project on The Beatles.
