TL;DR
Netflix saw a busy 2025: its ad tier expanded, a live-TV push added unusual events and WWE, and the surprise animated hit KPop Demon Hunters became a global phenomenon. The platform’s standout releases also included high-profile documentaries, prestige films, returning franchise entries, reality staples, and historical drama.
What happened
Netflix’s slate in 2025 mixed unexpected breakout hits with closure for some of its biggest franchises. The streamer’s ad-supported tier, launched the previous year, continued to grow while a live-TV effort broadened beyond novelty contests to include WWE programming. Netflix picked up the animated feature KPop Demon Hunters from Sony in what the source characterizes as a low-cost deal; the film went on to become the most-watched movie in the service’s history, spawned sellout sing-along theatrical screenings, produced chart-topping songs, and generated tie-ins such as an in-game appearance in Fortnite and a float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. Other significant titles on the platform this year included a four-part Sean Combs documentary directed by Alex Stapleton and produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson; Rian Johnson’s whodunit Wake Up Dead Man; Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein; new installments and endings for tentpole series Stranger Things and Squid Game; and the historical drama Death By Lightning about President James Garfield.
Why it matters
- Netflix’s ad-supported tier and live-TV initiatives are reshaping how the company packages and promotes content across formats.
- KPop Demon Hunters demonstrated Netflix’s ability to turn an animated release into a multi-platform cultural event and its most-watched film to date.
- Big-budget and auteur-driven features (Frankenstein, Wake Up Dead Man) signal continued investment in prestige cinema alongside serialized originals.
- The conclusion of long-running hits like Stranger Things and Squid Game alters Netflix’s tentpole strategy and frees resources for new franchises and experiments.
Key facts
- Netflix’s ad-supported tier, launched the previous year, grew significantly during 2025.
- The streamer’s live-TV initiative expanded to include both novelty events and WWE programming.
- Netflix acquired KPop Demon Hunters from Sony in a deal described in the source as unusually low-cost.
- KPop Demon Hunters became the platform’s most-watched movie, sold out sing-along theatrical screenings, had songs at the top of music charts, and received tie-ins including a Fortnite appearance and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade.
- Sean Combs: The Reckoning is a four-part documentary directed by Alex Stapleton and produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson; it includes new interviews alleging misconduct and contains strong content warnings.
- Wake Up Dead Man continues Rian Johnson’s Knives Out universe, with Daniel Craig returning as Benoit Blanc and performances from Josh Brolin, Glenn Close, and Josh O’Connor.
- Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein features Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as the creature, noted for lavish production design.
- The Great British Baking Show returned with format experiments in its technical challenges while remaining a seasonal favorite.
- The first half of Stranger Things’ final season was released in 2025, and Squid Game concluded its run with Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) returning to expose the games’ organizers.
- Death By Lightning dramatizes the rise and assassination of President James Garfield, with performances by Michael Shannon, Shea Whigham, Matthew Macfadyen, and Nick Offerman.
What to watch next
- KPop Demon Hunters — animated feature and 2025’s biggest streaming movie on Netflix
- Sean Combs: The Reckoning — four-part documentary on the rise and controversies around Sean Combs
- Frankenstein — Guillermo del Toro’s lavish adaptation starring Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi
- Wake Up Dead Man — Rian Johnson’s latest Knives Out entry featuring Daniel Craig
Quick glossary
- Ad-supported tier: A subscription level that offers lower prices by including advertisements during streamed content.
- Live-TV initiative: A service offering scheduled, real-time programming such as events, sports, and other live broadcasts alongside on-demand content.
- Docuseries: A multi-episode documentary that explores a subject in depth over several installments.
- Tentpole: A major film or series expected to attract large audiences and drive subscriptions or revenue for a studio or platform.
Reader FAQ
Did KPop Demon Hunters become a major hit on Netflix in 2025?
Yes — according to the source it became the most-watched movie in Netflix’s history and generated broad cultural tie-ins.
Did Netflix expand its live television offerings in 2025?
Yes — the live-TV push broadened to include both novelty events and WWE programming.
Is Stranger Things over?
The source reports the first half of the final season was released in 2025 and indicates the show is concluding.
Who made the Sean Combs documentary on Netflix?
It is a four-part series directed by Alex Stapleton and produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson.
Did Netflix buy KPop Demon Hunters from Sony for a low price?
The source states Netflix took the title from Sony in a deal described as unusually low-cost.
ENTERTAINMENT REPORT STREAMING The best shows and movies to stream on Netflix in 2025 From the end of Stranger Things and Squid Game to the surprise hit KPop Demon Hunters….
Sources
- The best shows and movies to stream on Netflix in 2025
- 100 Best Netflix Series To Watch Right Now (December …
- 55 of the Best TV Shows on Netflix That Will Keep You …
- Netflix new releases — 7 shows and movies you need to …
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