Jake Gyllenhaal has had a rollercoaster year at the box office, with The Bride! and In the Grey both underperforming theatrically. While The Bride! hasn't found much traction even on home video, In the Grey has become a streaming favorite. Gyllenhaal has often struggled to deliver massive theatrical hits as a lead, but he's found a sweet spot on streaming platforms. His Prime Video actioner Road House broke records, and the Apple TV+ series Presumed Innocent was a hit. Now, one of his most beloved films is about to vanish from Netflix.
That film is Nightcrawler, the 2014 psychological thriller directed by Dan Gilroy. It's been a cult favorite for over a decade, and it's currently available to stream on Netflix in the U.S. — but only until the end of October 2026. If you haven't seen it yet, now's the time to add it to your queue.
A Performance That Should Have Been Nominated
Gyllenhaal's portrayal of Lou Bloom, a driven and morally bankrupt stringer who films crime scenes for a local news station, is widely considered one of his best. Many fans assume he received an Oscar nomination for it, but that's a classic case of the Mandela effect. In reality, he was snubbed. The Best Actor nominees that year were Steve Carell (Foxcatcher), Bradley Cooper (American Sniper), Benedict Cumberbatch (The Imitation Game), Michael Keaton (Birdman), and the winner, Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything).
Despite the snub, Nightcrawler did earn a nomination for Best Original Screenplay. The film holds a 95% "Certified Fresh" score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its sleek visuals and Gyllenhaal's "lithe" performance. It's a dark, thought-provoking thriller that has only grown in stature over the years.
More Than Just Gyllenhaal
The film also features strong supporting turns from Riz Ahmed, Bill Paxton, and Rene Russo. Their performances add depth to the gritty Los Angeles setting, making Nightcrawler a must-watch for fans of smart, tense cinema.
If you're looking for other streaming options this month, you might also check out Guy Ritchie's The Gentlemen, which is currently dominating Netflix's charts. Or, if you're in the mood for something spooky, the Twilight saga is still on Netflix as Halloween approaches.
What's Next for Gyllenhaal?
Gyllenhaal isn't slowing down. He's set to star in M. Night Shyamalan's upcoming supernatural romance Remain, alongside Phoebe Dynevor. That film is slated for a February 2027 release. Until then, you can catch him in Nightcrawler before it leaves Netflix on November 1.
Don't miss your chance to revisit this modern classic. Set a reminder, grab some popcorn, and enjoy one of Gyllenhaal's most unforgettable roles.
