During 2022 there were many ups and downs to say the least, especially for streaming services – both in terms of subscriber numbers and, frankly, content successes and failures. We've had Paramount Plus come to the UK, Disney Plus increase its pricing, and Netflix add an ad-supported subscription option.
In the midst of 2022's cost of living crisis, it was Netflix in particular that saw a mass exodus of once loyal subscribers. I, too, was one of those who walked away from the streaming service because I couldn't see its value anymore.
But now I'm back. I've just re-subscribed to Netflix – and I think you should too – because, finally, there are a stack of reasons to have a Netflix subscription plan. I might not stay for long, mind, but even just for the one month of UHD streaming, I think it's worth it for these immediate reasons (and not just the best worst Christmas movies either):
1. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
On its streaming release date, 23 December 2022, I spent part of the morning writing about Daniel Craig's return to his role as detective Blanc in the Knives Out sequel.
And it made me realise: I never went to the cinema to watch Knives Out 2, I eventually came around to enjoy the first film, and, heck, I actually need to watch the Glass Onion sequel pretty much immediately. A Christmas Eve Eve treat, if you will.
So that was that: Craig's southern drawl accent, which had originally put me off in the first movie, is the ultimate reason that I'm paying to subscribe to Netflix once more. He's kind of addictive and I think you'll agree that Glass Onion has serious draw for Netflix.
2. Wednesday
Everyone I know won't stop telling me about Wednesday. "You have to see it". "It's actually really good". "You haven't seen Wednesday?".
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
I'm not necessarily even a massive Addams Family fan in general, but the high praise that this show has received from friends and colleagues alike means it has to have something about it – why else would everyone be banging on about it otherwise?
As T3's Editor-in-Chief put it in his Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime shows to watch before 2023 piece: "In just three weeks the series has already taken on cult status, giving way to cosplay, dances and lots of TikTok videos." I'm sold.
3. Bullet Train
I also spotted this movie gem appear on the to-watch list: Brad Pitt's Bullet Train is a riotous, often hilarious unconventional chase movie (well, sorta).
It's set on a Shinkansen, i.e. Japanese 'bullet train', and although I've already seen it while flying to foreign lands on holiday in late 2022, it tickled me so much that I want to watch it again.
That's the thing with Netflix: it often adds big-budget A-list movies from major picture houses, such as Sony Pictures (as in this instance), and having a subscription means you can watch on-demand as you please. I find that easier to navigate than Sky or BT, too, adding yet more value to Netflix's proposition.
Mike is T3's Tech Editor. He's been writing about consumer technology for 15 years and his beat covers phones – of which he's seen hundreds of handsets over the years – laptops, gaming, TV & audio, and more. There's little consumer tech he's not had a hand at trying, and with extensive commissioning and editing experience, he knows the industry inside out. As the former Reviews Editor at Pocket-lint for 10 years where he furthered his knowledge and expertise, whilst writing about literally thousands of products, he's also provided work for publications such as Wired, The Guardian, Metro, and more.
-
Devialet Astra is surely the most beautiful audio amp ever made
French brand Devialet is renowned for its stunning-looking audio products, but this is on another level
By Rik Henderson Published
-
3 Netflix shows to watch after Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story
Finished the gripping true crime drama about the Menendez brothers? Here are three other great shows to check out
By Rik Henderson Published
-
3 Netflix shows to watch after Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story
Finished the gripping true crime drama about the Menendez brothers? Here are three other great shows to check out
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Netflix's no.1 show proves videogame adaptions can still be king
Arcane is absolutely smashing it
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
I can't wait for massive Netflix action movie with Taron Egerton and Jason Bateman
Carry-On looks sublimely silly
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Love Netflix's Drive To Survive? Catch this upcoming series about an F1 icon
Senna will tell a brilliant story
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Netflix's new Squid Game 2 trailer raises questions – and I'm already sold
The biggest show in the world is nearly back
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Keira Knightley as you've never seen her before in new Netflix thriller series
Black Doves looks like rip-roaring stuff
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
'Magic Mike at Christmas'? Yes please! New Netflix movie looks amazing
The Merry Gentlemen will scratch a particular itch
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Netflix's new Lindsay Lohan movie for the holidays has fans all saying the same thing
Our Little Secret looks like silly fun for the star
By Max Freeman-Mills Published