Netflix Secures Global Pay-1 Licensing Deal with Sony Pictures

Jan 18, 2026, 2:46 AM
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Netflix and Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) have entered into an exclusive global Pay-1 licensing agreement, announced on January 15. This deal grants Netflix the sole rights to stream Sony Pictures movies worldwide after they complete their theatrical and home entertainment windows.
The Pay-1 window is the first subscription-based streaming period that follows a film's cinema run and its home entertainment phase, which includes digital rentals and purchases. This agreement is considered an industry-first and will be implemented gradually, with full global availability expected by early 2029.
Under the terms of the deal, Netflix will also gain access to select titles from SPE's extensive film and television library. Currently, Netflix holds Pay-1 rights to several SPE films in specific territories, including the United States, Germany, and parts of Southeast Asia. Notable films included in the current arrangement are "Uncharted," "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse," "It Ends With Us," "Anyone But You," and "Venom: The Last Dance.".
Lauren Smith, Vice President of Licensing and Programming Strategy at Netflix, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "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." She highlighted the popularity of Sony's iconic film franchises among US audiences and the excitement of expanding this offering globally.
Paul Littmann, Executive Vice President of Global Distribution for Sony Pictures Television, emphasized the significance of the new Pay-1 deal, stating, "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." This collaboration aims to enhance the viewing experience for Netflix subscribers by providing access to a broader range of high-quality films.
Some of the first titles expected to stream on Netflix as part of this new agreement include "The Nightingale," an adaptation of Kristin Hannah's novel featuring Dakota and Elle Fanning, as well as Sony Pictures Animation's "Buds," the live-action adaptation of Nintendo's "The Legend of Zelda," and "Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse," which will conclude the Spider-Verse trilogy. Additionally, four Beatles biopics directed by Sam Mendes are also part of the lineup.
This deal marks a significant expansion of Netflix's film offerings and reflects the growing trend of exclusive streaming agreements among major entertainment companies. As the competition in the streaming industry intensifies, partnerships like this one are crucial for platforms seeking to attract and retain subscribers.
In summary, the exclusive Pay-1 licensing deal between Netflix and Sony Pictures Entertainment is set to reshape the streaming landscape by providing Netflix with a diverse array of popular films, enhancing its value proposition to subscribers worldwide.

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