A classic crime caper film, starring Robert Redford and Paul Newman, is set to exit Netflix soon. The celebrated 1973 film remains one of Hollywood’s most loved con-artist stories and has long been a favorite among fans of classic cinema.
The Sting leaves Netflix in April
Fans who want to revisit the classic con-artist story should plan a watch soon. The Sting is scheduled to leave Netflix on April 1 as part of the platform’s regular licensing rotation.
Streaming services often remove titles when distribution agreements expire or when studios decide to move films to other platforms or libraries. That means viewers only have a limited window left to catch the film before it disappears from the catalog.
Released in 1973, the movie follows two professional con artists who team up for an elaborate revenge scheme against a powerful crime boss. Redford plays Johnny Hooker, a small-time grifter seeking payback after a partner is killed. He joins forces with veteran con man Henry Gondorff, played by Newman, to run a complicated scam targeting mob boss Doyle Lonnegan, portrayed by Robert Shaw. The story unfolds in the 1930s and blends crime, humor, and suspense as the pair carefully sets up their massive swindle.
The film came from director George Roy Hill and written by David S. Ward. Produced by Universal Pictures alongside Zanuck/Brown Productions, the movie was made on a relatively low budget of about $5.5 million. Despite the small budget, it became a massive box-office success. The film earned roughly $156 million in North America and more than $257 million worldwide (via Box Office Mojo). This made it one of the biggest hits of its time.
Critics and audiences have continued to praise the movie decades after its release. On IMDb, the film holds a strong rating of 8.2 out of 10 from viewers. The clever script, charming performances, and memorable ragtime soundtrack helped it stand out among crime movies of the era. The film also won several Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
