As November rolls in, many familiar favorites like “Jaws,” “Jurassic Park,” and “Shrek” are set to depart Netflix. But beyond those recurring departures, we’ve curated a special list of five outstanding films and series that you might not have caught yet, or that haven’t received as much attention in our previous recommendations. Make sure to check them out before they leave the platform! (Keep in mind, departure dates are subject to change.)
1. The Running Man (Leaving November 1)
With a fresh adaptation by Edgar Wright on its way to theaters soon, there’s no better time to revisit the original 1987 film based on Stephen King’s (under the pseudonym Richard Bachman) 1982 novel. Imagine a dystopian 2019 America, transformed into a fascist state, where the most popular TV show is a lethal game of cat and mouse, hunting down convicted criminals for public entertainment. However, when the formidable Arnold Schwarzenegger takes on the role of the hunted, you can bet things won’t go according to plan. The script, penned by Steven E. de Souza (known for ‘Die Hard’), perfectly blends sharp science-fiction satire with quintessential ’80s action, complete with memorable one-liners. Director Paul Michael Glaser (yes, Starsky from ‘Starsky and Hutch’!) brings it all to life with undeniable flair.
2. Six Feet Under: The Complete Series (Leaving November 1)
Running on HBO from 2001 to 2005, ‘Six Feet Under’ sometimes felt overshadowed by its powerhouse contemporaries like ‘The Sopranos’ and ‘The Wire.’ Yet, it carved out a unique and compelling niche all its own. The series centers on the Fisher family, whose lives are dramatically altered when their patriarch, a funeral director played by Richard Jenkins, dies in the very first episode (don’t worry, his spectral presence lingers throughout the show). Peter Krause and a pre-‘Dexter’ Michael C. Hall brilliantly portray his sons, navigating the peculiar demands of the family business alongside their incredibly intricate personal relationships. Every single performance in this series shines, and the writing team, under the guidance of Oscar-winning Alan Ball, masterfully explores familial drama from fresh, often surprising perspectives.
3. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (Leaving November 6)
Given Tim Burton’s somewhat inconsistent recent filmography, a sequel to his early hit ‘Beetlejuice’ after 36 years felt like a gamble. However, this follow-up proved to be his strongest work in ages – a delightful blend of supernatural slapstick and witty generational comedy, both hilariously funny and surprisingly touching. Michael Keaton reprises his iconic role as the titular ‘bio-exorcist,’ a chaotic force of nature who brings more problems than solutions. Catherine O’Hara is also brilliant as the wonderfully pretentious artist. Winona Ryder returns as Lydia, her character evolving as she navigates her own Goth teenager (brought to life with perfect teen angst by Jenna Ortega, known from Burton’s ‘Wednesday’).
4. A Star Is Born (Leaving November 8)
This marks the fourth cinematic reimagining of the classic love story: a burgeoning talent meets a fading star. Its journey to the big screen was famously complex, with Bradley Cooper initially only slated to star, and Clint Eastwood (his ‘American Sniper’ director) in the director’s chair. When that arrangement didn’t pan out, Cooper stepped up to direct for the first time, opting for a raw, intimate approach. He deliberately toned down the inherent melodrama of previous versions, instead emphasizing the profound connection between the two leads. This is especially evident in the captivating first act, which beautifully portrays the whirlwind 24 hours where country-rocker Jackson Maine (Cooper) and aspiring pop sensation Ally Campana (Lady Gaga) encounter each other, collaborate on a song, and fall deeply in love.
5. Smile (Leaving November 14)
Often, the most effective horror films are those that distill a primal fear down to its essence and then relentlessly exploit it. Parker Finn’s 2022 hit, ‘Smile,’ perfectly embodies this, capitalizing on the deeply unsettling feeling of an overly long or unnatural smile. From this chilling visual, Finn crafts a narrative about a malevolent entity that propagates from one victim to the next, reminiscent of ‘It Follows’ or ‘The Ring.’ Sosie Bacon delivers a compelling performance as a clinical psychiatrist desperately trying to comprehend and escape this encroaching terror. The film masterfully builds an atmosphere of suffocating dread, showcasing inventive camerawork and truly unforgettable (and unsettling) death scenes. Consider this both a high recommendation and a fair warning!
Other Notable Titles Also Departing:
Among other beloved titles making their exit are films like ‘Blow,’ ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,’ the entire ‘Fast and the Furious’ franchise, ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,’ ‘Happy Gilmore,’ ‘Horrible Bosses,’ the classic ‘Jurassic Park’ series, ‘She’s All That,’ ‘Sherlock Holmes,’ the charming ‘Shrek’ series, ‘Starship Troopers,’ ‘Thirteen,’ ‘Weird Science,’ ‘Wet Hot American Summer,’ and ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’ (all departing November 1). Additionally, don’t miss ‘Past Lives’ (November 2), ‘Archer’: Seasons 1-13 (November 13), ‘A.P. Bio’: Seasons 1-4, the iconic ‘Jaws’ series (November 15), the musical ‘Mamma Mia!’ (November 16), and the action-packed ‘San Andreas’ (November 22).