The Disney purge from Netflix has already begun. The first two Disney theatrical releases are scheduled to leave Netflix in March 2018 including The Finest Hours and Zootopia but will ultimately lead the way for other movies to leave too.
What’s Leaving?
The first two movies scheduled to leave are Zootopia and The Finest Hours. Both first released in early 2016 before being added to Netflix in September 2016. As they’re the first titles to get added as part of the deal, they’re the first to leave.
- The Finest Hours Leaving Netflix: March 6th
- Zootopia Leaving Netflix: March 20th
Zootopia was the first and honestly the best-animated movie to be released on Netflix as part of the agreement. Directed by Bryon Howard and Rich Moore, the movie went onto gross over a billion dollars at the box office. It tells the story of a hyperactive bunny who joins the police force only to find herself investigating a major conspiracy.
The movie features the voice talents of Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba, Jenny Slate, J.K Simmons and Shakira.
Coincidentally, some other Disney movies are also leaving in March too such as The Santa Clause trilogy.
Why are they leaving?
In case you didn’t know, Netflix in the USA has had an agreement in place with Disney since 2016 where new theatrical movies would come to Netflix around 6-8 months after they premiere in the cinemas. Its seen the release of high profile movies such as The Jungle Book, Captain America: Civil War and Finding Dory.
The deal is scheduled to end in 2019 and Disney has announced that they’ll not be renewing but instead setting up in competition. As a result, all movies currently on Netflix are scheduled to leave.
We were expecting all Disney movies to be leaving from 2019 onwards but it turns out that they’re leaving around 1 year and 6 months after they first release.
Where will the movie stream now?
Eventually, the movie will be appearing on the new Disney streaming service whichever form that takes. Until then, you’ll have to rely on video on demand services to watch the movie.
Will you be watching Zootopia again before it leaves Netflix for good?
