Is 'Leave the World Behind' Available on Netflix? Where and How to Watch the Julia Roberts Flick?

Published 10/30/2025, 2:02 PM EDT

A mysterious disaster disrupts a seemingly peaceful family vacation in Leave the World Behind, the apocalyptic thriller starring Julia Roberts. Blending suspense, drama, and a sense of unease, the film explores how ordinary lives unravel when faced with the unknown. It captures the tension of a world on the brink of collapse while keeping viewers guessing until the end.

As curiosity grows around this thought-provoking drama, many are wondering if it is available to stream on Netflix.

Leave the World Behind: Is Netflix its streaming home or some other platform

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Leave the World Behind is available to stream on Netflix. The film stars Julia Roberts and Ethan Hawke as a couple vacationing in Long Island when a world-threatening disaster suddenly strikes. Mahershala Ali plays the owner of the home they are renting, who arrives seeking refuge with his daughter, played by Myha’la Herrold. As both families confront the growing chaos, they are forced to rely on each other. 

Leave the World Behind was released in select theatres on November 22, 2023, before arriving on Netflix on December 8, 2023. The psychological thriller is a book-to-screen adaptation of the 2020 novel of the same name by Rumaan Alam. Netflix won the screen rights to it in July 2020. Sam Esmail directed it. The producers for this title are especially worth taking note of.

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Leave the World Behind was produced under the banner of a former US President and First Lady, making it even more worthy of being checked out.

All about the forces that helped bring Leave the World Behind to life

Leave the World Behind was brought to life under Higher Ground Productions, the company founded by former US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Obama notably featured the novel that the film is based on in his 2021 summer reading list. Sam Esmail, who besides directing, also penned the screenplay for the film, revealed in a Vanity Fair interview that Obama shared insightful notes on the characters, offering feedback as both a film and book enthusiast.

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With its layered storytelling and acclaimed producers, ultimately, Leave the World Behind stands out as more than just another end-of-the-world thriller. It serves as a striking reflection of trust, fear, and human connection in uncertain times. Sam Esmail’s direction and Julia Roberts’ compelling performance make it a gripping watch from start to finish. As part of Netflix’s growing collection of apocalyptic dramas, the film earns its place as a thought-provoking addition that lingers long after the credits roll.

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Will you be watching Leave the World Behind on Netflix soon? Let us know in the comments.

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Seema Sinha

527 articles

Seema Sinha is a journalist at Netflix Junkie, covering the celebrity culture and global cinema beats. With three years of experience at major Hollywood media verticals, she filters real news from the gossip and buzz. Her core focus is on pop culture narratives surrounding musicians—primarily Taylor Swift—with her reporting striking a fine balance between human insight and editorial clarity.

Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra

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