James Bond films head to Netflix in surprise Amazon deal

Several James Bond films are set to stream on Netflix from mid January, marking an unexpected licensing agreement with Amazon MGM Studios, which owns the iconic spy franchise. The move has raised eyebrows across the industry given that Netflix and Amazon are direct competitors in the global streaming market, yet both sides appear keen to maximise audience reach during a quieter period for new Bond releases.

From January 15, Netflix subscribers in the United States, France, German speaking territories, Latin America and other regions will be able to watch No Time to Die, Skyfall, Quantum of Solace and Die Another Day. The titles will be available for a limited period of three months, offering viewers a chance to revisit the Daniel Craig era alongside earlier franchise entries. The agreement also includes other Amazon owned films, with select Rocky, Creed and Legally Blonde titles joining the platform during the same window.

Amazon has traditionally rotated the Bond catalogue on Prime Video, often aligning availability with Bond Day celebrations in October before shifting titles to MGM Plus through the end of the year. This temporary move to Netflix signals a broader strategy of licensing premium catalogue titles beyond Amazon controlled platforms. Chris Ottinger, head of worldwide distribution at Amazon MGM Studios, said the company had always planned to continue licensing its library globally following the MGM acquisition, describing James Bond as one of cinema’s most enduring franchises.

For Netflix, the deal adds major blockbuster appeal at a time when viewers are awaiting news on the next chapter of the Bond saga. The twenty sixth James Bond film is currently in development with director Denis Villeneuve attached, but production timelines suggest the release could still be several years away. Until then, keeping interest alive through high profile streaming exposure benefits both studios.

Online reaction has been swift, with fans expressing surprise at seeing the Bond gun barrel sequence appear on Netflix’s home screen. Social media discussion has focused on whether the partnership hints at future collaboration between the two companies or remains a short term arrangement driven by audience demand. Others have welcomed the accessibility, noting that Bond films often move between platforms, making extended viewing difficult.