Film, data, and platform: production and reception trends on Netflix Spain (2020-2024)

Abstract

This study analyzes the landscape of Spanish film production released by Netflix between 2020 and 2024. The chosen period is especially significant as it coincides with the consolidation of subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) services, although its temporal delimitation may hinder the identification of long-term trends. The research focuses exclusively on Spanish fiction feature films in which Netflix had a substantial involvement, either through production, co-production, or exclusive distribution rights. A mixed-method approach was applied, combining quantitative and qualitative perspectives. The corpus was built through manual coding of Netflix’s Spanish catalogue, complemented with specialized databases such as IMDb and Filmaffinity. The analysis is structured around seven key dimensions: year of release, runtime, genre, release period, type of production, collaborating production companies, and audience reception. The findings reveal recurrent patterns in Netflix’s film offer, both in terms of format and release strategies, as well as in its collaborative models with the Spanish audiovisual industry. Furthermore, the study explores the reception of these productions by audiences and situates them within the broader framework of Netflix’s brand strategy. In doing so, it provides a comprehensive approach to understanding the role played by Spanish feature films within the contemporary digital ecosystem.