In recent years, Netflix has focused more on producing original content than licensing big releases from other studios, but its strategy appears to be changing again. Tuesday, Netflix announced that it reached an agreement to bring live-action films from Universal Pictures and Focus Features to the streaming service starting in 2027.

Under the new deal, Netflix will add Universal’s live-action films to its streaming library no later than eight months after their theatrical release. All of these films will still debut streaming on Peacock, but Netflix will then have a 10-month window where the films will only be available on Netflix before returning to Peacock.

Additionally, Netflix announced in its press release that it was renewing its licensing agreement for animated films from Illumination and DreamWorks, and that it would “license the rights to the full range of animated films and “Universal’s live action for additional windows in subsequent years, as well as rights to select titles.” from Universal’s vast library of films.

“We have always valued our partnership with NBCUniversal and are excited to expand it to bring even more entertainment to our U.S. members starting in 2027,” said Bela Bajaria, chief content officer at Netflix. “The Illumination and DWA animated films have always been incredibly popular on Netflix, and we look forward to adding the live-action Universal Pictures and Focus Features films in the years to come.” By combining these licensed titles with our Netflix original programming, we can offer our members an exceptional entertainment package with an even wider selection of films to enjoy.

Netflix has already had major success licensing animated releases from Universal. In the first half of 2024, eight of the 10 most popular animated films on Netflix were created by Illumination or DreamWorks. This includes The Super Mario Bros. movie.which spent 38 weeks in the Netflix Top 10And Sing 2 at 32 weeks in the Top 10.

In the coming weeks, Despicable Me 4 And The wild robot will join the Netflix library as part of the companies’ existing animation partnership.