uk vs us netflix

That’s why it’s hard to find the same exact content in Netflix libraries across the world. According to this list made by CordCutting, worldwide Netflix libraries range from about 4,000+ titles to a bit over 900. In the film industry, a British comedy may become a hit across the UK but result in total failure in the eyes of their neighbors across the pond – the US. Different markets will have more demand for specific content than others.

Keep on reading to learn more about: 

  • The difference between Netflix US and UK 
  • Content exclusive to Netflix US 
  • Content exclusive to Netflix UK

Is there a difference between Netflix US and UK? 

The answer to your question would be: sort of, kind of, yes. Here’s why…

Netflix US
Netflix UK
Total titles
5879
5673
Movies
4035
3831
TV shows
1844
1842
Avg. IMDb Audience Rating
6.95
6.97
Avg. MetaCritic Critics Score
62.9
61.7
Academy Award- Winning Films
60
59
Emmy Award- Winning TV Shows
32
31

Information from Surfshark’s Visualizing Netflix: Best- rated TV Shows & Films on Netflix

As you can see, there isn’t much of a difference. The US library takes the lead in almost every category except the audience rating. Despite minimal differences, users in both countries end up paying the same monthly price for their subscriptions for a different amount of content. What’s that all about, right? 

The reason all comes back to a fierce competition and everyone must play by the rules of the licensing game. If a country already hosts a distributor of show X, then show X won’t be available in that country’s Netflix library.  This means some may have to accept the consequence of paying more for less. 

Content exclusive to Netflix USA  

What started as a 30-employee, 925-title online DVD rental store has bloomed into one of the top online content platforms and production companies. The past 22 years brought the Netflix US catalog an epic 84% growth! With this amount of content, we can spend our lifetimes watching every film and TV show, excluding the current listings. 

There is no way to know exactly how many titles are continuously being added to different Netflix libraries. But, as the largest catalog out there, you can be sure to find some of your favorites on American Netflix.

The following list shows some US-exclusives: 

  • Sir! No Sir!
  • The Outlaw Josey Wales
  • Happy Endings
  • Downton Abbey 
  • Chinatown
  • The Master
  • Casino Royale
  • Alone
  • Zac and Mia
  • Stargate SG-1
  • The Boulet Brothers Dragula
  • The Great British Baking Show
  • Wynonna Earp
  • Into the Badlands
  • WWII: Lost Films
  • TURN: Washington’s Spies
  • Surviving R. Kelly: The Impact
  • Quiet Victory: The Charlie Wedemeyer Story

Content exclusive to Netflix UK 

As runner up, the UK Netflix library falls a bit short behind the US catalog. However, 5,673 titles is still quite a lot and having country-exclusives makes it even more unique.

The following list shows some UK-exclusives: 

  • Winter’s Bone
  • This Could Go Anywhere
  • Sorry We Missed You
  • 120 battements par minute
  • A Few Good Men
  • Cousins
  • The Young Offenders
  • American Graffiti
  • Back to Life
  • Roger Waters The Wall
  • Green Street
  • Pick of the Litter
  • Falling Down
  • Babylon
  • Adaptation.
  • White Teeth
  • Staged

Features to look for in a Netflix VPN

Picking a good VPN is essential for secure and private streaming. Especially because oftentimes, VPNs may make the connection slower, but with a quality VPN you won’t even notice the difference. Other times people may experience ISP throttling that isn’t only annoying but a waste of time. In order to avoid these situations, check out this list of features you can enjoy while streaming Netflix with a Surfshark VPN. 

Get the best server speeds

1. Get the best server speeds

Dealing with a buffering video while watching Netflix is frustrating. Nobody deserves that treatment; therefore, you can choose from 3200+ servers in 100 countries! The closer the server is to your actual location the better connection speed you’ll get.

 

Connect unlimited devices

2. Connect unlimited devices 

If you and your family can never agree on what to watch, look no further. With just one Surfshark subscription, you can connect unlimited devices and stream any show you want any time, anywhere.

 

Stay protected with ad, malware, and phishing-free browsing

3. Stay protected with ad, malware, and phishing-free browsing  

While browsing, you might have stumbled across pestering pop ads or spammy-looking websites. This is easily prevented with the use of an adblock VPN. Minimize your risk of encountering malware, save up on mobile data, avoid scams like phishing, and much more! 

Get started with your VPN journey 

Securing your streaming (and defeating bandwidth throttling in the process) is but one of the benefits of using a VPN. Get on the hype train now and get Surfshark VPN!

We prohibit using Surfshark services for any unlawful purposes as it is against our Terms of Service. Please be sure to act in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations of streaming service providers.

Ensure privacy while streaming Netflix

and claim our 30-day refund policy

Get Surfshark