One of Wes Anderson’s Biggest Hits Is Leaving Netflix — Stream It Before It’s Gone
Stream it while you can: Wes Anderson’s coming-of-age gem Moonrise Kingdom — one of his biggest box-office hits — leaves Netflix in May, with Bruce Willis and Edward Norton among its starry ensemble.
So here’s one to mark on your calendar: ‘Moonrise Kingdom,’ one of Wes Anderson’s biggest crowd-pleasers (and honestly, a personal favorite for a lot of folks), is packing its bags and saying goodbye to Netflix in 2026. Yes, that’s a while from now—May 1, 2026, to be exact—but let’s face it, with everyone nuking their streaming libraries left and right, nothing is safe for long. So if you’ve been meaning to revisit Anderson’s pastel-tinged, quirky island adventure, you’ve still got time. But maybe don’t procrastinate for (literally) years.
Why Does ‘Moonrise Kingdom’ Still Matter?
For one, this critically adored coming-of-age flick is up there in the ‘Hey, I actually made some money at the box office!’ tier of Wes Anderson’s career. To put numbers on it: made for $16 million, ‘Moonrise Kingdom’ raked in over $68 million worldwide. That makes it his third-best performer, only trailing behind ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ (that one made an absurd $174 million) and ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’ ($71 million). For someone who makes very Wes Anderson movies, those are pretty solid numbers.
Critics really liked it too. We’re talking 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, so not just a cult crush—actual broad approval. And for the naysayers who just can’t get on Anderson’s wavelength, one reviewer summed it up perfectly:
'It’s still not going to convince anyone who doesn’t already like what Anderson does, but for those who are willing, or are willing to give Anderson another try, it is definitely worth the effort.'
What’s This Movie Even About Again?
‘Moonrise Kingdom’ is peak Anderson: set in the ‘60s on a made-up New England island, all pastel tents and lovingly crafted costumes. The story follows Sam (Jared Gilman), an orphaned kid who ditches his Khaki Scout troop to run away with Suzy (Kara Hayward), the pen-pal/love interest he’s been plotting with. As a search party tries to track down the wayward duo, chaos, heartbreak, and some very Anderson-y deadpan humor ensue.
And because no Anderson movie is complete without a stacked ensemble:
- Bruce Willis as island cop Captain Duffy Sharp
- Edward Norton doing the Scout Master thing as Randy Ward
- Bill Murray and Frances McDormand as Suzy’s bewildered parents
- Tilda Swinton showing up as (literally) Social Services
- Jason Schwartzman in a memorable turn as Cousin Ben
Like most Anderson projects, it’s got style for days and an emotional core buried under all the retro kookiness.
Wait, What Else Is Leaving That Day?
‘Moonrise Kingdom’ isn’t the only movie getting the boot from Netflix on May 1, 2026—there’s a mini wave of titles heading for the exit. So, if you’re a completionist (or just nostalgic), brace yourself: ‘Hell or High Water,’ three of the old ‘Jaws’ flicks, two ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ movies, and even the 1984 version of ‘Dune’ are all checking out that same day.
Point is, streaming rights come and go, so if ‘Moonrise Kingdom’ is one you love, get your rewatch (or your first watch!) in before 2026 turns that particular library card to dust.