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When investors think of the current media landscape, the business that probably comes to mind first is Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX). The video entertainment powerhouse has been a true innovator. Today, it has a global reach, with a presence in more than 190 countries.

If you'd invested $10,000 in this streaming stock 10 years ago, here's how much you'd have today.

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A $10,000 investment in Netflix shares exactly a decade ago would be worth $83,500 today (as of June 1). This translates to a phenomenal 735% gain. Compared to the benchmark S&P 500 index, this is a significantly better return.

Massive investments in content and technology helped attract viewers who wanted a better experience than traditional cable TV. So it shouldn't be surprising for investors to learn that Netflix's impressive growth drove the stock to a big gain. At the end of last year, the company had more than 325 million subscribers. At the end of 2015, that figure totaled 71 million.

Revenue rose 565% during that same time, supporting Netflix's robust earnings profile. Operating income jumped 18.2% year over year in the first quarter (ended March 31), resulting in a stellar operating margin of 32.3%.

The streaming stock currently trades 36% off its peak. But even at a historically low price-to-earnings ratio of 27.7, the valuation still isn't in bargain territory.

Before you buy stock in Netflix, consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Netflix wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut are built for long-term growth and could produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $462,983!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,375,447!*

That performance is why people listen. With a track record of beating the S&P 500 by nearly 5x, Stock Advisor offers a distinct advantage. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built for the long haul.

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*Stock Advisor returns as of June 3, 2026.

Neil Patel has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Netflix. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

If You'd Invested $10,000 in Netflix Stock 10 Years Ago, Here's How Much You'd Have Today was originally published by The Motley Fool