Without Movies, Netflix Is Dead In The Water

There was a time when Netflix was a special company. The firm had come up with a new idea that would take out outdated companies, like Blockbuster and Hollywood Video, by allowing customers to get access to titles in the mail. Meanwhile, it was proving that with the right idea and some cash, any startup could take down an entrenched company.

From there, Netflix moved to streaming, where it showed how some strong deals with content providers could revolutionize the way people enjoy television shows and films. Sure, it wasn't as well-rounded as cable or satellite television, but the sheer amount of content was enough to impress even the most cynical entertainment-seekers among us.

For a while, I was enthralled with Netflix. Every chance I got, I went over to the streaming service on my television and accessed all the great content I enjoyed. For a while, it was the place for me to be and enjoy programming.

But over the last several months, I've become less and less willing to boot up Netflix. The streaming offering that once made me think twice about having cable service in my house has become a bit of a joke. From outdated television shows to a general lack of movies, I'm left wondering how long it'll be before a larger company swoops in, acquires the firm, and breaks it up.

I'm hopeful, however, that that won't happen. But the only way for Netflix to achieve its goal of regaining its lost self is to work as diligently as possible to bring movies to the streaming service.

[aquote]Netflix's movie library leaves much to be desired[/aquote]

Those of us who have been subscribers to the offering all of these years know all too well that Netflix's movie library leaves much to be desired. I can't tell you how many times I've tried to boot up Netflix to watch a film, only to find that it's offering nothing new. Even worse, its collection of films is inundated with B- or C-rated titles that I'd never want to watch.

Has Netflix forgotten where it came from? The company was built on the prospect of people being able to sit at home on a Friday or Saturday night, curl up on the couch, and enjoy the latest release. And yet, it's becoming harder and harder to do that on the streaming side.

Granted, it's not all Netflix's fault. The company has been forced to accept less-than-acceptable terms from studios who realize they don't necessarily need to play nice. But if Netflix wants to see its service grow again and finally assert itself in the movie space against cable services, it must be willing to accept some of those deals and fill its thinning content library back in. It might not be the best idea, but it will save the company.

And at this point, saving the company must be its top priority.