Inverse Recommends

10 sci-fi movies you need to watch before they leave Netflix next month

Don’t miss your chance to finally stream these science fiction, horror, and action classics before they disappear from Netflix in August.

by JoAnna Wendel
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
Shutterstock

Netflix just revealed all the movies leaving its streaming library in August, and we’re about to lose some classic science fiction.

Here are 10 sci-fi movies to stream before they disappear from Netflix in the coming weeks.

We’ve also included some classic action and horror to keep things interesting.

Groundhog day (1993): leaving August 31

Anything to do with infinite time loops counts as sci-fi in our book. If you loved Palm Springs, you may appreciate a revisit to this warm script by Danny Rubin and clever direction by Murray’s Ghostbusters co-star Harold Ramis.

The Wicker Man (1973): Leaving August 28

This isn’t the Nicholas Cage movie that birthed the incredible “BEES” meme. This is the British original that's known as the “Citizen Kane of horror movies.” Does it live up to that title? Watch to find out.

Bad Boys I & II (2000 and 2003): leaving August 31

2020 is a bad time for action movies glorifying police violence. (Bad Boys II is also scummy for casting 15-year-old Megan Fox in a bikini-clad club rave.) But with theaters still closed, Michael Bay’s first two Bad Boys are a reminder of yesteryear’s blockbusters.

Child’s Play (1988): Leaving August 31

Don't lie -- the VHS cover totally traumatized you on the shelf at Blockbuster. Whether you've seen the very good 2019 reboot or not, the 1988 original stands on its own with Brad Dourif lending his voice to the demonic doll.

The Lake House (2006): Leaving August

In this sci-fi film your mom will love, Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock play pen pals who live in the same house two years apart. It's a cheesy yet earnest story about a different kind of long-distance romance that feels extra relevant during quarantine.

The Karate Kid (1984): Leaving August 31

Another “arguably not sci-fi” movie, this ‘80s classic combines a coming of age story with some sick martial arts moves and fashion that will remain so perfectly of its time. Your perfect pandemic escape.

Candyman (1992): Leaving August 31

An adaptation of a Clive Barker story, Candyman's urban American horror illustrates the fears of poverty and economic racial segregation. Ahead of the sequel from producer Jordan Peele, now’s the time to say his name five times. Again.

Observe and Report (2009): Leaving August 31

Weird, dark, and often unnerving, this dark comedy stars Seth Rogen as a hardassed mall cop with a massive chip on his shoulder. It’s a surprisingly thought-provoking critique of the large adult sons of the world.

V for Vendetta (2005): Leaving August 31

Startling, gripping, and somehow still charming, this movie presents a grim dystopia where only a superpowered vigilante terrorist can overthrow a neo-fascist totalitarian regime. In 2020, it feels more relevant than ever before.