Image: Universal Pictures
As early as 2027, Netflix was set to become the new home for US Universal live-action films from Prime Video, often referred to as the Pay-1B window. Over the past week or so, we’ve learned that new Universal movies are arriving sooner than expected, with theatrical releases slated for last summer by the distributor starting to arrive on Netflix US this month. Rollout begins Megane 2.0, More films have been confirmed for February and beyond.
In the US, Prime Video has been the pay-one window holder for Universal theatrical live-action films through 2022, whether from the main studio or its Focus Features label. The deal was first announced in mid-2021. He was on a five-year deal, and in October 2024Netflix confirmed that it will be the home of new Universal live-action films starting in 2027. Netflix has had a similar deal with the distributor of animated films for several years.
New deal begins Megane 2.0 As we already reported, it’s coming to Netflix on January 26th. darling don’t do itWhich we can confirm will arrive on February 3, 2026, shortly after. As we just covered the live-action how to Train Your Dragon The film will release on February 10. Netflix will also continue to license older films from the Universal library.
Similarly, Netflix still continues to stream Universal Animation films from both DreamWorks and Illumination under an agreement that has been in place for several years now. bad guys 2 And Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie coming up next.
How does this first window deal work? Unlike Sony Pictures, where Netflix has a full 18-month window, Universal’s first window is divided into three sub-sections. After its theatrical window, which can be up to 120 days, films will premiere on Peacock for 4 months, then on Netflix for 10 months before returning to Peacock for another 4 months.
Illumination DreamWorks Movies Release Schedule for Netflix
It is unclear why Prime Video left or prematurely ended its first-window deal with Universal Pictures.
Looking ahead, here are some Netflix release dates we can gather based on their peacetime arrival, and we’ll be back with a big preview of all the Universal movies you can expect to see on Netflix US during 2026.
- jurassic world: rebirth Starring Scarlett Johansson – February 28, 2026
- Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale – March 7, 2026
- nobody 2 Starring Bob Odenkirk – March 14, 2026
- anemone Starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Sean Bean – March 28, 2026
- Him Starring Marlon Wayans and produced by Jordan Peele – April 19, 2026
- Bugonia Starring Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons – April 26, 2026
- black phone 2 Starring Ethan Hawke – May 16, 2026
- Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie – May 23, 2026
In the summer, we will see Wicked: for good And five nights at freddys 2 Join the Netflix roster, and while we’re looking forward to the 2026 movies slated by Universal, we’ve got minions 3, finding emily, super mario galaxy movie, odyssey, Falker-in-lawAnd violent night 2. We will have a full post detailing the upcoming dates soon.
Which Universal movie are you looking forward to coming to Netflix in the near future? Let us know in the comments.