James Franco has always possessed that maddeningly irresistible blend of eccentric charm and serious craft, the sort of alchemy that turns even his smallest roles into tiny master classes in unpredictability. Fans have followed his artistic detours with affectionate bewilderment, whether it is Hey Joe premiering at the Rome Film Festival, his offbeat series James Franco Presents, or his theatrical leap toward Theatre 29. Add in that New Mexico shoot, and it is clear that admirers have missed the particular electricity he brings to every frame.

Viewers can now stop pining, because Franco is barreling back into the spotlight with Squali, prompting curiosity about whether the film surfaces on Netflix or not.

Squali, the Italian teenage film led by James Franco, finished its theatrical run in Italy after its October 16 release. Italian entertainment outlets have suggested that Netflix Italy may eventually carry the film, although no official schedule has been provided. Importantly, inclusion on Netflix Italy does not translate to immediate availability for United States viewers, since each region manages its own licensing. At this time, Netflix in the United States has offered no confirmation regarding the title.

In the United States, Squali remains entirely unavailable through legitimate means. The film has not secured a domestic distributor, leaving theaters, rental platforms, and streaming services without any formal release plan. Access will only become possible once a distributor purchases the rights and organizes its rollout. Until then, the film cannot be viewed legally in the country through any medium.

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Netflix may not have Squali yet, but it does have quite a few titles to fit into the shark-shaped hole. 

Viewers seeking alternatives to Squali on Netflix can turn to several titles that explore ambition, pressure, and the bruising cost of innovation. The Social Network examines the ruthless ascent of Mark Zuckerberg, while The Founder dissects Ray Kroc’s relentless expansion of a fast-food empire. Moneyball and The Big Short reveal the risks of disrupting established systems, and I Am Mother adds a technological edge. If you want more James Franco content, you can get to know all about his 1980s thriller Foster. 

Those who prefer long-form storytelling can explore StartUp, a series that blends cryptocurrency dreams with criminal pitfalls, or The Playlist, which dramatizes Spotify’s turbulent genesis. The Social Dilemma uncovers how algorithms shape human behavior, and Dirty Money exposes corporate misconduct with unflinching clarity. Together, these Netflix offerings provide the thematic tension, ethical dilemmas, and high-stakes decision-making that echo the spirit of Squali.

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What aspect of Squali intrigues you the most? Let us know in the comments!