While there are legitimate reasons to avoid subscribing to Netflix, there are also plenty of reasons to use the streaming service. It isn't the same Netflix of five years ago, which may be the last time you considered subscribing.

So if you have previously cancelled your Netflix subscription, or have never had access to Netflix, it may be time to reconsider. From its wide range of original content to its variety of plans, here are our reasons why you should subscribe to Netflix this year...

1. Netflix Boasts Original Content

netflix originals content preview

Netflix has shifted away from licensed content to producing its own content, especially as other companies continue to create exclusive licenses for their own content.

To be fair, the original TV series on Netflix can be a little hit-and-miss at times. For every Stranger Things, and Mindhunter, you get duds. And then there's the problem of Netflix cancelling shows, like 1899, after one season.

However, Netflix's original content has improved significantly over the years, with stellar documentaries, binge-worthy original series, and even horror movies and sci-fi shows. And Netflix continues to invest heavily in original content, meaning that the variety and quality continue to grow.

Some of the best original films on Netflix tell stories that wouldn't have found a home on cable networks or with other entertainment companies.

2. Netflix Offers More Than Movies and TV Series

netflix documentaries catalog

While feature films and TV series are what put Netflix in the headlines, Netflix actually offers a lot more than just that. You may be surprised to know how much niche content (or even fringe content) exists on the platform. It's this content that will keep you hooked on the service.

Documentaries have become a Netflix staple, with the streaming service well-known for its true-crime documentaries. Comedy specials are also a regular addition to the Netflix catalog, while experimental reality shows tend to become viral hits.

Netflix has also experimented with interactive, choose-your-own-adventure content, such as You vs. Wild and Black Mirror: Bandersnatch.

3. Netflix Offers Flexible Plans

netflix plans prices

Whether you're willing to spend $20 for an Ultra HD experience, or you want to save a few bucks by watching ads, Netflix has a variety of plans at different price points.

If you don't really care about the ability to watch in Ultra HD, or streaming on multiple devices simultaneously, you can opt for the cheaper Basic or Standard plans.

Netflix also uses regional pricing, rather than a straight dollar conversion, for plans outside the US. This can work out cheaper for users who would otherwise have to deal with a fluctuating exchange rate and high costs due to a weak regional currency.

4. One Subscription, Multiple Viewers

netflix multiple devices
Image Credit: Netflix

There's a reason you hear about so many people sharing Netflix accounts. The service provides the ability to create up to five different profiles on one account.

Furthermore, Netflix doesn't limit the number of devices on which you can install and use the Netflix app. Instead, the only limit is the number of screens you can watch Netflix on at the same time. The Basic Plan lets you only stream on one device at a time. However, with a Standard or Premium account, you can simultaneously watch on two or four separate devices, respectively.

Since Netflix analyzes your viewing habits to make recommendations, it's nice to have one profile for yourself, another for your spouse or roommate, and more for anyone else sharing your account.

Though, something to keep in mind is that Netflix is cracking down on password sharing outside of your household. But on the bright side, linking additional new accounts to a main account still works out cheaper than separate subscriptions.

5. It's Easy to Search Through the Netflix Library

netflix browse catalog

Netflix's browsing features and algorithm for recommendations have never been stellar. However, the service has improved these features significantly. As of 2020, you can now see the top 10 streamed content in your country—a list that is regularly updated.

Browsing categories on the service is also easier, with the homepage split into a variety of popular categories that you can expand to explore more. On the Netflix website, you can hover over series to see their trailers and expand the preview to get more information without leaving the homepage.

Another useful feature is the ability to browse upcoming movies and series and add reminders for when they arrive on the service.

6. Netflix Is Still Relatively Affordable

While you can't get a free Netflix trial, the Basic plan for Netflix only costs around $10/month. This, taking into consideration the amount of existing content and Netflix's regular rollout of new originals, means you get access to a vast amount of content for an affordable price.

If you want to stream in HD and on two devices at once, then you'll want the Standard plan. That's around $15/month and costs less than some cinema tickets—unlocking an entire library of high-resolution feature films to enjoy whenever you want.

Even the highest Premium plan, available for around $20/month, is relatively affordable—especially considering it's the starting price for some other streaming services. But most users probably don't need it. The only extra benefits are the ability to watch certain titles in 4K Ultra HD and the ability to stream on up to four simultaneous devices.

Regardless of the plan you choose, the value-per-dollar for Netflix subscriptions is appealing.

7. You Can Easily Discover Foreign Content

Whether you're a fan of K-dramas or enjoy Bollywood content, Netflix gives unprecedented access to regionally-produced content from around the world.

This has led to breakout successes from outside the US, including the Korean series Squid Game and the Spanish heist series Money Heist. And the company continues to invest in local content that is available to a global audience, including from smaller countries.

If you want a break from services that only offer US or UK content, Netflix gives you a wonderful range of other content to enjoy.

8. Netflix Brings Independent Creators to the Global Stage

netflix independent movies

Netflix's freedom from needing to worry about box office returns or prime-time ratings means that it has diverged from the typical Hollywood formula. This gives it the ability to fund and distribute independent content from creators outside of Hollywood.

This has resulted in unique stories and voices entering the global stage. In 2019, Roma became the first Mexican film to win an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. Meanwhile, the Netflix original series Orange Is the New Black was nominated for and won multiple Emmy Awards while being celebrated for its diverse cast of women.

In many ways, Netflix provides access to the global stage for lesser-known creators and unique stories that may have never reached international audiences otherwise. And by subscribing to Netflix, you're supporting this effort.

9. Netflix Allows Educational Screenings

When it comes to screenings of Netflix's original documentaries, the streaming service grants permission to educators that want to show them to their students. This contrasts with some other studios and distributors, which often require schools to buy licenses to show content to students.

While educators can't stream family movies or series to students, the availability of documentaries provides useful educational content without requiring schools to pay for licenses.

Furthermore, when many students moved to learning from home in 2020, Netflix made some of its documentaries free to watch on YouTube. Subscribing to Netflix helps fund the continued creation of educational content like this.

So, Are You Going to Subscribe to Netflix?

So now you know the various reasons you should consider subscribing to Netflix this year. And you may even have the Netflix website open, ready and waiting.