Netflix Quietly Removing Iconic Baseball Movie Weeks Before Its Major MLB Event

Netflix is removing the 1989 classic sports film Field of Dreams from its platform next month - despite hosting an MLB (Major League Baseball) event at the real-life field of dreams in August.

The Kevin Costner-led film built a ballpark for the production in Dubuque County, Iowa, which has since become a tourist hotspot in the 37 years after the film's premiere. Although this is a standard removal of licensed film, which is commonplace with Netflix and its streaming deals, Netflix will be playing host at the iconic film location just weeks after its removal.

The sports drama, based on the novel Shoeless Joe by W.P. Kinsella, follows an Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella (played by Costner) who is driven to build a baseball diamond in a cornfield, guided by mysterious voices. As his odd quest progresses, Ray learns to come to terms with the loss of his father.

One of the most beloved movies of its era, as well as one of the most iconic sports movies, was nominated for three Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Original Score, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Making over five times its original budget, the sentimental classic was later selected for preservation within the Library of Congress, proving itself a hit with critics and audiences alike.

As part of its ongoing deal with MLB, the streaming giant has been broadcasting live baseball events. The Field of Dreams game, set to take place and simultaneously stream on the platform, will take place on August 13, where The Minnesota Twins will face the Philadelphia Phillies.

Field of Dreams is scheduled for removal on July 1 on Netflix U.S., although this may differ in some territories. However, in the lead-up to the new month, the streaming service may elect to renew the film's license or postpone its removal, in keeping with the new tie-in event.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

2026 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.

This story was originally published June 19, 2026 at 6:56 AM.