Netflix strikes ‘landmark’ global movie deal with Sony Pictures Entertainment

SPE’s recent big releases include It Ends With Us

Netflix and Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) have signed a “landmark” multi-year agreement giving the streaming giant exclusive global rights to new Sony films following their theatrical and home entertainment windows.

The companies said the licensing agreement, known as a Pay-1 deal, has “first-of-its-kind global reach.”

Given the fact SPE has various existing Pay-1 agreements in territories across the globe, Netflix’s deal will be rolled out gradually as those territory rights expire.

In some territories, including the US, Germany and South-East Asia, Netflix already holds Pay-1 rights to SPE feature films. Netflix said it will have “full global availability” of the Sony films by early 2029, with several new territory deals beginning later this year. Netflix will also have the ability to license select SPE library movies.

Among the first SPE films to stream under the Netflix deal will be The Nightingale, starring Dakota and Elle Fanning; Nintendo’s live-action version of The Legend of Zelda, Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse; Sony Pictures Animation’s Buds; and Sam Mendes’ Beatles film quadrilogy.

SPE’s slate of recently released blockbusters include Uncharted, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, It Ends With Us, Anyone But You and Venom: The Last Dance.

“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 Netflix’s VP of licensing and programming strategy Lauren Smith.

“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.”

Paul Littmann, executive VP of global distribution at Sony Pictures Television, added: “Our partnership with Netflix has always been incredibly valuable. 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.”