Netflix will soon bid farewell to a selection of titles, including the dystopian sci-fi film The 5th Wave, starring Chloë Grace Moretz. Subscribers have until February 1, 2026, to watch this action-packed thriller, which is based on the novel by Rick Yancey.
Directed by J Blakeson, The 5th Wave follows Cassie Sullivan, portrayed by Moretz, as she navigates an Earth devastated by an alien invasion. The narrative unfolds in a series of escalating attacks, with humanity on the brink of extinction. Cassie’s determination to protect her younger brother amidst this chaos drives the film’s tension and action.
Despite its intriguing premise and an ensemble cast that includes Nick Robinson, Ron Livingston, Maggie Siff, Maika Monroe, and Liev Schreiber, The 5th Wave struggled to resonate with critics and audiences alike. The film garnered a mere 17% score on the Tomatometer from Rotten Tomatoes, with audience feedback reflecting a slightly higher 38% Popcornmeter score.
Interestingly, the film performed well at the box office, grossing nearly $110 million worldwide against a reported budget of $38 million, according to Box Office Mojo. This financial success stands in stark contrast to its critical reception, highlighting the complexities of viewer expectations and market dynamics in the film industry.
As Netflix refreshes its library, fans of The 5th Wave will want to act quickly to catch this film before it departs. With its mixture of science fiction themes and action-packed sequences, it remains a notable entry in Moretz’s filmography, despite the mixed reviews.
