This project recreates the iconic Netflix intro animation using pure HTML and CSS. The animation draws a single letter (like N, E, T, F, L, I, or X) with dramatic brush strokes, glowing lights, and cinematic zoom effects. The entire experience is visually rich and closely mimics a high-production brand intro. No JavaScript is used; all motion is controlled through layered elements and CSS keyframes. Overall, the project showcases the power of advanced CSS animations and creative structuring.
HTML
<netflixintro letter="N"></netflixintro>The HTML defines a custom structural component named netflixintro, which acts as the container for the entire animation. A custom letter attribute determines which letter shape is animated, making the component reusable. Inside this element, multiple helper divs are used to construct different strokes of the letter. Each helper contains dozens of span elements that simulate brush fibers, giving the animation an organic painted feel.
Additional span elements represent light streaks that appear during the reveal. The structure is deeply layered to allow complex overlapping effects. The container centers the animation both vertically and horizontally. No semantic content is displayed, as the purpose is purely visual. The HTML’s main role is to provide a detailed animation scaffold for CSS to animate.
CSS
#container netflixintro::before {
content: "";
position: absolute;
display: block;
background-color: #000000;
width: 150%;
height: 30%;
left: -25%;
bottom: -27%;
border-radius: 50%;
z-index: 5;
transform-origin: left center;
background-size: 4000px;
background-position: -1950px 0;
}The CSS is the core engine of this project and controls every visual effect. The background is set to black to match Netflix’s cinematic branding. Each letter variation is styled using attribute selectors, allowing one HTML structure to render different letters. Brush strokes are animated vertically to simulate paint being dragged across the screen.
Glowing light bars animate sideways, creating dramatic highlights and motion blur effects. Timed opacity changes fade helper layers in and out smoothly. The final zoom-in animation dramatically enlarges the letter, mimicking the famous Netflix intro ending. Multiple keyframes run in a carefully choreographed sequence. The result is a smooth, high-impact animation driven entirely by CSS.
JavaScript
This project deliberately avoids JavaScript to keep the animation lightweight and declarative. All motion, timing, and sequencing are handled through CSS animations and delays. The browser manages animation performance internally without any scripting logic. There are no event listeners, loops, or runtime calculations required.
This reduces complexity and improves reliability. The animation begins automatically when the page loads. Using CSS-only animation also ensures consistent behavior across modern browsers. The absence of JavaScript highlights how far CSS animation capabilities have evolved. Overall, JavaScript is unnecessary for achieving this cinematic effect.
