Netflix’s original movies are popular with viewers, if we are to believe the company’s own version of the story. ’Bright’ starring Will Smith is the most-watched original movie to date. The company has greenlit a sequel.

Bright sequel announced
As usual, Netflix declines to provide numbers but the streaming company did say that one of its most expensive movies to date is also its most successful. Bright premiered worldwide on December 22 and is the highest-viewed original movie on Netflix to date in all regions.

Nielsen has estimated that 11 million people watched Bright over the first three days but Netflix has disputed the number saying that it is inaccurate. If we are to believe Nielsen’s measurements that are based on audio data collected via smartphone apps, the viewing number for Bright compares to the premiere of Wonder Woman earlier in 2017. Of course, there is a big difference between watching something on Netflix when you have already paid for the subscription plan and then paying for a movie theater ticket.

Nevertheless, Bright appears to be a success with viewers. Reviewers are largely unimpressed but Netflix has answered by announcing a sequel. Will Smith and Joel Edgerton will both return.


80 movies in 2018
Netflix kicked off its major push for original movies in 2017. Not much in terms of concrete details have been shared regarding the plans for 2018, except for confirmation that the company is planning to release 80 original movies this year.

Netflix expects to spend $8 billion dollars on content this year alone. It is aiming to release at least 4 ”must see” movies per year.

The company is estimated to have spent $90 million dollars to produce Bright, which matches some of the big-title releases for cinema.

- Source: Variety