Every month movies and TV shows are put onto and taken off of Netflix. April is no different.

Make sure to catch these films before they are gone.

10. “Half-Baked” (1998) Leaving April 20

Removing a movie about smoking pot on April 20, kudos Netflix.

I’ll admit that “Half-Baked” is by no means a perfect film; it’s not even that great of a movie. But you could do a lot worse when looking for a dumb comedy to put on and not think about.

This movie has the legendary Dave Chappelle in an early starring role, and even showcases his and writing partner Neal Brennan’s skills before “Chappelle’s Show” came along.

9. “Bandslam” (2009) Leaving April 1

As you will probably see throughout this list, Netflix isn’t losing a lot of classics.

This movie tends to use a lot of clichés that litter the coming-of-age genre. But “Bandslam” has enough heart to push it past a lot of the early 2000s attempts at replicating John Hughes’ films.

The high school stereotypes in this movie are relatable and don’t pander too dramatically to its teenage audience.  

8. “The Rundown” (2003) Leaving April 1

I talked about this film in last week’s “10 Gems to Watch on Netflix” list, so I won’t go too far into this Peter Berg early 2000s action flick.

This is an entertaining movie for those who grew up watching “Lethal Weapon” and “Commando,” along with hitting average movie going audiences.

“The Rundown,” while not the most intellectually challenging movie, is a film that can be described as fun, thrilling and exciting.

7. “Hook” (1991) Leaving April 1

“Hook,” like a lot of films on this list, is not really that great of a movie. But it’s a film worth looking back on for nostalgic purposes and to remember the late Robin Williams.

This “sequel” to Peter Pan hinges heavily on the performances of Williams and Dustin Hoffman as the titular Captain Hook. Both actors bring their A-game to this lackluster film, making it slightly enjoyable.

The movie would make a good double feature with “Good Will Hunting” for a Netflix retrospective of William’s career.    

6. “Leon: The Professional” (1994) Leaving April 1

This Jean Reno-led film is one of the most underrated action films of all time.

It is a film that while talked about, it seems very few people have actually seen. It is not only the big starting point for director Luc Besson and Natalie Portman, but also manages to do what few action flicks can — grab you emotionally while you admire the badass action set-pieces.

“Leon: The Professional” is a must see for any fan of the action movie genre and lover of film.

5. “Lord of War” (2005) Leaving April 17

“Lord of War” falls into the shallow category of good Nicolas Cage films.

While it’s no “Adaptation” or “Leaving Las Vegas,” it does provide a Cage performance that will remind you why he has an Oscar for Best Actor.

The movie, like many politically charged films, fails to fully hit the severity of its topic, but hits a lot of the broad strokes well. An amazing sense of dark humor and a brilliant opening sequence make this worth a watch. 

4. “Starship Troopers” (1997) Leaving April 1

This sci-fi cult classic successfully mixes dark humor with soul-crushing drama.

“Starship Troopers” serves as an amazing war tale. It successfully touches upon topics and ideas, like war-time propaganda and sending young men to battle, still talked about today.

It does all that, while providing a spectacular science-fiction masterpiece any movie fan could fall in love with.   

3. “Pride and Prejudice” (2005) Leaving April 1

Most of the time when people think of a successful Keira Knightley performance or beautifully crafted Jane Austen adaptation, this is the movie people think of.

“Pride and Prejudice” has become a common Valentine’s Day movie, but is way more brilliant than any trashy romantic flick.

It accurately captures the wonder of period pieces and presents a love story that feels real and important. 

2. “Let the Right One In” (2008) Leaving April 10

It may seem a bit pretentious to choose a foreign film as the No. 2 pick, but ask any horror fan, “Let the Right One In” is one of the best horror films of the 2000s and a frightening vampire tale.

The film captures all the major themes of the vampire monster, power and sexuality, and a coming-of-age movie, insecurity and being overlooked . It shows a young couple who you will care about all the way through.

By the time the film is over with, you will feel broken down and depressed, but in a good way.

1. “Hotel Rwanda” (2004) Leaving April 1

Speaking of feeling broken down and depressed, “Hotel Rwanda” will make you feel like a hollow shell of a person. A movie making you feel this way is a sign of a well-made film.

The film is painful and harrowing, talking about a topic — Rwandan genocide — people don’t bring up a lot. It also has a career-changing performance from Don Cheadle and a memorable performance from Nick Nolte.

Very few films capture the feeling of such tragedy like this one.

Jacob Pierce can be reached at [email protected] or 618-536-3325.