In an unsurprising turn of events, Netflix is increasing prices again, and unfortunately, the streamer still hasn't changed its stance on password sharing. The changes come at a frustrating time when people are likely struggling financially, and the summer will probably come with new releases people will want to watch and talk about.
There are a number of shows worth keeping Netflix around for, but we also can't fault people for being irritated by the changes. Still, here is a breakdown of the Netflix price changes, as well as some of the properties worth watching for anyone debating cancellation.
How Much Are Netflix's Prices Increasing In 2026?
Netflix's cheapest tier, which includes ads, will increase from $7.99 to $8.99. The next Standard tier, without ads, will increase by two dollars and allow viewers to watch on two devices, increasing from $17.99 a month to $19.99 a month. Finally, the premium plan, which is ad-free and includes Ultra HD and HDR as well as the opportunity to stream on up to four devices at once, will also increase by two dollars, taking it from $24.99 a month to $26.99.
Adding an extra member that doesn't live in your household also increases, with each tier offering different price increases of a dollar from their respective previous amount.
10 Netflix Originals That Will Make You Second-Guess Cancellation
The thing about Netflix that's so unfortunate is that many of its properties aren't available outside of the streamer. For instance, Stranger Things (2016) will be available in a Blu-ray box set, but the same cannot be said for shows like Bridgerton (2020), One Piece (2023), Hearsttopper (2022), Lucifer (2016), and original movies like People We Meet on Vacation (2026).
In many ways, Netflix is thriving with the romance genre, including shows like Virgin River (2019), XO, Kitty (2023), Sweet Magnolias (2020), and the highly anticipated Emily Henry film adaptations. Where horror fans can benefit from a subscription to Shudder and fans of British dramas can get solid deals through BritBox and Acorn, Netflix supplies us with romances that are impossible to find elsewhere.
At the same time, we have a confirmed new season of Nobody Wants This (2024) releasing, and reality TV fans can also find Love is Blind (2020) in all its different locations here as well. The streamer is also home to plenty of K-Dramas and international films, but really, isn't every kid and adult also obsessed with K-Pop Demon Hunters (2025)? The Oscar-winning animation is enough reason to keep the subscription alone.
Netflix Is The Still Best Streaming Platform Out There
Netflix started it all when it comes to streaming. In many ways, a number of the streamer's features continue to work best when exploring different genres, subgenres, as well as the additional licenses it gets with various TV shows or movies. Non-romance fans can even watch shows like The Night Agent (2023) or the new Peaky Blinders: Immortal Man (2026) alongside the original TV show. More than anything, part of the reason it works is because of its exclusivity.
In short, some of these shows cannot be found anywhere else, and the things that it has lined up are going to be exceptional. (Emily Henry's little rom-com universe is my personal reason to keep it forever.) With both Frankenstein (2025) and Train Dreams (2025) landing Oscar nominations, it's even growing more reputable with the Academy.
Netflix was set to buy Warner Bros. before Paramount did, and in many ways, it's certainly a plus that it didn't go through because theater releases are incredibly important for feature films. Still, where TV shows are concerned, very little could compare with the romances and some of the action-packed originals the streamer provides.
