7 reasons why Aussies won't stop whining about their Netflix catalogue

Netflix executive David Wells thinks Australian customers aren't getting "screwed" compared to those in the U.S.

Wells made the remark at Goldman Sach's Communacopia Conference in New York Tuesday, AAP reported, suggesting Australian customers do not get the short end of the stick when it comes to Netflix's catalogue.

"I think there's a general meme that whether it's a European consumer, an Australian consumer, an Asian consumer gets screwed relative to the US," he said. "We want to continue growing the content library both within the US and outside the US."

Netflix has spoken often about its desire for a borderless catalogue, but content is often tied up by existing rights agreements. In Australia, for example, Foxtel has hooked HBO's catalogue, while the streaming service Stan has inked a deal with Showtime.

Nevertheless, U.S. Netflix customers get around 5,660 TV and movie titles, according to data collected by Finder.com, compared to 2,044 titles in Australia. Those numbers change regularly as the catalogue is updated, but it still adds up to about 3,616 reasons why Aussies may feel like they're getting a raw deal.

Netflix has been contacted for comment about the number of titles available in the U.S. and Australia, but here are seven reasons for all that whining.

1. Breaking Bad

Breaking Bad. It's only the most praised and beloved television series of the past decade. If you want it on-demand in Australia, you'll have to head over to worthy Netflix competitor, Stan.

2. Peaky Blinders Season 3

Look, the third season of Peaky Blinders has been out in the U.S. for months now -- hand it over. Consider us (read: me) desperate to know what happens to the murderous, yet swoony Tommy Shelby.

3. Restrepo

Tim Hetherington and Sebastian Junger 2010 documentary about a platoon of U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan is essential viewing. Tragically, this insight into the impact of war on young men isn't available to Australian Netflix customers.

4. What's Eating Gilbert Grape

These days, we all need to be reminded of a time when Johnny Depp was charming and Leonardo DiCaprio hadn't yet created the Pussy Posse. What's Eating Gilbert Grape is perfect viewing, but unfortunately, not on Australian Netflix.

5. 30 Rock

If you need a dose of Tina Fey, Netflix cannot help you. You'll need to sign up for yet another local streaming service, Presto, if you require some Liz Lemon wisdom.

6. The West Wing

The West Wing is probably the perfect antidote to the current U.S. election cycle. Netflix won't provide that therapy, though. If you must spend some time in a totally fictional White House where highly competent people only have the world's best interests at heart, Stan has your back.

7. Chinatown

The 1974 Jack Nicholson classic Chinatown is essential viewing. Its tale of city-wide corruption is relevant to any metropolis run by developers and cynical politicians (hey, Sydney), but Netflix won't contribute to your political awakening.

Stan and Presto don't have it either, so dust off your video store card. Sadly, it looks like it's no longer streaming on U.S. Netflix either, so no one is getting this vital education.