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10 Great Movies Leaving Netflix At The End Of April

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Sometimes the lineup of movies leaving Netflix NFLX by the end of any given month can be underwhelming—but that certainly is not the case this month. By the end of April, some incredible motion pictures will disappear from the streaming platform, including an ensemble western from Quentin Tarantino, a stark portrayal of mental health within the Batman universe, and what I personally consider to be the best horror movie of the 2020s so far. All in all, there’s a daunting amount of quality films leaving the Netflix library within the next couple weeks you do not want to miss.

So what movies should be at the top of your watchlist? Let’s dig in. Below, you’ll find my ten picks for the best movies leaving Netflix by the end of April 2024. Then at the bottom of the article, you’ll find a full list of every single movie exiting the platform by month’s end. From blockbusters to indies to every genre in between, I’m positive there’s at least one movie (and probably several more) that cater to everybody’s tastes.

The 10 Best Movies Leaving Netflix in April 2024

Train to Busan (2016)

A harrowing journey unfolds on a high-speed train as a mysterious viral outbreak rapidly turns passengers into zombies, setting the scene for Train to Busan. Starring Gong Yoo as Seok-woo, a father who must protect his young daughter amidst the chaos, this Korean thriller delicately balances its relentless action with emotional stakes that keep you invested up until the final frame. The claustrophobia of the confined train only amplifies the suspense, making each decision a matter of life and death. As social norms collapse in this high-octane flick from Yeon Sang-ho, the same filmmaker who brought us projects like Peninsula, Hellbound, and JUNG UNG _E, the survivors are forced to confront not only the undead but also their own moral limits, resulting in a film that’s both a gripping horror and a heartrending commentary on humanity.

The Florida Project (2017)

On the periphery of Orlando's glittering theme parks, the stark reality of life at a budget motel unfolds in The Florida Project. This A24 production from director Sean Baker, who has directed several other indies like Starlet, Tangerine, and Red Rocket, explores the summer of a precocious six-year-old girl named Moonee, played by Brooklynn Prince, who filters her challenging environment through a lens of wonder and mischief. The juxtaposition of childhood innocence with the harsh realities faced by her young mother, portrayed by Bria Vinaite, and the gruff, caring motel manager played by Willem Dafoe, offers a vivid glimpse into the less seen side of poverty. The film touchingly highlights the stark contrast between the manufactured joy nearby and the struggles of those living on the margins.

Elvis (2022)

In Elvis, the turbulent life of rock and roll icon Elvis Presley is dramatized through the Baz Luhrmann filter, featuring a career-defining performance by Hollywood’s most exciting young thespian, Austin Butler. Chronicling Elvis’s meteoric rise to fame and his complex relationships, particularly with his manipulative manager Colonel Tom Parker, played by Tom Hanks, the film paints a rich tableau of mid-20th century America. From the glitz and glamour of celebrity to the personal battles with identity and control, this story from Luhrmann, who previously brought us classics like Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge, and The Great Gatsby, captures the vibrancy and the shadows of Elvis's life, exploring how his revolutionary music and troubled presence reflected the changing American landscape.

The Hateful Eight (2015)

Amidst a blizzard in post-Civil War Wyoming, tensions rise and secrets unravel in a stagecoach lodge where “The Hateful Eight” find shelter. This ensemble cast, including Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, and Jennifer Jason Leigh, are drawn together by necessity but divided by past crimes and mysteries. This incredibly underrated Quentin Tarantino film slowly simmers as each character's backstory is revealed, leading to betrayal and violence. Crafted with rich dialogue and intense character development that we find in other Tarantino projects—from Pulp Fiction to Inglourious Basterds to Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood—the unpredictable story keeps you guessing, making for a thrilling examination of deception and survival in a confined and volatile setting.

Joker (2019)

Set against the gritty backdrop of Gotham City in Batman’s cinematic universe, Joker delves into the psyche of Arthur Fleck, a failed comedian who transforms into the infamous titular villain. Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of this dejected man’s descent into madness earned him an Academy Award, as his harrowing performance captured the essence of a man marginalized by society. This origin story from comedy master Todd Phillips, who brought us gems like Road Trip, Old School, and the Hangover film series, provides a dark and unsettling look at the complexities of mental illness and societal neglect, challenging the our collective perception of a character traditionally viewed only as a villain. This Best Picture nominee’s bold story and stylistic choices create a stark, visceral experience that redefines superhero cinema.

Down with the King (2021)

Down with the King features a famous rapper, Mercury Maxwell, played by Freddie Gibbs, who seeks solace from his high-pressure career in the serene farmlands of Massachusetts. However, his escape from the music scene leads to unexpected self-reflection as he forms connections with the local residents. This introspective journey directed by Diego Ongaro challenges Mercury’s aspirations and desires, leading to profound questions about identity and fulfillment outside the fame that has defined him. Forget what you’d typically expect from a hood film and think more Lost in Translation set in the forest. This unique film beautifully contrasts the tranquility of rural life with the tumultuous inner world of a public figure at a crossroads, offering a thoughtful exploration of life beyond the spotlight.

Malignant (2021)

In Malignant, Madison is plagued by visions of gruesome murders—which she soon discovers are not just nightmares but terrifying realities. As these horrific premonitions begin to manifest physically, she is forced to confront her own past to unravel the connection between her visions and the violent acts they foretell. This horror thriller starring Annabelle Wallis takes audiences on a twisting journey that challenges the boundaries between illusion and reality, weaving a tale filled with suspense and shocking revelations. James Wan's as-expected innovative approach to the genre—which is frequently on display in his other films, like The Conjuring, Aquaman, and Insidious—keeps viewers enthralled and guessing up until one of the most unexpected plot twists in recent memory.

Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

Silver Linings Playbook narrates the life of Pat Solitano, portrayed by Bradley Cooper, who, after spending time in a mental institution, moves back in with his parents and tries to reconcile with his ex-wife. His life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Tiffany, played by Jennifer Lawrence, a young widow with her own troubled past. As they partner up for a dance competition, their friendship offers them both a chance to heal and find silver linings in their struggles. This film from the award-winning David O. Russell, who has made a name for himself with heralded films like Three Kings, The Fighter, and American Hustle, balances humor with the emotional weight of mental health issues, crafting a heartwarming story about the unpredictability of life and the importance of second chances.

Whiplash (2014)

Whiplash captures the intense dynamics between a promising young drummer and his formidable music instructor in an elite conservatory. Andrew Neiman, played by Miles Teller, aspires to greatness, but finds himself under the rigorous and sometimes brutal tutelage of Terence Fletcher, portrayed by J.K. Simmons (who won an Oscar for his unbelievably intense performance). Their relationship tests the limits of ambition, talent, and sanity, illustrating the sacrifices required for mastery in the arts. The film from Damien Chazelle, who created deeply adored experiences such as La La Land and Babylon, features pulsating jazz soundtrack and sharp editing style mirror the high stakes and pressure-filled environment, making it a compelling study of obsession and the pursuit of perfection in the competitive world of music.

The Meg (2018)

Almost every movie on this list can be appreciated for its emotionally enriching story and captivating characters. But sometimes...you just need a dumb movie after a long hard day. In steps The Meg, where the discovery of a massive prehistoric shark known as the Megalodon brings terror to the crew of an underwater research facility. Jason Statham stars as a deep-sea rescue diver tasked with stopping the monstrous creature before it can wreak havoc on the world. Combining science fiction with explosive action, this insane film from Jon Turteltaub, who gave us other goofy entertainers like the National Treasure films, delivers thrilling sequences as mortal humans confront this seemingly immortal ancient predator. With its high-stakes adventure and spectacular underwater scenes, The Meg offers a gripping tale of survival against a seemingly unstoppable force.

Every Movie Leaving Netflix in April 2024

Note: The dates mark your final days to watch these movies.

  • April 22: Perfume Imaginary Museum (2020); The Meg (2018); Train to Busan (2016)
  • April 24: Shepherds and Butchers (2016); Sniper: Assassin’s End (2020); Sniper: Ultimate Kill (2017); The Hateful Eight (2015)
  • April 25: Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016); Loving is Losing (2019); Njan Prakashan (2018)
  • April 26: Malignant (2021)
  • April 30: 13 Going on 30 (2004); 27 Dresses (2008); 30 Days of Night (2007); Above Suspicion (2019); Anger Management (2003); Annabelle (2014); Antz (1998); Apollo 13 (1995); Beethoven (1992); Bird on a Wire (1990); Cowboys & Aliens (2011); Desperado (1995); Down with the King (2021); Dumb and Dumber (1994); Einsatzgruppen: The Nazi Death Squads (Limited Series); Elvis (2022); Erin Brockovich (2000); Fletch (1985); Fried Green Tomatoes (1991); How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014); Igor (2008); Joker (2019); Jurassic Park (1993); Jurassic Park III (2001); Kindergarten Cop (1990); King Kong (2005); Legion (2010); Love & Basketball (2000); Mamma Mia! (2008); Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again! (2018); Margot at the Wedding (2007) Munafik 2 (2018); Parenthood (1989); Play Misty for Me (1971); Silver Linings Playbook (2012); Silverado (1985); Sincerely Yours, Dhaka (2018); Sixteen Candles (1984); Soul Surfer (2011); Step Brothers (2008); Sun Cry Moon (2019); Sur Sapata (2019); Tammy (2014); The ‘Burbs (1989); The Change-Up (2011); The First Purge (2018); The Flintstones (1994); The Florida Project (2017); The Glass Castle (2017); The Good Shepherd (2006); The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997); The Other Side of the Mountain (1975); The Purge: Election Year (2016); The Sting (1973); The Yeti Adventures (2018); Tom and Jerry (2021); Twins (1988); Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married Too? (2010); Underworld: Evolution (2006); Vanquish (2021); Warrior (2011); Whiplash (2014); Why Did I Get Married? (2007); Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008); Zoom: Academy for Superheroes (2006)

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