In a recent interview with the New York Times, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos asserted that last year’s blockbuster hits Barbie and Oppenheimer would have drawn equally massive audiences on the streaming platform as they did in theaters. Sarandos dismissed the notion that the size of the screen impacts a movie’s success, stating, “There’s no reason to believe that the movie itself is better in any size of screen.”
Sarandos’s comments come in the wake of an impressive box office run for both films. Barbie, produced by Warner Bros., raked in $1.44 billion globally, while Universal’s Oppenheimer earned $951 million. The simultaneous release of these two films even gave rise to the cultural phenomenon known as ‘Barbenheimer.’
When asked if certain types of content might not align with Netflix’s platform, Sarandos responded, “Both of those movies would be great for Netflix. They definitely would have enjoyed just as big an audience on Netflix.” His assertion challenges the traditional belief that blockbuster films are best suited for theatrical releases due to the immersive experience offered by larger screens.
Sarandos elaborated on the adaptability of content across different viewing formats, highlighting that old classics are being consumed on smaller devices by younger audiences. “My son’s an editor. He is 28 years old, and he watched Lawrence of Arabia on his phone,” Sarandos noted.
In discussing Netflix’s strategic direction following the departure of Scott Stuber as film chairman, Sarandos emphasized the continuing success of the platform’s original content. He reaffirmed Netflix’s commitment to a diverse blend of first-window, second-window, and deep catalog films, stating, “We think that formula works best to entertain the world.”
