Netflix has confirmed the next crop of movies that will be removed from its content library. While the streaming service’s new additions typically grab all the headlines, in the background, familiar favorites are quietly removed. It’s all part of a cycle you can observe on every streaming platform. Nevertheless, it’s a shame when several must-watch movies leave Netflix.
On September 30, Netflix is set to wave goodbye to a couple of dozen films, but I’ve combed through the list of soon-to-be-removed flicks and picked out my personal top five that should be at the very top of your watchlist while you still have the chance to stream them on the big red streamer.
These picks dramatically range in genre and tone, from a classic teen comedy to an Oscar-winning war movie, so there are options to suit all personal tastes. These are the Netflix movies to watch while you still can.
‘American Pie’ (1999)
The quintessential teen comedy for an entire generation, the high school experience may have changed in the 25 years since “American Pie” was served up, but its comedic chops and lovable characters are just as compelling as ever. Though the scene that revolves around a character using a dial-up internet connection may not be so relatable to new viewers. Still, there’s a reason it spawned a long-running franchise and made household names of its (at the time) young cast, including Sean William Scott, Tara Reid and Natasha Lyonne.
This underdog coming-of-age story focuses on Jim (Jason Biggs), who makes a pact with his closest friends to all lose their virginity before their impending graduation. Naturally, this leads to many awkward moments and even a few life lessons from Jim’s well-meaning but inappropriate father, played by franchise staple Eugene Levy. Netflix is also set to remove “American Pie 2” at the same time, and the two movies make for a fantastic comedy double bill.
Watch "American Pie" on Netflix until September 30
‘Judy’ (2019)
With “Wicked: For Good” due to fly into theatres in just a few weeks, now is a great time to watch “Judy,” which chronicles the difficult final years in the life of Judy Garland, who played Dorothy in the original “Wizard of Oz” movie (if you somehow didn’t know that already). While this sobering biopic sticks to the genre script quite rigidly, the performance from Renee Zellweger is the biggest draw, and she won an Oscar for her efforts portraying Judy Garland.
Opening 30 years after making her name playing Dorothy, Garland arrives in London to play a string of sold-out shows at London’s Talk of the Town nightclub. Struggling to manage her substance addictions and the trauma of her childhood, where the ruthless Hollywood machine exploited her young talents, “Judy” presents a warts-and-all look at a cinema legend. The flick also explores her relationship with Mickey Dean (played by Finn Wittrock).
Watch "Judy" on Netflix until September 30
‘Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation’ (2015)
Netflix is set to remove its complete slate of “Mission Impossible” movies on September 1, which currently comprises the first five entries in the blockbuster spy franchise. Frankly, all of them are worth watching, even the lukewarm “Mission Impossible 2” has its charms. Consider this list entry a call to watch your favorite installment on Netflix before it waves goodbye. But if you’re pushing me for a recommendation, I’d go for “Rogue Nation.”
In “Rogue Nation,” Ethan Hunt faces off against The Syndicate, a clandestine network of operatives seeking to create a new world order. The shadowy group represents a fantastic foe for Hunt and his team to battle, and “Rogue Nation” sees the series comfortably in its groove following the standard-setting “Ghost Protocol.” It’s a phenomenal action spy movie with thrilling set-piece moments and great pacing. It also introduces Rebecca Ferguson as Ilsa Faust, who remains among the series' best characters to this day.
Watch "Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation" on Netflix until September 30
‘Talk to Me’ (2022)
The feature debut of Danny and Michael Philippou, who also helmed this year’s excellent “Bring Her Back,” “Talk to Me” is another winner in the so-called “elevated horror” genre. It’s spine-chillingly unnerving throughout, and does a wonderful job of balancing its numerous effective scares with some emotionally impactful character-driven moments. The ending is also brilliant, taking a bold swing that will leave you shell-shocked.
“Talk to Me” focuses on a group of friends who discover an embalmed hand that lets them temporarily contact the dead by gripping it and uttering the eponymous words. But what starts as just a fun party trick becomes sinister when Mia (Sophie Wilde) acts a little too recklessly with the dark object in an attempt to speak to her recently deceased mother. “Talk to Me” is eerie and emotional, and contains some gnarly practical effects as well.
Watch "Talk to Me" on Netflix until September 30
‘The Deer Hunter’ (1978)
Bring together Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep, Christopher Walken, John Cazale and John Savage for an epic war drama, and it’s little wonder the final result is one of the most acclaimed movies of the 1970s. “The Deer Hunter” took home five Oscars at the 51st Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and its sterling reputation hasn’t been blunted with time. It courted controversy upon release due to the inclusion of a scene featuring a deadly game of Russian roulette, but its awards haul speaks for itself.
Michael (De Niro), Nick (Walken) and Steven (Savage) are steel mill workers in Pennsylvania preparing to leave their working-class town to serve in the Vietnam War. “The Deer Hunter” looks at their lives before, during and after the conflict, and how the horrors they experienced during their time overseas shaped their lives upon their return. At 3 hours long, you’ll need to set aside some time to watch, but “The Deer Hunter” is worth the effort.
Watch "The Deer Hunter" on Netflix until September 30
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