A billion-dollar NSFW movie trilogy is leaving Netflix next month. The Fifty Shades trilogy, which was released between 2015 and 2018, is departing the streaming platform in January 2026. While the films were successful financially, they did not fare well with critics, who gave them negative reviews that criticized the screenplays and performances. The films, distributed by Universal Pictures, are based on E.L. James’ novel series of the same name.
Fifty Shades trilogy to leave Netflix in January 2026
The Fifty Shades trilogy, consisting of Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker, and Fifty Shades Freed, is leaving Netflix on January 1, 2026, as per What’s on Netflix.
The films have grossed a total of $1.325 billion at the box office against a total budget of $150 million. Here is each film’s box office gross and budget:
- Fifty Shades of Grey (2015) – $569.7 million; budget – $40 million
- Fifty Shades Darker (2017) – $381 million; budget – $55 million
- Fifty Shades Freed (2018) – $372 million; budget – $55 million
On Rotten Tomatoes, the first film has a low score of 25% on the Tomatometer and 41% on the Popcornmeter. Meanwhile, the second film has an even lower score of 11% on the Tomatometer but a higher score of 48% on the Popcornmeter. The second film’s Tomatometer score ties with the third film’s, which is also 11%. Further, the third film’s Popcornmeter score sits at 38%, which is lower than that of the first and second films.
The films follow the complex romantic relationship between Anastasia Steele and the incredibly wealthy Christian Grey.
Sam Taylor-Johnson directed the first film from Kelly Marcel’s screenplay. Meanwhile, James Foley directed the sequels, while Niall Leonard took over script-writing duties. Michael De Luca, E.L. James, and Dana Brunetti produced all three films and were joined by Marucs Viscidi in production duties for the second and third installments. Meanwhile, legendary film composer Danny Elfman scored all three films in the franchise.
Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan lead the franchise as Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey. Supporting cast members include Eloise Mumford, Victor Rasuk, Luke Grimes, Marcia Gay Harden, Rita Ora, Max Martini, Andrew Airlie, Jennifer Ehle, and Dylan Neal.