'Arrival' to Disappear from Tubi’s Free Library Soon

Denis Villeneuve’s cerebral science fiction drama, featuring Jeremy Renner and Amy Adams, is quietly preparing to exit the world of free streaming. The film, which also stars Forest Whitaker, has been a fixture on Tubi, but its days on the platform are now numbered. While the streaming service is not in the habit of providing precise departure dates, ‘Arrival’ has found itself on the ‘Leaving Soon’ roster, suggesting its time is nearly up. If you’ve been meaning to watch—or revisit—this modern classic, you might want to act before the end of January 2026, as it’s likely to be replaced by a fresh batch of February titles.

Unlike the more bombastic entries in the genre, ‘Arrival’ takes a subtler approach to first contact. There are no city-levelling explosions or iconic landmarks reduced to rubble. Instead, the film leans into ambiguity and complexity, offering a narrative that’s as much about language and understanding as it is about extraterrestrial visitors. It’s a bit of an oddity in the best possible way, and its departure from Tubi’s free catalogue will leave a noticeable gap for fans of thoughtful science fiction.

Unravelling the Mystery

Based on Ted Chiang’s novella ‘Story of Your Life’, the screenplay was adapted by Eric Heisserer, with Villeneuve at the helm. Amy Adams leads as Louise Banks, a linguistics professor drawn into a global effort to communicate with the newly arrived aliens. Jeremy Renner and Forest Whitaker round out the principal cast, joined by Michael Stuhlbarg, Mark O’Brien, and Tzi Ma. The film’s narrative unfolds as a puzzle, with Banks and her team racing against time—and international tensions—to decipher the visitors’ language and intentions.

The official synopsis puts it succinctly:

Linguistics professor Louise Banks leads an elite team of investigators when gigantic spaceships touch down in 12 locations around the world. As nations teeter on the verge of

It’s a premise that’s as much about human nature as it is about the unknown, and the film’s measured pace rewards patient viewers with a story that lingers long after the credits roll.

Last Call for a Modern Classic

For those who appreciate science fiction that favours intellect over spectacle, ‘Arrival’ is a rare treat. Its presence on Tubi has made it accessible to a wide audience, but with its imminent removal, the window to watch for free is closing fast. The film’s blend of emotional depth and speculative intrigue has earned it a devoted following, and its absence will be keenly felt by those who value a more contemplative take on the genre.

Whether you’re discovering it for the first time or returning for another viewing, now is the moment to catch ‘Arrival’ before it vanishes from Tubi’s free streaming line-up. Once it’s gone, you may find yourself wishing you’d made time for one last encounter.