After the whirlwind of the holiday season, filled with dinner plans, family gatherings, and nonstop celebrations, it’s finally time to slow things down. While the calendar is already nudging us toward what comes next, there are still a few precious days left to truly unwind, catch your breath, and enjoy some well-earned downtime before jumping into a new year.
One of the best ways to do that? Turn on the TV, kick up your feet, and take advantage of your Netflix watchlist while you still can. As the month comes to a close, several great movies are quietly making their exit from the streaming platform, and once they’re gone, they may not be easy to find again anytime soon. Whether you’re in the mood for a fun family-friendly flick, an action-packed blockbuster, or a timeless classic you’ve been meaning to revisit, now is the perfect moment to press play.
1
‘Blue Beetle’ (2023)
Leaving January 1, 2026
Blue Beetle is a superhero film directed by Ángel Manuel Soto and starring Cobra Kai breakout Xolo Maridueña. Based on the DC Comics character Jaime Reyes, the movie follows a recent college graduate who returns home hopeful about the future, only to find his family facing eviction due to serious financial troubles. With limited options and mounting pressure, Jaime takes on whatever work he can find. That turn of events leads Jaime to cross paths with the powerful CEO of Kord Industries and her niece, who, after a falling-out with her aunt, entrusts Jaime with an ancient intergalactic relic known as the Scarab. Once activated, the Scarab bonds with Jaime, encasing him in a biomechanical exoskeleton and granting him incredible abilities. Suddenly, Jaime must navigate his new role as a superhero while protecting the people he loves most. Unlike many DC films that focus on massive, world-ending stakes, Blue Beetle feels refreshingly grounded. The story centers on family, community, and identity, making Jaime’s journey feel personal and emotionally resonant as he learns what it truly means to wield his power responsibly.
If you need more reasons to catch this movie before it leaves Netflix, Blue Beetle is set to receive an animated series that will act as a direct sequel and appears to tie into James Gunn‘s new DC Universe. With that in mind, now is the perfect time to watch, especially since Blue Beetle isn’t the only DC film leaving the streamer, with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom also heading out soon.
2
‘The Goonies’ (1985)
Leaving January 1, 2026
Based on a story by Steven Spielberg, The Goonies is a beloved adventure-comedy classic from the 1980s that has stood the test of time. Directed by Richard Donner, the film stars a young cast that includes Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, and Ke Huy Quan, along with several other actors who would later become major names in Hollywood. The story centers on a tight-knit group of kids who are facing the loss of their homes due to foreclosure. Refusing to accept defeat, they stumble upon an old treasure map that leads them on a thrilling quest to find the legendary fortune of One-Eyed Willy, a notorious 17th-century pirate. Their journey is filled with booby traps, underground tunnels, and unforgettable challenges, including being chased by a dangerous family of criminals who are also after the treasure.
Often regarded as one of the best films of its decade, The Goonies is packed with heart, humor, and genuine emotional stakes. Its legacy continues to resonate, influencing modern pop culture and inspiring hit films and TV shows like Stranger Things and Jumanji. Whether you’re revisiting it or watching for the first time, The Goonies remains a timeless celebration of adventure and friendship.
3
‘Kung Fu Panda’ (2008)
Leaving January 1, 2026
Among DreamWorks’ highest-grossing films, Kung Fu Panda is a martial arts comedy starring Jack Black as its unlikely hero. The film follows Po (Black), a cheerful, food-loving panda with a deep admiration for all things kung fu. Despite his enthusiasm, Po seems destined for a quiet life working in his dad’s noodle shop, until fate intervenes. When the dangerous snow leopard Tai Lung (Ian McShane) escapes imprisonment and sets his sights on attacking the Valley of Peace, Po’s home is suddenly under threat. Through a series of unexpected and hilarious events, Po is chosen as the Dragon Warrior, a prophesied hero deemed worthy of reading the Dragon Scroll and unlocking its legendary power. Now tasked with saving the valley, Po must train under the strict and skeptical Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman), who reluctantly attempts to turn the most unlikely student into a true warrior capable of defeating Tai Lung.
A surprise hit upon its release, Kung Fu Panda became the highest-grossing film of 2008 and launched a massively successful franchise, with a fifth installment already on the horizon. The sequel and third film are also leaving the streaming platform in January, so be sure to plan your Kung Fu Panda marathon before they’re gone.
4
‘Scarface’ (1983)
Leaving January 1, 2026
Among the greatest R-rated gangster films of all time is Brian De Palma‘s Scarface, starring Al Pacino in one of his most iconic performances. A remake of the 1932 film of the same name, Scarface tells the story of Cuban refugee Tony Montana (Pacino), who arrives in Miami during the 1980 Mariel boatlift with nothing but ambition and a ruthless hunger for power. Quickly drawn into the city’s criminal underworld, Tony rises through the ranks with a mix of violence, charisma, and sheer determination. His hot-headed nature and refusal to back down help him become a powerful drug kingpin, but those same traits ultimately set him on a path toward self-destruction. As Tony accumulates wealth, influence, and enemies, the film paints a cautionary portrait of excess, greed, and the dark side of the “American Dream.” Drunk on drugs and power, Tony begins to lose control, leading to an explosive and tragic downfall.
Initially controversial for its graphic violence, excessive profanity, and bleak tone, Scarface divided critics upon release. However, it went on to become a massive box office success and a lasting cultural phenomenon. Today, while still polarizing, its impact on modern cinema, pop culture, and the gangster genre is undeniable.
5
‘Dirty Dancing’ (1987)
Leaving January 1, 2026
Another beloved ’80s classic, Dirty Dancing stars Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey in a timeless coming-of-age romance set during a summer vacation. The film follows Frances “Baby” Houseman (Grey), a shy and idealistic teenager spending time at a Catskills resort with her family. While there, she becomes drawn into the world of dance after meeting Johnny Castle (Swayze), a charismatic instructor whose confidence and rebellious spirit stand in contrast to her sheltered upbringing. As Baby learns to dance, she also begins to find her voice, challenging social expectations and standing up for what she believes in.
Released in 1987, Dirty Dancing became an unexpected box office phenomenon, earning more than $214 million worldwide and solidifying its place in pop culture history. Critics praised the chemistry between Grey and Swayze. The film’s soundtrack was equally iconic, produced by Jimmy Ienner and spawning two multi-platinum albums along with several chart-topping singles. “I’ve Had The Time of My Life,” performed by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes, became a cultural staple and went on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Decades later, Dirty Dancing remains a nostalgic favorite, celebrated for its romance, music, and sizzling dance scenes.
6
‘Star Trek’ (2009)
Leaving January 1, 2026
Although Star Trek has been a pop culture staple since the late 1960s, many modern audiences associate the legendary sci-fi franchise with its 2009 big-screen reboot. The reboot launched a trilogy of films starring Chris Pine as James Kirk and Zachary Quinto as Spock, with direction handled by J. J. Abrams for the first two installments and Justin Lin for the third. Together, these films revitalized the franchise, introducing it to a new generation and giving Star Trek a major second wind in mainstream pop culture. The trilogy tells an alternate-origin story for the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise, focusing on the early days of Kirk and Spock and the rocky, often contentious relationship they form before becoming the iconic duo fans know and love. A time-travel incident creates a parallel timeline, allowing the films to reimagine familiar characters while honoring the spirit of the original series. The crew’s first major mission sees them racing to stop the villainous Nero (Eric Bana), whose quest for revenge threatens the future of Earth itself.
The first film, Star Trek, was a critical and commercial success, earning four Academy Award nominations. With all three movies leaving the streaming platform in January, now is the perfect time to revisit the trilogy with a full Star Trek marathon.
7
‘The Hangover’ (2009)
Leaving January 1, 2026
The Hangover stars Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, and Justin Bartha, and follows a group of friends whose bachelor party in Las Vegas spirals wildly out of control. What’s supposed to be one unforgettable night celebrating Doug’s (Bartha) upcoming wedding quickly turns into a frantic mystery when the group wakes up the next morning with no memory of what happened and, more alarmingly, no sign of the groom. With only scattered clues, bizarre discoveries, and a ticking clock before the wedding, the friends must retrace their steps through the chaos of Las Vegas to find Doug and piece together the events of the night before.
Released in 2009, the film became an instant comedy phenomenon. Its irreverent humor and quotable dialogue helped turn The Hangover into both a critical and box office smash. The movie earned over $467 million worldwide, making it the tenth-highest-grossing film of the year and one of the most successful R-rated comedies of all time. Its popularity led to two sequels, both of which performed well commercially, even if they didn’t quite capture the same magic as the original.