When Netflix acquired Warner Bros., the streaming giant purchased many popular movies and franchises, at least assuming the deal goes through.
The most valuable might surprise you. It’s not Friends, Casablanca or Dune, although all of those are clearly iconic. ComicBook.com ranked the top 10 most popular movies and franchises gained by Netflix through the merger, and the top-ranked franchise is a beloved one. The DC Universe. That purchase puts iconic superheroes like Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Justice League under the Netflix Umbrella. The overall deal was valued at $83 billion.
The Netflix Purchase of DC Universe Could Be ‘Game-Changing’
ComicBook.com explained its choice. “Movies and projects unfit for long theatrical releases could be developed specifically for Netflix, allowing for the expansion of the DCU far beyond normal theatrical releases,” the site wrote. “This could also be game-changing for the DCU’s upcoming TV shows, which could find fresh homes on Netflix.”
What were the nine other shows and franchises that made the list? Starting with number 10, they are MonsterVerse; Friends; Dune; Lord of the Rings; The White Lotus; The Sopranos; The Matrix; Game of Thrones; and Harry Potter.
The acquisition of the DC Universe is controversial, with some fans worrying about what will happen to the franchise under Netflix’s less risk-taking ethos. One fan shared a meme declaring the industry was “over.” Griped another fan on X, “The same company that cancels shows after one season for not hitting arbitrary viewership metrics will soon own the entire DC film universe, and countless other iconic franchises. Good luck ever seeing another mid-budget original movie or risky creative swing again.”
Warner Bros. is already discussing expanding the DC superheroes to more theme parks. The extended DC Universe has grossed billions of dollars and features movies like Man of Steel and Aquaman.
James Gunn after spending years planning to expand the DC universe, just for Warner to be sold to Netflix, less than 3 movies in pic.twitter.com/qnecD6xL1i
— CC (@sheslaydaily) December 5, 2025
The ComicBook.com site also noted that Netflix has been open to comics before, with provides some optimism. “Thanks in part to the popularity (and quality) of the Absolute universe, DC is beating Marvel and seems to be thriving,” ComicBook.com reported.
Netflix Promised Customers That the Merger Will Expand Its Ability to Give Audiences ‘What They Love’
Photographer: Ethan Swope/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Netflix announced the purchase on December 5 in a news release, but the company faces a series of regulatory hurdles. “Today, Netflix, Inc. (the Company) and Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (WBD) announced they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Netflix will acquire Warner Bros., including its film and television studios, HBO Max and HBO,” the release says.
“Our mission has always been to entertain the world,” said Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix. “By combining Warner Bros.’ incredible library of shows and movies—from timeless classics like Casablanca and Citizen Kane to modern favorites like Harry Potter and Friends—with our culture-defining titles like Stranger Things, KPop Demon Hunters and Squid Game, we’ll be able to do that even better. Together, we can give audiences more of what they love and help define the next century of storytelling.”
The release continued: “By uniting Netflix’s member experience and global reach with Warner Bros.’ renowned franchises and extensive library, the Company will create greater value for talent—offering more opportunities to work with beloved intellectual property, tell new stories and connect with a wider audience than ever before.”
