Ben Affleck and Matt Damon say Netflix is reshaping how movies are made for better and worse

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Ben Affleck and Matt Damon think streaming services have drastically altered filmmaking. They point out that how movies are written, built, and filmed is changing because of how people watch them today, subtly impacting the creative process itself.

During an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience (episode #2440) on January 16th, frequent creative partners shared their views on how streaming services like Netflix impact storytelling, including the speed of narratives and how much creative freedom artists have.

Films are now designed for distracted viewers

Affleck noted a major change in movie viewing habits: people are often distracted by their phones while watching at home.

Damon explained that filmmakers often repeat the story’s main points several times throughout the movie’s conversations. This is because audiences are easily distracted by their phones while watching, and repeating the plot helps them stay engaged. He also pointed out that these decisions are now more often based on audience data than on filmmakers’ gut feelings.

Rogan explained that streaming analytics reveal when viewers stop watching, which puts pressure on filmmakers to adjust their stories based on keeping people engaged rather than following a natural narrative. He noted that data shows drop-off often happens within the first five minutes, and filmmakers now need to figure out how to react to this new reality.

Streaming changes how stories are structured

Damon explained that this change affects more than just conversations; it impacts how stories are built overall. In the past, movies were structured to gradually increase tension and save the biggest moments for later, assuming moviegoers were committed to staying until the end.

He said producers now often ask if they can create a major moment early in a show or movie – within the first five minutes – to immediately grab viewers and keep them watching. This strategy isn’t limited to big-budget action films anymore; it’s becoming common across all types of entertainment.

Affleck pointed out that it’s much harder to leave a movie theater than to simply switch off a TV. He explained that people are more likely to stick with a film they’re watching in theaters because there’s a greater commitment involved.

The loss and upside of the theater experience

Affleck and Damon both agree that films that are thought-provoking or make viewers uncomfortable don’t have the same impact when watched at home. Damon remembered how movies like Taxi Driver used to really grip audiences, even if they were unsettling to watch in a theater.

I always thought that Scorsese had a point when he said people might be uncomfortable with a movie like Taxi Driver, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make it. He basically said if something bothers people, they’ll just switch it off, and that’s okay – a strong, difficult film is still worth creating, even if it’s not for everyone.

Despite the changes, Affleck doesn’t see it all as bad. He explained it’s simply a response to what people want, with viewers increasingly choosing to watch movies and shows at home. As Damon put it, “People want to watch a lot of things at home, and that’s not going to change.”

Honestly, it’s cool because it means we can get some really unique and daring games made. Games that don’t need a huge marketing push to be successful, you know? They can just be good and find their audience.

Filmmaking adapts to the algorithm

Affleck pointed out that streaming isn’t likely to eliminate movie theaters, but is simply the latest change in how people watch films. He explained that new technologies don’t necessarily ruin older ones, drawing a parallel to how television affected theaters in the past.

Affleck acknowledges that algorithms are now influencing creative choices in filmmaking, but he emphasizes that filmmakers aren’t powerless. He believes they can still strive to create the highest quality work possible, aiming for something truly excellent.

You can listen to the complete conversation on The Joe Rogan Experience, episode 2440, with guests Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. It was released on January 16th.

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2026-01-17 18:19