Tag: Netflix Asia

  • A Home for World-Class Filipino Entertainment: The Journey and What’s Next on Netflix in 2026

    A Home for World-Class Filipino Entertainment: The Journey and What’s Next on Netflix in 2026

    After 10 years of being part of Filipino entertainment culture, Netflix Philippines enters 2026 with a slate that marks a striking new chapter — bigger in ambition, deeper in creative partnerships, and unmistakably Filipino at its core.

    What began as a home for global entertainment has evolved into a creative space where local storytellers find new possibilities, and where Filipino audiences see themselves and their stories captured with scale, craft, and heart. We see this in the way Filipinos show up for homegrown stories. Last year alone, over 90% of our members in the Philippines watched local content.

     Photo Credit: “Courtesy of Netflix

    How Netflix Became Part of the Local Story
    Over the years, Netflix has evolved from introducing global stories to local audiences to actively supporting Filipino creators in sharing their stories with the world. As our collaborations grew and local creators pushed bolder visions, our audiences made their preferences clear: they want stories that move them, surprise them, and reflect the Filipino experience with authenticity and ambition.

    Hit titles like Doll HouseLolo and the KidOutside, and Kontrabida Academy showed how deeply local stories struck a chord with Filipino viewers everywhere and earned global attention. To date, 32 Filipino titles have charted on our Global Top 10 lists.

    Within the industry, Netflix’s role evolved, too. We became a steadfast partner — here to invest and here to help local talent tell the stories they’ve long wanted to tell.

    Our local approach doesn’t just apply to how we tell stories, but also how we bring the best of local film and television to Filipino audiences. Since 2022, Netflix has premiered episodes of long-running Filipino dramas before they air on free-to-air TV — first with ABS-CBN, then with GMA. It’s a collaboration that gives fans more ways to watch the shows they love, and underscores Netflix’s commitment to strengthening the country’s existing entertainment ecosystem.

    “We are excited to continue growing alongside the industry, strengthening partnerships, and supporting more ambitious ideas from script to screen. We continue to bring Filipino stories to the global stage, working with a wide range of creators to showcase the breadth, ambition, and diversity of Filipino storytelling. We are confident viewers will enjoy the varied stories coming to their screens this year, and the many more we look forward to bringing their way,” said Vitto Lazatin, Netflix’s Content Lead for the Philippines and Director of Content Licensing for Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

    Bigger Worlds, Bolder Choices
    Bigger and bolder. This is the direction Filipino viewers are pulling the industry toward, and that is exactly where Netflix Philippines’ 2026 slate is headed. For the first time, the lineup introduces five originals — three series and two films — a major jump that pushes genre, scale, and imagination while staying rooted in Filipino heart.

    One of our most-awaited releases, BuyBust: The Undesirables reimagines the events after the 2018 film as a full-scale dystopian action series starring Anne Curtis and directed by Erik Matti. With massive sets, large ensemble casts, and its most ambitious production scale to date, the series pushes Filipino action into a new realm.

    Tapping into folklore, Balaraw delivers an atmospheric horror-mystery series from director Rae Red, weaving an ensemble story with shades of Lost but grounded entirely in Filipino sensibilities. It’s expansive, unsettling, and unlike anything currently made in Philippine TV.

    Capturing the magic of first love, 18th Rose brings a fresh, modern YA romance film to the slate, which has become rare in today’s local market despite clear demand. With a never-before-seen pairing of Xyriel Manabat and Kyle Echarri at its center, it’s charming, youthful, and emotionally resonant.

    In Ganito, Ganyan, Ganoon, a family drama with an offbeat twist, a wildly complicated mother anchors a story that is heartfelt, funny, and instantly relatable. The film explores the chaos and warmth of Filipino family life with honesty and edge, led by none other than Jodi Sta. Maria.

    Rooted in the country that celebrates Christmas longer than anyone, Paskong Pinoy revives the warmth of classic Filipino holiday storytelling through a simple, feel-good anthology of nostalgia, romance, second chances, and the sweetness of coming home.

    Two series are also coming in partnership with our local network partners, premiering three days before free-to-air TV. GMA’s The Master Cutter stars Dingdong Dantes in an action drama about a former scout ranger who now lives a double life — working quietly as a tailor by day, while taking on dangerous bounty hunting jobs on the side. ABS-CBN’s Someone, Someday follows a woman scarred by her past who creates a modern dating app to help women find the right love at the right time. Through the love stories she brings together — and while navigating the challenges in her own life — she begins to rediscover what love truly means for herself. The series stars Kathryn Bernardo and James Reid in a fresh new pairing, alongside Maja Salvador.

    Together, these titles reflect the scale, range, and heart of Filipino storytelling — bringing together bold new ideas, familiar genres reimagined, and stories that speak to audiences at home and beyond.

  • Celebrate the Holidays With Homegrown Southeast Asian Stories on Netflix

    Celebrate the Holidays With Homegrown Southeast Asian Stories on Netflix

    Courtesy of Netflix

    Southeast Asia is home to a host of rich cultures and unique stories. This festive season, Netflix brings viewers authentically-told tales that best represent the vibrant storytelling from across this region. From laugh-out-loud comedies and deeply moving documentaries to fantastical sci-fi flicks, here are our top picks for your year-end holiday viewing pleasure.

    THAILAND

    Celebrate a national dream in Thailand with The Lost Lotteries

    Now streaming on Netflix

    Courtesy of Netflix

    In The Lost Lotteries, five down-on-their-luck strangers must band together to steal back winning lottery tickets worth millions from a wicked mafia boss.

    Looking for a belly-aching laugh fest this holiday season? This is your winning ticket. Five unlucky strangers are brought together in their fight against a mafia boss, in order to steal back winning lottery tickets worth millions. Tapping on the national dream of winning lotteries in Thailand, The Lost Lotteries appeals to both domestic and international audiences through its delicate balance of various comedic styles that cater to different sensibilities.

    Peek into the complex world of Thai boxing in Hurts Like Hell

    Now streaming on Netflix

    Courtesy of Netflix

    From illegal gambling to match-fixing, discover the seedy underworld behind Muay Thai in Hurts Like Hell.

    With its humble origins in Thailand, Muay Thai has seen its influence spread across the globe. Get an up-close-and-personal look at the world of this beloved sport in Hurts Like Hell, a part-anthology, part-documentary mini series. Fans and even non-fans of the sport will be able to indulge themselves in tracing the sport’s history, as well as its entanglements with the underworld today.

    Dive into the poignant portrayals of the 2018 Thailand cave rescue in The Trapped 13: How We Survived The Thai Cave and Thai Cave Rescue

    Now Streaming on Netflix

    Courtesy of Netflix

    In The Trapped 13: How We Survived The Thai Cave, members of the Thai youth soccer team tell their stories of getting trapped in Tham Luang Cave in 2018 — and surviving.

    Trapped in a flooded cave complex in the summer of 2018, 12 young Thai footballers had the world watching them over the span of 17 days. Helmed by award-winning director, Pailin Wedel, the compelling documentary, The Trapped 13: How We Survived The Thai Cave, reflects the perspectives of the survivors, delving into the intricacies of the dangerous rescue mission and how they survived this life-changing event.

    Courtesy of Netflix

    Inspired by true events, Thai Cave Rescue sees a Thai youth soccer team and their assistant coach trapped within Tham Luang Cave, prompting a global rescue effort.

    If documentaries aren’t your thing, tune in to the drama series Thai Cave Rescue. Told with care, compassion, and a commitment to authenticity, this drama series sheds light on the real story behind the cave rescue, with real-life elements including scenes filmed at some of the boys’ homes.

    INDONESIA

    High-octane action and comedy in Timo Tjahjanto’s The Big 4

    Premiering December 15 on Netflix

    Courtesy of Netflix

    In The Big 4, four retired assassins spring back into action when they cross paths with a straight-arrow cop who’s determined to track down an elusive murderer.

    Abimana Aryasatya, Putri Marino, Arie Kriting, Lutesha, and Kristo Immanuel star in the first action-comedy from Indonesian director Timo Tjahjanto. The Big 4 sees four retired assassins joining forces to track down an elusive murderer. Faced with a straight-arrow cop, will this gang of experts be able to catch the killer?

    Chase wanderlut in Bali in A Perfect Fit

    Now streaming on Netflix

    In A Perfect Fit, sparks fly when a fashion blogger in Bali meets a gifted shoemaker, leading her to question her commitment to her fiancé.

    What if fate comes a little too late? A fashion blogger finds herself going down an unexpected path during a life-changing trip to Bali, where she meets a gifted shoemaker. The only question in this whirlwind romance is: can she keep her commitment to her fiancé?

    PHILIPPINES

    Snuggle up for an emotional story on second chances in Doll House

    Now streaming on Netflix

    Courtesy of Netflix

    In Doll House, the troubled lead singer of a rock band sets out to rekindle his relationship with his long-lost daughter.

    We all need a good cry sometimes, and Doll House is here to help with just that. Praised as a heartwarming tale poignantly portraying the complexities of father-daughter relationships, Doll House’s sentimental plot will have you holding your loved ones a little closer this year.

    BONUS: CHINESE LANGUAGE PICKS!

    Get ready for heart-pumping action with Louis Koo, Sean Lau and Carina Lau in Warriors of Future

    Premiering December 2 on Netflix

    Courtesy of Netflix

    In Warriors of Future, a meteor carrying a destructive plant strikes the world, and a suicide squad is given hours to save their post-apocalyptic city from total collapse.

    When a meteor carrying a destructive plant strikes the world, a suicide squad is given mere hours to save their post-apocalyptic city from total collapse. As humanity faces the threat of extinction, can our heroes emerge victorious against powerful alien creatures? Featuring Hong Kong’s biggest names in the film industry, including Louis Koo, Sean Lau and Carina Lau, Warriors of Future is an ambitious production that is well-placed to live up to the hype.

    Go on an emotional roller coaster in Shards of Her

    Now streaming on Netflix

    Courtesy of Netflix

    In Shards of Her, an accomplished headhunter wakes up from a coma and finds herself in an alternate reality where she has to revisit an excruciating childhood trauma.

    The line between what’s real and what’s not gets blurred in this Taiwanese mystery thriller starring Hsu Wei-Ning, Toby Lee and Wen Chen-Ling. After a coma leaves her with amnesia, an accomplished career woman finds herself navigating a warped reality where she is forced to revisit her painful past.

    Laugh along with your favorite aunty as she explores the dating life in Mom, Don’t Do That!

    Now streaming on Netflix

    Courtesy of Netflix

    In Mom, Don’t Do That!, a 60-year-old widow decides to find love again — to the joy and annoyance of her two daughters.

    Everyone has that one aunty whose love life is constantly on the rocks. In this Taiwanese family dramedy, a widow sets out to find new love and comes head-to-head with her own daughter. Filled with hilarious moments while following the ups and downs of relationships, Mom, Don’t Do That! is a heartfelt lesson in sincerity and the value of family.