Everything You Need To Know About Netflix

When the DVD-to-your-doorstep service known as Netflix originally began, it's hard to imagine that [...]

By Charlie Ridgely

When the DVD-to-your-doorstep service known as Netflix originally began, it's hard to imagine that any subscribers imagined that it would turn into such a juggernaut.

Now, it's hard to think of Netflix as anything but. In fact, it's even hard to recall the company's humble beginnings.

Netflix is a global phenomenon, housing the most-watched streaming service around and producing some of the most-awarded original programs around.

While it seems like Netflix is just a part of our society now, there's still so much to learn about the service. From basic questions to deeper insights, it's hard to know everything you'd like to about the streaming giant.

Fortunately, we're here to help. Here's everything you need to know about Netflix - including some tips, tricks, and recommendations.

The Basics

Like we already mentioned, Netflix started as a DVD mailing service, but it took things to the next level when it launched the streaming service in 2007. Now, it's the biggest streaming service on the planet.

Instead of collecting DVDs or Blu-Rays, Netflix users are able to stream their content straight from their computers, phones or other devices. The service houses a vast library of movies and TV shows for subscribers to enjoy, and it's all accessible when you pay a monthly fee.

Each individual user has a queue, where you can add in things you want to watch at some point. Netflix will then put together suggestions for you based on what's in that queue, what you've watched, and how you rated it.

After becoming a successful service, Netflix went into the business of production. Shows like House of Cards, Daredevil, Orange is the New Black, Stranger Things, and many others are made by Netflix, for Netflix.

All of these programs are only available on the streaming service.

prevnext

Subscriptions & Prices

What you may not realize, is that Netflix actually has a multitude of subscriptions for users to choose from. Most choose the standard HD plan, but that's only one of many.

Basic Plan ($7.99): The cheapest plan that Netflix offers is as about as basic as you can get. A user with this plan can get access to the entire streaming library, but only in standard definition. This plan also limits the account to only being watched on one device at a time.

HD Plan ($9.99): For just an extra $2 each month, you get a solid upgrade with this plan. Titles display in HD, rather than SD, and you can stream from two screens at a time. With better quality, and more accessibility for couples and families, it's no wonder this is the most popular Netflix plan.

Premium Plan ($11.99): This plan takes everything one step further. Titles that are available in Ultra HD will stream in 4K to televisions that have the capability. Subscribers with the Premium Plan will also be able to stream to four devices at a time.

DVD Plans: Netflix still sends DVDs in the mail, just like it always did. You can add this service to any streaming plan for an additional cost. For $4.99, you can get one DVD at a time, with a limit of two per month. For $7.99, you still get one at a time, but there is no monthly limit. At $11.99, you get two DVDs at a time with no monthly limit. If you wish to get Blu-Rays instead of DVDs, those prices rise to $5.99, $9.99, and $14.99.

prevnext

Data & Dowloads

The one difficult thing about Netflix is the fact that it does take data from your wifi plan in order to run.

With DVDs or Blu-Rays, a movie plays directly from the disc. However, with Netflix, your device needs to use the Internet to pull the title from a database, and then stream it directly to you.

If you're streaming video in the lowest quality, Netflix can use up to 0.3 GB of data per hour. On the other end of the spectrum, Ultra HD streaming can run you up to 7 GB of data in the same time frame.

Netflix has started to help this data issue by offering users the option to download certain titles.

What this means is that many of the shows or movies you enjoy watching can be downloaded directly to your device or computer, so you're not using any data to watch it.

prevnext

The Competition

Netflix isn't the only streaming service you can subscribe to, although it is the most common. The other two major services that provide competition to Netflix are Hulu and Amazon Prime.

Hulu vs. Netflix: While Netflix has made huge strides in original television, Hulu is still known as the main source for TV. The service often offers episodes of currently-airing TV shows, while Netflix doesn't get them until the season is over. Hulu has also started producing original shows as well, providing stiff competition in that category.

Amazon vs. Netflix: If you already subscribe to Amazon Prime you get the video service for free. Amazon Prime Video offers an array of movies and shows - including the HBO originals - that Netflix doesn't have the rights to. However, Netflix's library is much bigger.

Both of these services are worth trying out, as they each have free trials for new customers. Many users subscribe to more than one service, and these three often compliment each other well.

prevnext

What To Watch

With such a vast library, it's difficult to decide what's worth watching, and what titles should be skipped over.

Not to worry, we've got some suggestions for you.

prevnext

Every Title Coming To Netflix In June

Avail 6/1/17

1 Night (2016)

13 Going on 30 (2004)

Amor.com (Love.com)

Arrow: Season 5 (2016)

Burlesque (2017)

Catfight (2016)

Catwoman (2004)

Chingo Bling: They Can't Deport Us All

Days of Grace (2011)

Devil's Bride (2016)

Full Metal Jacket (1987)

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Intersection: Season 2 (2016)

Kardashian: The Man Who Saved OJ Simpson (2016)

Little Boxes (2016)

Mutant Busters: Season 2 (2016)

My Left Foot (1989)

Off Camera with Sam Jones: Series 3 (2015)

Playing It Cool (2014)

Rounders (1998)

Spring (Primavera) (2016)

The 100: Season 4 (2016)

The Ant Bully (2006)

The Bucket List (2007)

The Queen (2006)

The Sixth Sense (1999)

Vice (2015)

West Coast Customs: Season 3 (2013)

Yarn (2016)

Young Frankenstein (1974)

Zodiac (2007)

Avail 6/2/17

Comedy Bang! Bang!: Season 5, Part 2 (2016)

Flaked: Season 2 - NETFLIX ORIGINAL

Inspector Gadget: Season 3 - NETFLIX ORIGINAL

Los Últimos de Filipinas (2016)

Lucid Dream - NETFLIX ORIGINAL FILM

Saving Banksy (2014)

The Homecoming: Collection (2015)

Avail 6/3/17

Acapulco La vida va (2017)

Blue Gold: American Jeans (2017)

Headshot (2016)

Three (2016)

Tunnel (2016)

War on Everyone (2016)

Avail 6/4/17

TURN: Washington's Spies: Season 3 (2016)

Avail 6/5/17

Suite Française (2014)

Avail 6/7/17

Disturbing the Peace (2016)

Dreamworks' Trolls (2016)

Avail 6/9/17

My Only Love Song: Season 1 - NETFLIX ORIGINAL

Orange Is the New Black: Season 5 - NETFLIX ORIGINAL

Shimmer Lake - NETFLIX ORIGINAL FILM

Avail 6/10/17

Black Snow (Nieve Negra) (2017)

Daughters of the Dust (1991)

Havenhurst (2017)

Sword Master (2016)

Avail 6/13/17

Oh, Hello On Broadway - NETFLIX ORIGINAL

Avail 6/14/17

Quantico: Season 2 (2016)

Avail 6/15/17

Marco Luque: Tamo Junto - NETFLIX ORIGINAL

Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Season 4 (2016)

Mr. Gaga: A True Story of Love and Dance (2015)

Avail 6/16/17

Aquarius: Season 2 (2016)

Counterpunch - NETFLIX ORIGINAL

El Chapo: Season 1 (2017)

The Ranch: Part 3 - NETFLIX ORIGINAL

World of Winx: Season 2 - NETFLIX ORIGINAL

Avail 6/17/17

Grey's Anatomy: Season 13 (2016)

Scandal: Season 6 (2016)

The Stanford Prison Experiment (2015)

Avail 6/18/17

Shooter: Season 1 (2016)

Avail 6/20/17

Amar Akbar & Tony (2015)

Disney's Moana (2016)

Rory Scovel Tries Stand-Up For The First Time - NETFLIX ORIGINAL

Avail 6/21/17

Baby Daddy: Season 6 (2017)

Young & Hungry: Season 5 (2017)

Avail 6/23/17

American Anarchist (2016)

Free Rein: Season 1 - NETFLIX ORIGINAL

GLOW: Season 1 - NETFLIX ORIGINAL

Nobody Speak: Trials of the Free Press - NETFLIX ORIGINAL

You Get Me - NETFLIX ORIGINAL FILM

Avail 6/26/17

No Escape (2015)

Avail 6/27/17

Chris D'Elia: Man on Fire - NETFLIX ORIGINAL

Avail 6/28/17

Okja - NETFLIX ORIGINAL FILM

Avail 6/30/17

Chef & My Fridge: Collection (2014)

Gypsy: Season 1 - NETFLIX ORIGINAL

It's Only the End of the World (2016)

Little Witch Academia: Season 1—NETFLIX ORIGINAL

The Weekend (2016)

prevnext

Every Title Leaving Netflix In June

Leaving June 1

D2: The Mighty Ducks
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
Heterosexual Jill
House of Wax
Kidnapped
Knuckleball!
Las mágicas historias de Plim Plim: Season 1
L'Auberge Espagnole
Serendipity
The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975
The Blair Witch Project
The Good Guys: Season 1
The Hustler
The Little Rascals
The Prince & Me
The Teacher Who Defied Hitler
The Three Musketeers
The Way of the Dragon
This Is Spinal Tap
Two Step
We Are the Giant

Leaving June 6

Private Practice: Seasons 1 – 6

Leaving June 8

Xenia

Leaving June 9

4:44: Last Day on Earth
Farewell Herr Schwarz
Free the Nipple
Remote Area Medical
Secrets: The Sphinx
Tough Being Loved by Jerks

Leaving June 14

Bob the Builder: Season 1
Boys Of Abu Ghraib

Leaving June 15

The Lazarus Project

Leaving June 16

Jane Eyre

Leaving June 19

Daddy's Home
Grand Piano
The Right Kind of Wrong

Leaving June 23

Jimmy Goes to Nollywood

Leaving June 24

Agent F.O.X.
Breath of the Gods
Dragon Guardians

Leaving June 29

CSI: NY: Seasons 1 - 8

Leaving June 30

Killer Couples: Season 1
Killer in the Family: Season 1
Murder Files: Season 1
Murder on the Social Network
My Online Bride

prev
0comments
Start the Conversation

of