October is a time for horror movies, and Netflix has plenty of them. But perhaps you’re burned out a bit on the genre, or perhaps you’re not a fan of scary movies altogether. And if that’s the case, then there are plenty of other great options to choose from on the streaming platform. And that includes the ten movies on this list—ten movies that will exit Netflix’s library by October’s end. This eclectic list includes a little-seen horror movie that confronts the closeted racism that steeps beneath society, an underrated superhero film that was unfairly cut short from a sequel and a dance movie that is truly one of the most joyous experiences to ever grace movie screens. That’s right, you’ve got a cavalcade of options tho choose from. So where do you start?
Let’s take a look at those ten movies I think you should catch before they leave Netflix on November 1. Below, you’ll find those ten picks, along with plot descriptions and why I think you should watch the movies. Then, at the bottom of the article, you’ll find a full list of every single movie leaving Netflix in October 2024. Having too many options might seem daunting, but remember: it’s a good thing. You’re bound to find a new favorite in this collection.
The 10 Best Movies Leaving Netflix in October 2024
Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)
By all accounts, a movie about the Sonic the Hedgehog video game should not work. And it sure looked that way when the original teaser images were shared. But after the animators made the necessary changes to Sonic’s appearance, everything looked up from there. What we go was an electric adaptation of the famous video game, full of charismatic performances and high-octane, family-friendly action. The movie directed by Jeff Fowler follows Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz), a blue, lightning-fast hedgehog who is forced to flee his home planet and hide on Earth from his enemies. After years of living in secret, Sonic accidentally causes a massive power outage with his out-of-control speed, drawing the attention of Dr. Robotnik (played to comedic perfection by Jim Carrey), an eccentric scientist who becomes intent on harnessing Sonic’s powers for his evil schemes. To evade Robotnik’s capture, Sonic teams up with Tom Wachowski (James Marsden), a local sheriff, who together race across the country to stop the villain’s plans and save the world.
Soft & Quiet (2022)
There are horror movies that come and go without making much noise. Usually it make sense: the movie’s plot is full of holes, the acting is subpar, the ideas are scattershot and never quite come together to make a grand statement that hits. But then there are movies like Soft & Quiet that make you wonder: how did more people not see this? Shot in real-time, this unflinching social commentary explores uncomfortable regarding racism and white supremacy topics in a visceral, psychologically penetrating manner. This film directed by Beth de Araujo follows a single afternoon in the life of Emily (Stefanie Estes), a kindergarten teacher who organizes a gathering for the “Daughters for Aryan Unity,” a group of white supremacist women who share their grievances . However, after a confrontation at Kim’s store with two Asian-American sisters, chain of events is set off that quickly spirals into violence. As tensions escalate, this group of despicable women finds itself drawn into a dangerous situation that, ultimately, punishes them for their sickening beliefs. You haven’t seen many horror movies that take things as far as this one—I promise you.
Monty Python: Before the Flying Circus (2000)
For anybody uninitiated with the Monty Python troupe, there are a number of specials and movies leaving Netflix this month that delves into the origins of the legendary comedy group and how they established an irreverent sense of humor. And if you’re looking for a great introduction to what they’re all about, you can’t do worse than the documentary Monty Python: Before the Flying Circus, which features plenty of archival footage and insightful interviews featuring the members themselves, as well as contemporaries and colleagues. This documentary directed by Will Yapp focuses on the individual journeys of Monty Python’s six key members—John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones and Michael Palin—before they came together to create the groundbreaking sketch show Monty Python’s Flying Circus. The film explores their early influences, the comedic landscape of Britain in the 1960s and how the Pythons’ unique brand of humor began to take shape through their experiences in university radio and television.
Save the Last Dance (2001)
No movie leaving Netflix this month triggers my nostalgia more than Save the Last Dance, which, in my mind, is the epitome of 2000s-era teen dramas. In particular, this movie would go on to inspire films like Step Up that employ a music-drive narrative filled with hip-hop-inspired dance routines, deeply dramatic romances and coming-of-age stories, usually set within a gritty urban setting where two completely opposite people fall in love. This movie directed by Thomas Carter centers on a promising ballet dancer named Sara Johnson (Julia Stiles) whose dreams of dancing for Julliard are shattered when her mother dies in a car accident. Debilitated by her grief, Sara gives up dancing and moves to a predominantly Black neighborhood in Chicago to live with her estranged father. At her new high school, Sara befriends Chenille (Kerry Washington), whose brother Derek (Sean Patrick Thomast) is an aspiring medical student with a passion for hip-hop. As Derek helps Sara rediscover her love for dance, a romance blossoms between them, forcing them to confront their cultural differences and Derek’s complicated past.
The Haunting in Connecticut (2009)
There are lots and lots and lots of “haunting” movies out there—especially on Netflix, where the likes of Mike Flanagan have found great success in finding new ways to explore the genre’s winning formula. And since it’s Halloween season, why not check out of the “haunting” movies that will soon be leaving Netflix: The Haunting in Connecticut, a atmosphere-rich, slow-burn tale of dread that’s full of scary ghost stories and visually disturbing imagery. This horror movie directed by Peter Cornwell follows the Campbell family (which consists of actors like Virginia Madsen, Kyle Gallner, Martin Donovan and Ty Wood), who rent a house near a treatment center where their son Matt is undergoing cancer treatments. Before long, as is the case with most haunted house movies, strange and unsettling occurrences begin to plague the family—particularly Matt. Trying to get to the root of Matt’s terrifying visions, the Campbells attempt to uncover the dark history of their new home, which was once a funeral parlor. As Matt’s health worsens and the supernatural activity intensifies, the family must confront the sinister forces haunting the house, revealing the horrifying secrets buried within its walls.
Eat Pray Love (2010)
I have to admit: back when Eat Pray Love came out, I rolled my eyes at this movie whenever I saw a poster, whenever the trailer was forced upon me at the theater, whenever someone recommended that I watch it. But lo and behold, years later when I finally decided to stop being a grinch and embrace this introspective for what it is—a character-driven story about a woman’s personal evolution that’s full of spirituality and lush, vivid cinematography that travels from the cobblestone streets of Rome to the tranquil landscapes of Bali—needless to say, I was sold. This wonderful romantic drama directed by Ryan Murphy follows the journey of Liz Gilbert (Julia Roberts), a woman who sets out on a quest of self-discovery and healing after a painful divorce. Leaving behind her comfortable life in New York, Liz travels the world, from appreciating the food and architecture of Italy to seeking spiritual fulfillment through meditation and prayer in India to finding love in Bali with a man named Felipe (Javier Bardem).
Hellboy (2019)
Hellboy seems to be a superhero story that Hollywood can’t quite figure out. The famously sarcastic half-demon raised by humans was first portrayed perfectly by Ron Perlman before the next most-suited contender came along, David Harbour, for the 2019 reboot. A new version of Hellboy already released this year starring Jack Kesy, but if you haven’t seen Harbour’s take on the hilarious fighter of evil, check it out before it leaves Netflix. Hellboy, an update directed by Neil Marshall, centers on the titular superhero as he struggles with his identity, his polarizing place in our mortal world. Working as an investigator for the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense (aka B.P.R.D.), Hellboy is sent to England to battle an ancient sorceress, Nimue the Blood Queen (played magnificently by Milla Jovovich), who is determined to unleash a deadly plague on humanity and bring about the apocalypse. Alongside his allies, Alice Monaghan (Sasha Lane) and Major Ben Daimio (Daniel Dae Kim), Hellboy must stop Nimue while confronting his own inner demons and his connection to the forces of darkness.
Bliss (1997)
I wanted to take a moment to highlight a movie from the 1990s that I’m pretty sure most people haven’t heard of, but definitely deserves their attention. This erotic drama is filled with psychological depth that recalls an aesthetic that defined ‘90s cinema, full of dream-like, symbolic imagery and surreal sequences often blur the lines between reality and imagination. This underrated film directed by Lance Young centers on the troubled relationship between Joseph (Craig Sheffer) and Maria (Sheryl Lee), whose marriage is threatened by their struggle with intimacy and communication. After Joseph discovers that Maria has been faking her orgasms, the couple’s relationship takes a downward spiral. Seeking help, Maria turns to an unconventional sex therapist, Dr. Baltazar (Terence Stamp), who believes that their issues stem from deep emotional, psychological wounds. As Maria explores this alternative therapy, Joseph becomes both jealous and curious, and the two embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing, where they confront their past traumas, repressed emotions and the complexities of their sexual relationship.
How to Be a Latin Lover (2017)
If you don’t know the comedy of Eugenio Derbez, then you’re missing out on an auteur that many liken to comedic geniuses like Jerry Lewis. Filled to the brim with charm and wit, his most successful movie to date, How to Be a Latin Lover, is a modern masterpiece of physical comedy and slapstick, featuring a colorful, lively aesthetic that perfectly reflects the main character’s flamboyant personality and his obsession with materialism. This hilarious movie directed by Ken Marino follows Maximo (Eugenio Derbez), a man who has spent his entire adult life seducing wealthy older women so that he can live a life of luxury. After 25 years of marriage, Maximo is dumped by his elderly wife out of nowhere in favor of a younger man, leaving him penniless as well as homeless. Forced to move in with his estranged sister Sara (Salma Hayek) and her young son Hugo (Raphael Alejandro), Maximo is forced to adjust to a normal life without the comforts he’s grown accustomed to. As he schemes to woo another wealthy woman, Celeste (Raquel Welch), he also starts to bond with his nephew and learns that there may be more to life than wealth.
Magic Mike XXL (2015)
There’s no irony when I say this: I’ve saved the best for last. I’ve seen thousands of movies in my lifetime, but few have ever secured a place in my heart like Magic Mike XXL. It’s by far one of the most joyous cinematic tales I’ve ever experienced, full of energetic and beautifully choreographed dance sequences, a dizzying array of fantastic lead and side characters that make the story engaging and lively, and, most importantl, a lighthearted, feel-good tone that never once falls into the self-serious tone that plagues so many modern films. This fantastic film directed by Gregory Jacobs follows Mike Lane (Channing Tatum), who, after the events of Magic Mike, left the world of male stripping behind to run his own furniture business. However, when his former stripping crew, the Kings of Tampa, invites him on one last road trip to Myrtle Beach for one last stripper convention, Mike can’t resist the urge. Joined by familiar faces like Richie (Joe Manganiello), Ken (Matt Bomer), Tarzan (Kevin Nash) and Tito (Adam Rodriguez), Mike and the gang embark on a journey that strengthens their collective friendship, all while planning to go out with a bang at the convention’s final show.
Every Movie Leaving Netflix in October 2024
Note: The dates mark your final days to watch these movies.
October 18: Meeting Point (2021)
October 20: Brave Blue World: Racing to Solve Our Water Crisis (2020)
October 21: Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody (2023)
October 31: Attack on Finland (2022); Bliss (1997); Bride of Chucky (1998); Child’s Play 2 (1990); Child’s Play 3 (1991); The Circle (2017); Cult of Chucky (2017); Curse of Chucky (2013); Dark Waters (2019); Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat (2003); Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax (2012); Eat Pray Love (2010); Eric Idle’s What About Dick? (2012); The Expendables (2010); The Expendables 2 (2012); The Expendables 3 (2014); The Haunting in Connecticut (2009); Hellboy (2019); How to Be a Latin Lover (2017); Identity Thief (2013); Jack Reacher (2012); Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (2016); Jumanji (1995); La La Land (2016); Life (2017); Magic Mike (2012); Magic Mike XXL (2015); The Meaning of Monty Python (2013); Monty Python Conquers America (2008); Monty Python Live (Mostly): One Down, Five to Go (2014); Monty Python: Before the Flying Circus (2000); Mr. Deeds (2002); Parrot Sketch Not Included: Twenty Years of Monty Python (1989); RED (2010); RED 2 (2013); Room (2015); Save the Last Dance (2001); Seed of Chucky (2004); Soft & Quiet (2022); Sonic the Hedgehog (2020); The Spectacular Now (2013); Star Trek Beyond (2016); Starship Troopers (1997); The Terminal (2004); Think Like a Dog (2020); The Wedding Planner (2001); Welcome to the Jungle (2003); World War Z (2013)
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