Top 10 Motion Picture Studios

The motion picture industry is dominated by a small group of major studios that control a significant portion of what audiences see in theaters and on streaming platforms. These companies finance, produce, market, and distribute thousands of movies and television shows every year. While streaming now plays a major role, physical media like DVD and Blu-ray still matter for collectors and libraries.

Most major studios now operate across film, television, and streaming, with massive back catalogs that continue to generate revenue decades after release. Below are the ten largest motion picture studios producing movies and shows today, along with how they operate and where disc media still fits into their business.

Warner Bros. Pictures

Warner Bros. is one of the largest and oldest studios in the industry. It produces dozens of films and television series each year, spanning action, drama, animation, and family content. The studio also controls a deep library that includes classic Hollywood titles.

Warner Bros. still releases DVD and Blu-ray editions, especially for major theatrical releases, television box sets, and collector editions. Disc releases remain common for franchises and award-focused films.

Universal Pictures

Universal Pictures produces a wide range of films each year, including major franchises, animated films, and lower-budget projects. The studio is closely tied to television production through NBCUniversal.

Universal continues to support disc media, particularly for blockbuster releases and animated titles. Special features and extended cuts remain part of their physical releases.

Walt Disney Studios

Disney operates multiple labels under one umbrella, producing family films, animated features, live-action movies, and high-profile franchises. It also supplies content for its streaming platform while maintaining theatrical releases.

Disney still produces DVDs and Blu-rays, though releases are more selective than in the past. Physical editions are common for major releases, animated films, and anniversary editions.

Paramount Pictures

Paramount produces a steady mix of theatrical films and television content. Its output includes action films, comedies, and drama, along with long-running franchises.

The studio continues to release DVD and Blu-ray formats, including complete television series and collector sets that appeal to long-term fans.

Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures produces films across many genres and also operates one of the largest television production divisions. It supplies content to both theaters and third-party streaming platforms.

Sony remains one of the strongest supporters of Blu-ray, partly due to its involvement in home media technology. Physical releases are common and often well-produced.

20Th Century Studios

Formerly known as 20th Century Fox, this studio produces films across drama, science fiction, and action. It also maintains an extensive back catalog of classic titles.

Disc releases still occur, particularly for library titles and special editions, though output is more limited than in earlier years.

Lionsgate

Lionsgate focuses on both theatrical films and television production, often working with mid-budget projects and franchise-driven content.

The studio continues to release DVD and Blu-ray editions, especially for films with strong collector demand.

Metro Goldwyn Mayer

MGM has a smaller current production slate but controls one of the most valuable libraries in film history. It produces select films and television series each year.

Physical media remains important for MGM library titles, especially classic films and restored editions.

A24

A24 is known for producing smaller scale films with strong critical appeal. Its output is limited compared to major studios but highly influential.

The studio still releases Blu Ray and DVD editions, often with premium packaging and bonus content that appeal to collectors.

Netflix

Netflix produces a high volume of movies and television series every year, more than any traditional studio.** Most content is released exclusively** on its platform.

Physical media releases are rare but do exist for select titles, typically through limited partnerships or special editions.

The motion picture industry continues to evolve, but the role of major studios remains steady. These companies shape what reaches theaters, television screens, and streaming platforms, while managing massive libraries that extend far beyond new releases. Even as digital viewing grows, physical media still holds value for collectors, libraries, and long-term fans who prefer ownership over access.

Each studio approaches production and distribution differently, yet all balance new content with decades of existing material. Understanding how these studios operate helps explain why some titles receive wide physical releases while others stay digital only. As viewing habits continue to shift, studios will keep adjusting, but movies and shows in disc format are unlikely to disappear anytime soon.