Netflix has inked a deal with Relativity Media to stream the studio's movies via Watch Instantly months after they are released in theaters.

Relativity has traditionally licensed its content to pay TV channels like HBO, Showtime, and Starz, but will now provide certain content exclusively to Netflix.

The first films from Relativity will hit Watch Instantly in early 2011, including The Fighter starring Christian Bale, Mark Wahlberg, and Amy Adams, which is scheduled to debut in theaters later this year. Also on tap is Nicolas Cage's Season of the Witch and Peter Farley's Movie 43 both of which will also hit theaters in 2010.

Relativity films currently in theaters include Robin Hood, Get Him to the Greek, and "Grown Ups, though Netflix did not say if those movies would be available via this deal.

Netflix said the deal marks a continued shift in the distribution of movies, and is the first time a feature film will stream via Netflix rather than debut on a paid TV station.

"Our continued goal is to expand the breadth and timeliness of films and TV shows available to stream on Netflix," Ted Sarandos, chief content officer for Netflix, said in a statement. "Historically, the rights to distribute these films are pre-sold to pay TV for as long as nine years after their theatrical release. Through our partnership with Relativity, these films will start to become available to our members just months after their DVD release."

"This clearly is a natural step in the evolution of the movie business and opens up a whole new world of revenue and marketing opportunities," said Ryan Kavanaugh, Relativity's chief executive, in a statement.

The move comes several months after Netflix agreed not to rent new releases from Warner Bros. until 28 days after they go on sale. Netflix then signed similar deals with Fox and Universal in April.