Netflix '80s Fix: Fletch Can't Buy Me A Top Secret Reading Rainbow

August is definitely a downgrade from July's Fix with Netflix only releasing a handful of new '80s films. A couple TV favorites will also be leaving in August so watch while you can. All 7 seasons of Family Ties is scheduled to leave on August 15 and at the end of the month, we'll also be losing the 24 episodes of Spider-man and His Amazing Friends.

The '80s Pop Twenty countdown returns with a look at what's popular on streaming and check out my "Just Missed" selection of a new addition that just missed the '80s. Time to get your fix!

Fletch (1985)

Rated PG Add to queue

Chevy Chase stars as investigative reporter Fletch, who unearths an exclusive story after he's offered a large sum to off a terminally ill man.

I can't say it's my favorite Chevy Chase film, but this is one of his classic comedic performances. He's been quoted as saying it's his personal favorite role from his acting career.

Can't Buy Me Love (1987)

Rated PG-13 Add to queue

Tired of being an outcast, a nerdy teen offers his life savings of $1,000 to the most popular girl in school in exchange for dating him for a month.

In the wake of sad news just last month that Amanda Peterson passed away, I will be adding this to my queue. I don't ever remember watching it and upon discussing the recent news with my wife, she was very surprised I hadn't remembered seeing it. Sounds like a need to make couch date.

Top Secret! (1984)

Rated PG Add to queue

Scheduled to perform in East Germany, an American pop idol is caught in international intrigue in this zany spy spoof from the creators of Airplane!.

I know I've had this movie in my queue for a long time. I never did get around to watch it, but now that it's back, I really need to revisit. Vaguely remember it being on cable, but it's definitely been more than a decade since I've seen it.

Reading Rainbow Vol. 1 (1983)

Rated TV-Y Add to queue

In this long-running favorite, host LeVar Burton visits people and places featured in books read by famous names from Martin Short to Maya Angelou.

Reading Rainbow was a staple of PBS programming that I grew up with. When I became a little too old for Sesame Street and Mister Roger's Neighborhood, Reading Rainbow and Square One TV took over. Looking forward to introducing my kids to this show.

New adds this month also include the Western drama Windwalker from 1980. A couple films added in late July include action film Martial Arts of Shaolin and the animated tale The Last Unicorn.

'80s Pop Twenty
Here are the 20 most popular '80s movies and shows currently available on Netflix and their location on the previous month's countdown. Not much movement at the top. Biggest jump was This Is Spinal Tap with two new entrants to the countdown.

• 1. Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (14th consecutive month)
• 2. Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (no change)
• 3. Ferris Bueller's Day Off (no change)
• 4. The Thin Blue Line (no change)
• 5. Day of the Dead (+1)
• 6. Trading Places (+1)
• 7. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (+1)
• 8. The Cook, Thief, His Wife and Her Lover (+1)
• 9. Heathers (+1)
• 10. Labyrinth (+1)
• 11. The Fox and the Hound (+1)
• 12. Stand By Me (+1)
• 13. The Dark Crystal (+1)
• 14. The Lost Boys (+2)
• 15. The Killer (+2)
• 16. Eddie Murphy: Delirious (+2)
• 17. This Is Spinal Tap (+3)
• 18. Planes, Trains, & Automobiles (+1)
• 19. The Verdict (new)
• 20. The Great Mouse Detective (new)

Removed from Netflix was Manhunter and The Blues Brothers.

Just missed...
Here's a movie that just missed the '80s that is newly available.

The Doors (1991)
Rated R Add to queue
Oliver Stone's biopic chronicles Jim Morrison's rise from obscurity to the pinnacle of fame with the Doors, culminating in his tragic final days.

The Doors is quite a marathon as is most of Oliver Stone's movies but if you're a music fan, it's an interesting look into the dark side of the '60s rock n' roll scene. If you haven't seen it, check it out.

If you've missed last month's fix, visit the Netflix '80s Fix archive. Most featured titles should still be available to stream. Also, feel free to comment with any movies or shows you've recently rediscovered.

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