In recent years, streaming services like Netflix have revolutionized the way we consume entertainment, providing us with a seemingly endless selection of movies and TV shows at our fingertips.
However, have you ever wondered what the first movie on Netflix was? It’s a question that many people may not have even thought to ask, but the answer is an interesting piece of streaming history.
In this article, we’ll delve into the early days of Netflix and explore the story behind its first movie.
From its humble beginnings as a DVD-by-mail rental service to its current position as a global entertainment powerhouse, Netflix’s journey has been a fascinating one, and it all started with one movie.
So, let’s take a trip down memory lane and discover the movie that kickstarted the streaming revolution.
What was the first movie on Netflix?
Beetlejuice
Beetlejuice is the first movie that Netflix ever had.
It is a classic 1988 American dark comedy film directed by Tim Burton, starring Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, and Winona Ryder.
The movie tells the story of Adam and Barbara Maitland, a couple who die in a car accident and find themselves trapped as ghosts in their own home in Winter River, Connecticut.
After unsuccessfully trying to scare away the new owners of their home, the Deetz family, Adam and Barbara seek help from the mischievous and obnoxious ghost, Betelgeuse, pronounced Beetlejuice, to rid their home of the living occupants.
However, Betelgeuse’s chaotic nature threatens to cause more harm than good, and the situation spirals out of control.
The movie’s plot revolves around the Deetz family, which includes Charles, a real estate developer, his second wife Delia, an eccentric artist, and their daughter Lydia, who is fascinated by death and the supernatural.
Lydia is the only person who can see and communicate with Adam and Barbara, who are struggling to adjust to their ghostly existence.
As the Deetz family tries to renovate the Maitland’s home, Adam and Barbara’s ghostly presence becomes more apparent.
Charles hires Otho, a self-proclaimed paranormal expert, to investigate the strange occurrences in the house.
Otho soon discovers the ghosts’ presence and convinces Delia to hold a séance to summon them.
However, the séance backfires, and instead, they accidentally summon Betelgeuse, a grotesque and vulgar “bio-exorcist” who offers to help the Deetz family get rid of the Maitlands.
As Betelgeuse takes control of the situation, he becomes more powerful and dangerous.
Lydia, who had grown close to the Maitlands, realizes that Betelgeuse’s intentions are not pure and works with them to stop him.
Throughout the movie, there are many comedic and memorable scenes, including the iconic “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” dance sequence and Betelgeuse’s wild and unpredictable behavior.
The film also touches on themes of death, the afterlife, and the importance of family.
In the end, Adam and Barbara are able to scare away the Deetz family with the help of Lydia, and they are left to enjoy their ghostly existence in peace.
The movie concludes with Lydia attending her school’s art exhibit, where she displays her new artwork, inspired by her experiences with the Maitlands and the afterlife.
Beetlejuice cast
1. Michael Keaton – Beetlejuice
Michael Keaton is an American actor, producer, and director who has had a successful career in film and television.
He was born on September 5, 1951, in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, and started his career in the entertainment industry in the 1970s.
Keaton gained widespread recognition for his comedic roles in films like Night Shift and Mr. Mom in the 1980s.
He then achieved international stardom for his portrayal of the superhero Batman in Tim Burton’s Batman (1989) and its sequel Batman Returns (1992).
Throughout his career, Keaton has taken on a wide range of roles, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
He has starred in films such as Beetlejuice, Clean and Sober, The Paper, Jackie Brown, Birdman, and Spotlight.
Keaton has also lent his voice to several animated films, including Cars and Toy Story 3.
In addition to his acting work, Keaton has also worked as a producer and director.
He produced the films The Other Guys and Game 6, and directed the films The Merry Gentleman and Birdman.
Keaton’s performances have earned him numerous awards and nominations, including a Golden Globe award for his role in Birdman and an Academy Award nomination for his performance in Birdman as well.
2. Alec Baldwin – Adam Maitland
Alec Baldwin is an American actor who has been active in the entertainment industry for over four decades.
He was born on April 3, 1958, in Amityville, New York, USA.
Baldwin initially gained recognition for his portrayal of Joshua Rush on the soap opera “Knots Landing” in the 1980s.
He then went on to star in numerous successful movies and television shows, including Beetlejuice, The Hunt for Red October, Glengarry Glen Ross, The Departed, and “30 Rock.
Baldwin is known for his versatility as an actor, as well as his distinctive deep voice and commanding screen presence.
He has won several awards for his performances, including two Primetime Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
In addition to his acting work, Baldwin has also been involved in various other projects over the years.
He has hosted Saturday Night Live numerous times and has written several books, including a memoir entitled Nevertheless.
Baldwin has been married twice and has several children.
He is also known for his political activism and outspokenness on various issues, including gun control and environmental protection.
3. Geena Davis – Barbara Maitland
Geena Davis is an American actress and former model who has appeared in numerous films and television shows.
She was born on January 21, 1956, in Wareham, Massachusetts.
Davis began her career as a model in the late 1970s and early 1980s, before transitioning to acting.
Her breakthrough role came in 1985 when she starred in the hit film The Fly opposite Jeff Goldblum.
She went on to star in a number of successful films throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including Beetlejuice, Thelma & Louise, and A League of Their Own.
In addition to her work on the big screen, Davis has also appeared on a number of popular television shows, including Commander in Chief and The Exorcist.
In addition to her acting career, Davis is also an advocate for gender equality in the media and entertainment industry.
She founded the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, which conducts research on gender representation in media and advocates for more diverse and inclusive portrayals of women and girls.
4. Winona Ryder – Lydia Deetz
Winona Ryder is an American actress who has appeared in numerous films and television shows.
She was born on October 29, 1971, in Minnesota, and began her acting career at the age of 15.
Ryder’s breakthrough role came in the 1988 film Beetlejuice, directed by Tim Burton.
She went on to star in several other films throughout the 1990s, including Heathers, Edward Scissorhands, The Age of Innocence, and Little Women.
She was known for her ability to portray complex, nuanced characters and was often cast in films that explored issues of identity, adolescence, and social norms.
In addition to her film work, Ryder has also appeared in several television shows, including Stranger Things, for which she received critical acclaim and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.
Ryder has been nominated for numerous awards throughout her career, including two Academy Awards, and has won several, including a Golden Globe Award for her performance in The Age of Innocence.
She continues to act in film and television and is considered to be one of the most talented and respected actresses of her generation.
5. Catherine O’Hara – Delia Deetz
Catherine O’Hara is a Canadian actress, comedian, and writer who has had a successful career in film, television, and theater.
She was born on March 4, 1954, in Toronto, Canada.
O’Hara began her career in comedy as a member of The Second City improvisational troupe in Toronto.
She later joined the cast of the sketch comedy show SCTV (Second City Television), where she became known for her ability to play a wide range of characters and her comedic timing.
O’Hara has also appeared in a number of popular films, including Beetlejuice, Home Alone, and The Nightmare Before Christmas.
She has received critical acclaim for her roles in independent films like Waiting for Guffman and Best in Show, both of which were directed by Christopher Guest.
She won an Emmy Award for her performance on the show in 2020.
6. Jeffrey Jones – Charles Deetz
Jeffrey Jones is an American actor, born on September 28, 1946, in Buffalo, New York.
He is best known for his roles in several popular films and TV shows from the 1980s and 1990s, including Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Beetlejuice, Amadeus, and The Hunt for Red October.
Jones began his acting career in the late 1970s with theater productions, and his first notable film role was in the movie Amadeus in 1984, in which he played Emperor Joseph II.
He gained wider recognition for his role as Ed Rooney, the high school principal, in the hit comedy film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off in 1986.
In addition to his film work, Jones has also appeared in several TV shows, including Deadwood, The West Wing, and The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.
However, his career has been somewhat overshadowed by legal troubles.
In 2003, he was arrested for possession of child pornography and was sentenced to six years of probation, during which time he was required to register as a sex offender.
Despite his legal issues, Jeffrey Jones is still regarded as a talented actor who has made significant contributions to the film and TV industry.
7. Glenn Shadix – Otho
Glenn Shadix was an American actor, born on April 15, 1952, in Bessemer, Alabama, and passed away on September 7, 2010.
He was best known for his roles in several popular movies such as Beetlejuice (1988), Demolition Man (1993), and The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993).
Shadix started his career as a professional actor in the early 1980s, where he appeared in various stage productions in New York City.
He then moved to Hollywood, where he gained his first major role as the interior designer, Otho, in Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice, which became a cult classic.
He continued to work in the entertainment industry, appearing in films and television shows, and lending his voice to animated films and video games.
Aside from acting, Shadix was also a talented writer, artist, and interior designer. He designed interiors for many high-end clients and had his own line of furniture, fabrics, and accessories.
Shadix was a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, known for his talent, humor, and kindness.
He had a unique presence on screen and brought a special energy to every role he played.
His legacy lives on through his iconic performances, and he is remembered as a talented and dedicated artist who brought joy and laughter to audiences around the world.
8. Sylvia Sidney – Juno
Sylvia Sidney was an American actress who had a prolific career in film, television, and stage, spanning over six decades.
She was born on August 8, 1910, in New York City, and started her acting career on stage as a teenager in the 1920s.
Sidney made her film debut in the early 1930s and quickly gained popularity as a leading lady in Hollywood.
Some of her notable films include Fury (1936), You Only Live Once (1937), and Sabotage (1939), all directed by the legendary filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock.
Throughout her career, Sidney was known for her distinctive voice and emotional intensity, which made her a favorite of many directors and audiences alike.
She received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the 1973 film Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams.
Sidney continued to work in film, television, and theater well into her 80s, and was widely regarded as one of the great actresses of her generation.
She passed away on July 1, 1999, at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and contributions to the entertainment industry.
Other cast include;
- Robert Goulet – Maxie Dean
- Dick Cavett – Bernard
- Annie McEnroe – Jane Butterfield
- Maurice Page – Ernie
- Hugo Stanger – Old Bill
- Rachel Mittelman – Little Jane
Ratings
Over the years, Beetlejuice has received critical acclaim and has been praised for its originality, humor, and visual effects.
1. Rotten Tomatoes
On Rotten Tomatoes, a popular review aggregation website, Beetlejuice has an 85% approval rating based on 91 reviews, with an average rating of 7.6 out of 10.
The website’s consensus reads, “Brilliantly bizarre and overflowing with ideas, Beetlejuice offers some of Michael Keaton’s most deliciously manic work – and creepy, funny fun for the whole family.”
2. IMDb
On IMDb, another popular review platform, the movie has an 7.5/10 rating based on over 258,000 user reviews.
The film is ranked as the 240th best movie of all time on the website.
3. Metacritic
On Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, Beetlejuice has a score of 70 out of 100, based on 21 reviews from critics.
The movie received generally positive reviews from critics and is considered one of Burton’s most iconic works.
4. Letterboxd
On Letterboxd, a popular social networking platform for movie enthusiasts, the moviel has an average rating of 4.0 out of 5 based on over 187,000 ratings.