How are Hungarian films performing on Netflix?

Netflix recently unveiled its ratings to the public, offering a glimpse into the streaming giant’s viewership metrics. Amidst the sea of data, a surprising fact emerges – Hungarian films have finally stepped into the spotlight.

An insight into viewer trends

When Netflix unveiled an Excel spreadsheet containing its ratings in mid-December, the streaming giant opened a window into the performance of various films and series on its platform. While this move was a step towards transparency, it still left much to be desired in terms of comprehensive insights. According to Telex, the information provided, while unprecedented, only scratched the surface. It left viewers, analysts and creators with limited knowledge about the true impact of their content.

Decoding Netflix ratings

Netflix’s ratings disclosure comes with a set of reservations. The streaming platform, being the sole authority on its own ratings, lacks independent validation. Furthermore, the ranking of content on the list relies on a singular data point: the number of hours watched. This method, though a step forward, raises questions about its accuracy and reliability in reflecting the actual success of a piece of content.

Breaking ground for Hungarian films

Amidst the data release, a significant breakthrough for Hungarian cinema emerged. For the first time on any streaming platform, viewership figures for Hungarian films became available. This revelation marked a departure from the previous reliance on weekly top lists to gauge a film’s popularity on a particular platform.

Before delving into the ranking of Hungarian films on Netflix, it’s crucial to consider several key factors. Netflix rounds its data on hours watched to the nearest hundred thousand. This information is only disclosed for shows surpassing 50,000 hours of viewership. Additionally, the figures presented only cover the first half of 2023, focusing on films newly added to the platform during that period.

The timing factor

Examining the timing of releases adds another layer of understanding. The Hungarian films featured in the top ten were introduced to Netflix in early 2023. Noteworthy examples include “Nyugati nyaralás” (Riviera East) in February, “Együtt kezdtük” (We Started Together) in January, and “Szia Életem” (Be My Dad!) in late 2022. These films secured favourable rankings.

Drawing insights from viewing hours

Despite the limitations of the data, we can learn valuable lessons. For instance, the film “Blokád” (Blockade), already on Netflix in March, failed to garner outstanding ratings. However, this dataset also underscores the platform’s potential for independent films. “Jóreménység-sziget” (Island of Hope), a documentary added to Netflix in June, managed to secure a spot among other films supported by the Film Institute.

Revitalising older films

The ability to stream films from several years ago can be a game-changer for domestic distributors and producers. A prime example is the 2016 film “#Sohavégetnemérős” (#Atfirstsight) by Wellhello, which, despite its age, has generated as many, if not more, viewing hours than recent Hungarian releases. This revelation suggests that Hungarian films can experience a second boom on the platform.

Viewing of Hungarian films on Netflix and in cinemas
Films with their English titles	Netflix views (hours of content, rounded to the nearest hundred thousand)	Cinema audience (number of viewers)
Riviera East	600 000	83 447
Be My Dad!	500 000	62 255
We Started Together	500 000	45 531
Blockade	300 000	63 476
The Game	200 000	26 523
Perfect As You Are	200 000	20 441
Katinka	200 000	21 651
#Atfirstsight	200 000	34 005
Halfway Home	100 000	15 150
Toxikoma	100 000	106 448
Open	100 000	54 950
Budapest Heist	100 000	72 442
Island of Hope	100 000	33 396
The Story of My Wife	100 000	31 332
Cream	100 000	25 867
On Body and Soul	100 000	139 316
Stop My Stepmom	100 000	37 701

While Netflix’s ratings release provides a glimpse into the performance of Hungarian films, it also raises questions about transparency and data accuracy. Nevertheless, the newfound visibility into viewership figures opens doors for filmmakers and distributors. Moreover, it offers insights into audience preferences and the potential for older films to find new life on the streaming giant. As the industry continues to evolve, understanding these trends becomes crucial. It is important for the future success of Hungarian cinema on a global scale.