For the most part, I like Netflix and what it has to offer, but it has felt stagnant to me for some time. It isn’t just about content, but features, too. If I’m to continue subscribing to Netflix, it’ll need to make these changes.
5
Bring Back Dead Features and Add New Ones
Did you know Netflix had a feature that randomly picked a show or movie based on your recommendations? Neither did I. It was called “Surprise Me,” and it sure surprised me when I learned about it and realized I would’ve liked it. Netflix needs a shuffle button again!
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When I subscribe to Netflix, part of my expectation is that it gets better to use over time. So, I’m tired of getting new features and having them taken away or not getting anything new whatsoever. Surprise Me? Gone. User reviews? Gone. Like percentages? Gone. I want those back, plus new ones, like how Amazon Prime has bios for actors.
4
Better Search Results and Filtering
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve searched for a particular movie or show on Netflix, only to not find what I was looking for (because it wasn’t in Netflix’s catalog) but to also be bombarded with unrelated content. Is it too much to ask to simply show no results? I fear Netflix does this to avoid having its catalog appear smaller, but all it does is cause friction on my end.
What would make Netflix significantly better is the ability to filter out my search results, especially if said feature lets me filter alphabetically. Instead, I’m bombarded by Netflix’s original movies and shows or the same handful of content being advertised. Having content be removed from my search results to a “Viewed” list would also be super helpful. It’s just a clutter!
3
Let Me Customize My UI, Please
While Netflix’s UI is simplistic, I think it’s time I was given the reins to customize. Let me hide content individually or by genre or limit the number of boxes on the screen. I can’t even change the way Netflix looks as far as color schemes. I’d be happy if it was just basic customization!
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Why can’t I adjust the size of icons? Why can’t I enlarge or shrink the size of text? I have to use my browser’s zoom function as a workaround, which is already a problem since I get next to no information about a show or movie when I hover over it. I have to hover, then click on the little arrow to learn anything about it. Otherwise, clicking on it will just start the show.
2
Let Me Access Content From Other Regions
Netflix
Speaking of accessing content, it’d be nice to watch movies and shows that aren’t available in my region. I know, I know—it’s a combination of licensing problems and censorship (like how Japan handles video games). Counterpoint: I don’t care. Many of Studio Ghibli’s movies being inaccessible to me because I don’t live in the UK isn’t a good enough reason. I’d even be okay paying extra to access other regions rather than fake my location with a VPN.
On that note, content that I can access, I’d like to watch anything that isn’t the movie or the show itself, like behind-the-scenes footage. I don’t think that’s a big ask. If I’m to subscribe to Netflix because it has a catalog of movies I love, but don’t own, I want a comparable version to that of a DVD.
1
Netflix Originals Need a Rework
One of the biggest reasons Netflix keeps me subscribing is because of its original shows and movies. I recently finished Maniac—I know, I’m very late to the party—and absolutely adored it. In fact, some of my favorite shows and movies have come from Netflix’s own library, like Midnight Mass, The Haunting of Hill House, Gerald’s Game, and The Fall of the House of Usher. I hope Mike Flanagan is getting paid big bucks!
To me, quality will always trump quantity, and it seems to me that a fair amount of Netflix’s original content rarely impresses me. I don’t need every new movie to be Don’t Look Up, but it’s obvious that when a good, original idea is given time, it pays off. I’m still mad about Kaos getting canceled, but You will overstay its welcome with five seasons. Fix your priorities, Netflix.
Maybe a while back, Netflix got away with having some really good shows and movies, but I need a little more to justify my subscription. The UI is where I’d love to see the most change, such as new features and especially the filtering. Otherwise, Netflix’s days are numbered.
