In a recent interview with the New York Times, Ted Sarandos, the CEO of Netflix, shared his thoughts on the box office success of recent films such as Oppenheimer and Barbie. Sarandos commented that these movies, starring Margot Robbie and Cillian Murphy, would have also been successful on the streaming platform. He stated, “Both of those movies would be great for Netflix. They definitely would have enjoyed just as big an audience on Netflix.” This perspective challenges the traditional belief that certain types of movies are better suited for specific platforms, emphasizing that quality content can attract viewers regardless of the screen size.
Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig, and Oppenheimer, directed by Christopher Nolan, were both major box office hits. The film centered around the iconic Mattel doll has grossed over $1.446 billion, while the story of the atomic bomb has earned over $976 million. Despite their success in theaters, Sarandos believes that these films could have found a large audience on Netflix as well, highlighting the potential for cross-platform success in the entertainment industry.
Netflix recently made waves with the limited series Baby Reindeer, based on the life of Richard Gadd and his experience with a stalker. Sarandos attributes the series’ success to Netflix’s algorithm, which effectively recommended the show to international audiences. He noted, “There was a time when something like Baby Reindeer would not even be seen in the United States. And if it did, it’d be on PBS once.” This shift demonstrates the power of technology in expanding the reach of content and connecting creators with global viewers.
Sarandos emphasized the significance of Netflix’s algorithm in promoting diverse and unique stories like Baby Reindeer, enabling them to resonate with audiences around the world. He explained, “It’s very, very big in the U.K., and in that way that Netflix does, it gets picked up in the algorithm and starts getting more and more presented.” This approach highlights the platform’s ability to leverage data and analytics to amplify the visibility of content that may have been overlooked in traditional distribution channels.
As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, Netflix’s approach to content curation and audience engagement offers a fresh perspective on the traditional notions of success in the industry. By prioritizing quality storytelling and leveraging technology to connect with viewers globally, the streaming platform has redefined the boundaries of success for filmmakers and creators. Sarandos’ reflections on recent box office hits underscore the importance of adaptability and innovation in capturing the attention of diverse audiences in an increasingly digital world.