Hi there! Being a person who writes about streaming as a source of income, I visit the Leaving Soon section on Netflix every morning with my cup of coffee. I have been taught a very important lesson: that you should never procrastinate because you are going to miss out on something great.
At this moment, you must know about an enormous list of movies on Netflix that are departing in January 2026. I want to help you, you see, as your new friend. I will go through all the titles with you, select the pure must-watch gems, and tell you why your favorite movies disappear.
Why Do Great Movies Leave Netflix?
We should discuss the why before going into the list. It is the question that I receive most. Films and series do not remain on Netflix indefinitely due to what are known as licensing deals. Imagine as though you were borrowing a book in a library. Netflix rents the rights to view a film within a specific duration of time.
At the expiry of that time, they need to repay it (unless they renew the deal, which is not always feasible). That is why it is so necessary to follow the last chance to watch list by any streaming fan.
A Personal Note on Missing Out
I will never forget that I watched a popular series late on the last day. I became busy and forgot, and before I sat down that night, it was gone. It is that frustrating feeling that I would not want you to have. Let’s make a plan together!
Must-Watch Movies Leaving Netflix on January 1st

Another significant exit date is New Year's Day, and there is a huge flock of titles leaving. So much so that I have classified the best of the bunch into categories in your favor.
You may also read : Best Netflix Movies Leaving Soon: Watch Before They Disappear
Action & Adventure You Can’t Miss
Unless you are averse to excitement and big stories, give preference to these:
- The Martian: Astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is left alone on Mars, and he needs to employ his wit to survive. It is an exciting and unexpectedly entertaining tale of never giving up.
- Mad Max: Fury Road: It is a film that is insane and brilliant in its creation as an action film. It is more or less a two-hour uninterrupted pursuit in a desert wasteland.
- All Three Kung Fu Panda Movies: The DreamWorks series about Po, the panda that becomes a master of kung fu, is leaving. They are funny, touching, and full of fantastic action. Ideal as a family film.
- The Hangover Trilogy: Hysterics of madness in Las Vegas, Thailand and back The madcap adventures of the Wolf Pack of friends are the comedy classics of the friendship that went very, very wrong.
Heartwarming Stories & Funny Pics
In need of a feel-good film or a laugh? Stream these next:
- Crazy Rich Asians: It is a beautiful and humorous film that follows Rachel after she visits the home of her boyfriend in Singapore and meets his family, who is ridiculously wealthy. It is a glittering contemporary love story.
- I Love You, Man: A comedy of friendship. Peter requires a best man in his wedding, and thus, he has man-dates with people in order to have a new best friend.
- Dirty Dancing: The classic hit about a young woman, Baby, who gets to know how to dance and falls in love at a summer resort. No one leaves this movie in a corner!
- Blue Crush: A true story of a surfer on a quest and search towards her dreams in the perilous waves of Hawaii. It will cause you to desire visiting the beach.
More Key Titles Leaving Later in January
It is not only the first exits. Enter the following dates on your calendar:
- January 2nd: Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story A dodgeball tournament sees gyms compete against each other in a funny and underdog movie.
- January 4th: *Mr. Robot (Seasons 1-5): The whole mind-twisting thriller series about a socially anxious hacker who desires to destroy corrupt corporations is leaving.
- January 9th: The Maze Runner Trilogy—The three films in this popular young adult series about teens trapped in a giant and constantly evolving maze are departing.
- January 24th: *House of Lies (Seasons 1-5) This dark comedy show on cutthroat management consultants features Don Cheadle, and it is also on the exit list.
How to Never Miss a Movie Again: My Top Tips
I have created a straightforward system to ensure that I am not taken by surprise. You can do it too!
- Select the Leaving Soon Row: This is normally in the Categories section of the Netflix website or application. Look for it every week!
- Take advantage of the My List feature: You should add the movie to your list as soon as you see it on this list and like it. This places it directly on your home page.
- Create a Reminder in Your Phone: If there is one movie you are obsessed with and it leaves on a certain date, then you can create a reminder several days before that date. Even a plain warning will help you to avoid disappointment.
- Subscribe to Official Pages: I subscribe to official sites such as the Tudum of Netflix and some other reliable sources of entertainment news to keep up with what is coming and going.
What’s New to Watch After the Goodbyes?
As much as it is unfortunate to say goodbye, January 2026 also releases fantastic new movies to Netflix. Once you have exhausted your final opportunity to enjoy the titles leaving the theater, you can immerse yourself into some new hits such as The Rip, a thriller, with Matt Damon and Ben Affleck playing policemen who discover a huge stash of money, or the sweet romance, People We Meet on Vacation. One thing is there is always something new around the corner.
Final Thoughts From a Streaming Expert
Streaming is an ever-changing entity. Titles are of a season, like a season. The secret is not to get stressed out but to be ready. Consider the Leaving Soon list not as a list of bad news, but as a handpicked list of what to watch next, a list of your next great night at the movies. With such little planning, you can see these film gems before they disappear, and you can then anticipate the next tidal wave of stories coming your way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why did my favorite movie disappear from Netflix without warning?
A: While it can feel sudden, Netflix usually lists titles in the "Leaving Soon" section for at least a month before they’re removed. The best practice is to check that row regularly so you're never surprised.
Q: Do movies ever come back to Netflix after leaving?
A: Yes, they absolutely can! It all depends on licensing deals. A movie might leave for a few months or years, and then Netflix can get the rights to stream it again. It’s always worth checking back later.
Q: Are Netflix Original movies and shows safe from leaving?
A: Usually, yes. Netflix Originals (like Stranger Things) are owned by Netflix, so they typically stay on the service for good. However, some older shows that Netflix calls "Originals" were actually licensed from other studios and can still leave.
Q: What's the biggest movie leaving Netflix in January 2026 that I should watch first?
A: Based on popularity and critical praise, I’d prioritize Mad Max: Fury Road. It’s a visually stunning masterpiece that’s considered one of the best action films of the last decade. Don’t let it slip away.