If you’re thinking about switching to Netflix’s cheaper ad-supported plan, there’s one important catch. Not everything in the library is available.
As of April 2026, 119 titles are blocked on the ad tier in the US, which makes up roughly 1.47% of the total catalog. While that’s a big improvement from previous years, it still means some popular movies and shows remain off-limits.
Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s missing and why.
1. The number of unavailable titles has dropped significantly
Netflix’s ad tier has improved a lot since launching in November 2022.
Key stats over time:
- Launch (Nov 2022): 326 titles unavailable (5.1%)
- Early 2023: 348 titles unavailable (5.4%)
- Feb 2024: 175 titles unavailable
- Dec 2024: 151 titles unavailable (~2%)
- April 2026: 119 titles unavailable (1.47%)
The overall trend is clear. Netflix has been steadily reducing restrictions, even as its total library has grown.
2. Some Netflix Originals are still blocked
Even though most originals are available across all plans, a handful still cannot be streamed with ads.
Notable unavailable Netflix Originals:
- House of Cards (all seasons)
- Fast & Furious Spy Racers
- Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts
- Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight
- Team Zenko Go
A major portion of this category includes animated titles from DreamWorks, which are often tied up in licensing restrictions related to ad-supported distribution.
3. Licensed movies make up the biggest chunk
Most of the blocked content actually comes from third-party studios rather than Netflix itself.
Key studios behind unavailable films:
- Sony Pictures
- The Weinstein Company
- StudioCanal and IFC Films
Examples of unavailable movies:
- Bad Boys: Ride or Die
- It Ends With Us
- Paddington in Peru
- Kraven the Hunter
- Venom: The Last Dance
These titles are often restricted due to existing licensing agreements that don’t allow ads during playback.
4. Some popular licensed series are also missing
It’s not just movies. Several well-known shows from other networks are also unavailable on the ad plan.
Notable series not included:
- Queen of the South
- Van Helsing
- TURN: Washington’s Spies
- Dirty John
Many of these come from studios like Universal Television and AMC, which have stricter ad-related licensing terms.
5. Why these titles are blocked
The main reason comes down to licensing agreements.
When Netflix licenses content from other studios, those deals sometimes:
- Restrict ad-supported streaming
- Require ad-free playback only
- Or exclude certain subscription tiers entirely
Even some early Netflix Originals, like House of Cards, fall into this category because they were co-produced with outside studios.
6. The situation could improve soon
There’s good news for subscribers.
Netflix is expected to expand its ad-tier access to more licensed titles over time. One major shift could come from its deal with Sony Pictures, which may allow more films to be included on the ad plan starting in 2027.
If that happens, the list of blocked titles could shrink even further.
7. Should you still consider the ad tier?
For most users, the limitations are relatively minor.
With over 8,000 titles available, missing just 119 means:
- The vast majority of content is still accessible
- Most major Netflix Originals are included
- The gaps are mostly specific licensed titles
However, if you’re looking for a particular movie or series, it’s worth checking availability before switching plans.
Final Thoughts
Netflix’s ad-supported tier has come a long way since its launch, with far fewer restrictions than before. While some notable titles are still unavailable, the gap continues to shrink year by year.
For budget-conscious viewers, the trade-off may be worth it. But for completionists or fans of specific licensed content, the standard plan still offers the full experience.
Check out It’s Netflix Nerd for our latest reviews, updates, release news, and information about Netflix movies and series.