Disney has entered into a significant agreement that will see several of its films and series available temporarily on Netflix. This move aims to attract a wider audience and promote future releases, as reported by Variety.
Key titles set to arrive on Netflix include all five movies from the “Ice Age” franchise, along with the first two seasons of the series “Percy Jackson and the Olympians.” All five “Ice Age” films will be available globally on Netflix starting October 4, for a duration of three months.
This strategic decision by Disney seeks to generate buzz for the upcoming sixth film in the franchise, titled “Ice Age: Boiling Point,” which is scheduled for theatrical release early next year.
Earlier this year, Netflix reported having 325 million subscribers worldwide, while Amazon Prime Video had approximately 250 million paying members. Disney+ ranked third among streaming services, surpassing 130 million subscribers. However, neither Netflix nor Disney+ publicly discloses the number of paying subscribers to their platforms.
“Percy Jackson and the Olympians” Added to Netflix
Netflix will also add the first two seasons of “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” originally produced for Disney+, on October 4. These seasons will be available for three months prior to the premiere of the third season on Disney+, set for November 20, 2026.
The agreement includes a variety of TV series, with the police drama “Will Trent” (seasons 1-4) becoming available globally on Netflix from November 3. Additionally, seasons 1 and 2 of the sitcom “Shifting Gears” will debut on the platform in December in the United States, later expanding to other regions.
Moreover, the action series “Tracker” will be accessible on Netflix outside of the United States starting February 2027.
Beginning in 2027, Netflix will also receive a selection of Disney and Pixar films, including critically acclaimed titles like “Soul,” “Elio,” and “Raya and the Last Dragon.” Release dates will vary by region.
Older series set to be added to Netflix include “Felicity,” “Revenge,” “Army Wives,” “Fresh Off the Boat,” and “This Is Us.”
Content Remains on Disney+
Disney’s new collection of TV series and films will join a range of licensed content from the media conglomerate available on Netflix, such as “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Arrested Development,” “Scandal,” and “Black-ish.” Disney confirmed that the films and series included in this agreement will remain available on its own streaming platforms, Disney+ and Hulu.
According to Variety, the company aims to generate additional revenue through licensing while increasing visibility for certain productions ahead of new releases.
For Netflix, this deal signifies an expansion of its catalog with well-known titles at a time when the platform continues to invest in original productions. In addition to a variety of licensed titles, Netflix is also investing heavily in original content, including successful animated movies like “KPop Demon Hunters” and “Swapped.” Upcoming original productions include “Steps,” “Charlie vs. the Chocolate Factory,” and Guillermo del Toro’s “The Buried Giant.”
