A new year always seems to bring the inevitable: streaming price hikes. Many of the major services nudged up their subscription costs in 2025, making it clear that keeping up with your favorite shows and movies isn’t getting any cheaper. And let’s be honest, 2026 is unlikely to be any different. Even so, not all hope is lost. Some platforms have continued to deliver strong, unmissable content that makes their rising fees feel justified.
As someone who watches movies and TV for a living, I find myself flicking between several services every week, from blockbuster originals on Netflix to franchise hits on Disney Plus, and everything in between. Over the past year, I’ve kept a close eye on what each platform has actually delivered in terms of new releases, standout originals, and the overall bang for your buck.
