Netflix Says Goodbye to 1 of the Greatest Gangster Movies of All Time

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At the beginning of the new year, Netflix will no longer have one of the greatest gangster movies ever made. The film starring Al Pacino is being taken off the platform.

Fans of the classic film Scarface have until January 1, 2026, to watch it on Netflix. The movie, originally released in 1983, stars Al Pacino as Tony Montana, a Cuban refugee who rises to become a powerful drug lord. The cast also includes Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer, Robert Loggia, and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio.

When Scarface was first released in the 1980s, it received criticism for its intense violence, strong language, and depiction of drug use. However, the film has since become a beloved classic and is now considered one of the greatest gangster movies ever made, largely because of its bold and unflinching portrayal of the dark side of achieving the American Dream.

The movie Scarface remains hugely popular, with its famous lines, like ‘Say hello to my little friend!’, appearing frequently in movies, TV shows, comics, and video games. It’s also deeply influenced hip hop music, with artists like Nas, Future, and Nicki Minaj often referencing the film or crediting it as a major inspiration.

Scarface remains a highly popular gangster film, according to Rotten Tomatoes. Critics give it a ‘Certified Fresh’ rating with a score of 79% based on over 80 reviews. However, audiences love it even more, giving the film a 93% rating from more than 250,000 reviews.

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes generally loved the film, particularly praising director Brian De Palma’s creative approach. One review describes it as a visually striking and intensely violent gangster movie starring Al Pacino, which expertly balances a serious moral story with over-the-top action and memorable lines.

Luca Guadagnino Signed on For a Proposed Scarface Remake

Given the popularity of Scarface, a Hollywood remake feels likely. Universal Pictures started developing a new take on the story back in 2011, intending it to be inspired by the original’s themes of the American Dream, but not a direct sequel or remake. However, the project has faced delays and hasn’t progressed much since.

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Originally, rumors suggested the Coen Brothers were writing the screenplay, but the project has struggled to find a consistent director. Antoine Fuqua (known for Olympus Has Fallen) was involved in 2016, but left twice – once in 2017 and again in 2020 after briefly rejoining. Most recently, in 2020, Luca Guadagnino (Challengers, Queer) was slated to direct their script. However, there haven’t been any new developments in the five years since.

Al Pacino’s Scarface will leave Netflix on Jan. 1, 2026.

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2025-12-28 21:13