An impossible number of incidents remain a constant disappointment in life, from poor grades to failed relationships. Moreover, the discovery that a favorite comfort show or movie no longer exists on Netflix may top the list of unsatisfactory and depressing events. Due to expired licenses or cancelations, a multitude of films experience removal from the world’s largest streaming service to create room for new content. To the disappointment of numerous viewers, yearly film executions on Netflix leave holes in place of a viewer’s favorite piece of cinema. Certain films cannot remain listed on Netflix forever, however, three films especially may receive a warm welcome if they experience a return.
“Mamma Mia!” (2008)
A 16-time award-winning film, famous for its stunning Greek setting, iconic ABBA soundtrack and star-filled cast, “Mamma Mia!” became a movie lost from Netflix in April 2024, along with its sequel “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again.”
Themes of lost family and love arise through protagonist Sophie Sheridan’s, played by Amanda Seyfried, impending wedding. In an attempt to reclaim her long-lost father, Sophie sends invitations to ex-lovers of her mother Donna Sheridan, played by Meryl Streep. Sophie learns about her mom’s past and her own true values, while also attempting to find her biological father, who would walk her down the aisle.
Through song, dance and heartfelt acting, “Mamma Mia!” exposes the complexity of mother-daughter relationships, the beauty of a chosen family and a journey of self-discovery. A moving yet comedic film, “Mamma Mia!” leaves a legacy worthy of its Tony, Golden Globe and National Movie awards.
“I found [‘Mamma Mia!’ being taken off Netflix] a little bit disheartening. Now you have to buy it off other subscriptions like Amazon Prime, which a lot of people might not have an account for. I love how fun [‘Mamma Mia!’] is and how you can dance to it. [NC theater] is doing it as a musical with a whole cast, so we’re all really sad,” magnet freshman Olivia Faber said.
“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” (2012)
“The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” lost to Netflix in April 2021, breathes life into the original novel written by Stephen Chbosky in 1999. The banned book in several American states became challenged due to the referencing of drugs, rape, sexually explicit content and LGBTQIA+ themes. “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” remains a story with raw adolescent and mental health struggles.
The film accompanies 15-year-old Charlie Kelmeckis, played by Logan Lerman, as he struggles to find his way through high school. Seniors Sam Button and Patrick Stewart, played by Emma Watson and Ezra Miller, befriend him and stand alongside Kelmeckis through experiences of love, bullying and loss. Destigmatizing the taboo around mental health and emphasizing the importance of friendship and expressing acceptance of life’s struggles, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” remains an emotional roller coaster, casting light on complex themes and ideas.
“I loved the ‘Perks of Being a Wallflower’ because of how emotional and real it was. It didn’t feel like the shiny image of life social media sometimes shows us and that was really nice. I wish it was still on Netflix so I could watch it whenever I was sad it got taken off,” senior Karismel Acosta said.
“How To Train Your Dragon” (2010)
An animation dedicated to the childhood magic of dragons and vikings, “How to Train Your Dragon” was removed from Netflix in 2024, causing fans to resort to watching the film on other subscription streaming services such as Amazon Prime or Sling. Unfortunately, fans cannot view “How to Train Your Dragon” on the alternately popular streaming service, Disney+, due to DreamWorks Animation existing as a separate cooperation from Disney.
The story follows Hiccup Haddock, son of a Norse Viking Chief, who lives in a village plagued by dragons. Despite the status quo of slaying beasts to protect land, animals and homes, Hiccup finds slaughtering troublesome — presenting an issue when tossed into dragon-fighting school while secretly aiding a fallen Nightfury. “How to Train Your Dragon” illustrates one’s ability to stay true to oneself, despite backlash or negative peer pressure.
“I couldn’t believe they took ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ off Netflix. I watched it so much as a kid and loved it, Hiccup was my favorite. Me and my friends have bonded over it a lot because they also love Toothless. I miss it, but at least I have them on DVD,” junior Caster Martin said.
Honorable movie mentions also deserving of a spot back on Netflix include “The Little Rascals” (1994) and “La La Land” (2016), which won awards such as the Young Artist Award and multiple Golden Globes awards, respectively. Ultimately, praise-worthy movies cannot remain listed on Netflix forever, to create room for freshly beautiful films. In a world where streaming services contain room for every film possible, “Mamma Mia!,” “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” and “How to Train Your Dragon” would hold a special spot on the shelves of Netflix.
