Pictures: Netflix
The streaming wars continue to thaw as Disney and Netflix have struck a massive new non-exclusive licensing agreement. Over the coming months, a huge slate of Disney-owned titles—ranging from current network hits to Pixar favorites and classic library shows—will be making their way to Netflix around the globe.
As first reported by Variety, the Mouse House is once again leveraging Netflix’s massive global subscriber base to “monetize its library and promote its upcoming releases.”
This new, expansive agreement marks a fascinating shift in the incredibly complicated—and historically frosty—relationship between Disney and Netflix. Longtime subscribers might remember a golden era in the late 2010s when Netflix actually held the highly coveted first-window rights to Disney’s theatrical films. However, as the streaming wars escalated and Disney geared up to launch Disney+, the House of Mouse aggressively reversed course. Not only did Disney notably buy back second-window rights to hoard its own cinematic library, but it also famously pulled its entire slate of Marvel Defenders shows—including Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and The Punisher—straight off of Netflix.
At the height of this streaming arms race, Disney CEO Bob Iger didn’t mince words, comparing the act of licensing content to Netflix as being akin to “selling nuclear weapons technology to a Third World country, and now they’re using it against us”.
If you’re wondering whether this means these titles are leaving Disney+ or Hulu, don’t worry. This is a non-exclusive deal, meaning these shows and movies will share a home on both Netflix and Disney’s own platforms. These new additions come after a major deal struck back in December 2023, which includes Disney-owned licenses we’ve seen cross over to Netflix, including Scandal and Black-ish for a limited 18-month period although they’re all now gone. Netflix does still work with Disney on longer-term contracts Netflix holds for titles like Grey’s Anatomy from ABC and Arrested Development from 20th Century.
Here is a breakdown of everything coming to Netflix as part of this expansive new Disney deal:
The Promotional Window Titles (Coming October 2026)
In a brilliant marketing move, Disney is using Netflix to drum up hype for its upcoming theatrical and streaming releases by offering short-term, three-month promotional windows for a couple of its biggest franchises.
- Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Seasons 1-2) – Arriving on Netflix Globally on October 4th. This three-month window is designed to get audiences caught up just in time for the Season 3 premiere on Disney+ on November 20th.
- The Ice Age Franchise – All five original 20th Century Studios films (Ice Age, The Meltdown, Dawn of the Dinosaurs, Continental Drift, and Collision Course) are dropping on Netflix Globally on October 4th. This is to build anticipation for the franchise’s sixth installment, Ice Age: Boiling Point, hitting theaters in February 2027.
Current-Season TV Shows
Several ongoing hits from 20th Television are headed to Netflix, giving global audiences a chance to binge previous seasons before new ones air on traditional broadcast networks.
- Will Trent (Seasons 1-4) – The hit crime drama arrives on Netflix Globally on November 3rd, just ahead of its Season 5 premiere on ABC in early 2027.
- Shifting Gears (Seasons 1-2) – The sitcom will hit Netflix in the US on December 1st, with international regions following in January 2027. (Season 3 drops on ABC on January 7th, 2027).
- Tracker (Seasons 1-3) – The action-drama is heading to Netflix Internationally (excluding the US) on February 26, 2027.
Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Movies
While Disney traditionally keeps its animated family features locked firmly behind the Disney+ wall, this deal includes a surprisingly robust selection of non-franchised animated films.
Beginning in early 2027, Netflix will stream a rotating selection of Disney and Pixar movies Globally (availability and exact launch dates will vary by region). The confirmed titles so far include:
- Soul (Oscar-winner)
- Elio
- Raya and the Last Dragon
Classic Library TV Shows
Finally, what would a Netflix licensing deal be without some beloved comfort binges? A fresh batch of classic series from Disney Entertainment is making its way to the platform:
- Felicity – Coming to Netflix in the US on October 7th, with international dates to follow.
- Revenge – Arriving Globally.
- Army Wives – Arriving Globally.
- Fresh Off the Boat – Arriving in the US and select regions.
- This Is Us – Arriving Internationally (outside the US). Note: US subscribers already saw this licensed and removed!
What are you most excited to watch from this massive new Disney batch? Are you planning a Percy Jackson or Ice Age marathon in October? Let us know in the comments below!
