Watch ‘The Addams Family’ before it leaves Netflix this week
They live in a mansion filled with cobwebs, delight in the disturbing, and love each other fiercely. Now, they are disappearing from Netflix. The 1991 live-action film The Addams Family is set to leave Netflix on July 5. It is not just another departure from the platform; it is the exit of a gothic masterpiece that helped define a generation’s sense of humour, style, and cinematic rebellion.
Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld and adapted from Charles Addams’ classic cartoons, this version brought the eccentric family to life in the most visually stunning and emotionally rich way. The Addams Family was dark without being grim, funny without trying too hard, and strange in all the right ways. It embraced what other films at the time avoided: imperfection, absurdity, and unapologetic weirdness.
At the heart of the film is its unforgettable cast. Raúl Juliá as Gomez is magnetic, blending romantic passion with manic charm. Anjelica Huston’s Morticia is grace, draped in black silk, floating through scenes with haunting elegance. And then there is Christina Ricci, who turned Wednesday Addams into a generational icon. Her deadpan delivery, quiet menace, and wide-eyed disapproval of everything cheerful gave the film a sharp, comedic edge.
The plot revolves around a man pretending to be Uncle Fester in order to steal the Addams’ fortune. But the real joy comes from the family’s everyday strangeness. Morticia cuts roses off their stems and keeps the thorns. Pugsley and Wednesday treat electric chairs like swing sets. Even the house itself feels alive, as if it is watching every scene with amused detachment.
Everything in the film is beautifully stylised. The Addams mansion is equal parts haunted house and art installation. The lighting, costume design, and set pieces all lean into the gothic tone, creating an atmosphere that feels rich, theatrical, and immersive. You do not just watch The Addams Family; you step into their world.
Beyond its aesthetic, the film carries a message that still resonates. The Addamses are different, and they are proud of it, never asking for approval. In a culture that often pressures people to conform, they are a rebellious breath of fresh air. Their love is strange but sincere, their loyalty is fierce, and their parenting is unconventional but full of trust and honesty.
This spirit is exactly what helped the film achieve cult status. It did not rely on jump scares or forced sentiment. It built its legacy on mood, wit, and authenticity, paving the way for many strange stories that came after.
One of those stories is Netflix’s Wednesday, which reimagines the youngest Addams as a supernatural sleuth at a boarding school. Jenna Ortega gives a brilliant performance, but it is impossible to watch her Wednesday without remembering Ricci’s version. The DNA of that 1991 film runs through every scene, from the costume choices to the dead-eyed glares; the influence is always clear.
With The Addams Family leaving Netflix, now is the perfect time to revisit this dark little gem. Whether you are watching it for the first time or the 50th, it is a reminder of how beautiful strangeness can be. It is a love letter to the weird, the misunderstood, and the theatrical.
So light a few candles, open the creaky old door, and step back into the mansion. Because once the Addams leave your screen, it might be a while before they knock again.