Netflix Unveils Exciting 2025 Film Lineup for the Asia-Pacific Region
At a recent content showcase held in Tokyo, Netflix executives provided an in-depth look at the streaming service’s film offerings for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region in 2025. This event comes after a substantial number of project announcements made earlier this year.
Commitment to Original Content
Minyoung Kim, Vice President of Netflix Content for Asia (formerly of India), opened the showcase by sharing insights on the engagement levels of Netflix subscribers. “The average Netflix member watches seven movies every month,” Kim stated, highlighting this trend as a driving force behind the company’s commitment to producing original films. In 2024, films from the APAC region ranked in Netflix’s Top 10 Non-English Films Weekly more than those from other areas, with a nearly 20% increase in film views by APAC subscribers last year.
Diverse Film Slate Showcased
The showcase featured contributions from executives across Japan, India, Korea, and Southeast Asia, focusing on a variety of genres including horror, comedy, anime, and drama.
Highlights from Southeast Asia
Malobika Banerji, Senior Director of Content in Southeast Asia, presented some notable success stories, including the films “Shadow Street” and “Hanger,” with the latter recently achieving global recognition. She announced the production of the first Filipino zombie film, set to premiere in 2025, along with others like “Elixar” and “Jiam” from Thailand. “Elixar,” directed by Kimo Stamboel, marks Indonesia’s first zombie film and promises an engaging narrative centered around an herbalist’s family besieged by the undead.
Japanese Cinema Takes Center Stage
Shinichi Takahashi, Director of Live-Action Content for Netflix Japan, shared details about a sequel to the classic 1975 film “The Bullet Train,” produced in collaboration with East Japan Railway Company. He also teased the upcoming ballroom dance drama “10dance,” based on a popular manga and focused on the evolving emotions between two competitive male dancers.
Korean Film Innovations
Vincent Taewon Kim, South Korean Content Director at Netflix, unveiled a slate of seven original films scheduled for 2025, showcasing the diversity of Korean cinema. Notable projects include “Yeon,” a film that clinched a spot in the Top 10 Non-English Film Chart in over 65 countries, and “Lost in Starlight,” the first animated feature from Netflix Korea, exploring the lives of an astronaut and a musician.
Indian Film Insights
Wrapping up the APAC Film Showcase, Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh, Director of Original Films for Netflix India, emphasized the significance of movie viewership in the country, stating that “almost half of the views are from movies, one of the highest in the world.” The presentation included a variety of upcoming films, such as “Aap Jaisa Koi” and a drama about the infamous international detective Karl Bojraj, alongside a trailer for the black comedy “Toaster,” featuring Rajkummar Rao.
Conclusion
Netflix’s showcase in Tokyo solidifies the streaming giant’s commitment to enriching its APAC film slate, reflecting both regional successes and a broader cultural impact. With a diverse lineup on the horizon, viewers can look forward to a variety of compelling stories from across the Asia-Pacific region.