Netflix (NFLX, Financials) co-CEO Ted Sarandos said traditional moviegoing is falling out of favor as more people choose to watch films at home. Speaking at the 2025 TIME100 Summit in New York, Sarandos said Netflix is “saving Hollywood” by keeping audiences engaged with new content that might otherwise disappear.
Sarandos said falling box office numbers show that consumers want flexibility, and Netflix meets that demand by letting people watch when and where they want. While he acknowledged some still enjoy the communal cinema experience, he called it an “outmoded” idea for most.
He credited Netflix with making audiences more open to different genres, pointing to a recent event where a live chamber music performance celebrated the streaming hit Bridgerton.
Sarandos also said the entertainment industry often gets sidelined in global trade deals, where companies like Netflix face stricter rules than other sectors. He argued entertainment should be treated like any other serious business.
He warned that U.S. trade policies under President Donald Trump, particularly tariffs, could shrink the international reach of American films and shows. His comments come as China’s film regulator announced plans to limit the number of U.S. films shown in the country, citing American tariffs and warning of declining public support for U.S. entertainment.
