The landmark agreement between Netflix and Warner Bros. is more than a headline-grabbing corporate merger; it represents the unification of some of the most influential film and television libraries ever assembled.
Valued at an estimated $82.7 billion, the deal brings a century of Warner Bros. storytelling under the Netflix umbrella, including the studios behind HBO, HBO Max, and Warner Bros.’ extensive film and television catalog. While the full integration depends on the transaction’s closing—expected sometime between late 2026 and mid-2027—the press release makes clear which major franchises and titles will ultimately become part of Netflix’s ecosystem.
From “The Sopranos” to “Superman”: Which Iconic Franchises Are Joining Netflix
In their joint announcement, Netflix and WBD highlighted several cornerstone properties to illustrate the scale of the acquisition, calling the combined libraries an “extraordinary offering for audiences worldwide.” The titles named span prestige television, foundational Hollywood classics, and globally recognized franchises. These fall into three major categories:
Prestige Television and Beloved Classics (The HBO Vault)
Source: IMDb
One of the most valuable additions to Netflix’s future lineup is the HBO and HBO Max catalog, long considered the gold standard of prestige television. While rights will shift gradually as licensing windows expire, the press release confirms several flagship titles:
- Game of Thrones
- The Sopranos
- Friends
- The Big Bang Theory
- Casablanca, Citizen Kane, and The Wizard of Oz, representing Warner Bros.’ deep classic film library
The DC Universe and Blockbuster Films
Source: IMDb
The acquisition also brings the entire DC Universe under Netflix’s corporate ownership, giving the streamer access to one of Hollywood’s most valuable franchise ecosystems. While new films will continue receiving theatrical releases, they will ultimately land on Netflix after their theatrical windows.
This includes:
- The DC Universe: Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, and associated films and series
- Harry Potter: The full film franchise, explicitly referenced in the announcement
- The Wizarding World: Spin-offs such as Fantastic Beasts, part of Warner Bros.’ ownership
Major Warner Bros. TV and Animation
Source: IMDb
Beyond the marquee franchises, the merger delivers one of the largest television libraries in the industry. While not individually listed in the release, this includes the broader Warner Bros. Television catalog—content that already fuels significant viewership across platforms.
Among the key assets included:
- Warner Bros. Television library, featuring long-running network hits and syndicated staples such as Two and a Half Men and The West Wing.
- Warner Bros. Animation, encompassing legacy properties such as Looney Tunes and classic animated films and series
