As the year closes out, Netflix will initiate its biggest movie exodus of 2024. Between now and January 1, 2025, dozens upon dozens of films will exit the streaming platform, meaning you have less than two weeks to squeeze in some of your favorites—or perhaps discover a great new movie. And I’ve got ten great recommendations for you. From a romance about a couple whose memory of one another is slowly fading away, to an epic buddy cop epic that features some of the best on-screen chemistry ever, to a psychological thriller about a man convinced of an apocalyptic event, this grouping of movies has something for everyone, no matter what genre or kind of story they’re looking for.
So what movies should be on your radar? Below, I’ve put together ten great options, some of which are amongst my favorite movies ever. Then, at the bottom of the article, you’ll find a massive compilation of every single film leaving Netflix before the end of December 2024. Hopefully you find your next movie night movie in this bunch. Happy watching!
The 10 Best Movies Leaving Netflix in December 2024
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Why not start with one of my all-time favorite movies: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. I have cherished this movie ever since seeing it in theaters twenty years ago, and I still get those warm nostalgic fuzzies every time I rewatch it. The story follows Joel Barish (Jim Carrey, in his best performance ever) after he discovers his girlfriend Clementine Kruczynski (Oscar winner Kate Winslet, who matches Carrey’s every step) underwent a procedure to erase all memories of their relationship after a big fight. Heartbroken, Joel also decides to take the same path. But as he relives the highs and lows of their relationship during the operation, Joel suddenly has a change of heart. The film then takes viewers on a surreal journey through Joel’s subconscious, revisiting memories both new and old as he holds onto fragments of Clementine before they vanish forever. Director Michel Gondry’s dreamlike aesthetic—his practical effects, his in-camera tricks, his minimal CGI to create a surreal environment—makes this movie feel as though it hasn’t aged a single day. If you haven’t seen Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, then do yourself a favor before it’s gone from Netflix.
Take Shelter (2011)
The descent into paranoia is both deeply unsettling…and frighteningly familiar. Sometimes we believe something we’ve been told couldn’t possibly be true, that defies all logic and reasoning—but for whatever reason, it persists. Few movies have allegorically captured that mental struggle better than Take Shelter. This critically acclaimed film from director Jeff Nichols centers on Curtis LaForche (Michael Shannon), a small-town blue-collar worker who suddenly experiences a wave of apocalyptic visions. Fearful these visions could be premonitions, Curtis obsessively builds a storm shelter in his backyard to protect his family—his wife Samantha (Oscar winner Jessica Chastain) and their young, hearing-impaired daughter Hannah (Tova Stewart). As his behavior increasingly grows erratic, Curtis struggles with whether his warnings of an impending disaster are genuine or the onset of mental illness. The slow-burn approach from Nichols, the deliberate pacing, the quiet, domestic moments juxtaposed against Curtis’s growing fears, it all creates a palpable sense of dread that permeates the entire film. This movie will shock you throughout—and that includes its final, awe-inspiring frame.
Before Sunset (2004)
This is one of those cases where if you haven’t seen the first movie, it’s okay to see the sequel. But…if you’re able to watch Before Sunrise before you see Before Sunset, you should. Regardless, Before Sunset can be thoroughly enjoyed thanks to how simple-yet-magical it is. Picking up nine years after the events of the previous film, this story finds successful author Jesse (Ethan Hawke) on a book tour in Paris. Based on his chance encounter with Céline from the first film, Céline (Julie Delpy) meets back up with Jesse at a bookstore event. These two separated lovers have a limited amount of time to spend together before Jesse must catch his flight back to the United States. Set in real time, the sun slowly sets in the background as they stroll through the streets of Paris while they discuss their lives, relationships and the lingering impact of their brief yet profound connection years earlier. Directed by Richard Linklater, and co-written with Hawke and Delpy, Before Sunset crafts dialogue that feels organic and deeply personal throughout, always flowing seamlessly, always capturing the rhythm of a genuine conversation. This is simply one of the most watchable movies ever, and it will leave you feeling happy and hopeful in the end.
Bad Boys I & II (1995, 2003)
Say what you will about Michael Bay, who has unleashed his “Bayhem” brand of filmmaking upon moviegoing audiences for over three decades now. While his high-octane approach isn’t for everyone, there are some of his movies that seem to be universally loved—starting first and foremost with the Bad Boys movies, which follow the heightened escapades of Miami narcotics detectives Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence). In Bad Boys, the duo must recover a stolen cache of heroin while protecting a key witness, Julie Mott (Téa Leoni). Along the way, their drastically different personalities—Mike’s smooth-talking, risk-taking demeanor versus Marcus’s cautious, stress-laden approach—create both thrilling and hilarious friction as their mission spirals out of control. Then Bad Boys II, which might just be Bay’s best film to date, ups the ante even further, as Mike and Marcus take on a powerful Cuban drug lord smuggling ecstasy into Miami. As their personal lives become entangled—especially with Mike secretly dating Marcus’s sister, Syd (Gabrielle Union)—the explosive action and chaotic comedy escalate to even greater heights. If you’re looking for some grade-A entertainment, it’s hard to do worse than these films where Smith and Lawrence register some of the best on-screen chemistry you’ll ever witness.
Funny People (2009)
Judd Apatow isn’t afraid to incorporate drama and tragedy into his comedies. In fact, it should be expected at this point for a director whose made a career of finding comedy in the most uncomfortable and dire of situations. But no Apatow movie goes quite as far as Funny People—which might be why it’s his best film. The story centers on George Simmons (Adam Sandler), a retired comedian who became a very successful and rich movie star. But despite his wealth and seeming good health, he is diagnosed with life-threatening leukemia and only has an 8% chance to love. Facing his own mortality, George hires struggling stand-up comedian Ira Wright (Seth Rogen) as his assistant and opening act, and the two form an unlikely bond. As George reflects on his life, he reconnects with Laura (Leslie Mann), the love of his life who is now married to a nice man named Clarke (Eric Bana) and has children. The film provides an inside look at the stand-up comedy world, exploring the struggles and insecurities faced by someone like George, whose career and personal life serve as a lens through which the movie examines the price of fame and the ways humor can both connect and isolate people. Watch out for appearances from awesome real-life funny people like Jonah Hill, Jason Schwartzman and Aubrey Plaza in this super-funny-yet-super-sad gem.
Ella Enchanted (2004)
There have been some great films that blended together classic fantasy elements with modern humor and sensibilities, from charming films like Enchanted and Big Fish to darker movies like Pan’s Labyrinth and The Little Princess. But one has always, unfortunately, flown a bit under the radar, has never been taken quite as seriously as the rest: Ella Enchanted. And that’s too bad, because it’s great. This musical romantic comedy follows the story of “Ella of Frell” (Anne Hathaway in an early role), a who was cursed at birth with the “gift” of obedience by a well-meaning but misguided fairy named Lucinda (Vivica A. Fox). This magical compulsion forces Ella to obey any command given to her, no matter how harmful or absurd, and Ella’s cruel stepmother Dame Olga (Joanna Lumley) and wicked stepsisters Hattie (Lucy Punch) and Olive (Jennifer Higham) constantly take advantage. Determined to free herself, Ella sets out to find Lucinda and break the spell. Along the way, she falls for Prince Char (Hugh Dancy), who helps her in her plight. The vibrant costumes, the whimsical sets, the magical creatures create a fairy tale atmosphere, while the witty dialogue and pop culture references make the movie feel fresh and accessible to a modern audience.
Step Up Revolution (2012)
Okay, it’s time for some honesty: I love Step Up Revolution. In a couple different ways. At first, I loved it for so-bad-it’s-good reasons, as the movie is chock-full of ridiculous moments you can enjoy with a crowd (and perhaps a few libations). But after several watches, I truly, genuinely began to love the movie and its up-to-the-ceiling high energy. If you’re a fan of dance movies (like I am), then this one is for you. The story is simple enough: Emily Anderson (Kathryn McCormick), an aspiring dancer, moves to Miami, hoping a prestigious dance company. Along the way, she crosses paths with Sean (Ryan Guzman), the charismatic leader of a dance crew called “The Mob” that specializes in elaborate flash mob performances. As Emily and Sean grow closer, the crew faces a challenge when a wealthy developer (who happens to be Emily’s father), Bill Anderson (Peter Gallagher), plans to demolish their historic neighborhood and build luxury properties in their place. The story is pretty basic, but is also secondary to the film’s true core strength: the highly choreographed, vibrantly colorful, visually stunning dance performances that take full advantage of Miami’s beautiful architecture. Each routine, no matter how insane it gets (and trust me, they get quite insane), is meticulously planned and incorporates diverse styles, from contemporary to street dance to…uh, bungee cords? Trust me, if you’re in the right mood, this movie is one heck of a time.
300 & 300: Rise of an Empire (2007, 2014)
The last one-two punch on this list provides two decidedly different paths for action movies. The first, 300, is directed by ever-controversial Zack Snyder, a man whose artistry I find inspiring. At this point, I’m flummoxed by how polarizing his style has become, especially when 300, which might be his best film, delivers some of the most intoxicating visuals we’ve seen in the modern era of film. But if you’re not into his brand of storytelling, then 300: Rise of an Empire might be more your speed. Director Noam Murro gave us a hyper-stylized action epic that paid homage to Snyder’s unique vision, while also crafting his own aesthetic, a desaturated color palette punctuated by splashes of vivid red and gold. The first film recounts the Battle of Thermopylae during the Greco-Persian Wars, where King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) of Sparta leads 300 of his finest warriors against the massive Persian army commanded by King Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro). And the following film serves as both a sequel and a parallel story to 300, focusing on the naval conflict between the Athenian general Themistocles (Sullivan Stapleton) and the Persian forces led by the vengeful Artemisia (Eva Green), a ruthless commander in service to King Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro). Enjoy these either back to back or separately—you really can’t go wrong.
Every Movie Leaving Netflix in December 2024
Note: The dates mark your final days to watch these movies.
December 22: Garfunkel and Oates: Trying to be Special (2016)
December 24: The Flash (2023)
December 26: Gatham (2020); Parugu (2008); Pressure Cooker (2020); Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu (2013); Sri Rama Rajyam (2011); Yevadu (2014)
December 27: A Twelve Year Night (2018); Django & Django (2021); Fifty (2015)
December 31: 2 Guns (2013); 3:10 to Yuma (2007); 300 (2007); 300: Rise of an Empire (2014); 8 Mile (2002); A Biltmore Christmas (2023); A Heidelberg Holiday (2023); A Merry Scottish Christmas (2023); Alfie (2004); Along Came Polly (2004); American Gangster (2007); American Psycho (2000); An Elf’s Story: The Elf on the Shelf (2021); Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004); Aruna & Her Palate (2018); As Above, So Below (2014); Bad Boys (1995); Bad Boys II (2003); Before Sunset (2004); Being Julia (2004); Big Daddy (1999); Black & White (2009); Blippi The Musical (2021); Blippi’s Spooky Spell Halloween (2021); Boss & Me (2014); Bridesmaids (2011); Brüno (2009); Call Me by Your Name (2017); Captain Phillips (2013); Chicken Run (2000); Christmas in Notting Hill (2023); Christmas Island (2023); Christmas on Cherry Lane (2023); Christmas with a Kiss (2023); Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 (2013); Collateral (2004); Couples Retreat (2009); Dragnet (1987); Easy A (2010); Elf Pets: Santa’s St. Bernards Save Christmas (2021); Ella Enchanted (2004); Ender’s Game (2013); Escape Plan (2013); Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004); EuroTrip (2004); Fast & Furious (2009); Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982); Field of Dreams (1989); Fireproof (2008); First Daughter (2004); Friday Night Lights (2004); Funny People (2009); Get Him to the Greek (2010); Goosebumps (2015); H (2002); Haikyu!! Movie 3: Genius and Sense (2017); Halloween (2018); Haul Out the Holly (2022); Haul Out the Holly: Lit Up (2023); Here Comes the Boom (2012); Hero (2002); House of Flying Daggers (2004); How High 2 (2019); In Good Company (2004); Jarhead (2005); Jaws (1975); Jaws 2 (1978); Jaws 3 (1983); Jerry Lee Lewis: Trouble in Mind (2022); Jersey Girl (2004); Just Go With It (2011); Kung Fu Panda (2008); Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016); Life (1999); Long Story Short (2021); Luccas Neto in: Children’s Day (2019); Matilda (1996); Memories of Love (2018); Midnight Run (1988); Midnight Sun (2018); Midway (1976); Million Dollar Baby (2004); Miracle in Bethlehem, PA (2023); My Sunshine (2015); Non-Stop (2014); Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009); Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (2015); Paw Patrol: The Movie (2021); Posesif (2017); Predestination (2014); Psycho II (1983); Red Dragon (2002); Redemption (2013); Robin Hood (2010); Safe House (2012); Salt (2010); Scarface (1983); Shark Tale (2004); Shot Caller (2017); Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004); Spookley the Square Pumpkin (2004); Spy Game (2001); Starsky & Hutch (2004); Step Up Revolution (2012); Superbad (2007); Take Shelter (2011); Tangerine (2015); The Birds (1963); The Bounty Hunter (2010); The Boy Next Door (2015); The Butterfly Effect (2004); The Covenant (2006); The Deer Hunter (1978); The Family Man (2000); The Girl Next Door (2004); The Great Waldo Pepper (1975); The Hospital (2006); The House Bunny (2008); The Karate Kid (2010); The Last Dragon (1985); The Legend of Hercules (2014); The Little Rascals(1994); The Mechanic (2011); The Money Pit (1986); The Notebook (2004); The Prince & Me (2004); The Prince of Egypt (1998); The Sentinel (1977); The Sweetest Thing (2002); The Take (2016); The Tale of Despereaux (2008); Transformers (2007); Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014); Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011); Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009); Twisted (2004); U-571 (2000); Unfriended (2014); Van Helsing (2004); Vera Drake (2004); Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005); Wimbledon (2004); Win a Date with Tad Hamilton! (2004); You’re Next (2011); Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005); Zombieland (2009); Zookeeper (2011)
