Netflix celebrated its 25th year on August 29.
Netflix’s subscribers since the “DVD mail” days are being reminded once again that they’re not getting any younger. But certainly, it also reminds them that they’ve been a part of the ‘good old days,’ when “Netflix & Chill” wasn’t still a thing. Nevertheless, regardless of what “era” we discovered Netflix in, it’s safe to say that the platform has always been there to give people a hassle-free streaming service.
As the platform turns 25, it released a video on YouTube showing a rundown of its history since it was founded by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph in 1997.
Netflix went from ‘from DVDs in the mail to entertaining the entire world.’ Little by little, it has developed to be a widely available and diverse streaming platform which showcases series and films of all available genres. It has grown over the years to be able to produce content of its own (Netflix Originals). Some of them even became hits and became “trendsetters” at some point.
As we celebrate Netflix’s birthday, let’s take a look back at some of the most “binge-watch” worthy Netflix Originals ever made. But first, the intro:
Stranger Things
This is where you came across “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush.
Netflix logline: When a young boy vanishes, a small town uncovers a mystery involving secret experiments, terrifying supernatural forces and one strange little girl.
Starring: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown
Creators: The Duffer Brothers
Black Mirror
This is where you started fearing for the future. But this is also where you hoped to be in heaven, which is a place on earth.
Netflix Logline: This sci-fi anthology series explores a twisted, high-tech near-future where humanity’s greatest innovations and darkest instincts collide.
Starring: Jesse Plemons, Cristin Milioti, Jimmi Simpson
Creators: Charlie Brooker
Squid Game
This is where almost everyone spoofed that running scene from the series.
Netflix Logline: Hundreds of cash-strapped players accept a strange invitation to compete in children’s games. Inside, a tempting prize awaits — with deadly high stakes.
Starring: Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Wi Ha-jun
Creators: Hwang Dong-hyuk
The Umbrella Academy
This is where you danced to “I Think We’re Alone Now” and “Footloose.”
Netflix Logline: Reunited by their father’s death, estranged siblings with extraordinary powers uncover shocking family secrets — and a looming threat to humanity.
Starring: Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda
Creators: Steve Blackman
The Crown
This is where you became super invested in the royal family.
Netflix Logline: Based on historical events, this series dramatizes the story of Queen Elizabeth II and the political and personal events that have shaped her reign.
Starring: Olivia Colman, Helena Bonham Carter, Tobias Menzies
Creators: Peter Morgan
Bridgerton
This is where you and Julia Quinn’s novels cross paths. Also, this is where you loved Jonathan Bailey.
Netflix Logline: The eight close-knit siblings of the Bridgerton family look for love and happiness in London high society. Inspired by Julia Quinn’s bestselling novels.
Starring: Adjoa Andoh, Julie Andrews, Lorraine Ashbourne
Creators: Chris Van Dusen
Orange Is The New Black
This is where you started loving bad ass women.
Netflix Logline: When a past crime catches up with her, a privileged New Yorker ends up in a women’s prison, where she quickly makes friends and foes.
Starring: Taylor Schilling, Kate Mulgrew, Laura Prepon
Creators: Jenji Kohan
You
This is where you legit started both loving and hating the idea of being obsessed.
Netflix Logline: A dangerously charming, intensely obsessive young man goes to extreme measures to insert himself into the lives of those he is transfixed by. Starring:Penn Badgley, Victoria Pedretti, Elizabeth Lail Creators:Greg Berlanti, Sera Gamble
Sex Education
This is where you got your sex education, for real.
Netflix Logline: Insecure Otis has all the answers when it comes to sex advice, thanks to his therapist mom. So rebel Maeve proposes a school sex-therapy clinic.
Starring: Asa Butterfield, Gillian Anderson, Ncuti Gatwa
Creators: Laurie Nunn
Bojack Horseman
This is where you related wholeheartedly to a cartoon horse.
Netflix Logline: Meet the most beloved sitcom horse of the ’90s, 20 years later. He’s a curmudgeon with a heart of…not quite gold…but something like gold. Copper?
Starring: Will Arnett, Aaron Paul, Amy Sedaris
Creators: Raphael Bob-Waksberg
Other POP! stories you might like:
Netflix turns 25: A look at some of the streaming giant’s questionable releases
Netflix’s sound logo almost had a goat sound in it—and we’re glad it got cut
