Every month, as new titles grace the screens of Netflix
NFLX
Below, you’ll find my ten picks. I’ve detailed what each movie is about and why you should watch them. And at the bottom of the article, I’ve listed out every single movie leaving the streamer by August’s end. Now, let’s dive into the list of ten fantastic movies, exploring what makes them special and when they’re departing from Netflix.
The 10 Best Movies Leaving Netflix in August 2023
If Beale Street Could Talk (2019)
Set in 1970s Harlem, If Beale Street Could Talk is an evocative tale of love and injustice. Tish and Fonny’s dreamy romance turns nightmarish when Fonny faces wrongful incarceration. Barry Jenkins weaves this film with deep resonance, echoing James Baldwin’s literary mastery. While the narrative confronts racial prejudice, it also celebrates enduring love. Supporting performances, especially from Regina King, bring depth to this luminous cinematic tapestry. It’s an emotional journey, showing that love, even when tested, remains unbreakable.
Road House (1989)
A quintessential 80s action drama, Road House pulsates with energy. Patrick Swayze shines as Dalton, an elite bouncer hired to manage the rowdy Double Deuce bar. The film masterfully blends action, intrigue, and romance. As Dalton confronts local corruption, every punch and kick tells a story. It’s more than just a brawler’s tale; it’s about standing up against tyranny. Sam Elliott’s appearance adds gravitas, while the soundtrack pulsates with energy. A must-watch for those seeking adrenaline-pumping action.
Paranormal Activity (2009)
Katie and Micah’s peaceful suburban life shatters in Paranormal Activity. What starts as strange occurrences intensify into sheer terror. Using a found-footage approach, director Oren Peli turns an ordinary home into a house of horrors. This minimalistic approach amplifies every creak and shadow, making audiences jump out of their seats. It’s a haunting reminder of how ordinary settings can host extraordinary terrors. By emphasizing psychological horror over flashy scares, it redefined the modern horror genre.
Rush Hour (1998)
Rush Hour is an explosive blend of comedy and action. Jackie Chan’s acrobatic stunts meet Chris Tucker’s comedic brilliance in a plot involving a kidnapped diplomat’s daughter. Their cultural differences create hilarious misunderstandings, making the film as funny as it is action-packed. Director Brett Ratner artfully balances humor with thrilling chase scenes. The duo’s dynamism shines, making the film an unforgettable buddy-cop adventure, celebrated across cultures.
Note: all three Rush Hour films will exit Netflix at the end of August.
Mean Girls (2004)
High school politics and teenage angst take center stage in Mean Girls. Cady Heron, after years in Africa, steps into an American high school jungle, facing ‘The Plastics’. Through sharp wit, the film, scripted by Tina Fey, delves into cliques, backstabbing, and the quest for popularity. It’s both a hilarious comedy and a mirror to society, reflecting our obsession with social standing. With memorable lines and impeccable comedic timing, it remains a cultural touchstone.
Magic Mike XXL (2015)
Magic Mike XXL isn’t just about show-stopping dance routines. It’s a road trip filled with dreams, brotherhood, and introspection. Channing Tatum’s Mike reunites with his troupe, with each dance echoing personal aspirations. Directed by Gregory Jacobs, it’s a visual spectacle filled with heart. Beneath the shimmering lights and gyrating hips, it delves into themes of friendship, ambition, and acceptance, creating a layered narrative that surprises and delights.
The Italian Job (2003)
Gold heists, betrayal, and Mini Cooper chases define The Italian Job. Mark Wahlberg’s Charlie leads a team of thieves, with each member bringing unique skills to the table. However, a twist of betrayal adds depth to this heist drama. As the team plots revenge, director F. Gary Gray crafts exhilarating sequences amidst Venice’s beauty and LA’s sprawl. It’s a race against time, filled with tension, teamwork, and tantalizing twists.
Easy A (2010)
In Easy A, Emma Stone’s Olive grapples with a web of rumors. A lie about her virginity turns into a societal spectacle, and Olive harnesses the rumors to her advantage. With parallels to “The Scarlet Letter,” this comedy offers clever commentary on reputation, rumors, and adolescence. Director Will Gluck strikes a balance between humor and heartfelt moments, making it a modern-day teen classic, both witty and wise.
She’s Gotta Have It (1986)
Nola Darling’s love life is anything but ordinary in She’s Gotta Have It. Juggling three lovers, she defies societal norms with grace and determination. Spike Lee crafts a film that’s revolutionary, not just in its portrayal of a woman’s autonomy but also in its distinct visual style. Set in Brooklyn, it’s a black-and-white cinematic gem that delves into themes of love, freedom, and self-acceptance. A game-changer in its time, it remains relevant even today.
Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991)
The stakes skyrocket in Terminator 2: Judgement Day. This sci-fi spectacle sees Schwarzenegger’s Terminator turn protector. James Cameron pushes technological boundaries with cutting-edge visual effects, while the narrative confronts deeper themes: fate, humanity, and technology’s dangers. Sarah Connor, played by a formidable Linda Hamilton, evolves from a damsel to a warrior. It’s not just a chase film; it’s a commentary on where humanity could be headed. With its relentless pace and thought-provoking plot, it’s a genre-defining masterpiece.
Every movie leaving Netflix in August 2023
Note: The dates mark your final days to watch these movies.
- August 18: Undefeated (2011)
- August 19: Bleach (2018); Little Singham (2020); Little Singham – Black Shadow (2021); My Ex & Whys (2017); The Breakup Playlist (2015)
- August 20: A Second Chance (2015); Beauty and the Bestie (2015); Bride For Rent (2014); Can’t Help Falling in Love (2017); Four Sisters and a Wedding (2013); It Takes a Man and a Woman (2013); The Mistress (2012); She’s Dating the Gangster (2014)
- August 22: Septembers of Shiraz (2016)
- August 25: Jobs (2013); The Water Man (2021)
- August 31: A Knight’s Tale (2001); Age of Rebellion (2018); Airport (1970); Airport ’77 (1977); Airport 1975 (1974); Alias JJ: La Celebridad Del Mal (2017); American Graffiti (1973); American Hustle (2013); Bruce Almighty (2003); Charlie Wilson’s War (2007); Chicken Run (2000); Children of the Sea (2019); Easy A (2010); Fate/Grand Order -First Order- (2016); Garbage (2018); Hop (2011); If Beale Street Could Talk (2019); InuYasha the Movie: Affections Touching Across Time; InuYasha the Movie 2: The Castle Beyond the Looking Glass; InuYasha the Movie 3: Swords of an Honorable Ruler; InuYasha the Movie 4: Fire on the Mystic Island; Janoskians: Untold and Untrue (2016); Jarhead (2005); Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (2001); Kicking & Screaming (2005); Magic Mike (2012); Magic Mike XXL (2015); Mean Girls (2004); Once Again (2018); Open Season (2006); Open Season 2 (2008); Paranormal Activity (2009); Peter Pan (2003); Rise of the Guardians (2012); Road House (1989); Rush Hour (1998); Rush Hour 2 (2001); Rush Hour 3 (2007); Salt (2010); Secret Window (2004); Seven Years in Tibet (1997); She’s Gotta Have It (1986); Sleepless in Seattle (1993); Snervous Tyler Oakley (2015); Still Alice (2014); Take the Ball, Pass the Ball (2018); Tears of the Sun (2003); Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991); The Bad Guys (2022); The Dictator (2012); The Dilemma (2011); The Italian Job (2003); The Kingdom (2007); The Other Boleyn Girl (2008); The Poison Rose (2019); The Ring (2003); The Scorpion King (2002); The Tale of Despereaux (2008); The Thing (2011); Unleashed (2005)
Read the full article here