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Netflix Bets Big on Southeast Asia for 2026

Netflix is doubling down on Southeast Asia in 2026, unveiling a wide ranging slate of films and series across the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia. The lineup highlights the region’s rising creative influence and reinforces Netflix’s commitment to locally driven stories with global appeal.

While some competitors have scaled back regional production spending, Netflix appears to be moving in the opposite direction, building a robust pipeline of originals and strategic acquisitions.

Here is a country by country breakdown of what is coming.

Philippines: Five Originals and Major Acquisitions

The Philippines leads the charge with five Netflix originals spanning romance, action, family drama, and holiday programming.

18th Rose

18th Rose premieres April 9, 2026. The romantic coming of age film stars Kyle Echarri and Xyriel Manabat and is directed by Dolly Dulu. Set in early 2000s Romblon, the story follows a teenager preparing for her 18th birthday debut as romance and ambition collide.

Ganito, Ganyan, Ganoon

Premiering August 13, this family dramedy stars Jodi Sta. Maria and Agot Isidro. Directed by Cholo Laurel, the series explores generational dynamics and evolving Filipino family values.

BuyBust: The Undesirables

Action fans will see Anne Curtis reprise her role as Nina Manigan in this series continuation of the BuyBust universe. Directed by Erik Matti and co starring Gerald Anderson, the dystopian action thriller is set in a reimagined Manila.

Paskong Pinoy

Launching December 3, Paskong Pinoy is Netflix Philippines’ first holiday anthology. Directed by Mark Reyes, the project reunites 1990s icons Bobby Andrews, Angelu De Leon, and Rica Peralejo, alongside Barbie Forteza and Enchong Dee.

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Acquired Titles

Netflix also secured streaming rights to The Master Cutter starring Dingdong Dantes and Someone, Someday featuring Kathryn Bernardo, James Reid, and Maja Salvador.

Thailand: Star Driven Dramas and Thrillers

Thailand’s slate features high profile talent and genre diversity.

The Debt Collector

The Debt Collector stars Nadech Kugimiya as a former enforcer confronting his violent past. The series is directed by Surapong Ploensang.

My Dearest Assassin

In this action drama, Pimchanok Luevisadpaibul plays a young woman raised by killers who seeks independence and freedom from her upbringing.

Empress of Flames

Pimchanok also headlines Empress of Flames, a revenge driven fantasy set in a mythical kingdom.

The Evil Lawyer

The Evil Lawyer features Rhatha Phongam in a gripping legal drama.

The Red Line

Arriving in March, The Red Line is directed by Sitisiri Mongkolsiri and centers on scam victims fighting back against systemic injustice.

Indonesia: Expanding Genre Reach

Indonesia’s 2026 lineup begins January 29 and reflects strong genre diversity.

A Letter to My Youth

A Letter to My Youth launched January 29, 2026, kicking off the country’s slate.

Made With Love

Made With Love stars Mawar Eva de Jongh and Deva Mahenra in a culinary themed romance.

Me Before Me

Directed by Gina S. Noer, Me Before Me explores a deeply emotional father son relationship.

Never Surrender

Never Surrender, directed by Sidharta Tata and starring Lukman Sardi, adds high intensity action to the slate.

A Strategic Shift in Regional Investment

The 2026 Southeast Asia lineup signals a strategic expansion. With original films, returning stars, established directors, and acquired network hits, Netflix is positioning the region as a major creative hub rather than a secondary market.

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As global demand for non English language content continues to grow, Southeast Asia’s storytelling ecosystem is becoming increasingly central to Netflix’s long term strategy.

If performance matches ambition, 2026 could mark a defining year for the region on the global streaming stage.


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