Netflix is set to remove several titles next month, including the dystopian sci-fi film The 5th Wave, featuring Chloë Grace Moretz in the lead role. Subscribers will have until February 1, 2026 to watch the movie before it exits the platform.
Released in 2016, The 5th Wave is an adaptation of Rick Yancey’s 2013 novel. Directed by J Blakeson, the film follows high school student Cassie Sullivan, portrayed by Moretz, as she navigates a world ravaged by an alien invasion. The narrative unfolds through Cassie’s determination to protect her younger brother amid escalating extraterrestrial threats.
Despite its intriguing premise, The 5th Wave struggled to gain critical acclaim. The film received a mere 17% rating on the Tomatometer from Rotten Tomatoes, while audience ratings reflected a slightly improved score of 38%. Critics largely dismissed the film for its execution, which failed to resonate with viewers at the time of release.
Nonetheless, The 5th Wave performed well at the box office, grossing nearly $110 million worldwide against a budget of $38 million, according to Box Office Mojo. The film’s success at the box office highlights a disparity between financial performance and critical reception, a phenomenon often observed in the entertainment industry.
The supporting cast features notable actors such as Nick Robinson, Ron Livingston, Maggie Siff, Maika Monroe, Liev Schreiber, Tony Revolori, Talitha Bateman, Nadji Jeter, and Zackary Arthur. Their performances contributed to the film’s overall narrative, although the reception remained lukewarm.
As Netflix continues to evolve its content offerings, the departure of The 5th Wave serves as a reminder for subscribers to revisit films before they leave the platform. Fans of Moretz and dystopian cinema may wish to catch this film before it becomes unavailable on Netflix.