Cult Classic Rated 'Certified Fresh' Is Leaving Netflix in January

Netflix is set to undergo some maintenance of its streaming library over the final weeks of 2025 and beginning of 2026. While the subscription service will be adding several popular movies and television shows, it's also expected to shed more than 100 titles by the end of January.

One of the films that will be disappearing is Donnie Darko, the Richard Kelly's 2001 project that stars a young Jake Gyllenhaal as the main character in a winding sci-fi thriller. While Donnie Darko wasn't a box office hit upon release, the movie's popularity exploded over time, earning it cult classic status.

It currently boasts an 88% approval rating--"Certified Fresh"--on Rotten Tomatoes.

When will 'Donnie Darko' be leaving Netflix?

According to What's On Netflix, Donnie Darko will exit the platform on January 18.

It's the only title leaving Netflix that day, but hundreds overall will be removed throughout the first month of the new year.

What is 'Donnie Darko' about?

That question itself is part of the film's widespread appeal. Filled with elements of time travel, hallucinations, and a dude in a bunny suit, Donnie Darko is at its core a tense, psychological thriller.

However, the ambiguity within the plot is a feature, not a bug, and even now, people have a hard time nailing down exactly what the meaning of Donnie Darko is.

"The very definition of a cult classic, Donnie Darko is continuing to attract - and puzzle - new audiences to this day," Radio Times wrote in 2022. "With even stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Seth Rogen reportedly unsure as to what the film is actually about when it was released, it's not surprising that an explainer may be needed given all the time travel, alternate universes and that giant rabbit."

What kind of ratings does 'Donnie Darko' have?

One thing about Donnie Darko is for certain though: people love it.

In addition to its aforementioned high marks on Rotten Tomatoes, the film also has a 8/10 rating on IMDB and 4 out of 5 on Letterboxd.

Additionally, Donnie Darko has earned a 71% rating on Metacritic, putting it in the "Generally Favorable" category. A sequel, S.Darko, was released in 2009.

'Donnie Darko' has a monster cast

It seems likely that one of the reasons why the film remains popular over 24 years after its initial release is because of its star-studded cast.

Jake Gyllenhaal is the main headliner, but Donnie Darko also features his sister Maggie, along with Drew Barrymore, Seth Rogen in his movie debut, Jena Malone, Noah Wyle, Katharine Ross, Patrick Swayze, Mary McDonnell, Ashley Tisdale and James Duval.

Where can I watch 'Donnie Darko' besides Netflix?

If you're looking to check out Donnie Darko after it leaves Netflix, you have options.

Currently, the film is available on several different platforms, including Tubi, Amazon Prime Video, Pluto TV and Hulu.