Netflix removes blockbuster franchises and beloved classics from its streaming library across South Africa and beyond in August update

If you’ve been putting off rewatching some of your comfort flicks on Netflix, now might be the time to hit play.

The streaming giant is doing another round of movie and TV show clearouts this August, and it’s saying goodbye to some seriously big titles — including Shrek, Final Destination, and Fifty Shades of Grey. Yep, that’s right.

Some of your all-time favourites are about to vanish from your watchlist.

From Animated Icons to Steamy Dramas: What’s Leaving?

It’s not just one genre taking a hit — this clearout touches everything from cult horrors and romantic dramas to beloved family animations.

According to the update, Netflix is pulling the plug on several blockbuster franchises, including the full Fifty Shades trilogy, the original Final Destination series, and the cheeky, ogre-packed fun of Shrek.

If that wasn’t enough, animated films like Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and The Nut Job 2, along with popular titles like Think Like a Man and White House Down, are also packing their bags.

You’ve Got Time — But Not Much

Thankfully, Netflix isn’t yanking these off the platform overnight.

Most of these shows and films will be removed starting August 1 through August 12, 2025, so you’ve still got a bit of a buffer to catch up or rewatch your favourites one last time.

Here’s the Day-by-Day Breakdown of What’s Going

Leaving August 1, 2025:

• Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy (2015–2018)

• Shrek the Third (notably absent but fans will notice its absence)

• Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

• The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature

• Think Like a Man

• White House Down

• Plus many international dramas and animations like Masha and the Bear and The Nightingale

August 2–4, 2025:

• Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons

• Final Destination series (2000–2011)

• Shaka Inkosi YamaKhosi

• The Set Up

• Never Give Up

August 5–7, 2025:

• ’71, Lockdown, Love Is War, Nairobby

• Norbit, DC League of Super-Pets, Sugar Rush

• A History of Violence, Gods of Egypt, Demolition Man

August 8–10, 2025:

• Filip, Nimbe, Deep Blue

• Peter Rabbit, Merry Men 2

• American Psycho, Chef, Coming from Insanity

• The Hunger Games full saga

• What to Expect When You’re Expecting

August 11–12, 2025:

• The Vendor

• Greenleaf

Don’t Say We Didn’t Warn You

Whether you’re into fantasy, thrillers, rom-coms, or family fun, chances are at least one title on this list is close to your heart.

So, if you’re planning a weekend binge session or just want to give a favourite movie one last go, you’ve got until mid-August before many of these disappear.

Want to Share a Story or a Tip?

If you’ve got a scoop, an insider Netflix story, or even a theory about why certain films are being axed, you can email tips@dailymail.com — they’re all ears.

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