iWorld
Netflix hikes subscription prices in the US
KOLKATA: Netflix has hiked the prices of its subscription plans in its home market, the US. This marks the video-streaming service’s first price changes in the US since an increase rolled out early last year.
In the latest round of price hike, which has been anticipated for a while, the company has raised the standard plan by $1 to $13.99 per month. The premium plan that allows more people to watch the service on different screens simultaneously will now cost $2 more at $17.99 per month. The basic US plan remains the same at $9 per month.
"We understand people have more entertainment choices than ever and we’re committed to delivering an even better experience for our members,” Netflix said in a statement. “We’re updating our prices so that we can continue to offer more variety of TV shows and films.”
The price bump will be immediately effective for new subscribers, but will be rolled out for existing customers in phases over the next few months. The move comes amid global surge in streaming during Covid2019-fueled lockdowns in several countries.
Netflix has added 2.2 million net subscribers in the third quarter of 2020. For Q4, it has forecast 6.0 million paid net adds.
iWorld
Oscars 2026: Five nominated films you can stream now
From horror to historical drama, catch up on the frontrunners before 16 March ceremony.
MUMBAI: The 98th Academy Awards are revving up, and the real race is happening on your screen because why wait for the red carpet when the nominees are already red-hot on streaming? The 98th Academy Awards will air on Monday, 16 March 2026, from 4:30 am to 7:30 am IST, and several of this year’s most talked-about nominees are already available to stream. Here are five standout films shaping the conversation, perfect for catching up before Oscar night.
Sinners (Prime Video & JioHotstar) Ryan Coogler’s genre-bending return after three years blends horror, history and music in 1930s Mississippi. Michael B. Jordan plays twin brothers Smoke and Stack, World War I veterans opening a juke joint for the Black community until vampires drawn to their cousin’s musical talent turn the dream into a nightmare. The film examines exploitation of Black art and culture through atmospheric direction and Jordan’s dual performance.
Sentimental Value (Prime Video & Mubi) Joachim Trier crafts an emotionally layered drama about two sisters, Nora and Agnes, reuniting with their estranged father Gustav, a once-celebrated director. After their mother’s death, Gustav tries to reconnect by casting Nora in his comeback film. When she refuses, old grief and family wounds resurface. The film explores memory, inspiration and complicated ties with quiet power.
One Battle After Another (Prime Video & JioHotstar) Paul Thomas Anderson’s political thriller stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Bob, a former revolutionary living off-grid with his daughter while haunted by paranoia and his radical past. When old conflicts resurface, he’s pulled into a relentless chase to protect her. The film mixes tension, dark humour and sharp commentary on activism, identity and the cost of living outside the system.
F1 (Prime Video & Apple TV+) Brad Pitt leads this high-octane racing drama as a veteran Formula One driver returning after a career-ending crash. Joining a struggling team with a young rookie, he chases redemption on the world’s toughest tracks. Filmed during real race weekends with unprecedented access, the film delivers breathtaking sequences alongside a story of mentorship, rivalry and victory against the odds.
Hamnet (Prime Video) Chloé Zhao directs this historical drama inspired by Maggie O’Farrell’s novel and Shakespeare’s family life. Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal play Agnes and William Shakespeare navigating grief after losing their young son Hamnet. The film imagines how personal tragedy may have shaped Hamlet, portraying love, loss and artistic creation with haunting intimacy.
These five films offer everything from pulse-racing spectacle to quiet emotional depth. With the Oscars just around the corner, the real winners might be the stories already streaming ready to turn your living room into a front-row seat to cinema’s biggest night.
