The rise of streaming services has completely changed the way the world consumes content, breaking down both geographical and language barriers to provide access to an array of films and television shows from all around the Earth. YouTube, founded in 2005, was the pioneer of online video content with the ability to create shared experiences worldwide.
Netflix, originally started as a DVD-by-mail service in 1997, introduced streaming in 2007. Three years later, in 2010, it expanded its U.S.-based operations to Canada. By 2011, the company had begun to move into dozens of Latin American and Caribbean countries before heading to Europe in 2012. Today, Netflix is available in every country except for China, North Korea, Russia, and Syria.
This kind of international expansion was likely a driving force that helped expose people worldwide to foreign content that was previously unavailable to them. Now, with other juggernauts like Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV, and Max being accessible internationally — plus Netflix investing more in local language content — viewers are living through an expansion of foreign viewing options. Streaming services continue to build upon their list of international titles, and we at StramSafely can’t get enough!
How Streaming Services Have Globalized Content
Needless to say, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and this renaissance wasn’t brought on overnight. The globalization of streaming was helped along by several key factors that made it possible and shaped it into what it is today.
Access to Diverse Content
Not only have major streaming platforms expanded into foreign markets, but they’ve also made concerted efforts to acquire and feature a wider range of international content. In 2020, non-English language shows made up 6% of streaming options in the U.S. By 2022, that had grown to 8%. That’s an impressive increase, especially considering that Netflix released 68 Netflix Originals in 2020 alone.
Today, the average amount of international content among the seven leading streaming platforms in the U.S. is 11.7%, with Prime Video surpassing all others with nearly double that at 19.8%. Major streaming platforms are securing the rights to acclaimed foreign language films, popular foreign television series, and niche indie productions from around the world like never before. By diversifying their libraries, these services are catering to the growing demand for more diverse and culturally conscious viewing experiences.
The Role of Technology
When Netflix first launched its streaming service, then called Watch Now, its popularity was hampered by the scarcity of high-speed internet at that time. High-speed internet and the widespread adoption of countless devices with internet connectivity have made it easier than ever for viewers to access streaming services when and how they want to. Innovations in video compression, content delivery, and cross-border licensing have also streamlined the process of making international films and shows accessible to global audiences.
Overcoming Language Barriers
Netflix committed to subtitling its entire library by 2014, and the next year, the platform began dubbing its content as well. Today, Netflix offers subtitles in 37 languages and dubbing in 34, as confirmed by the dubbing and voice-over service DUBnSUB.
These features have helped bridge the language gap, allowing viewers to enjoy content from different parts of the world. This has been particularly important in making foreign language films and television series more accessible to wider audiences.
Cultural Impact of Global Streaming
The rise of global streaming has had a profound impact on how international communities relate to each other, as well as the entertainment industry worldwide.
Cultural Exchange and Understanding
Watching foreign films and television shows allows viewers to better appreciate the customs, traditions, and lived experiences of people from different parts of the world. Maya Kornyeyeva, a contributor to The California Aggie, highlights how foreign cinema excels in conveying other cultures with a distinct sense of humanity that is not easily captured elsewhere.
The addition of subtitles and the absence of Western tropes causes the viewer to engage more deeply with the content in order to follow the story and understand its themes. As Kornyeyeva writes, “Watching a movie in a foreign language is not as casual of a viewing experience.”
Influence on Local Markets
According to Ampere Analysis, international content streaming has increased by 24% since 2020. This increased demand has created new revenue and economic opportunities for different countries.
For example, according to the same study, the success of “Squid Game” and “Parasite” caused Netflix to invest further in South Korean content. In fact, 2024 marks the first year that Netflix will invest more in foreign markets than it will domestically, budgeting $8 billion for foreign content, as reported by FilmTake.
Expanding Audiences for Foreign Content
Hwang Dong-hyuk, the creator of “Squid Game,” spent 10 years unable to get his script produced. Local producers claimed the story was “too unrealistic and violent to be commercially viable,” according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Today, “Squid Game” is known as one of the best TV shows of its time! By making “Squid Game” and other titles readily available and easily accessible through their platforms, streaming platforms have helped to overcome traditional distribution challenges and geographical limitations, allowing niche or lesser-known international productions to gain the wider recognition they deserve.
Most Popular and Streamed Foreign TV Shows
The globalization of streaming has led to a surge in the popularity of foreign television shows, with viewers eager to explore new ways of storytelling and unique perspectives from around the world. With everything from period pieces to sci-fi, we’ve found the top, most popular and widely streamed foreign TV series around today:
- Netflix
- “Squid Game” (South Korea)
- “Money Heist” (Spain)
- “Lupin” (France)
- See More!
- Hulu
- “The Artful Dodger” (Australia)
- “Extraordinary” (U.K.)
- “A Shop for Killers” (South Korea)
- See More!
- Prime Video
- “Downton Abbey” (U.K.)
- “The Night Manager” (U.K.)
- “Marry My Husband” (South Korea)
- See More!
- Max
- “I May Destroy You” (U.K.)
- “The Thaw” (Poland)
- “The Head” (Spain, Japan)
- See More!
Most Popular and Streamed Foreign Movies
The globalization of streaming has also led to a rise in the popularity of international feature films. From Japanese anime to Spanish-language comedies, here are some of the best movies from overseas that are making waves stateside:
- Netflix
- “Troll” (Norway)
- “Under Paris” (France)
- “The Society of Snow” (Spain)
- See More!
- Hulu
- “Rye Lane” (U.K.)
- “Trigun: Badlands Rumble” (Japan)
- “Y Tu Mama Tambien” (Mexico)
- See More!
- Prime Video
- Max
- “My Neighbor Totoro” (Japan)
- “Breathless” (France)
- “Drive My Car” (Japan)
- See More!
Best Streaming Services for Accessing Foreign Content
While the popularity of foreign films and television shows has grown significantly across America, it’s important to make sure you’re accessing the content through safe, legal sources. If you love international cinema like our team at StreamSafaely does, you’ll want to check out these streaming services to access a wide range of foreign films and TV shows:
- Netflix: As we mentioned, Netflix is budgeting more for foreign film acquisition than it is for domestic options — to the tune of $8 billion.
- Hulu: Hulu’s library features a wide selection of foreign-language movies and TV series, with a special focus on critically acclaimed titles like “Parasite” and “Amelie.”
- Prime Video: Amazon’s global reach has allowed Prime Video to secure the rights to a wide range of international content, which makes it the largest international selection by far.
- Max: Max’s collection of foreign films and shows, including international auteurs and French New Wave cinema, make for an engaging, artistic experience.
- The Criterion Channel: Complete with a seven-day, free trial, The Criterion Channel is a specialized streaming service that showcases a vast selection of arthouse, independent, and international classics.
Understanding the Importance of Legal Streaming Sources
While the globalization of streaming has made it easier than ever to access international films and shows, not every platform is looking out for your enjoyment and well-being. In fact, there are roughly 130 subscription piracy sites in the U.S. alone that generate over 15 billion visits annually.
With the demand as high as it is, these known, illegal streaming platforms are always looking to dupe unsuspecting viewers by posing as legitimate resources or offering niche foreign content that may still be harder to find. These unauthorized sources not only expose you and your device to potential risks but also deprive content creators of the rightful compensation they deserve for their work.
To make sure you have a safe and enjoyable viewing experience, we at StreamSafely highly recommend using only legal and secure streaming services every time. We make it our mission to provide valuable resources and guidance on how to find and access legitimate streaming sources, and want to help you navigate the ever-expanding world of global entertainment safely and securely.
How StreamSafely Can Help You Safely Enjoy Foreign Movies and Shows
StreamSafely is dedicated to empowering viewers like you to access the content they love while prioritizing their online safety and security. Our comprehensive movie and TV hub can help you find legal, safe, and even 100% free streaming options. There’s no reason to resort to pirated content; you just need to know the right places to look!
Whether you’re a movie buff looking for the latest British comedies and European releases or an international TV enthusiast eager to immerse yourself in a dark crime drama, StreamSafely can help you discover safe and reliable ways to access the content you love. Let us guide you through new cultures and faraway lands — all without having to leave your house. Happy travels and safe streaming!
