Disney+ has typically been the first window for new Disney films, with titles landing on the platform within 90 days of their cinema debut. But as Disney (like other US Studios) looks to increase revenues with content sales whilst balancing their direct to consumer ambitions we can see wider change of behaviour . Movie Tracker reveals that more Disney movies are finding second homes after Disney+ with third-party services – opening up new opportunities for local buyers across Western Europe.
The UK leads activity. Since early 2024 free TV Broadcaster Channel 4 – across its main channel and Film4 – has premiered 12 Disney titles, mostly under the 20th Century Studios and Searchlight banners.
In France, release windows are regulated so new cinema titles are not allowed on streaming services for 18 months – a rule that works in Pay TV operator Canal+’s favour. While Disney has secured deals to speed things up, it still has to wait six months after a Canal+ release before titles appear on Disney+.
After Disney+ in France (the third window) there is a broader spread of buyers. French free TV isn’t buying at the same pace as the UK, but big movies are still premiering. 'Free Guy' aired on M6, while 'Avatar: The Way of Water' and 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3' went to TF1. Netflix and Amazon also remain active – buying adult-skewing hits like 'Barbarian' and 'The Favourite' in 2024.
In Spain, the studio-owned platforms are more dominant. Warner’s Max SVOD picked up five titles from 20th Century Studios in 2024 and 2025 – making it Disney’s biggest third-party buyer in the country. Netflix and Amazon take most of the other titles, with limited activity from local players. Movistar premiered 'Nightmare Alley' in April 2025 and FDF aired 'The King’s Man' in late 2024.
Germany highlights an uncommon approach from Disney. The vast majority of second windows from Disney have not included exclusivity, meaning that titles remain available on Disney+ for the full duration of the second window term. However RTL when acquired 'The Creator' in March 2025 it left Disney+, making RTL the exclusive home for the title. This was a rare exception.
Italy is the quietest market and the only one of the Sky markets that has seen recent activity from the Pay TV platform, airing 'A Haunting in Venice' and 'Next Goal Wins' in December 2024. Free TV service Rai were responsible for most other acquisitions.
Disney+ might still have a vast global reach but even without exclusivity, third-party platforms can still do well with the right title. As Disney and other Studio’s release strategy evolves for movies, tracking how and where titles are being released will be key to identifying the best approach to a fragmented market that is establishing a new paradigm for movie windows.
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