As February 2026 approaches, Netflix’s rotating licensing deals mean several standout films and specials are set to exit. If you’re planning your watchlist for the final days of January and the start of February, these are the titles worth prioritising before they disappear—some potentially for a long time.
Below is a curated list of the most notable departures, along with why each one deserves a spot in your queue right now.
The Terminator (1984)
Leaving: February 1
Few films have left a mark on pop culture quite like The Terminator. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s relentless cyborg assassin remains one of cinema’s most iconic villains, anchoring a film that blends sci-fi, action, and dystopian paranoia with remarkable efficiency.
Set in a future threatened by artificial intelligence, the story sends a killer machine back to 1980s Los Angeles to prevent the birth of humanity’s future resistance leader. While the sequel is often hailed as the pinnacle of the franchise, the original still holds up as a lean, suspenseful classic—and it’s about to leave Netflix on its own, without the rest of the series.
Parasite (2019)
Leaving: February 1
Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite isn’t just an Oscar winner—it’s a cultural moment. The film made history with its Best Picture win and continues to be praised for its sharp social commentary, genre shifts, and unforgettable twists.
The story follows a working-class family who slowly infiltrate the lives of a wealthy household, only for their carefully constructed scheme to unravel in unexpected ways. Darkly funny, tense, and emotionally devastating, Parasite remains essential viewing and won’t be on Netflix much longer.
The Water Horse (2007)
Leaving: February 1
This quietly beautiful fantasy film is a reminder of a time when family movies leaned into wonder without irony. Set in wartime Scotland, The Water Horse tells the story of a lonely boy who discovers an unusual egg that hatches into a creature destined to become the Loch Ness Monster.
With visual effects by Weta Digital and strong performances from Emily Watson and Brian Cox, the film balances childhood imagination with the emotional weight of its historical setting. It’s an underrated gem that’s easy to miss—but worth catching before it slips away.
Wick Is Pain (2025)
Leaving: February 1
This behind-the-scenes documentary explores the making and impact of the John Wick franchise, offering rare insight into how the films’ signature action style came together. Featuring interviews with Keanu Reeves and director Chad Stahelski, it highlights the meticulous choreography and creative discipline behind the series’ success.
You don’t need to be a superfan to appreciate the craftsmanship on display, making this a solid pick for anyone curious about modern action filmmaking.
28 Days Later (2002)
Leaving: February 1
Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later helped redefine post-apocalyptic horror for a new generation. Following a man who awakens from a coma to find Britain devastated by a mysterious outbreak, the film blends raw intensity with bleak atmosphere.
While its early digital cinematography shows its age, the performances—particularly from Cillian Murphy—still resonate. With renewed interest in the franchise thanks to recent releases, this is a good moment to revisit where it all began.
Groundhog Day (1993)
Leaving: February 1
In a particularly ironic twist, Groundhog Day leaves Netflix just one day before its namesake holiday. Bill Murray stars as a cynical weatherman trapped in a time loop, forced to relive the same day over and over again.
What begins as a high-concept comedy evolves into something deeper, exploring personal growth, empathy, and redemption. Decades later, it remains endlessly rewatchable—and still one of the best uses of a time-loop premise ever put on screen.
FireAid Benefit Concert (2025)
Leaving: January 30
This nearly six-hour benefit concert was organized in response to the devastating Los Angeles fires of early 2025. Featuring performances from Billie Eilish, Green Day, Lady Gaga, P!nk, and a special Nirvana reunion, it stands as both a fundraising effort and a historical snapshot of a moment when the music industry came together for a cause.
While the concert will no longer be available on Netflix, it is expected to remain accessible on YouTube.
If any of these titles have been sitting on your watchlist, now is the time to hit play. February’s licensing rotation removes a mix of classics, modern masterpieces, and unique one-off specials—and once they’re gone, there’s no guarantee when (or if) they’ll return.
