How much money you'd have now if you invested $1,000 in Netflix 10 years ago

Netflix has reemerged as the dominant player in streaming — and a standout performer in the stock market over the past three years.

In early 2022, the company lost subscribers for the first time in over a decade, following years of mounting competition from services like Disney+, HBO Max and Amazon Prime Video. Its stock plunged more than 70% from a November 2021 high.

Since bottoming out in 2022, Netflix's share prices have surged more than 500%, fueled by steady revenue growth from its ad-supported tier, expanded investment in live sports and a crackdown on password sharing.

Despite a crowded marketplace, Netflix remains the most-watched subscription streaming service in the U.S., according to Nielsen — a level of engagement that's helped make it a favorite with investors.

The stock doesn't come cheap

Netflix currently trades at about 59 times its projected earnings for the next year — its highest valuation since 2021. That's higher than Nvidia's multiple of 55 and the Nasdaq 100 average of 40, making it one of the most expensive stocks in the S&P 500.

Still, many analysts maintain a “buy” rating for the company's stock, citing Netflix's global scale and strong monetization strategy. The former DVD-by-mail company has stated ambitious goals of doubling revenue and reaching a $1 trillion market cap by 2030.

The Nasdaq-listed stock closed at $1,274 on Thursday, just ahead of its second-quarter earnings release after the bell.

Netflix reported $11.08 billion in revenue for the quarter ending June 20, 2025, beating expectations of $11.07 billion, according to LSEG consensus estimates. Adjusted earnings per share came in at $7.19, topping analyst forecasts of $7.08.

How much an investment in Netflix is worth

Netflix has been a solid performer for long-term investors since the company first went public on May 23, 2002, trading at $15 per share.

Here's how much a $1,000 investment would be worth now, based on Netflix's closing price of $1,274 on July 17, 2025.

If you invested one year ago

• Percentage change: 96.8%
• Total as of July 17: $1,968

If you invested five years ago

• Percentage change: 158.5%
• Total as of July 17:$2,585

If you invested 10 years ago

• Percentage change: 1,010.2%
• Total as of July 17: $11,102

If you invested when Netflix went public in May 2002

• Percentage change:118,823%
• Total as of July 17: $1,189,227

CNBC Make It's calculations are based on Netflix's closing share price as of July 17, 2025, adjusted for stock splits. They don't reflect any changes following the company's earnings release.

While Netflix's stock has performed exceptionally well, financial experts caution against picking individual stocks based solely on past returns. Markets can shift quickly, and even top-performing companies aren't guaranteed to keep growing.

Instead, many experts recommend investing in low-cost index funds or exchange-traded funds, which offer built-in diversification. For example, when you invest in an S&P 500 fund, you're buying into roughly 500 large U.S. companies, spreading your risk beyond a single stock.