Denzel Washington has had a career full of iconic roles, but one of his most intriguing—and often overlooked—thrillers is about to vanish from Netflix. Fallen, the 1998 supernatural crime drama, will be removed from the streaming service in September 2026. If you've never seen it, now's your chance to catch this forgotten gem before it's gone.
Directed by Gregory Hoblit, who was fresh off the success of Primal Fear, Fallen follows a Philadelphia detective investigating a series of murders that eerily mirror the crimes of an executed serial killer. Washington stars alongside John Goodman, Donald Sutherland, and Elias Koteas, delivering a performance that blends his signature intensity with a touch of the supernatural.
The film was conceived as a spiritual successor to David Fincher's Se7en, a movie Washington famously turned down—a decision he later regretted. In fact, Fallen was the first of three Washington films that tried to capture the dark, gritty essence of Fincher's classic. The others, The Bone Collector (1999) and The Little Things (2021), also explore similar themes of crime and obsession.
Despite its ambitious premise and strong cast, Fallen didn't fare well at the box office. With a budget of over $45 million, it grossed only around $25 million worldwide. Critics were lukewarm, and it currently holds a 43% score on Rotten Tomatoes. But that hasn't stopped it from gaining a cult following over the years, with many praising its twisty plot and atmospheric direction.
For those who enjoy crime thrillers with a supernatural twist, Fallen is a must-watch. It's a film that asks big questions about good versus evil, and Washington's performance is a reminder of why he's one of Hollywood's most respected actors. If you're a fan of his work or just love a good mystery, this is worth adding to your queue before it disappears.
If you're looking for more Washington thrillers, The Little Things is currently streaming on HBO Max, while The Bone Collector can be found on Starz. And if you're in the mood for other supernatural horror gems, check out our list of hidden horror gems on Netflix.
As September approaches, be sure to mark your calendars. Fallen is leaving Netflix on August 31, so you have just a few weeks to experience this underrated thriller. Don't let it slip away.
For more updates on what's leaving and arriving on streaming platforms, stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot. And if you're a fan of crime dramas, you might also enjoy our roundup of compact detective series that deliver in under 20 episodes.
