All The Movies And TV Shows Disappearing From Netflix In January

The holiday season is all about giving stuff to get stuff. Well, actually that’s not really what the holiday spirit is all about, but the bottom line is you’ll be spending money on people you like/love/can barely stand, and in return you’ll receive some cool stuff and some not-so-cool stuff that you’ll want a gift receipt for. I’m not doing very well at describing this. Ok, so the holidays are all about giving. There. Nailed it.

Now that you understand the concept, you realize that you’ll have to part with a few things, namely greenbacks, but it’s all for the better because distance only make the heart grow fonder. Therefore, gaze upon all the titles leaving Netflix streaming on January 1st, and make sure to use your time off from work for what it’s meant for: binge-watching The Mighty Ducks films.

Big Trouble in Little China (1986)

This John Carpenter gem is The Goonies meets Alice in Wonderland except with more violence and copious amounts of Kurt Russell’s glorious 80s hairstyle. Follow Russell’s Jack Burton as he travels down a rabbit hole of Asian wizardry, magic, monsters, and flying, electric demon ninjas. It’s campy, but camp doesn’t get much better than this.

Hotel Rwanda (2004)

Terry George’s taut drama was nominated for three Oscars (actor, supporting actress, original screenplay), and for good reason: it was one of the best films of 2004.

Don Cheadle — in one of his finest performances — plays the real-life Paul Rusesabagina, a hero who does his best to cram as many hunted refugees into the hotel he manages as hundreds of thousands of Rwandans are slaughtered outside its gates. George’s direction and script build to an incredibly tense third act that will have you tearing the skin off your fingertips.

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)

It’s the holidays, so there’s a good chance that 90% of the TV channels you flick through will be showing It’s a Wonderful Life. There’s nothing wrong with the film, but if you want a healthy dosage of Jimmy Stewart and you’d rather not see his venerable Christmas classic for the umpteenth time, then check out Mr. Smith Goes to Washington before it vanishes.

Stewart plays a naive senator who finds out the hard way that politics are a game for scoundrels, and he fights back by launching one of the most epic filibusters — and monologues — ever captured on film.

Spaceballs (1987)

There’s not much to be said about this Mel Brooks comedy staple that hasn’t already been said, but if you were born in the 80s or 90s and have not seen this film, there’s a good chance that you have not been bestowed with the sense of sight. Arguably one of the best spoofs ever, Bill Pullman, John Candy, Rick Moranis, and more skewer the narratives and characters of Star Wars to hilarious effect. May The Schwartz Be With You.

Check out the rest of the titles evaporating from the Netflix reservoir on January 1st. First, a warning: do not all run to your TVs and devices at once to watch Good Burger lest you want the earth to tip on its axis. One at a time, please.