What Netflix Would Own if the Warner Bros. Acquisition Becomes Reality

Published 12/09/2025, 10:54 AM CST

Hollywood has undergone a swift and dramatic transformation in recent years. Myriad studios have merged, streaming giants have battled for audience attention, and legacy brands have pushed to hold their ground. Moves that once seemed far-fetched became entirely possible in the last few decades.

Against that backdrop, the idea of a potential Netflix–Warner Bros deal no longer feels shocking. It rather immediately sparks curiosity.

If it ever materialised, it would not read like just another business update. It would bring some of the biggest films, series, and iconic characters under one banner, setting off a ripple effect that could redefine the world of showbiz.

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Which major Warner Bros franchises would move to Netflix

When Netflix announced a bid to buy Warner Bros. on December 5, 2025, it was not some vague maybe someday idea; it was real. The offer values the acquisition at roughly $82.7 billion. If the deal goes through, Netflix would suddenly own some of the most recognisable franchises ever created.

That includes the entire DC Universe — Batman, Superman, and the rest of the comic-book lineup — plus the Wizarding World with all the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films.

It would also take over big ongoing film series such as the MonsterVerse and The Conjuring. The deal certainly would also extend to small-screen properties. 

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From fantasy features to lighthearted watches, several iconic creations that Warner Bros. takes pride in would move to Netflix. 

How much of Warner Bros’ TV catalog would become Netflix’s

Beyond movies, Netflix would take control of Warner Bros’s massive TV operation. That includes HBO and Max originals, from The Sopranos to Game of Thrones, as well as The Big Bang Theory.

Netflix would also own the actual TV studios that create new shows, plus many of the licensing and distribution deals Warner Bros already has in place. Linear channels, like CNN, meanwhile, have been left out of the pitched deal, but the core streaming and studio assets would land with Netflix.

Would Netflix really control DC studios and all superhero projects

Yes, in large part. Buying Warner Bros means Netflix would take over the film and TV divisions that run DC projects. However, it would not be as simple as flipping a switch. There are long-term contracts, co-producers, existing creative leads, and licensing deals that Netflix would have to respect. 

Netflix would inherit whatever was already in development and could then decide how to shape DC’s future, including whether to keep a connected universe or reboot it entirely. The streamer has already shown that it is open to theatrical releases for big films, so major DC movies would likely still play in theatres before hitting Netflix.

Which film libraries would Netflix absorb from the Warner vault

Besides the films already mentioned, Netflix would get its hands on franchises such as The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, The Matrix series, the Dune IP, and more. That is a lot of fan-favorite content in one place.

Old classics such as Casablanca, Citizen Kane, Gone with the Wind, and The Wizard of Oz would also be included, giving Netflix some timeless hits.

Movies such as Goodfellas, Blade Runner, The Shining, and The Shawshank Redemption would make the library even stronger, appealing to movie lovers of all kinds. Netflix’s potential acquisition of Warner Bros is certainly set to define the streaming wars. The only thing that will be left to see is how extreme it will be. 

How this deal could shake up the streaming wars

If this acquisition ever happened, it would completely change the competitive streaming landscape. Netflix would combine its massive global subscriber base with Warner Bros' reputation for top-tier storytelling.

That would give Netflix far more leverage with advertisers, filmmakers, showrunners, and even movie theatres. Disney+ and Prime Video would suddenly be up against a platform that not only streams content but also owns a full-blown studio pipeline filled with blockbuster franchises. 

Regulators would definitely step in, so the final terms could still shift. But if it goes through, Netflix would instantly become the most powerful entertainment company on the planet.

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In the end, Netflix’s dream of acquiring Warner Bros still sits in the realm of almost possible, shaping conversations about what the future of studio power might look like. With Paramount now stepping in with a more lucrative pitch to the same studio, only time will tell whether a Netflix–Warner Bros alliance ever becomes real, but the sense that Warner Bros is headed for a major shift feels almost written in stone. Wherever the deal lands, Hollywood will not look the same.

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How powerful do you think Netflix’s treasure trove will be if it and Warner Bros cross the finishing line of their reported deal? Let us know in the comments. 

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Seema Sinha

693 articles

Seema Sinha is a journalist at Netflix Junkie, covering the celebrity culture and global cinema beats. With three years of experience at major Hollywood media verticals, she filters real news from the gossip and buzz. Her core focus is on pop culture narratives surrounding musicians—primarily Taylor Swift—with her reporting striking a fine balance between human insight and editorial clarity.

Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra

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