Does this story sound familiar? A Canadian Netflix subscriber hears about a hot new show on social media. The show is supposedly on Netflix, but it’s nowhere to be found.
Netflix is a global entertainment giant, but its content library varies significantly from country to country. In particular, Netflix US and Netflix Canada offer distinct collections of movies and TV shows, each with its strengths and weaknesses. While both regions share a vast number of popular titles, there are key differences that can make one library more appealing than the other.
Comparing Content Libraries
Netflix US once boasted a larger overall library compared to Netflix Canada. However, now Canada is on top.
According to recent data, Netflix US offers 6,389 titles in total, including about 2,438 TV shows and 3,951 movies. Meanwhile, Netflix Canada has approximately 6,734 titles, with about 2,376 TV shows and 4,358 movies.
This disparity in content is primarily due to regional licensing agreements and content acquisition strategies. It’s important to note that exclusives in the US and Canada change over time as Netflix’s libraries are constantly evolving.
US-Exclusive Titles
The main reason people want to use Netflix US outside of the US is to gain access to exclusives. Some movies and TV shows are only available to US subscribers.
Notable examples of these shows include Grey’s Anatomy and NCIS. Also, movies like Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Joker, and May December are US exclusives.
US exclusives often include critically acclaimed series, blockbuster films, and niche genres that may not be accessible in other regions.
Canada-Exclusive Titles
Despite having a smaller library of TV shows, Netflix Canada offers unique content that can’t be found in the US. Additionally, Netflix Canada has more movies than Netflix US.
Movies like The Untouchables, The Hunt, and Blue Valentine are on Netflix Canada, but they currently can’t be streamed in the US. Some acclaimed movies like The Devil Wears Prada and The Shawshank Redemption aren’t on Netflix US either.
The exclusives on Netflix Canada often include Canadian-produced series, international films, and critically acclaimed indie content.
Why the Differences?
US and Canadian audiences enjoy much of the same content, so why does Netflix have different libraries for each country?
The differences in content libraries between Netflix US and Netflix Canada come down to licensing agreements. Netflix negotiates distribution rights with content creators and studios, and these agreements are often limited by country or region. As a result, Netflix may have the rights to stream a specific title in one country but not another.
Which Library Is Better?
Many Canadians wonder if the grass is greener in the US in terms of streaming content.
For most viewers, Netflix US is generally considered the superior library due to its larger selection of mainstream films and popular TV series. However, Netflix Canada is an attractive option for those seeking a blend of mainstream and international content, along with a curated selection of Canadian productions.
Netflix Canada’s library has been making big gains and it’s now larger than Netflix US. For sheer variety and quantity of movies, Canada has an edge.
Who Should Choose Netflix US?
- Viewers looking for the latest blockbuster movies and trending TV shows
- Fans of US-exclusive content, including classic shows like The Office (US), Charmed, and The Wonder Years
- Those seeking the biggest movies and shows everyone is talking about
Who Should Choose Netflix Canada?
- Fans of Canadian films and TV shows
- Viewers interested in international and indie content
- Those seeking a slightly more curated selection of titles
Using a VPN to Access Both Libraries
These days, the Netflix library you’re shown in your country is just the starting point.
For viewers who want the best of both worlds, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can provide access to both Netflix US and Netflix Canada libraries from anywhere in the world. However, Netflix actively works to detect and block VPN usage, so results may vary depending on the VPN provider.
Check out LetMeBy’s list of the top VPNs here.
Conclusion
So, which library is better? There’s no clear winner here. There are far more similarities than differences, but the differences stand out when you’re looking for a specific movie or show.
While Netflix US offers a broader selection of mainstream content, Netflix Canada stands out with its curated selection of Canadian and international titles. Ultimately, the better choice depends on individual viewing preferences. Though with a VPN, viewers can experience both libraries and enjoy all the content Netflix offers worldwide.