Netflix subscribers have less than two weeks to watch the dystopian sci-fi film The 5th Wave, starring Chloë Grace Moretz. The movie will officially leave the streaming platform on February 1, 2026, as part of a larger rotation of titles. Fans of the film, based on Rick Yancey‘s 2013 novel, are expressing disappointment over its upcoming departure.
Directed by J Blakeson, The 5th Wave follows the story of Cassie Sullivan, portrayed by Moretz, who navigates a world ravaged by an alien invasion. The film depicts a series of catastrophic events, known as “waves,” that lead to significant destruction on Earth. As the extraterrestrial threat intensifies with a fifth wave aimed at eradicating humanity, Cassie embarks on a perilous journey to protect her younger brother.
Despite its star-studded cast, which includes Nick Robinson, Ron Livingston, Maggie Siff, and Liev Schreiber, The 5th Wave received a lukewarm reception from both audiences and critics. The film garnered a mere 17% score on the Tomatometer from Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting the critical consensus that it fell short of expectations. The audience score was slightly higher at 38%, indicating a mixed response among viewers.
Financially, the film performed relatively well at the box office, grossing nearly $110 million worldwide against a production budget of $38 million, according to Box Office Mojo. This commercial success, despite its critical shortcomings, highlights the film’s appeal to a certain demographic of sci-fi enthusiasts.
As Netflix continues to refresh its library, subscribers are encouraged to watch The 5th Wave before it is removed. The film, while not universally acclaimed, remains a notable entry in the genre, particularly for fans of Moretz’s work.
