Netflix kicked off January 2025 with a strong lineup of shows and films, but some cinematic gems are leaving the platform. Among them are four must-watch movies, each with a Rotten Tomatoes score exceeding 90%. These critically acclaimed films, spanning drama, thriller, and historical genres, are perfect for your watchlist before they vanish.
1. Zero Dark Thirty (2012)
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
- Age Rating: R
- Length: 157 minutes
- Director: Kathryn Bigelow
- Leaving on: January 31
Kathryn Bigelow’s gripping war drama tells the story of the 10-year hunt for Osama bin Laden following the September 11 attacks. Jessica Chastain delivers a stellar performance as Maya, a determined CIA analyst whose relentless pursuit leads to the infamous mission that ends a global manhunt. This award-winning thriller is a masterclass in suspense and drama, making it a must-watch before it leaves Netflix.
2. The Gift (2015)
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
- Age Rating: R
- Length: 108 minutes
- Director: Joel Edgerton
- Leaving on: January 20
Joel Edgerton’s directorial debut, The Gift, is a chilling psychological thriller that keeps viewers on the edge. The film stars Jason Bateman and Rebecca Hall as a married couple whose lives are upended by a figure from the past, played by Edgerton. Dark secrets unravel as uninvited visits and mysterious gifts disrupt their lives. Don’t miss this unsettling tale before it’s gone.
3. The Babadook (2014)
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%
- Age Rating: R
- Length: 93 minutes
- Director: Jennifer Kent
- Leaving on: January 25
This horror masterpiece by Jennifer Kent combines supernatural terror with profound emotional depth. The Babadook tells the story of a grieving widow, Amelia (Essie Davis), and her troubled son, Samuel, who believe they are haunted by a sinister presence from a mysterious book. As their reality blurs with fear, the film explores themes of loss and mental health. With its eerie atmosphere and heartfelt storytelling, this is a horror classic you need to see.
4. Selma (2014)
- Rotten Tomatoes Score: 99%
- Age Rating: PG-13
- Length: 128 minutes
- Director: Ava DuVernay
- Leaving on: January 15
Ava DuVernay’s Selma is a powerful historical drama chronicling Martin Luther King Jr.’s pivotal march from Selma to Montgomery in 1965. The film captures the Civil Rights Movement’s fight for equality and voting rights, featuring a powerful performance by David Oyelowo as King. With its near-perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes, Selma is a must-watch for those seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of American history.
Stream Them Before They’re Gone!
These four movies, each with outstanding critical acclaim, won’t be available on Netflix for long. Whether you’re into thrilling dramas, psychological suspense, or historical tales, there’s something here for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to experience these exceptional films before they leave the platform this January.
