Netflix, Inc. is a global entertainment company headquartered in Los Gatos, California, best known for its subscription-based streaming service that offers on-demand access to a vast library of films, television series, documentaries, and original programming.

Founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph, Netflix began as a DVD rental-by-mail service before transitioning to online streaming in 2007—a move that revolutionized media consumption and disrupted traditional broadcast and cable models2. As of 2025, Netflix boasts over 300 million paid subscribers across more than 190 countries.

Netflix produces and distributes its own content under the “Netflix Originals” banner, which includes critically acclaimed titles such as Stranger Things, The Crown, Squid Game, and Roma. The company has also expanded into live programming, interactive storytelling, and video game publishing, further diversifying its digital footprint.

Its influence on global entertainment is often referred to as the “Netflix Effect,” a term describing the platform’s ability to popularize content rapidly and reshape viewer habits—most notably through the rise of binge-watching and algorithm-driven recommendations.