The competition between Netflix and Disney+, two global entertainment streaming platforms, yielded markedly different results.
On the one hand, Netflix reached a milestone of more than 325 million global paid memberships at the end of 2025, compared to the 301.6 million reported at the end of 2024.
Meanwhile, in fiscal year 2025, which ended on September 27 of that year, the estimated number of Disney+ paid subscribers was 131.6 million, compared to 125.3 million in the previous fiscal year.
As a result, Netflix’s year-over-year growth reached 7.8%, while Disney+’s increase was 5 percent.
Competition Between Netflix and Disney+
In 2025, Netflix made significant strides by meeting and exceeding its key financial targets. The company ended the year with more than 325 million paid subscriptions and a 16% increase in revenue, reaching approximately $45.2 billion. It also expanded its operating margin by 3 percentage points to 29.5%. Finally, it strengthened its advertising business by more than doubling its revenue in this segment, exceeding $1,500 million.
In 2023, Netflix had 260 million global paid memberships at the end of the year. Meanwhile, the estimated number of Disney+ paid subscribers was 112.6 million at the end of fiscal year 2023.
Netflix Movies and Series
Last year, Netflix offered a wide variety of high-quality movies and series that audiences around the world enjoyed, and launched its revamped TV experience, giving subscribers an even better way to discover their new favorite titles.
Throughout the year, the company broke viewership records thanks to new hits in its catalog, such as *KPop Demon Hunters*. It also solidified its lineup of most-anticipated franchises with new episodes of *Wednesday* and the final episodes of *Squid Game* and *Stranger Things*. On the critical front, the service celebrated award-winning productions such as the acclaimed film *Adolescence*. Finally, it reinforced its commitment to high-impact live events, notably the boxing match between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul, along with NFL games on Christmas Day.
The Disney+ Offering
Disney+ offers a wide catalog of general entertainment and family programming produced by the company’s various studios. Its catalog is complemented by productions licensed from third parties. The interface also highlights the flagship brands of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic through specific sections or “modules.” Finally, this intuitive design allows users to quickly access exclusive content from each franchise.
Outside the United States, Disney+ includes a general entertainment section under the Star brand, which will be renamed Hulu in October 2025. Subscribers also have access to a selection of sports content through a dedicated ESPN section within the same platform. This integration brings together family programming, entertainment shows, and sporting events in one place for international audiences.
In the United States, subscribers who sign up for bundled packages enjoy a centralized experience within the platform. These options combine Disney+ with additional services such as Hulu, ESPN Unlimited, or ESPN Select. This allows users to view content from the various platforms directly without leaving the main app.