Netflix Announces It Will Stream James Bond, Rocky Movies in 'Shock' Move

Some of Hollywood's most beloved movie titles will soon be available to stream on Netflix in what is being called a "shock" move between Amazon MGM and the streaming giant.

The iconic movie Rocky, and four James Bond movies are among the titles. They will be available in January. According to Variety, "Several James Bond titles are set to come to the streaming giant starting in January." Variety called it a "surprising development" because the titles are owned by Amazon MGM, a Netflix competitor.

The move expanding Netflix's library comes after the streamer announced a historic merger with Warner Brothers.

Netflix Viewers Will Be Able to Stream 4 James Bond Titles

According to Variety, four Bond movies will be available starting January 15 for Netflix subscribers in "the U.S., German-speaking countries, France, Latin America and several other territories."

• They are No Time to Die, Die Another Day, Quantum of Solace, and Skyfall, and they will be available for three months.
• In addition, Netflix viewers will be able to stream the classic movies Rocky, Creed, and Legally Blonde.

Deadline called it an "unexpected deal" between Amazon MGM and Netflix. In addition, according to Deadline, Amazon originals like Man in the High Castle will stream on Netflix.

An Amazon MGM Official Called James Bond an 'Enduring & Influential' Franchise

Chris Ottinger, Head of Worldwide Distribution at Amazon MGM Studios, said to Variety, “When Amazon acquired MGM, Amazon’s plan was to continue licensing MGM’s iconic library to streaming and television partners around the world. Bringing these iconic films and shows to Netflix is part of that continued strategy."

He added: "James Bond remains one of the most enduring and influential franchises in cinematic history, and alongside other beloved titles in our library like Hunters among other series, this agreement reflects the continued global appetite for premium storytelling and the strong working relationship we’ve built with Netflix.”

According to Deadline, the decision by Amazon MGM was likely driven by the revenue that the company could earn by providing access to the titles, even though Netflix is a competitor with Amazon Prime. Sources told Deadline the decision to license the Bond movies was "a strategic business decision designed to broaden global reach and reengage audiences.” Deadline equated the decision to HBO allowing Netflix to stream titles like Band of Brothers.

But it might also be a move to make James Bond more popular with younger audiences before the next film is released in the franchise.

The New James Bond Movie Still Doesn't Have a Lead

Fans of the James Bond franchise are awaiting the announcement of a new James Bond to replace Daniel Craig, who has stepped down from the franchise. The Scotsman has published a list of 15 possible candidates to be the new James Bond.

The new James Bond movie has a director - Dune's Denis Villeneuve - and a writer, Steven Knight, of Peaky Blinders. It will likely return to screens in 2027, according to The Scotsman. In March, Amazon MGM Studios announced that "producers Amy Pascal and David Heyman have come aboard to produce the studio’s upcoming James Bond film. Pascal will produce the filmvia Pascal Pictures, and Heyman will produce via Heyday Films."

“James Bond is one of the most iconic characters in the history of cinema,” said Amy Pascal and David Heyman. “We are humbled to follow in the footsteps of Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson who made so many extraordinary films and honored and excited to keep the spirit of Bond very much alive as he embarks on his next adventure.”

Related: All 25 James Bonds Movies Are Finally Streaming For Free