Some of the best movies on Netflix are leaving the platform soon. Every month, the streaming service rotates its catalog by adding thrillers and romantic comedies. From the newest releases to classic films, the list is long. But that also means some popular titles have to make way. 

This August, several acclaimed movies and longtime fan favorites are set to leave Netflix. So, now is the time to watch or rewatch these films. So, here are the must-watch movies to stream before the month ends and they disappear from the platform.

One of the first films in the line-up is a biographical crime drama, American Gangster. Loosely based on a real gangster, the movie follows Frank Lucas, a Harlem d*** kingpin who builds a massive empire by smuggling d**** to the United States during the Vietnam War. However, his work is interrupted when Detective Richie Roberts begins tracking him.

And that begins the cat-and-mouse game. Directed by Ridley Scott and written by Steven Zaillian, the movie features a star-studded cast showing brilliant performances that make the story even more intriguing. Denzel Washington played the role of Frank Lucas while Russell Crowe starred as Richie Roberts. John Ortiz, Josh Brolin, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Ted Levine, Lymari Nadal, Cuba Gooding Jr., Armand Assante, Josh Brolin, John Hawkes, and RZA also star in the film.

Ex Machina has one of the most shocking and unexpected endings, which leaves viewers wanting more. The film follows a young programmer, Caleb, who is invited to the secluded home of his billionaire CEO to test an advanced humanoid AI named Ava. As he grows emotionally attached to her, he decides to help her escape. 

However, things did not go as Caleb planned, leading to a chilling and unforgettable ending. In Alex Garland's directorial debut, Domhnall Gleeson, Alicia Vikander, and Oscar Isaac showed terrific performances. Garland, who also wrote the screenplay, earned much acclaim and multiple award nominations for his original script.

Atonement is one of the most heartbreaking and timeless movies ever made. Set in 1935 England, the film follows a young girl named Briony, whose misunderstanding leads her to falsely accuse her sister Cecilia's lover, Robbie, of a terrible crime. Her mistake places the couple apart and sets off devastating consequences that haunt all three of them for decades. Based on Ian McEwan's acclaimed 2001 novel, the film stars James McAvoy, Keira Knightley, Saoirse Ronan, and Romola Garai.

The movie won the Academy Award for Best Original Score and received six other Oscar nominations, including Best Picture. It is a must-watch for its powerful story about love, guilt, and how a single lie can alter lives forever.

Directed by Mel Gibson, Hacksaw Ridge is a biographical war film that follows Desmond Doss, a devout Christian and U.S. Army medic who enlists to serve in World War II. However, when he refuses to carry or use a weapon because of his faith, Doss faces ridicule and punishment from his fellow soldiers before proving his extraordinary courage on the battlefield. Based on the 2004 documentary The Conscientious Objector, the film was written by Andrew Knight and Robert Schenkkan.

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Andrew Garfield shows an extraordinary performance as Private Desmond Doss, while Sam Worthington stars as Captain Jack Glover and Luke Bracey plays Private "Smitty" Ryker. The cast also includes Teresa Palmer, Rachel Griffiths, Vince Vaughn, Ryan Corr, Hugo Weaving, and Richard Roxburgh.

Chef brings together a star-studded cast including Jon Favreau, Sofía Vergara, Scarlett Johansson, John Leguizamo, Oliver Platt, Bobby Cannavale, and Amy Sedaris. Robert Downey Jr. also makes a cameo appearance in the movie. The film follows talented chef Carl Casper, who quits his restaurant and launches a food truck with his young son and best friend.

Their cross-country journey helps Carl rediscover his passion for cooking, strengthen his bond with his son, and find a new purpose in life. Favreau not only stars as Carl but also directed the film. 

Another fascinating movie from the lineup and perhaps one of the best romantic comedies on Netflix is There's Something About Mary, directed by the Farrelly brothers. The film follows Ted Stroehmann, a man who reconnects with his high school crush, Mary, years after a disastrous prom night kept them apart. Determined to win her back, Ted travels to Miami, only to discover that several obsessive men, including the private investigator he hired to find her, are also competing for her affection.

Amid chaos and misunderstandings, Ted must prove that his love for Mary is genuine before he loses her forever. Cameron Diaz stars as Mary, while Ben Stiller plays Ted. Matt Dillon and Lee Evans also appear in key roles.

Tootsie is perhaps one of the most intriguing films in the lineup, thanks to its unique storyline and performances. The story follows Michael Dorsey, a struggling actor who disguises himself as a woman named Dorothy Michaels to land a role on a popular soap opera. As Dorothy, he unexpectedly becomes a television sensation. However, things become complicated when Michael falls for his co-star while trying to maintain his fake identity.

Along the way, he begins to understand the challenges women face. Directed by Sydney Pollack, the romantic comedy stars Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Lange, and Teri Garr. So, before Netflix refreshes its catalog again, these unforgettable movies are a must-add to the watchlist.

Have you watched any of these films? Let us know in the comments.