6 shows/movies to watch right this second (before they leave Netflix in May 2022)

Although we get super excited when Netflix adds its fair share of new titles for us to watch on its streaming platform—Stranger Things, Bling Empire and A Perfect Pairing, to name a few—we are also saddened to know that with each new month comes a great deal of movies and shows Netflix will remove.

The removal of some of our favorite titles can be attributed to various reasons. Some are being added to other major streaming platforms, while others Netflix no longer has licensing rights to. No matter the reasons, saying farewell to these titles is never easy, which is why, before they do leave, we want to tell you which shows and movies to stream on Netflix before they take their final bow.

Shows and movies leaving Netflix in May 2022

Nothing says “you snooze, you lose” more than waiting until the final minute to watch your favorite title. We want to help you avoid that. Here are the 6 shows and movies you should watch right this second before they leave on May 31.

Downton Abbey

Unlike The Crown, Bridgerton, and Black Mirror (kind of), Downton Abbey is an English drama that isn’t permanently staying on Netflix.

Seasons 1 through 6 of the series are being removed from the site and will now only be available to watch on sites like Amazon Prime Video and Peacock. That means Netflix subscribers won’t be able to shake their fists at Daisy Parker, Nanny West, Mr. Green, Sarah Bunting, Charles Carson, and the rest of the seriously annoying Downton Abbey characters after this month. Though, that’s a win in our book.

We may have to get our tantalizing tea and our raunchy scandals elsewhere very soon. But for now, we still have time to binge-watch the series before it leaves. You should especially do this if you’re planning on watching Downton Abbey: A New Era in theaters this weekend.

See the trailer for the newly released film right here.

Hairspray

Hairspray is the iconic film that made us realize three things: 1. Zac Efron looks stunning with his hair gelled down, 2. Amanda Bynes and Queen Latifah are faces we will never get tired of seeing on our screens, and 3. you absolutely, positively cannot stop the beat.

This title will always be such a fun, feel-good musical to watch whether you’re feeling down or if you just want to watch something quirky with your friends and family. Perhaps a stern tweet to Netflix will allow this cheerful movie to see another day. If not, we’re perfectly fine with playing “Big, Blonde and Beautiful” on repeat until the site fulfills our desires.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

If it weren’t for this childhood classic, we would have never known super-powered turtles lived in sewers, so it definitely hurts to have to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles leave Netflix.

When we were kids, we looked up to Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael. After all, they managed to make fighting the bad guys look super cool to us. On top of that, they had a dope master who taught them all their ninja moves. And who could forget all the yummy-looking pizzas they would eat after a hard day of work? (You’re lying if you say you didn’t want a slice, too!)

Anyone who was anyone watched every single installment of this franchise with a smile on their face because it was that awesome. It truly does suck to see it go.

I Know What You Did Last Summer

I Know What You Did Last Summer is the perfect horror film to put on if you’re trying to teach someone why it’s not okay to tell tall stories… or why you should try not to accidentally kill someone while you’re out with your friends.

Both this film, and its sequel, have become staples in the world of horror because of their ability to fill our heads with racing thoughts. On one hand, you feel bad for the poor teens who made a mistake they can’t erase, yet believe they should’ve just come clean from the get-go.

On the other hand, you understand the killer is hunting them down to get even, but wonder why he can’t put this effort into a job or something. And then, on your invisible third hand, you’re wondering how these kids aren’t able to run fast enough even though their bodies are in their prime.

If you want a thriller to watch this weekend with friends, this is definitely the way to go. However, it’s probably best to leave your thinking caps in the kitchen if you do tune in.

Zoolander

Whether you know every line like the back of your hand or only know of some lines because of Tumblr memes, Zoolander is a hilarious film that everyone knows and loves.

Despite it being over 20 years since the film was released in theaters, the 2001 movie simply never gets old. From its inclusion of some of the most outrageous wigs we’ve ever seen to the many ridiculous outfits worn by even more ridiculous characters, audiences appreciated how this film didn’t take itself too seriously. And that’s exactly why its legacy isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. We can’t wait for our future generations to see the cultural shift that was Owen Wilson taking off his underwear without ever taking off his pants.

Top Gun

Top Gun is yet another classic we have to say goodbye to, which stinks because who else but Tom Cruise is going to teach us how to look suave while wearing military clothes?

Apart from having one of the best soundtracks in film history, the 1986 film was adored by audiences because of its jaw-dropping visuals, riveting story, and, of course, its ability to motivate anyone to be the very best at what they do even if others don’t believe they have what it takes. What’s more, the film made plenty of people want to become pilots, so it’s safe you should stream Top Gun this weekend if you’re trying to convince your kids to be in the airline industry.

Perhaps you can’t watch the 1986 film before it departs from Netflix. If so, no worries because you can watch its long-awaited sequel in films next week. Until then, check out the trailer for Top Gun: Maverick below.

Without a doubt, this has to be amongst the most heartbreaking month of removals we’ve experienced thus far. If you feel the same way, then hurry over to Netflix to begin watching all of these great titles!