We’ve all been there. You start watching a movie on Netflix, get distracted, and then forget about it completely. Days later, it’s still lingering in your “Continue Watching” row, mocking your indecisiveness. But what if you’re truly done with that movie and want to reclaim your pristine “Continue Watching” list? Fear not, because removing movies from this purgatory is easier than you think.
The “Continue Watching” Row: A Look Inside
Before diving into the removal process, let’s understand what exactly “Continue Watching” is and how it works. It’s a curated list of movies and TV shows you’ve started but haven’t finished, aiming to help you pick up where you left off. It’s driven by algorithms, which take into account:
- Viewing History: The shows and movies you’ve watched recently, even for a few minutes.
- Your Watchlist: The shows and movies you’ve saved for later viewing.
- Your Preferences: Netflix analyzes your viewing habits to recommend content you might enjoy.
This seemingly helpful feature can quickly become overwhelming, especially if you’re prone to starting and abandoning movies like a digital magpie. That’s where the removal process comes in handy.
Removing Movies from Continue Watching: The Methods
There are two primary ways to remove a movie from your “Continue Watching” row on Netflix:
1. The “Remove From Continue Watching” Option:
This is the most straightforward method. Here’s how it works:
- Locate the Movie: Go to your “Continue Watching” row and find the movie you want to remove.
- Click the “More” Button: It’s usually represented by an ellipsis (…) or a “three dots” icon next to the movie poster.
- Select “Remove From Continue Watching”: This option will typically be located within the drop-down menu that appears.
2. The “Mark as Watched” Option:
This method is ideal if you’ve actually finished the movie, even if you didn’t watch it all in one sitting. Here’s how it works:
- Find the Movie: Locate the movie in your “Continue Watching” row.
- Click the “More” Button: The ellipsis or “three dots” icon next to the movie poster.
- Select “Mark as Watched”: This option will remove the movie from your “Continue Watching” row.
Note: Marking a movie as watched doesn’t mean you’ll never see it again on Netflix. Depending on the movie’s popularity and your viewing history, it may still appear in recommendations.
Troubleshooting: When Removal Doesn’t Work
Sometimes, removing movies from “Continue Watching” can feel like a game of digital whack-a-mole. If the methods above aren’t working, you can try these additional steps:
1. Check for Updates
Ensure your Netflix app is up to date. Outdated versions can sometimes cause glitches that interfere with the “Continue Watching” feature.
2. Sign Out and Sign Back In
Log out of your Netflix account and then log back in. This can often refresh the app and resolve minor issues.
3. Clear Cache and Data (Mobile Devices)
On mobile devices, clearing the cache and data for the Netflix app can sometimes help fix problems. Be aware that this will also delete your viewing history, so proceed with caution.
4. Contact Netflix Support
If all else fails, contact Netflix support. They may be able to help you manually remove the movie from your “Continue Watching” row.
Beyond Removing Movies: Managing Your “Continue Watching” Row
While removing unwanted movies from your “Continue Watching” row is a good first step, there are other strategies to help you maintain a manageable and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips:
1. Be Intentional with Your Viewing
Before starting a movie, ask yourself: Do you have enough time to finish it? Are you truly interested in it? If you’re not sure, consider adding it to your watchlist for later, rather than starting it immediately and adding it to “Continue Watching.”
2. Use the “Mark as Watched” Feature Wisely
If you’ve seen even a portion of a movie, consider using the “Mark as Watched” feature. This will help clean up your “Continue Watching” list and ensure you don’t accidentally watch something you’ve already seen.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to “Skip”
If you’re no longer interested in a movie or show, don’t feel obligated to finish it. Use the “Skip” button to move on to something else.
Conclusion
The “Continue Watching” row is a helpful feature, but it can quickly become cluttered with unfinished movies and shows. By using the removal methods outlined above, you can reclaim control over your viewing experience and ensure your “Continue Watching” row reflects your current interests. Remember, it’s your Netflix, and you should be able to enjoy it without feeling overwhelmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I actually delete a movie from my Continue Watching list?
Yes, you can remove a movie or TV show from your Continue Watching list on Netflix. It’s not possible to permanently delete it from the platform’s database, but you can hide it from your personal recommendations. This is helpful if you accidentally started something you didn’t want to watch or if you’re just tired of seeing it pop up.
2. What happens when I remove a movie from Continue Watching?
Removing a movie from your Continue Watching list doesn’t affect the show’s availability on Netflix. It simply removes it from your personalized recommendations and the Continue Watching row. It won’t disappear from the platform altogether. You can still find it by searching for it, or browsing through the Netflix catalog.
3. How do I remove a movie from Continue Watching on my computer?
To remove a movie from Continue Watching on your computer, open Netflix in your web browser and find the movie in the Continue Watching row. Hover over the movie’s thumbnail and a menu will appear. Click on the “Remove from Continue Watching” option. You will then be able to continue browsing the Netflix catalog.
4. How do I remove a movie from Continue Watching on my TV?
To remove a movie from Continue Watching on your TV, navigate to the Continue Watching row on your TV screen. Locate the movie you want to remove and select it. Then, use the directional buttons on your remote to navigate to the “Remove from Continue Watching” option and select it. This will remove the movie from your personalized recommendations.
5. Can I remove multiple movies at once?
Unfortunately, you can’t remove multiple movies from Continue Watching simultaneously. You will need to individually remove each movie from the list. This process can be a bit tedious, but it allows for greater control over your personalized recommendations.
6. Will removing a movie affect my recommendations?
Yes, removing a movie from Continue Watching will affect your recommendations. Netflix uses your viewing history to generate personalized suggestions, so removing a movie from your list will likely change the algorithm and therefore your recommendations.
7. Will the movie reappear in my Continue Watching list?
Once you remove a movie from Continue Watching, it won’t automatically reappear. However, if you resume watching the movie, it will reappear in your Continue Watching list. Additionally, if you revisit the movie’s page on Netflix, it might also reappear in your Continue Watching list.