Netflix agrees UK streaming deal with Lionsgate

Netflix has signed another major content deal ahead of its much-anticipated UK launch next year, enabling the firm to offer new movies from Lionsgate, such as The Hunger Games.

The American company has agreed a multi-year licensing deal with Lionsgate, making it the studio's exclusive subscription streaming partner for first-run films in the UK and Ireland.

Under the deal, Netflix will enable subscribers to watch a range of Lionsgate titles in the pay-TV window on TVs, tablets, games consoles, mobile phones and computers - meaning it will stream the films at the same time as they are shown on Sky Movies.

New Lionsgate movies will appear on Netflix within one year of their theatrical release, including The Hunger Games starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth, blockbuster action sequel The Expendables 2 and the recently-announced remake of Dirty Dancing.

Netflix will also get access to a variety of archive Lionsgate movies, including The Mechanic, Saw 3D and The Expendables, along with older titles Reservoir Dogs, Blair Witch Project and Good Night, and Good Luck.

Ted Sarandos, the Netflix chief content officer, said: "Lionsgate is an important and successful supplier of television series and movies to us in all of our territories. We are proud to be the exclusive pay-TV home for Lionsgate theatrically-released films in the UK and Ireland."

Lionsgate chief executive Zygi Kamasa added: "Netflix is the leading worldwide brand in streaming movies and they have an incredible service in North America. We are very excited to be working with them as they launch their service and bring our movies to audiences in the UK and Ireland."

Netflix has been busying negotiating a range of content deals ahead of its launch in the UK and Ireland in early 2012, including an exclusive streaming agreement with MGM.