DIS vs NFLX: The Walt Disney Company vs Netflix, Inc. Historical Returns & Investment Comparison
This DIS vs NFLX comparison analyzes the historical stock performance of The Walt Disney Company and Netflix, Inc. side-by-side. Using real, adjusted market data, this tool shows how identical investments in both stocks would have performed over time—highlighting differences in returns, volatility, and consistency across market cycles.
Use the interactive calculator below to adjust the investment amount and time period, visualizing how The Walt Disney Company and Netflix, Inc. have historically performed against each other.
Compare Stock Performance
Select two stocks and an investment amount to see how they compare over time.
Compare any two stocks to see which performed better historically
Performance Summary
$10,000 invested from 1986 to 2025 (40 years)
Head-to-Head Record
Over the 24-year comparison period, The Walt Disney Company outperformed Netflix, Inc. in 9 years, while Netflix, Inc. outperformed The Walt Disney Company in 15 years.
DIS - The Walt Disney Company
NFLX - Netflix, Inc.
Overall Winner: NFLX with an average annual return of 55.98% (vs 12.94% for DIS)
Understanding DIS vs NFLX Performance
When comparing The Walt Disney Company and Netflix, Inc., investors should consider multiple factors beyond just total returns. Volatility, consistency of growth, dividend payments, and sector-specific risks all play crucial roles in determining which stock might be better suited for your investment strategy and risk tolerance.
Historical performance data shows how each stock responded to market downturns, economic expansions, and company-specific events. While past performance doesn't guarantee future results, understanding these patterns can help inform investment decisions and portfolio allocation strategies.
Cumulative Growth Comparison
A $10,000 investment in The Walt Disney Company grew to $466,604, compared to $795,332 for Netflix, Inc. over the same period.
Year-by-Year Comparison
| Year | DIS Return | DIS Cumulative | NFLX Return | NFLX Cumulative | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 (Start) | - | $10,000.00 | - | $10,000.00 | - | Initial Investment |
| 1987 | +54.40% | $15,440.06 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1988 | +32.51% | $20,460.19 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1989 | +6.29% | $21,746.27 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1990 | +71.23% | $37,235.24 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1991 | -11.68% | $32,884.58 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1992 | +14.05% | $37,504.75 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1993 | +49.29% | $55,990.45 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1994 | +0.29% | $56,151.36 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1995 | +7.41% | $60,312.69 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1996 | +27.09% | $76,649.67 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1997 | +15.20% | $88,297.86 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1998 | +47.91% | $130,603.92 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 1999 | -9.10% | $118,723.36 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2000 | +0.01% | $118,737.43 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2001 | -2.47% | $115,803.84 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2002 | -25.05% | $86,797.93 | - | - | - | Tie |
| 2003 | -23.01% | $66,822.33 | -34.27% | $6,573.14 | +11.25% (DIS) | DIS |
| 2004 | +36.45% | $91,181.05 | +377.64% | $31,396.06 | -341.19% (NFLX) | NFLX |
| 2005 | +18.50% | $108,047.44 | -55.02% | $14,120.50 | +73.52% (DIS) | DIS |
| 2006 | -13.02% | $93,983.01 | +127.01% | $32,055.43 | -140.03% (NFLX) | NFLX |
| 2007 | +41.72% | $133,195.35 | -0.73% | $31,821.62 | +42.45% (DIS) | DIS |
| 2008 | -3.29% | $128,814.78 | +0.04% | $31,833.58 | -3.33% (NFLX) | NFLX |
| 2009 | -27.67% | $93,172.71 | +13.43% | $36,110.26 | -41.10% (NFLX) | NFLX |
| 2010 | +36.38% | $127,068.19 | +84.43% | $66,599.08 | -48.05% (NFLX) | NFLX |
| 2011 | +18.24% | $150,248.28 | +228.53% | $218,800.65 | -210.29% (NFLX) | NFLX |
| 2012 | +0.82% | $151,478.69 | -61.16% | $84,976.72 | +61.98% (DIS) | DIS |
| 2013 | +31.96% | $199,894.07 | +28.17% | $108,914.66 | +3.79% (DIS) | DIS |
| 2014 | +51.36% | $302,552.83 | +300.14% | $435,812.50 | -248.78% (NFLX) | NFLX |
| 2015 | +25.07% | $378,388.08 | -5.85% | $410,335.46 | +30.91% (DIS) | DIS |
| 2016 | +13.46% | $429,318.70 | +129.45% | $941,534.88 | -116.00% (NFLX) | NFLX |
| 2017 | +2.72% | $441,017.21 | +12.59% | $1,060,040.22 | -9.86% (NFLX) | NFLX |
| 2018 | +2.92% | $453,909.66 | +50.57% | $1,596,088.56 | -47.65% (NFLX) | NFLX |
| 2019 | -0.37% | $452,240.04 | +33.12% | $2,124,678.24 | -33.49% (NFLX) | NFLX |
| 2020 | +34.35% | $607,569.37 | +20.89% | $2,568,490.42 | +13.46% (DIS) | DIS |
| 2021 | +22.25% | $742,776.15 | +63.95% | $4,211,090.57 | -41.70% (NFLX) | NFLX |
| 2022 | -12.83% | $647,504.55 | +15.22% | $4,852,024.42 | -28.05% (NFLX) | NFLX |
| 2023 | -44.58% | $358,861.91 | -50.64% | $2,395,106.88 | +6.06% (DIS) | DIS |
| 2024 | +1.81% | $365,373.05 | +65.07% | $3,953,651.81 | -63.26% (NFLX) | NFLX |
| 2025 | +23.87% | $452,575.15 | +90.25% | $7,521,812.07 | -66.38% (NFLX) | NFLX |
| 2026 | +3.10% | $466,603.92 | -89.43% | $795,332.42 | +92.53% (DIS) | DIS |
Annual returns include dividends and stock splits. Cumulative values show growth of $10,000 invested from the first year. Positive difference means DIS outperformed NFLX that year.
Company Profiles
The Walt Disney Company
DIS
The Walt Disney Company is a premier global entertainment and media enterprise that operates through three primary business segments: Entertainment, Sports, and Experiences. Known for its iconic storytelling, Disney manages a portfolio of world-class brands including Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, and ABC. The company is a leader in the 'streaming wars' with its Disney+ and Hulu platforms and maintains a dominant global presence in the theme park and cruise industry. Under the leadership of CEO Bob Iger, Disney is currently focused on an enterprise-wide transformation emphasizing streaming profitability, creative excellence, and the integration of advanced technologies like AI and spatial computing into its storytelling ecosystem.
Key Innovations
- ✓Steamboat Willie: First cartoon with fully synchronized sound (1928).
- ✓Multiplane Camera: Innovative camera system that created a sense of three-dimensional depth in 2D animation.
- ✓Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: The first full-length, cel-animated feature film in history (1937).
- ✓Audio-Animatronics: Groundbreaking mechanical robotics used in theme park attractions like 'Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln'.
- ✓Circle-Vision 360°: A film technique using nine cameras to create a seamless 360-degree theater experience.
- ✓Stuntronics: Advanced autonomous robotic actors capable of performing complex aerial stunts in theme parks.
- ✓OpenAI Partnership (2025): Historic deal licensing 200+ characters for AI-generated video and image experiments via Sora and ChatGPT.
Business Segments
- Disney EntertainmentThis segment encompasses the company's global film and episodic television content production and distribution. It includes Linear Networks (ABC, Disney Channel, FX, National Geographic), Direct-to-Consumer streaming services (Disney+, Hulu), and Content Sales/Licensing (theatrical distribution and home entertainment).
- ESPN (Sports)Focused exclusively on sports media, this segment includes the ESPN television networks, the ESPN+ streaming service, and domestic and international sports programming rights. It serves as Disney's central hub for live sports broadcasting and sports-related digital content.
- Disney ExperiencesFormerly Parks, Experiences and Products, this segment operates Disney's world-renowned theme parks and resorts in Florida, California, Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. It also includes the Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club, and the licensing of Disney intellectual property for consumer products, toys, and publishing.
Netflix, Inc.
NFLX
Netflix, Inc. is the world's leading entertainment services provider, having pioneered the shift from physical media to internet-based streaming. Originally founded as a DVD-by-mail service that challenged traditional video rental stores, Netflix transitioned to streaming in 2007, fundamentally altering how global audiences consume media. The company operates as a direct-to-consumer platform, licensing extensive libraries of third-party content while investing heavily in its own 'Netflix Originals' across various genres including series, feature films, documentaries, and mobile games. As of 2026, the company has expanded its revenue model to include a robust ad-supported tier and has increasingly moved into live event broadcasting, such as sports and live comedy, to maintain its dominance in a highly competitive 'streaming war' environment.
Key Innovations
- ✓Subscription-based rental model with no late fees
- ✓Personalized recommendation engine (Cinematch algorithm)
- ✓Pioneering the 'Binge-Watching' model by releasing entire seasons at once
- ✓The 'Skip Intro' button for seamless viewing experiences
- ✓Proprietary Content Delivery Network (Open Connect)
- ✓Vertical integration through Netflix Studios for original content production
- ✓Introduction of interactive storytelling (e.g., 'Bandersnatch')
- ✓AI-driven automated thumbnail generation tailored to user preferences
Business Segments
- StreamingThe primary business segment which derives revenue from monthly membership fees for services consisting of streaming content to members. While previously reported as Domestic and International, the company now manages its streaming operations as a unified global platform with regional content hubs.
- AdvertisingA rapidly growing segment launched in 2022 that offers a lower-priced subscription tier supported by commercials. This segment focuses on building a proprietary ad-tech suite and securing upfront commitments from global brands.
- GamesA value-add segment included in all subscription plans, offering a catalog of mobile games based on Netflix IP and original titles, aimed at increasing member engagement and retention.
How This Comparison Works
Our stock comparison tool uses adjusted closing prices to calculate year-by-year returns for both stocks. This ensures an apples-to-apples comparison that accounts for:
- ✓Dividends: All dividend payments are reinvested
- ✓Stock splits: Historical prices are adjusted for all splits
- ✓Head-to-head record: Shows which stock outperformed each year
- ✓Statistical analysis: Average returns, best/worst years, and win rates
Share This Comparison
People also compared
Important Disclaimer
This comparison tool is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or trading advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Historical returns include dividends and stock splits but do not account for taxes, fees, inflation, or individual circumstances. Stock market investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The data presented is based on historical market data and may contain inaccuracies or delays.