Netflix with ads is cheaper but missing titles: Here’s a list of everything
You can get Netflix for a lower cost but there's a catch with ads.
Netflix has launched its new Basic with Ads plan. You can get Netflix at a cheaper price but you now will view ads.
Another major change with this plan is certain content in the Netflix library is unavailable due to licensing restrictions.
If you were thinking of switching to the new Netflix Basic with Ads plan or signing up for the first time, we've got the lowdown so you don't get met by the dreaded unavailable message.
How many titles are missing from Netflix's Basic with Ads plan?
One of the benefits of the Basic with Ads plan is its lower price. However, Netflix warned that 5–10% of the catalogue would be missing at launch.
Finder has worked out that the proportion of missing titles is 4.2% in Australia.
Of the 6,630 titles in the Netflix library, 284 are unavailable at launch. This ranges across both TV shows and movies.
It's not just obscure titles either. Some are popular with Netflix viewers.
For example, 3 of the top 10 movies on Netflix on the day of launch, namely A Wedding For Christmas, Sing and The Boss Baby are inaccessible to those on the Basic with Ads plan.
Some classic movies are also missing such as Back to the Future, Happy Gilmore, The Princess Bride and Dirty Dancing.
For those thinking Netflix's Basic with Ads plan might be a cheap option to entertain the kids, you might want to think again.
There are a lot of Illumination and Dreamworks titles such as Trolls, Shrek and The Secret Life of Pets unavailable from this plan.
Complete list of titles missing from Netflix Basic with Ads plan
You can see the full list of titles that are missing in the table below. We've also compiled a list of the 10 best shows and movies you can't watch with Netflix ads.
Amadeus | 1984 | Music Classic Movies Movies based on a Play Drama Movies Period Pieces |
A Chinese Odyssey (Part I) | 1995 | Hong Kong Comedy Movies Martial Arts Movies Movies Based on Books Action & Adventure Movies |
The English Patient | 1996 | Military Movies Drama Movies Romantic Movies Movies Based on Books |
Halloween | 1978 | Classic Movies Horror Movies Teen Movies |
Home Alone | 1990 | Family Movies Kids & Family Movies Comedy Movies |
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York | 1992 | Family Movies Kids & Family Movies Comedy Movies |
Interview with the Vampire | 1994 | Horror Movies Movies Based on Books |
Mortal Kombat | 1995 | Martial Arts Movies Action & Adventure Movies |
Pretty Woman | 1990 | Classic Movies Romantic Comedy Movies Comedy Movies Romantic Movies |
The Running Man | 1987 | Sci-Fi Movies Movies Based on Books Action & Adventure Movies |
The Shining | 1980 | Classic Movies Horror Movies Movies Based on Books |
L.A. Confidential | 1997 | Crime Movies Drama Movies Thriller Movies Mystery Movies Movies Based on Books |
A Chinese Odyssey Part Two: Cinderella | 1995 | Hong Kong Comedy Movies Martial Arts Movies Movies Based on Books Action & Adventure Movies |
Wrongfully Accused | 1998 | Comedy Movies Action & Adventure Movies |
You've Got Mail | 1998 | Movies based on a Play Romantic Comedy Movies Comedy Movies Romantic Movies |
The Peacemaker | 1997 | Military Movies Action & Adventure Movies Spy Movies |
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me | 1999 | Comedy Movies Action & Adventure Movies Spy Movies |
Fight Club | 1999 | Drama Movies Thriller Movies Movies Based on Books Social Issue Dramas |
Galaxy Quest | 1999 | Sci-Fi Movies Comedy Movies Action & Adventure Movies |
The Talented Mr. Ripley | 1999 | Crime Movies Drama Movies Thriller Movies Movies Based on Books |
Romeo Must Die | 2000 | Crime Movies Martial Arts Movies Action & Adventure Movies |
Battlefield Earth | 2000 | Sci-Fi Movies Movies Based on Books Action & Adventure Movies |
Gladiator | 2000 | Drama Movies Action & Adventure Movies |
Loser | 2000 | Romantic Comedy Movies Comedy Movies Romantic Movies |
Jurassic Park | 1993 | Sci-Fi Movies Classic Movies Movies Based on Books Action & Adventure Movies |
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How do I know a title is missing from Netflix's Basic with Ads plan?
Unlike our handy list above, Netflix doesn't display a complete overview of which titles are unavailable to those on the Basic with Ads tier.
These unavailable titles will have a lock icon when you search or browse Netflix.
Make sure to pay attention to the top right corner of the tiles in Netflix on the Basic with Ads plan to see if you can watch a title or not.
How can I access the missing titles on Netflix's Basic with Ads plan?
If you come across a title on Netflix that is unavailable in the Basic with Ads plan, there is only 1 way to watch it on the service.
You will have to upgrade to one of the plans on Netflix without ads: the Basic, Standard or Premium plans.
If you subscribe to the Basic with Ads plan and you're on Netflix when you come across 1 of these titles, you will be given the option to upgrade if you want to watch.
Keep in mind that it's a big jump in price to the other tiers.
The Basic plan costs 57% more at $10.99 a month and the Standard plan is a 143% increase on the Basic with Ads plan. If you took up the Premium plan, there would be a 228% increase in your monthly cost.
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Image source: Netflix website