The Guilty Pleasures Coming To And Leaving Netflix In May
Nothing good lasts forever, especially not in the fast-paced world of streaming content that is Netflix. According to IGN, Netflix recently announced the movies that will dance their last dance on the streaming juggernaut in May. Netflix has a notoriously expansive catalog, and there’s nothing worse than finding out you’ve missed out on a favorite. Here are the details of the best (and worst) flicks that will disappear from Netflix starting May 1.
The Animatrix (2003). There may be some debate in geek circles as to the ultimate quality of the film series, but there can be little doubt about The Matrix’s place in pop culture history. The slick yet dark visuals and iconic scenes influenced everything from film to style in the early 2000s. The Animatrix gave breadth and depth to the world of the Wachowski sisters. The Animatrix disconnects from Netflix on May 1 and takes a bit of cyberpunk history with it.
Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989). Everyone’s favorite ambiguous goofballs will disappear from Netflix faster than you can say “Excellent!” The 1989 film that started it all disappears from Netflix on May 1. Not to fret, dudes and dudettes. According to Movie Pilot, Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves are ready to start production on Bill & Ted 3. The Wyld Stallyns will ride again.
The Ladykillers (2004). It’s not often that Tom Hanks and the Coen brothers make a misstep, but it happened with The Ladykillers. This 2004 offering from the sibling director team came after the success of Fargo and before the neo-western thriller No Country For Old Men. Critics weren’t kind to The Ladykillers, but it may be worth it to watch it before it passes on from Netflix on May 12 if only for nostalgia’s sake.
Blade Runner: Theatrical Cut (1982). The Animatrix may have helped bring cyberpunk to a new generation, but Blade Runner set the standard. Ridley Scott’s combination of otherworldly visuals and standard noir tropes made Blade Runner a cult classic. Fans of Blade Runner will note that the version on Netflix is the theatrical release, not the definitive version Scott released in 2007, but it’s still worth viewing. The powers that be will retire Blade Runner: Theatrical Cut on May 16.
Clerks (1994). Shot on a shoestring budget after hours, Clerks launched Kevin Smith’s career and gave stoners everywhere their first glimpse of Jay and Silent Bob. If you didn’t add it to your 4/20 Netflix list, this is your last chance. Kevin Smith’s classic directorial debut leaves Netflix on May 31.
But it’s not all bad news for Netflix streamers. According to Refinery 29, a brand new group of movies will debut during the month of May. The new crop of Netflix films is full of guilty pleasures. Here are just a few of the best guilty pleasures to add to your list.
Bring It On (2000). Millennials will love this pom-pom waving look at the inner workings of a championship cheerleader squad. Bring It On didn’t tread new ground in the high school coming of age drama, but pure nostalgia makes it worth watching. Add in Heathers and Sixteen Candles, and it’s sure-fire girl’s night material. Bring It On and Sixteen Candles land on Netflix on May 1.
Goosebumps (2015). Jack Black plays a fictional version of R.L. Stein forced to fight off his literary monsters when they come to life and terrorize a town. What Goosebumps lacks in horror, it makes up for in sheer charm. This family-friendly horror flick claws its way onto Netflix May 11.
Kindergarten Cop 2 (2016). The straight-to-video sequel to the 1990 Arnold Schwarzenegger comedy stars Bill Bellamy and 80’s action star Dolph Lundgren. Based on the trailer, it looks like a paint-by-numbers remake of the original, but it may be worth watching if only to see how bad it is. Sorry Terminator fans, it doesn’t look like Kindergarten Cop made the list of roles Arnold was willing to reprise. Kindergarten Cop 2 lands on Netflix May 17.
[Image via Netflix]
