7 Must-Watch Movies Leaving Netflix in May 2024 – Don’t Miss These Classics

Every month, Netflix refreshes its library with new titles, but it also removes beloved films to make room. Starting May 1, seven standout movies will vanish from the platform, including two zombie classics, a Best Picture winner, and one of the best action films of the 2010s. Here’s the full list of movies leaving Netflix in May.

1. 12 Years a Slave (Fox Searchlight Pictures)

Leaving: May 1

Directed by Steve McQueen and written by John Ridley, 12 Years a Slave is one of the most powerful Best Picture winners of the 21st century. The gripping historical epic stars Chiwetel Ejiofor as Solomon Northup, a free Black man kidnapped into slavery, and features Lupita Nyong’o’s Oscar-winning performance as Patsey.

2. Dawn of the Dead (2004) (Universal Pictures)

Leaving: May 1

The 2004 remake of George A. Romero’s 1978 zombie classic was directed by Zack Snyder and written by James Gunn. While it doesn’t match the original’s depth, it remains a tense and entertaining revamp, adding another layer to the Night of the Living Dead franchise.

3. Harry and the Hendersons

Leaving: May 1

This family comedy-horror asks a simple yet bold question: What if a family befriended Bigfoot? Starring John Lithgow and Melinda Dillon, the film features exceptional makeup and prosthetics by Rick Baker’s team, with Kevin Peter Hall bringing the titular Sasquatch to life.

4. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (Paramount Pictures)

Leaving: May 1

Christopher McQuarrie’s Rogue Nation marked a turning point for the Mission: Impossible franchise, proving that a single director could elevate the series. The film is packed with iconic set pieces—the opera sequence, underwater mission, and motorcycle chase—alongside Alec Baldwin’s unforgettable "Living manifestation of destiny" speech.

Honorable Mentions (Also Leaving in May)

• The Other Guys (2010) – Starring Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg, this action-comedy is a fan favorite.
• National Treasure (2004) – Nicolas Cage stars in this adventure thriller about a treasure hunt.
• Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (2013) – The sequel to the fantasy adventure based on Rick Riordan’s novels.

Why These Movies Are Worth Watching Before They’re Gone

From Oscar-winning dramas to high-octane action films, these movies represent some of the best in their genres. Whether you’re a fan of historical epics, zombie thrillers, or spy adventures, now’s the time to stream them before they’re removed from Netflix.