Starting as a distributor, Netflix is now one of the most prolific production houses in the world. They’ve shifted the focus toward international productions, bringing global hits like Squid Game (South Korea) and Money Heist (Spain) to the mainstream.
The 10 Most Influential Entertainment Companies of 2026 - TIME Starting as a distributor, Netflix is now one
Historically, the industry was led by the "Big Eight" during the Golden Age of Hollywood, including now-defunct or merged entities like RKO and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (now owned by Amazon). Today, these studios have evolved into massive conglomerates that integrate streaming services—such as Disney+, Max (Warner), and Peacock (Universal)—into their core production stories to compete in a digital-first market. Starting as a distributor