Movies Leaving Netflix
At the beginning of August 2025, Netflix is saying goodbye to several movies and series, including a fan-favorite action film that has generated mixed opinions over the years. If you enjoy action-packed films, you’ll want to catch this one before it leaves the platform.
Netflix already has some fantastic modern action movies in its lineup. Titles like Tom Hardy’s Havoc, the Old Guard franchise, David Fincher’s The Killer, and the recent hit Carry-On are all must-sees. However, the movie in question is a decade-old film that, although not highly acclaimed by critics, has developed a loyal following among action lovers.
A Cult Favorite
The movie features a familiar plot device: the "lone-wolf cop saves the President" scenario. Over the 2010s, a surprising number of films in this niche sub-genre hit theaters, with this one standing out as a strong contender alongside Gerard Butler’s Olympus Has Fallen. Critics may not have given it the thumbs up, and it didn’t perform well at the box office, but it’s definitely worth a watch before it exits Netflix for good.
The Film’s Background
Released in 2013, the movie was directed by the well-known action and disaster filmmaker Roland Emmerich, known for movies like Independence Day. The film features a star-studded cast, including Jamie Foxx, Channing Tatum, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Joey King, Jason Clarke, Richard Jenkins, and James Woods. Tatum plays John Cale, a police officer who has just been turned down for a job with the Secret Service. Things take a twist when he becomes the main protector of President Foxx during a brutal attack on the White House.
If you haven’t figured it out yet, the film is White House Down, and it is set to leave Netflix on August 1.
Critical Reception
Despite its interesting premise, White House Down didn’t impress critics when it originally came out. It holds a modest 52% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics pointed out its clichéd plot and predictable action sequences. However, viewers seemed to enjoy it more, giving it an audience score of 62%. As for box office numbers, the film made $205 million globally against a budget of approximately $150 million. While it wasn’t a complete flop, it didn’t reach the blockbuster success that many were hoping for.
Not a Game-Changer, But Fun
You might not walk away from White House Down feeling like you’ve just seen a masterpiece, but it delivers a solid amount of entertainment over its 131-minute runtime. In a world filled with lackluster action films, this movie offers a thrilling experience that is hard to ignore. Yes, the plot is somewhat generic and could use some depth, but what it lacks in storytelling, it compensates with intense action scenes.
A Guilty Pleasure
White House Down is the kind of action flick that falls into the "guilty pleasure" category, much like Jason Statham’s recent projects. It fits perfectly into the “men-saving-the-day” genre alongside its key competitor, Olympus Has Fallen. You won’t necessarily emerge from watching the film a transformed person, but it promises a heart-pounding two hours featuring two of Hollywood’s most engaging stars.
Final Thoughts
So, if you’re looking for something entertaining to watch before it disappears from Netflix, give White House Down a chance. It’s not going to win any awards, but it will keep you on the edge of your seat. Grab some popcorn, settle in, and enjoy the ride!
