If you are thinking about signing up for Netflix’s cheaper ad-supported plan, you might be asking: What movies are locked on Netflix with ads? This is an important question, because not every title on Netflix can be watched with ads.
As of August 2025, there are 135 movies and shows that are blocked on the Netflix ad tier in the U.S. That equals about 1.81% of the total library (7,461 titles). While this number has gone down a lot since the ad tier launched in November 2022, some big titles are still missing.
In this article, we will explain why some movies and shows are unavailable, what has changed since the ad tier started, and give you a full list of the locked titles.
History of Netflix’s Ad Tier
Netflix launched its ad-supported plan in November 2022. At first, many people were disappointed because a large number of movies and shows could not be watched.
- In November 2022, about 5.1% of titles (326 out of 6,324) were blocked.
- By February 2023, the number grew to 348 titles (5.4%).
- By February 2024, the number dropped to 175 titles (2.3%), which was almost half less of the year before.
- In December 2024, only 151 titles (2%) were blocked.
So, the good news is that the list of unavailable titles is getting shorter. But still, many subscribers keep asking: What movies are locked on Netflix with ads right now?
Why Are Some Movies Locked on Netflix With Ads?
The reason is simple: licensing deals.
Two big companies — Universal and Sony — are the main holdouts.
- Universal blocks most of its DreamWorks TV shows, which Netflix has licensed.
- Sony blocks many of its movies, including new releases and classics.
Netflix Originals can also be affected. For example, the famous political drama House of Cards is not available on the ad tier.
Netflix Originals That Are Unavailable
Some Netflix Originals are still blocked if you are on the ad plan. Examples include:
- House of Cards (Seasons 1–6)
- Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts
- Fast & Furious Spy Racers
- Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight
- The Boss Baby: Back in the Crib
- Wizards: Tales of Arcadia
This shows that even Netflix’s own content may not always be included.
Licensed Movies Unavailable on the Ad Tier
So, what movies are locked on Netflix with ads today? The list is long, but here are some big names that are missing in the U.S.:
- 50 First Dates (2004)
- Ali (2001)
- Anaconda (1997)
- Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024)
- Becoming Led Zeppelin (2025)
- Big Daddy (1999)
- Black Hawk Down (2001)
- Captain Phillips (2013)
- Eat Pray Love (2010)
- Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)
- Groundhog Day (1993)
- It Ends With Us (2024)
- Kraven the Hunter (2024)
- Lion (2016)
- Madame Web (2024)
- Paddington in Peru (2024)
- Rudy (1993)
- Starship Troopers (1997)
- The Garfield Movie (2024)
- The Karate Kid (1984, 2010, and sequels)
- The Hateful Eight (2015)
- Venom: The Last Dance (2024)
- White Chicks (2004)
These are just a few examples from the full list of 135 locked titles.
Licensed Series That Are Blocked
It’s not just movies. Several TV shows are also locked. For example:
- Queen of the South (5 Seasons)
- Dirty John (2 Seasons)
- Documentary Now! (4 Seasons)
- Van Helsing (5 Seasons)
- Dare Me (1 Season)
If you only have the ad plan, these will not be available.
Should You Choose the Netflix Ad Tier?
If you want to save money, the Netflix ad tier is still a good choice. Most of the Netflix library is included. However, before you downgrade or sign up, you should know what movies are locked on Netflix with ads so you don’t get surprised.
If you are a fan of Sony movies, DreamWorks shows, or certain Netflix Originals, you may want to stick with the ad-free plan.
Final Thoughts
The number of locked titles on Netflix’s ad tier has gone down over time. Still, 135 titles (1.81% of the U.S. library) remain unavailable in August 2025.
So, when someone asks, “What movies are locked on Netflix with ads?”, the answer is: mostly Sony movies, Universal shows, and some Netflix Originals like House of Cards.
If those are important to you, the ad-free plan may be worth the extra cost.
