Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol – Picture: Paramount Pictures
The holiday season is in full-swing and if you fancy settling down onto Netflix for a new movie to watch – you should probably be prioritising these excellent nine movies that will all be departing as we head into the New Year.
For a full list of what’s leaving Netflix throughout January 2024, check our guide of removals for the month which is the most comprehensive on the net!
Captain Phillips (2013)
Leaving Netflix: January 1st
Paul Greengrass’s superb biopic about the true story of the 2009 hijacking of the Maersk Alabama continues to stir much controversy. The controversy stems from the scrutiny of Richard Phillips, portrayed by Tom Hanks, and his decisions that led to the event. Regardless of these opinions, one cannot deny that this is a fantastically made movie.
As with most Sony Pictures movies on Netflix, you’ll a premium tier of Netflix to watch this title.
Lost in Translation (2003)
Leaving Netflix: January 1st
Picture: Focus Features
Sofia Coppola’s excellent romantic comedy from the early 2000s happened to pop up on my Netflix a couple of years ago, and I had no idea what to expect. On paper, the movie sounds rather dull, but thanks to the excellent on-screen chemistry between Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson, I was glad I hit play. In fact, it’s now become an annual rewatch for me.
Set in the bustling city of Tokyo, we find Bob Harris and Charlotte both residing there temporarily but ultimately alone. After a chance encounter, the pair find themselves in each other’s company for an unlikely budding friendship.
Mission Impossible Movie Collection
Leaving Netflix: January 1st
One of the nicest things about the last couple of years is that when Netflix has picked up some big franchise movies, it’s picked up some, if not all, of the franchise to allow you to do a full binge-watch via Netflix. That was the case with Mission Impossible when Netflix secured the first four movies on October 1st. Those movies included:
- Mission: Impossible (1996)
- Mission: Impossible II (2000)
- Mission: Impossible III (2006)
- Mission: Impossible: Ghost Protocol (2011)
Now, all four will be moving simultaneously by the end of the month, so if you’re looking for some awesome Tom Cruise espionage and action, these four movies should be on your radar.
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
Leaving Netflix: January 1st
Netflix recently released “Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget,” the long-awaited sequel to the 2000 movie “Chicken Run.” If you enjoyed this film and are seeking more stop-motion animation, Aardman Animation’s first feature film set in the Wallace & Gromit universe, released in 2005, is currently available on Netflix. However, it will be leaving the platform in a few weeks.
This film, imbued with the same charm and humor as “Dawn of the Nugget,” follows Wallace and Gromit as they embark on a venture as pest removal experts. Their skills are soon put to the test by a mythical creature that poses a threat to the upcoming annual vegetable-growing contest.
They Shall Not Grow Old (2018)
Leaving Netflix: January 1st
Suppose you’ve been watching the new Netflix Original WWII docu-series narrated by John Boyega (the chances are you might have, given it’s doing so well in the Netflix top 10s around the globe right now). In that case, we thought we’d recommend another WWI documentary that is absolutely worth your time over the Holiday period.
Directed and produced by Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings), this documentary beautifully remasters footage from the conflict and gives a unique and often times harrowing perspective.
A Call to Spy
Leaving Netflix: January 2nd
Picture: IFC Films
Sticking with the war theme, IFC Film’s often overlooked crime drama A Call to Spy leaves on the second day of January. Directed by Lydia Dean Pilcher and written by Sarah Megan Thomas, the movie tells the story of Vera Atkins, a spy recruiter who has began tapping potential targets to join Winston Churchill’s secret army while leaving in Nazi-occupied Paris.
Get Out
Leaving Netflix: January 5th
Picture: Universal Pictures
Leaving a few days later than the other movies on this list is Get Out, Jordan Peele’s beloved movie starring Daniel Kaluuya (who co-directs The Kitchen for Netflix that’s due out in January, too!).
The movie is best going into completely blind as it’s a bit of a roller coaster, but if you do want a brief synopsis, here’s a rundown, courtesy of Netflix:
“Chris is anxious about meeting his girlfriend Rose’s parents, and his jitters prove justified as the get-together turns from uncomfortable to terrifying.”
Peele’s other movie on Netflix Us is also due to Leave Netflix US in early January so if you’re looking for two horror movies to watch back-to-back, these are great choices.
I am Jonas
Leaving Netflix: January 1st
Picture: Netflix
One of the numerous Netflix Original movies set to depart in January 2024 is I Am Jonas, a French LGBTQ-focused indie movie that Netflix picked up back in March 2020.
“A turbulent past haunts Jonas, who recalls his teenage love affair with the impulsive, twisted and yet irresistible Nathan.”
Given that most international Netflix Originals that leave the service often become lost media, if you have any inkling of intention to watch this movie, do so before it’s too late.
The Deer Hunter
Leaving Netflix: January 1st
Picture: Universal Pictures
Finally, Christmas time is a perfect time to rewatch classic movies, and if The Deer Hunter was on your list, you should watch it soon as it’s also one of the January 1st departures. Starring Robert De Niro, this war drama epic is about a trio of steelworkers who find themselves now fighting in Vietnam. Often included in lists of the best movies of all time, this movie swept the 51st Academy Awards, picking up five wins from its nine total nominations.
What will you be checking out before it leaves Netflix? Let us know in the comments.