We've previously covered valid reasons to skip Netflix in 7 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Subscribing to Netflix. Just as there are drawbacks to cutting the cord, Netflix has its blemishes worth considering before signing up. But today's Netflix isn't the same service from five years ago—for better or worse. If you're not subscribed, it's time to reconsider.
As a daily viewer who spends an hour or so each night on it (and still can't clear my watchlist), Netflix is the one bill I'm thrilled to pay. No sponsorship here—this is based on real experience. Here are the top reasons I'm hooked and why you should consider subscribing too.
Netflix has shifted from licensed content to producing its own powerhouse lineup. Remember when they trimmed the catalog to fund originals? Smart move, given their massive investment.
TV series are hit-or-miss: gems like Narcos, Stranger Things, and Mindhunter alongside flops like The Get Down, Gypsy, and Hemlock Grove. Movies shine brighter, with standouts like Beasts of No Nation and Mudbound, though some miss the mark like Death Note and The Discovery.
That experimentation—tackling stories Hollywood ignores—is worth the subscription alone. Exclusive content will only grow. Dive into our picks: 10 of the Best Netflix Original Movies Worth Watching, 7 Awesome Netflix Originals You Need to Watch ASAP, and 10 Awesome Netflix Originals You've Probably Never Heard Of.
Headlines focus on films and series, but Netflix excels in niche content that'll keep you subscribed post-binge of Black Mirror or American Vandal.
Explore top documentaries, The 10 Best Stand-Up Comedy Specials on Netflix, Top 10 Anime Series on Netflix, and even 'slow TV' in Netflix and Really Chill: A Quick Guide to Slow TV.
Since 1997, Netflix has avoided ads despite its age. Unlike Hulu or CBS All Access (which charge extra to remove them), Netflix dives straight into content—no pre-rolls or interruptions.
Product placement exists but stays unobtrusive, preserving immersion.
Create up to five profiles per account for personalized recommendations—ideal for shared households, avoiding horror recs in your queue.
Standard ($11/month) or Premium ($14/month) plans allow 2-4 simultaneous streams, making sharing cost-effective (see Save on Premium Subscriptions With These 9 Shareable Accounts). Basic limits to one device.
Netflix's built-in search lags, but third-party tools fill the gap: JustWatch for availability, r/NetflixBestOf for discoveries, and secret category codes.
Their recommendation engine has surfaced hidden gems for me—powered by smart data (read How Netflix Knows Exactly What You Want to Watch).
Basic at $8/month rivals a burrito for endless entertainment. Standard ($11) beats a movie ticket for HD on two devices. Premium ($14) adds 4K and four streams.
Insane value—see Why You Should Be Happy to Pay More for Netflix.
Netflix reversed course in 2017, joining Google, Facebook, and others to fund lawsuits restoring net neutrality post-FCC repeal. New to it? Check Net Neutrality Explained: Here's What's Going to Happen to the Internet and Will ISPs Help Protect Net Neutrality? Spoiler Alert: No.
Ready? Start with The Ultimate Guide to Netflix: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know, learn How to Download Netflix Videos for Offline Viewing, and fix issues in How to Solve 10 of the Most Annoying Netflix Problems.
Not sure what to watch? Our 100 Best Movies on Netflix Right Now, 15 Best Comedies on Netflix, and A-to-Z binge guide have you covered.
Not subscribed yet? What's holding you back? Share in the comments!
