The Mystery Behind ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ and Its Absence on Netflix

The long-awaited sequel to the 1988 cult classic Beetlejuice has fans buzzing, especially with Michael Keaton returning as the mischievous ghost. However, if you’re hoping to catch Beetlejuice Beetlejuice on Netflix, we have some disappointing news. Despite it seeming like the perfect addition to Netflix’s catalogue, this film won’t be hitting the platform anytime soon—at least not in most countries.

So, why isn’t it coming to Netflix? Let’s break down the reasons, the streaming rights, and what the future holds for those eagerly awaiting the film on their favourite streaming service.

Michael Keaton Returns as Beetlejuice

One of the most exciting aspects of this sequel is the return of Michael Keaton to one of his most iconic roles. Fans have waited decades to see him slip back into the mischievous role of Beetlejuice, and the film delivers in style. But despite the movie’s strong ties to pop culture and massive fanbase, Netflix subscribers are going to have to wait to watch it on the platform.

A Star-Studded Cast Joins the Fun

It’s not just Keaton making a return. The movie also features a massive cast, including many stars linked to Netflix itself. Jenna Ortega, one of Netflix’s biggest stars from Wednesday, has a significant role in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Winona Ryder, another Netflix darling thanks to Stranger Things, is also back in the Beetlejuice universe, reprising her role from the original film.

But even with these big-name actors, the film won’t be available to stream on Netflix anytime soon. Why? It all comes down to complicated licensing deals.

Crossovers Between Beetlejuice and Netflix Shows

Many have dubbed Beetlejuice Beetlejuice as “Wednesday: The Movie” because of the numerous connections to Netflix’s most popular show. Tim Burton, who directed all of season 1 of Wednesday, is also behind this Beetlejuice sequel. The two writers from Wednesday were also responsible for the script.

With all these ties to Netflix’s shows and actors, it seems logical that Beetlejuice Beetlejuice would be available on Netflix. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Here’s why.

Why Isn’t Beetlejuice Beetlejuice on Netflix?

While Netflix has secured some huge film deals over the years, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is part of Warner Bros. Pictures’ portfolio. Warner Bros. tends to prioritise its own streaming service, Max, when it comes to new releases. This is why you’ll find most Warner Bros. films appearing on Max first before anywhere else.

The First and Second Window System Explained

In the world of film distribution, streaming rights are often divided into “windows.” The first window is usually reserved for the studio’s own platform or a high-priority partner. For Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, that’s Max.

The second window is when the movie becomes available on other platforms like Netflix, but this can take years. For instance, Evil Dead Rise, another Warner Bros. production, took almost a year and a half before making its way to Netflix. It first hit theatres, then Max, and finally made its way to Netflix after a long delay.

How Long Will You Have to Wait for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice on Netflix?

So, when can you expect Beetlejuice Beetlejuice on Netflix? If the timeline follows a similar pattern to other Warner Bros. films, it could take up to three years before the movie becomes available on the platform. That means we’re looking at a potential Netflix release in 2026 or even 2027.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Will Be on Max First

For now, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice will be available on Max, Warner Bros.’ streaming service, not Netflix. Historically, it takes about three months from a theatrical release before a Warner Bros. film appears on Max. Once it’s on Max, it will likely remain there for around 15 months before it becomes available for other platforms like Netflix.

Will Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Be on Netflix in Other Countries?

What about international viewers? Unfortunately, it’s complicated. Each country has different licensing agreements, and Warner Bros. is known for signing unique deals depending on the region. For example, Netflix Canada often gets Warner Bros. films about a year and a half after their initial release. Netflix Japan follows a similar pattern, sometimes even receiving films sooner than North America.

However, Netflix UK faces a longer wait. British viewers might not see Beetlejuice Beetlejuice on Netflix until 2026 or 2027. Other regions, including parts of Asia and Europe, usually fall somewhere in between, with new Warner Bros. movies appearing around two years after their theatrical release.

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Netflix’s Recent Deals with Warner Bros.

There’s hope for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice fans, though. Over the last couple of years, Netflix has worked closely with Warner Bros. on second-window deals. Movies like Evil Dead Rise and Furiosa eventually found their way onto Netflix, although it took some time.

These deals suggest that while Beetlejuice Beetlejuice won’t be available on Netflix in the short term, it’s very likely to appear there eventually. Just be prepared to wait a few years.

Why Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Feels Like the Perfect Netflix Film

It’s easy to see why fans are hoping for a Netflix release. The movie has everything that makes it a perfect fit for the platform. It combines nostalgia with a modern twist, thanks to its ties with Netflix’s biggest hits, particularly Wednesday. The spooky, quirky style of Tim Burton has always resonated well with Netflix’s audience, and the cast features some of the platform’s biggest stars.

The Success of the Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Theatrical Release

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice opened in theatres on September 6th and quickly became one of the highest-grossing films of the year. Its successful opening weekend shows just how much anticipation there was for Keaton’s return and the overall charm of the film.

But despite its massive success, Netflix fans will have to wait before they can stream it.

What About Future Streaming Plans?

There is always the possibility that Netflix could negotiate a shorter wait for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. With the ever-changing nature of streaming rights, anything can happen. However, as it stands, the movie is locked in for an exclusive run on Max before it moves to any other platforms.

What to Watch on Netflix While You Wait

If you’re disappointed about not seeing Beetlejuice Beetlejuice on Netflix anytime soon, there are still plenty of other spooky and quirky films available on the platform to keep you entertained. You can binge-watch Wednesday if you haven’t already, or revisit classic Tim Burton films like Corpse Bride and The Nightmare Before Christmas.

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Conclusion

Although Beetlejuice Beetlejuice won’t be coming to Netflix anytime soon, there’s still hope it will arrive eventually. Warner Bros.’ distribution strategies mean it’s likely to appear on Netflix in a few years, after its exclusive run on Max. Until then, fans will have to either wait patiently or enjoy the film on Max.

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