Netflix Should Try Sending More of Its Movies to Theaters—Here’s Why

It’s no secret that Netflix doesn’t really like showing its films on the big screen, but one of the stars of what will undoubtedly be the streamer’s biggest film of 2025 is urging the team to reconsider.

Talking to DiversityDaniel Craig said he wants the streamer to give “Knives Out 3“—Rian Johnson’s next mystery movie has a better chance of hitting theaters than the week-long limited run that”Glass bow” is back in 2022.

“Hopefully Netflix will push it a little bit and people will see it,” Craig said. “The people I talk to—the fans, I guess—all they want to do is take their families and go see the movie in theaters. That’s all they want to do. Hopefully we can give them that experience.”

As a Knives Out fan, I definitely hope Craig gets his wish: I’m one of those fans who wants to see Wake Dead in theaters if I can. But honestly, I really think Netflix should be willing to expand distribution to even more of its films. Here’s why.

The Argument Against Netflix’s Box Office

Still from Netflix "Irishman"

The Irishman is one of the few Netflix films to do well at the box office. (Image credit: Netflix)

Whether Knives Out 3 will get that big of a push remains to be seen, but it’s unlikely. Fact is, earlier this year, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos reiterated this sentiment in his presentation, calling the theatrical release “”It’s a pretty inefficient way to distribute some films.”

Honestly, I understand the argument Sarandos is making. The apparent popularity of streaming has fundamentally changed the way people interact with movies and TV shows.

Netflix has such a huge subscriber base that need cinemas to promote their films. They can simply show a snippet of their upcoming release on the homepage and immediately sell it to literally millions of subscribers the next time they download the app.

Considering everything best streaming services having to constantly throw out something new to justify your monthly fee would simply be impossible (and too expensive) to bring every movie to the big screen, and I also appreciate that Netflix can’t wait for the theatrical and premium video-on-demand release windows to pass between must-sees.

Okay, so why SHOULD Netflix bring more movies to the big screen?

While I understand why a streamer would so often forego the hassle and expense of a theatrical release, I still argue that Netflix needs to be confident that theatrical releases will help make its films even more popular.

Where there is a chance of a certain appeal, Netflix should be willing to release films of a certain level of quality. And I’m not just talking about awards season.

I firmly believe that some of Netflix’s best films of 2024—like Rebel Ridge and His Three Daughters—could very well linger in the cultural consciousness longer if audiences had the opportunity to see them in theaters. Instead, they fall, try to stay in Netflix’s top 10, and then disappear into the ever-growing and ever-changing library of content, only to be discovered by the almighty algorithm or repeat viewers.

Of course, these films probably wouldn’t have been made.”Inside Out 2“money ($1.6 billion), but I believe that real profits can be expected. first “Knives Out” became a surprise hit, grossing over $300 million. Now that it’s a big, well-known thing, “Wake Up Dead Man” could very well be an even bigger hit, right?

Promotional art for the film Rebel Ridge, which depicts the main character with a pistol, surrounded by armed law enforcement officers.

Rebel Ridge could be a real hit. (Image credit: Netflix)

There’s also an argument to be made that I’m sure a lot of moviegoers would like to watch something in the highest possible quality. I’m willing to bet that most of us (myself included) don’t have access to cinema-grade technology in our living rooms, so the best way to see something new will still be a trip to the movies. There you can get lost in the huge screen, without distractions and surrounded by surround sound: total immersion.

If you feel the same way, there is a chance that things may change in the near future: IndieWire reports that Greta Gerwig and Netflix are discussing the possibility of bringing her film Narnia to IMAX screens before the holidays for three to five weeks.

Being both a fan of Greta Gerwig and fantasy I stay extremely I’m really excited to see her take on K.S.’s books. Lewis, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to see it all in IMAX.

In my opinion, something of this magnitude and scale belongs on the big screen. Although I was not old enough to witness the release of the original Lord of the Rings, I wish My first impression of Helm’s Deep or Ride to the Rohirrim was watching it on the big screen. I’ve since seen the entire trilogy in theaters and can confirm that nothing beats the fantasy experience on the big screen.

As the cost of the average trip to the cinema (and literally everything else in life) only rises, I realize that my vision is unlikely. However, I remain hopeful that Netflix will actually experiment with the box office again soon. If a deal is struck for Knives Out 3 or Narnia, rest assured, Netflix: I’ll be sitting in on day one.