Why is Harry Potter leaving Netflix? Removal explained and where to stream next
Netflix UK is removing the Harry Potter films and there's a frustrating reason
Harry Potter is set to be removed from Netflix UK in a matter of weeks, and we know where the movies will be streaming next.
The world of witchcraft and wizardry has become a reliable fixture of the streamer’s UK library. Not only are they iconic, but they’re among the very best films on Netflix.
Alas, after all this time, they’re leaving Netflix. That means all of the Harry Potter films will no longer be available to stream on the platform, as well as the Fantastic Beasts spin-offs (but nobody cares about them).
So, why are they being taken away, and where will you be able to watch them next? We have the answers – you may not like them, though.
When is Harry Potter leaving Netflix?
The Harry Potter franchise is being removed from Netflix UK on January 1, 2026.
From today (December 9), that leaves you just 23 days to watch the entire series from start to finish.
That’s not all that’s being axed from the platform, either. Notably, Friends is leaving Netflix, alongside Suits and The Big Bang Theory.
Why is Harry Potter being removed?
The Harry Potter films are being taken off Netflix due to the impending launch of HBO Max in the UK.
In the simplest terms, Harry Potter was licensed to Netflix by Warner Bros, the studio that owns the franchise.
For the past few years, it made sense; Netflix is the biggest streaming platform in the world, and it was probably lucrative for both sides.
However, HBO Max is coming to the UK in 2026. This is Warners’ own streaming platform, and it’ll be home to the likes of House of the Dragon, Superman, The Last of Us, and much more.
So, naturally, it wants to have two of its most popular IP – Friends and Harry Potter – to lure people to the platform and incentivise them to add another direct debit to their monthly streaming outgoings.
Where to watch Harry Potter films after they leave Netflix
After the Harry Potter films leave Netflix, you’ll need to wait until March 2026 to watch them on HBO Max.
Warner Bros is rolling out HBO Max into almost every territory it’s missed, so don’t expect to be able to use a VPN to find the franchise via another country’s library. They’re also being removed from NOW TV too, so you’re out of luck there.
There is one possibility: according to JustWatch, the Harry Potter series isn’t being removed from Netflix in Saudi Arabia. If you use a VPN to change your location, you may still be able to watch them. However, this hasn’t been confirmed.
The Deathly Hallows Part 2 is available to stream on ITVX for free, but there’s a good chance that it’ll be removed in the New Year.
That leaves you with two options: buy or rent the films digitally or purchase the DVD/Blu-ray box set. Netflix recently entered into negotiations to acquire Warner Bros, but there’s been no indication that this will impact the launch of HBO Max.
With HBO Max coming to the UK in 2026, it looks like the new Harry Potter series will be streaming on HBO Max on it’s launch in 2027 👀 pic.twitter.com/uZxEWaxrZa
— Daily Harry Potter (@TheDailyHPotter) December 4, 2025
It’s safe to say fans aren’t pleased. A petition has even been launched on Change.org (it only has 62 signatures), and there are complains across social media.
“They’re taking Harry Potter off Netflix this is the worst day ever,” one user wrote on X. “Why is Harry Potter leaving ? UK Netflix sucks,” another posted.
“I think it’s time to call it a day for my Netflix subscription,” a third posted, while a fourth added: “Happily deleting my subscription since you’re removing Harry Potter from Netflix.”
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