The Countdown Begins: 9 Unmissable Movies Leaving Netflix in January
As we welcome the new year with open arms, a sad reality looms for Netflix enthusiasts: the departure of some of the most incredible movies from the platform. With just a few weeks left in January, it’s time to make the most of the movies that are set to leave Netflix forever. From Oscar-winning masterpieces to genre-defying thrillers, this month’s exodus includes some real gems that you won’t want to miss.
9 Great Movies To Watch Before They Leave Netflix At The End Of January
February is just around the corner, and as always with Netflix, we’ll be seeing dozens of movies rotating in and out of the library. Here’s a rundown of a few titles you should consider watching before they leave. Fortunately, the turnover for movies in February isn’t as drastic as we’ve seen in previous months, especially compared to the large number of removals on January 1st. If you’d like to see the full list of everything leaving Netflix throughout February 2025, check out our comprehensive guide.
Sci-Fi and Thrillers to Catch Before They’re Gone
Dune (2021): A Must-See for Sci-Fi Fans
When it comes to the best new sci-fi franchises of the past decade, Dune is sure to rank high on every expert’s list. Netflix secured streaming rights to the sequel over the holiday season, and the first installment arrived on January 1st. However, it’s leaving the platform after just one month, although you’ll still have some time to catch Part 2. Brought to life by acclaimed director Denis Villeneuve, this adaptation of Frank Herbert’s beloved novel is widely considered the best yet, thanks to its incredible cast, breathtaking visuals, and intricate world-building.
Snowpiercer (2013): A Dystopian Thriller You Won’t Want to Miss
It’s going to be a busy year for the South Korean filmmaker Bong Joon-ho, and while there are many movies in his growing library of films that are all worth your time, I hold Snowpiercer in special regard. This gripping dystopian sci-fi thriller is set in a frozen, post-apocalyptic world where the remnants of humanity survive aboard a perpetually moving train with the plot revolving around a man called Curtis who leads a revolt as tensions reach a boiling point. The movie was selected by Adi Shankar (creator of Captain Laserhawk, Castlevania, and the upcoming Devil May Cry Netflix series) among his favorite sci-fi movies on Netflix, so we’re disappointed to see it leave again. Given that it regularly rotates on and off of Netflix, we suspect it won’t be too long before the Chris Evans movie will return.
The Coldest Game (2019): A Hidden Gem of a Thriller
Before it leaves, we wanted to give yet another mention for The Coldest Game, one of the Netflix Originals leaving the service in February 2025. This gripping Cold War-era thriller stars Bill Pullman as a chess grandmaster caught in a dangerous web of espionage during a pivotal U.S.-Soviet match. It’s leaving Netflix after six years on the service and it’s been a hidden gem for much of its tenure.
Comedies and Animated Fun
Despicable Me 1 & 2: A Beloved Animated Duo
Two for the price of one here, and just like Dune, both of these movies are leaving Netflix after an exceptionally short run—just a single month. Illumination films have a tendency to come and go quickly, but one thing remains constant: they consistently dominate the Netflix top 10 charts, no matter the time of year or how crowded Netflix’s lineup might be. This has proven true once again with the re-addition of these two beloved titles. The 2010 and 2013 films introduced audiences to the iconic supervillain Gru—and perhaps more importantly—the Minions. Over the years, the duo has become the heart of one of the most successful animated franchises in history, continuing to delight audiences worldwide.
Plus One (2019): A Charming Romantic Comedy
Jack Quaid is having a major moment, with the final season of The Boys set to drop on Prime Video, and two highly anticipated films—Companion and Novocaine—hitting theaters in 2025. One of his earlier, lesser-known gems is Plus One, a charming romantic comedy distributed by RLJE Films. Quaid stars alongside Maya Erskine, as their characters make a pact to be each other’s plus ones for a summer filled with weddings. It’s certainly quirky and has plenty of merit, so we’d give this a wholehearted recommendation before its departure.
Documentaries and Biopics
Whitney (2018): A Definitive Documentary on the Legendary Singer
We rarely feature documentaries on these lists, but we’re making a notable exception for Whitney, the definitive documentary on the legendary singer Whitney Houston. It’s ceding a deep and intimate look at her life and career, and it’s a must-see for fans of the singer.
- Other Movies Leaving Netflix in February
- A selection of documentaries and biopics leaving the platform
- Other Sci-Fi and Fantasy Options
- A selection of movies and series for fans of the genre
- Other Comedies and Dramas Leaving Netflix
- A selection of movies and series for fans of comedy and drama
What to Watch Before These Movies Leave Netflix
Sci-Fi and Fantasy Fans
The Magicians: A Five-Season Series to Get You Hooked
A magical and suspenseful series based on the best-selling books, a journey of self-discovery and magic. A series of five seasons that will keep you hooked.
New Amsterdam: A Five-Season Medical Drama
A gripping and emotional series about doctors and patients, a story of hope and redemption.
Comedy and Drama Lovers
Cats: A Musical Adaptation to Delight You
A visually stunning and entertaining adaptation of the classic musical, a fun and quirky story of community and acceptance.
Monk: An Eight-Season Series to Solve Crimes
A clever and humorous series about a detective, a story of obsession and redemption.
Conclusion
As the clock ticks away on January 31st, the fate of these 9 great movies on Netflix hangs in the balance. In this article, we’ve highlighted the must-watch films that are about to disappear from the popular streaming platform, from critically acclaimed dramas to thrilling action-packed blockbusters. Whether you’re a fan of Denzel Washington’s powerful performance in “Roman J. Israel, Esq.” or the hilarious antics in “Like a Boss,” there’s something on this list for everyone. From heartwarming tales of friendship like “Holidate” to chilling thrillers like “The Night House,” these movies have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
The significance of these movies extends beyond their entertainment value – they offer a window into the human experience, with complex characters, relatable storylines, and thought-provoking themes. By binge-watching these films before they leave Netflix, viewers are not only enjoying great storytelling but also gaining a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. Moreover, the impending loss of these movies serves as a reminder to appreciate the fleeting nature of streaming content and the importance of savoring each moment with the movies we love.