As Mariah Carey would say, it’s time! We’ve officially entered the last stretch of the year, and with it comes the peak holiday season. Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and Christmas and New Year’s are already making their way toward us at full speed. It’s a time filled with family gatherings, good food, festive traditions, and plenty of reasons to celebrate. But once the plates are cleared and everyone is happily stuffed, there’s nothing quite like settling in together on the couch, unwinding, and watching a great movie.
Whether your family gravitates toward timeless classics you’ve watched a hundred times, fun reimaginings that bring a fresh twist to familiar stories, or even a bit of bloody holiday carnage (we respect every household’s cinematic preferences), there’s always something on Netflix for every kind of viewer. But there’s a catch: some of these great films are leaving the platform soon. To make things easier, we’ve rounded up the best movies you should check out before they disappear from Netflix in December. Consider this your friendly reminder to add them to your watchlist, plan a cozy movie night, and enjoy them while you still can. Holiday season and good films? Truly the perfect combination.
7
‘Back to the Future’ (1985)
Leaving December 1, 2025
Great Scott! One of the greatest sci-fi trilogies of all time is leaving Netflix soon. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, Back to the Future begins in 1985 and follows Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox), a regular teenager who’s accidentally sent back to 1955 in a time-traveling DeLorean created by his eccentric scientist friend, “Doc” Brown (Christopher Lloyd). But Marty’s trip to the past quickly spirals into chaos when he unintentionally stops his future parents from falling in love, putting his very existence and the future he knows at risk. Now, he must help his dad win over his mom while also figuring out how to return to his own time.
Back to the Future wasn’t just a massive box office success that became one of the highest-grossing films of its release year; it left an immeasurable mark on the genre. The movie set a new standard for time-travel storytelling, inspiring countless films that came after it. And of course, Marty and Doc’s adventures continued with a sequel and a threequel, both of which are also leaving Netflix this month. If you’re planning a marathon of this iconic, endlessly rewatchable saga, do so soon.
6
‘Clueless’ (1995)
Leaving December 1, 2025
Another ‘90s gem, Clueless is a modern reinterpretation of Jane Austen’s Emma, following the stylish, popular, and very wealthy Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone). After successfully playing matchmaker for two of her teachers, Cher decides she wants to dedicate herself to doing more good deeds. This newfound mission leads her to befriend Tai (Brittany Murphy), an awkward new student whom she turns into her next makeover project. While Clueless is packed with hilarious jokes that still land nearly 30 years later, it’s also a surprisingly thoughtful story about self-reflection, the true meaning of kindness, and the messy process of growing up.
With an impressive $58 million worldwide box office run and glowing reviews from both critics and audiences, Clueless has cemented itself as a beloved classic. Its light humor, iconic fashion, and endlessly quotable lines have helped it live on as one of the defining films of its era. Whether you’re watching for the first time or revisiting it for nostalgia, now is the perfect moment to stream it before it leaves the platform for good.
5
‘Wonka’ (2023)
Leaving December 1, 2025
Starring Timothée Chalamet, this 2023 musical fantasy film could be seen as a prequel to Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, exploring Willy Wonka’s early days as a budding chocolatier and the obstacles he faces from future rivals. Directed by Paul King, Wonka was crafted as a companion piece to the 1971 classic Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, a connection that shines through in its whimsical design, nostalgic music, and general themes of the movie.
Instead of the eccentric, world-famous chocolatier audiences already know, this film introduces a younger, dream-filled Wonka who is determined to share his imaginative creations with the world. His optimism, ambition, and kindness drive the story, offering a fresh and charming perspective on the iconic character. Wonka received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, celebrated for Chalamet’s performance, production design, and joyful tone. With a worldwide gross of over $634 million against a $125 million budget, it became one of the highest-grossing films of 2023.
4
‘Inglourious Basterds’ (2009)
Leaving December 1, 2025
Films that blend fact and fiction are nothing new these days, but some stand out for the way they help audiences gain a deeper understanding of major historical moments. Movies like Jojo Rabbit and Inglourious Basterds use comedy and satire to revisit one of the most impactful events in modern history: World War II. And if you’re a Quentin Tarantino fan, you can’t miss the opportunity to watch what the director himself has called his “masterpiece.”
Inglourious Basterds is a darkly comedic 2009 war film that follows a group of Jewish-American soldiers, the Basterds in question, on a mission to wreak havoc behind Nazi lines. With a stacked cast that includes Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, Diane Kruger, Michael Fassbender, Eli Roth, Daniel Brühl, and many more, this film rewards repeat viewings. Bold, violent, sharp, and unforgettable, Inglourious Basterds remains one of Tarantino’s most celebrated works, and one you’ll want to revisit before it leaves the platform for good.
3
‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ (2014)
Leaving December 17, 2025
Reboots can be hit or miss, but every now and then, a film comes along that taps into pure nostalgia while reintroducing a classic franchise to a whole new generation. That’s exactly what Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles set out to do. This movie blends action, humor, and a modern blockbuster sheen, bringing the beloved heroes in a half-shell back to the big screen. The story follows April O’Neil (Megan Fox), an ambitious reporter who stumbles upon a conspiracy threatening New York City’s safety, and soon discovers that the city’s unlikely protectors are four mutated turtle brothers trained in ninjutsu.
Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael return with their signature personalities, chaotic heroics, and brotherly banter fully intact, only now rendered in high-energy CGI that amps up the spectacle. What’s great about this movie is that it embraces its over-the-top roots, while also delivering fast-paced action sequences and plenty of laughs. Whether you grew up quoting the cartoons or you’re meeting the Turtles for the first time, this reboot is a fun, flashy ride worth checking out.
2
Transformers (2007)
Leaving December 25, 2025
Directed by Michael Bay and produced by Steven Spielberg, Transformers brought the iconic Hasbro toys and animated characters into live action for the very first time, kicking off a new era of blockbuster robot action on the big screen. The film follows Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf), an average teenager whose life is thrown into chaos when he unexpectedly becomes tied to an ancient intergalactic war. After buying his first car, Sam discovers it isn’t a car at all, it’s Bumblebee, a member of the Autobots, an alien race of shape-shifting robots determined to protect humanity from their deadly enemies, the Decepticons. As the two sides clash over the powerful AllSpark artifact, the film delivers the high-stakes chases, military mayhem, and colossal robot battles that quickly became its signature.
Starring Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, and Jon Voight, Transformers became a massive global hit and launched a multi-film franchise. Several of its sequels, including Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, and Transformers: Age of Extinction, are also leaving the platform this month, so now’s the perfect time to revisit the saga before it rolls out for good.
1
‘Sweet Home Alabama’ (2002)
Leaving December 29, 2025
A criminally underrated early 2000s rom-com, Sweet Home Alabama stars Reese Witherspoon as Melanie Carmichael, a successful New York fashion designer who just got engaged to Andrew (Patrick Dempsey), the charming, handsome, and wealthy son of the city’s mayor. While Melanie seems to have it all, she has some bodies buried in her backyard back home in Alabama. Now, she must return to her small hometown to finalize her divorce from her childhood sweetheart, Jake (Josh Lucas), who refuses to sign the papers.
Back home, Melanie is confronted with the life she left behind, including old memories, unresolved feelings, and the truth about who she used to be. As she reconnects with Jake, family, and friends, she begins to question whether the person she became in New York is really who she wants to be. The movie blends heartfelt moments with Southern charm and plenty of humor, creating a cozy, feel-good story that’s just as enjoyable today as it was in 2002. With its stellar cast, warm atmosphere, and memorable one-liners, Sweet Home Alabama has solidified itself as a modern rom-com classic.
