Netflix’s movie library is constantly rotating, and while new additions are added every month, to make room, some old favorites are removed at the same time.
On September 1, Netflix has confirmed it will wave goodbye to more than 45 movies, including some of the most acclaimed horror movies of the 21st century, a legendary Will Ferrell comedy, and one of my personal favorite Coen Brothers movies.
I’m sad to see so many excellent movies leaving the streaming service, but you’ve still got time to watch these flicks before they make for the exit door. These are the five Netflix movies you need to watch as soon as possible before they are removed from the platform.
'Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy' (2004)
"Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy" is a legendary 2000s comedy, and while it’s now more than two decades old, it remains a part of the pop culture conversation as several of its most enduring lines have become popular online memes.
Like all good comedies should be, "Anchorman" is extremely quotable. It’s the type of movie where, even if you haven’t seen it already, you’re probably aware of half the jokes from "60% of the time, it works every time" to "well, that escalated quickly," it’s a treasure-trove of wonderfully silly quips.
Starring Will Ferrell as the big-headed host of a popular 1970s news show, Ron Burgundy becomes increasingly resentful of his new female co-host (Christina Applegate). Their feud continues to spiral until Burgundy makes a major mistake live on air. The very silly comedy also stars Paul Rudd, Steve Carell and David Koechner.
Watch "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” on Netflix until September 1
'Barbarian' (2022)
Zach Cregger is the current toast of the horror world with his new movie "Weapons" making a major splash in theatres. But "Weapon’s" high quality didn’t come as a surprise to anybody who saw his feature debut "Barbarian" back in 2022.
"Barbarian" is a twisting, dark thriller with a real playful streak. It’s not afraid to subvert your expectations in some inventive ways, and features a note-perfect performance from Justin Long as one of the most (intentionally) loathsome characters in modern cinema. It’s a fantastic horror-thriller that builds to a brilliantly bizarre climax.
The movie opens with a young woman settling into her Detroit Airbnb, but is soon disturbed by a stranger claiming to have also booked the rental for the evening. It’s an uncomfortable situation to be in, and the fear factor of a stranger calling in the middle of the night is immediately ramped up.
From there, "Barbarian" only descends further into a chilling nightmare, but I’m not going to say anything more, as it’s best enjoyed spoiler-free.
Watch "Barbarian" on Netflix until September 1
'Burn After Reading' (2008)
This Coen Brothers black comedy packs an all-star cast with George Clooney, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton, John Malkovich and Brad Pitt all in the mix. Plus, it boasts a charmingly irreverent tone and the Coens’ usual laser-sharp writing. It’s a real gem, and for my money, might just be the Coen Brothers' most underrated effort.
Osbourne Cox (Malkovich) is a retired CIA analyst currently writing his own memoirs. Meanwhile, his wife (Swinton) is having an affair with U.S. Marshal Harry (Clooney).
When a CD with Osbourne’s first draft is left behind in a gym locker room and found by two bumbling employees (Pitt and McDormand), they mistakenly believe they’ve stumbled on highly classified government information, and attempt to blackmail Osbourne for its return.
What follows is a messy knot of mix-ups and unexpected consequences for all parties involved.
Watch "Burn After Reading" on Netflix until September 1
'Red Eye' (2005)
If you thought bumpy turbulence or being seated next to a crying baby was the worst thing that could happen on a flight, think again. Lisa (Rachel McAdams) faces the trip from hell when she’s seated next to Jackson (Cillian Murphy), who initially appears to be a charming stranger, but is actually the mastermind of a very sinister terrorist plot.
Jackson plans to assassinate a high-ranking government official, and Lisa is the key to completing the mission. To force Lisa to assist against her will, Jackson reveals he has kidnapped her father (Brian Cox), and if she doesn’t do what he asks, her father will be killed.
The claustrophobic setting of a Red Eye flight really adds to the suspense here, and watching Lisa try to outmaneuver the man forcing her to participate in a deadly plot is compelling. Cillian Murphy also proves very capable of playing a villainous role.
Watch "Red Eye" on Netflix until September 1
'Us' (2019)
![Us - Official Trailer [HD] - YouTube](https://img.youtube.com/vi/hNCmb-4oXJA/maxresdefault.jpg)
Jordan Peele’s follow-up to his genre-defining "Get Out" doesn’t quite have the same punch, but that’s a towering bar to meet, and it's no shade against "Us," which is ultimately a phenomenal psychological horror in its own right.
Viewers who like picking at plot holes might find the third act a little aggravating, but if you can just let the movie’s faulty logic slide, you’re in for a horrific treat. With a stunning dual performance by Lupita Nyong’o at its core, "Us" is an unnerving watch from start to finish.
Playing out like a particularly gripping episode of "The Twilight Zone," this 2019 movie sees a young family travel to the beachside town where Adelaide (Nyong’o) grew up, but once in this picturesque setting, the family is forced into a fight for survival when a group of sinister doppelgängers begin terrorizing them.
Also featuring Winston Duke and Elisabeth Moss, "Us" is plenty spooky, but its biggest appeal comes in its numerous shocking twists.
Watch "Us" on Netflix until September 1
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