Ten years ago, Netflix expanded from entertaining audiences in about 60 countries to more than 190 in a single day. At the time, it said it was “looking forward to bringing great stories from all over the world to people all over the world.”
Even then, it was clear that the most effective way to be global was to start intensely local.
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In 2015, Netflix produced its first original series outside the U.S., Club de Cuervos in Mexico. Since then, Netflix has produced shows and films in more than 4,500 cities and towns across over 50 countries. Every Netflix production is a local production, creating jobs and supporting businesses wherever it is made, with impacts that extend far beyond the screen.
Today, Netflix is launching “The Netflix Effect” — a comprehensive look at its economic, cultural, and social impact, and how its films and series ripple through economies, industries, and everyday life.
Growing the global economy
Over the past decade, Netflix has invested more than $135 billion in films and series, contributing over $325 billion in gross value added to the global economy. Across its productions, it has supported more than 425,000 jobs worldwide.
Beyond the headline figures, the impact is seen in the people involved — writers, directors, carpenters, electricians, small business owners, and communities that support production.
Local production impact
The Lincoln Lawyer alone employed more than 4,300 cast and crew across four seasons, filming over 359 days and contributing more than $425 million to the California economy. Production took place across more than 50 locations in Los Angeles, including Dodger Stadium and Grand Central Market.
Stranger Things has generated more than 8,000 production jobs over five seasons, including over 200 stunt performers in its final season. More than 3,800 vendors across nearly every U.S. state contributed to its production.
In Colombia, Frente Verde was filmed deep in the Amazon, where local community members played key roles both on and off screen. Thirty of the 150 crew members came from the surrounding Amazonian region, and local families participated as actors and production assistants.
Cultural and community impact
Netflix productions have also created cultural ripple effects. The European adaptations of Love Is Blind are filmed in Strängnäs, Sweden, which transforms for around 40 weeks each year into a production hub supporting local hotels, restaurants, and service industries.
When KPop Demon Hunters became a global hit, it sparked significant cultural and economic impact. The film’s success was followed by a reported 25% increase in flight bookings to South Korea, a 22% rise in Korean language learners in the U.S., and widespread cultural references across global events. Its song “Golden” achieved major recognition, including awards and global popularity.
Netflix films and series have also influenced trends in music, sports, fashion, food, and consumer goods — from reviving older songs on music charts to increasing demand for niche sports, costumes, and collectibles.
Investing in the industry
Over the past five years, Netflix has organized more than 1,000 programs and events, connecting industry professionals, educators, and creatives. These initiatives have reached over 90,000 participants across more than 75 countries, helping people develop skills and advance careers.
Netflix has also invested in production infrastructure across regions including Spain and New Jersey, restored historic theaters such as The Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles and Cinema Europa in Rome, and supported the development of production technologies for global creators.
Looking ahead
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve rapidly, Netflix continues to invest in its relationships with creators, communities, and audiences worldwide. It also continues to increase spending on content and expand opportunities for training and production globally.
This ongoing impact is what is described as “The Netflix Effect” — the continued global reach of stories that create economic, cultural, and social change far beyond the screen.
Image Courtesy: thenetflixeffect.com
