How One Piece Budget Compares to Stranger Things & Other Netflix Hits
The hit show cost an arm and a leg to make.
When Netflix first announced its intention to adapt the iconic Japanese manga One Piece into a live-action series, many fans were sceptical. They feared the streaming giant might mishandle the beloved original story, much like some are convinced happened with The Witcher. However, those doubts were dispelled once the show's first season was released. The vibrant pirate saga broke numerous records, becoming one of the highest-rated television shows of 2023.
Understandably, making a live-action series about a group of super-powered pirates can't have been cheap. But Netflix executives didn't hesitate to pour cash into the project, even though it was seen by many as a huge gamble for the streaming giant. So, how much did Netflix spend per episode to make One Piece?
The Budget Revealed
Sources suggest that Netflix allocated $17 million per episode. Since the first season comprises eight episodes, the total budget for the series was an impressive $136 million. Evidently, the producers had confidence in the show's potential, anticipating that their interpretation of the manga would satisfy loyal fans and draw new audiences to Luffy's tale.
But is One Piece Netflix's most expensive production?
Strong Competition
While the series sure looks like an extremely expensive show, the streaming giant's flagship, Stranger Things, had an even bigger budget, with Season 4 estimated to have cost $30 million per episode. Although One Piece arguably offers more bang for the buck, it's worth noting that a significant portion of Stranger Things' budget goes towards its cast, whose pay has gone through the roof since the show's debut season.
Yet, besides Stranger Things, One Piece's budget surpasses most of Netflix's other big hitters, with its nearest rivals being The Crown at $13 million per episode, The Witcher at $10 million per episode, and Sense8 at $9 million per episode.
It's obvious Netflix doesn't pull any punches when it comes to producing expensive shows!