Heads up, U.S. Netflix subscribers! November brings another wave of titles leaving the platform, including some perennial favorites like “Jaws,” “Jurassic Park,” “Shrek,” and “The Fast and the Furious” franchise. But instead of focusing on those familiar faces, we’ve handpicked five incredible movies and shows that deserve your attention before they depart. These are titles we haven’t extensively highlighted previously, offering fresh recommendations for your viewing pleasure. (Keep in mind that departure dates indicate the first day a title is no longer available and can sometimes shift.)
‘The Running Man’ (Leaving Nov. 1)
This is the perfect moment to catch the original film adaptation of Stephen King’s (writing as Richard Bachman) 1982 novel, especially with a new version from Edgar Wright on its way to theaters soon. Set in a dystopian 2019, where a totalitarian America hosts a lethal game show called “The Running Man” as its top entertainment, convicted criminals are hunted for sport. Naturally, when Arnold Schwarzenegger steps into the role of the hunted, chaos ensues. Screenwriter Steven E. de Souza (known for “Die Hard” and “48 HRS”) masterfully blends sharp science-fiction satire reminiscent of “They Live” with the robust action and memorable one-liners characteristic of 80s cinema. Director Paul Michael Glaser, famed as Starsky from “Starsky and Hutch,” helms this thrilling and stylish production.
‘Six Feet Under’: Seasons 1-5 (Leaving Nov. 1)
Running on HBO from 2001 to 2005, this groundbreaking series might sometimes feel overshadowed by its contemporaries like “The Sopranos” or “The Wire,” but it truly shines in its own right. Join Peter Krause and Michael C. Hall (pre-“Dexter” fame) as they portray the sons of a funeral director, whose sudden death in the premiere episode sets the stage for a compelling family saga. Don’t worry, their father, played by Richard Jenkins, frequently reappears as a ghost, offering unique insights. The show excels at bringing the intricacies of their unusual family business and their deeply complex personal lives to vivid, unforgettable life. With a writing team led by Oscar winner Alan Ball, every performance is exceptional, offering fresh and often surprising perspectives on family drama.
‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ (Leaving Nov. 6)
Considering Tim Burton’s somewhat inconsistent recent filmography, a sequel to his early hit “Beetlejuice” (36 years later!) might have seemed like a risky bet. However, this turned out to be his strongest work in years – a delightful, often hilarious, and surprisingly touching blend of supernatural antics and a clever generational comedy. Michael Keaton shines once again as the titular “bio-exorcist,” a chaotic spirit who causes more problems than he solves, while Catherine O’Hara delivers another fantastic performance as the wonderfully pretentious artist. Winona Ryder also reprises her role as Lydia, bringing a new depth to her Goth persona as she navigates life with her own eye-rolling Goth teenager, brought to life by Jenna Ortega (Burton’s “Wednesday” star).
‘A Star Is Born’ (Leaving Nov. 8)
This fourth cinematic take on the classic tale of a rising star and a fading one faced a challenging journey to the big screen. Initially, Bradley Cooper was set to only star, with Clint Eastwood (his director from “American Sniper”) at the helm. However, when plans shifted, Cooper bravely stepped into the director’s chair for the first time. He crafted a beautifully raw and understated rendition of the story, dialing back the typical melodrama of previous versions to spotlight the profound intimacy of the central relationship. This approach is especially evident in the captivating first act, where country-rock artist Jackson Maine (Cooper) and aspiring pop diva Ally Campana (Lady Gaga) connect, create music together, and fall deeply in love, all within a whirlwind 24-hour period.
‘Smile’ (Leaving Nov. 14)
Often, the most effective horror films are those that latch onto a fundamental truth or primal fear and relentlessly exploit it. Writer-director Parker Finn’s 2022 smash hit operates on a simple, unsettling premise: there’s something inherently terrifying about someone smiling at you just a little too widely, for a little too long. From this chilling visual, Finn constructs a gripping narrative about a malevolent entity that, much like in “It Follows” or “The Ring,” transfers from one victim to the next. The film features a captivating and empathetic performance from Sosie Bacon as a clinical psychiatrist desperately trying to comprehend and escape this encroaching horror. Prepare for an atmosphere drenched in dread, innovative cinematography, and some truly unforgettable (consider that a warning or a recommendation!) scare sequences.
Also Leaving This November:
Here’s a quick list of other notable titles bidding farewell to Netflix:
November 1: “Blow,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” the entire “Fast and the Furious” series, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” “Happy Gilmore,” “Horrible Bosses,” “Jurassic Park,” “She’s All That,” “Sherlock Holmes,” the beloved “Shrek” series, “Starship Troopers,” “Thirteen,” “Weird Science,” “Wet Hot American Summer,” and the classic “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”
November 2: “Past Lives.”
November 13: “Archer”: Seasons 1-13.
November 15: ‘A.P. Bio’: Seasons 1-4, and the complete “Jaws” series.
November 16: “Mamma Mia!”
November 22: “San Andreas.”