Netflix announced the acquisition of Warner Bros. for a massive sum, meaning the streaming giant will have an extensive catalog in the coming years. Valued at $82.7 billion, the deal is a move that completely redefines the streaming and Hollywood landscape. Having classics like these in its catalog gives Netflix academic and cultural prestige. The acquisition includes Warner's historic studios, its complete catalog, and platforms like HBO Max and its television channels. Netflix's full entry into Hollywood signifies a structural change, as it will gain access to franchises like Batman, Superman, the DC universe, and Harry Potter, in addition to the studio's classics from 'Casablanca' to 'Citizen Kane'.
Here are the 10 best HBO movies that will now be in Netflix's hands:
'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone': The film that launched one of the most-viewed franchises in history, and every time it appears in a catalog, it sets viewership records. It's a 'magnet' for subscribers, attracting kids, teens, families, and nostalgic fans.
'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring': The film that started another global franchise, with a massive fanbase and films already considered masterpieces.
'Batman' (1989): The Batman brand is an almost unparalleled cultural asset that sells on nostalgia (Michael Keaton), the character's mythology, and its place in the DC universe.
'The Matrix': An iconic modern film saga, full of action, philosophy, cyberpunk, and revolutionary visual effects. Sharp dialogue, complex characters, constant tension, a hyper-realistic portrait of capitalism and its abuses.
'Euphoria': Starring Zendaya, it features a contemporary, raw, and brutal narrative about adolescence, addiction, relationships, and identity.
'True Detective': Crime, suspense, dark atmosphere, and deep stories, with some seasons being among the best of the modern crime genre.
'The White Lotus': A turn towards black humor, social satire, and irony. High-quality acting and narrative.
'Succession': A modern, sharp, and brutal narrative about power, money, and dysfunctional families. It has both historical and commercial value.
'Citizen Kane': Considered by critics and filmmakers as one of the greatest films of all time. Its style is very different from the heavy drama of other HBO series, demonstrating the brand's versatility.
'Westworld': Science fiction + philosophy + visual spectacle. It's a film with its own cult following, very beloved by a young adult audience.
In addition to movies, here are the 10 best HBO series that will come under Netflix's control:
'The Wire': Perhaps HBO's most acclaimed series for its realism, rawness, and depth—a brutal look at crime, corruption, and urban society.
'The Sopranos': A pillar of the so-called 'golden age of television,' mixing mafia, family drama, and character psychology with rarely seen complexity.
'Game of Thrones': A global phenomenon with massive impact, epic production, fantasy worlds, and bloody intrigue. It may seem 'niche,' but it's actually one of the most-streamed titles when part of a platform's catalog.
'Oppenheimer': With Cillian Murphy as the star, it won 7 Oscars, including Best Picture, and became a massive cultural phenomenon. It's an intergenerational, musical, iconic, and visually recognizable film that all platforms want.
'Beetlejuice': Mixes comedy, light horror, and an '80s aesthetic.
'Chernobyl': An intense, realistic, and deeply emotional miniseries that reconstructs the nuclear disaster with brutal realism, drama, and sustained tension.
