David Farnor | On 19, Jan 2016

After the inevitably large cull of content at the end of 2015, Netflix begins the new year with far fewer titles up for the chop. But that doesn’t make these farewells any less painful, as we prepare to say goodbye to Aladdin, Community, Gossip Girl and Horrible Histories.

Here’s what’s leaving Netflix UK in January and February 2016:

Much Ado About Nothing – 20th January

Joss Whedon’s modern update of Shakespeare’s odd couple classic is frothy, light-hearted stuff.

The Young Victoria – 21st January

Emily Blunt is magnificent in this undemanding historical drama, which is elevated above its slightly clunky script by an engaging cast, swooning romance and stunning costume design. Who needs Parliamentary tension when you’ve got pet dogs, moustaches, Paul Bettany, and kissing in the rain?

Aladdin – 22nd January

Known the world over as a panto, this Disney version of the old Arabian Nights tale is arguably the best, as a diamond-in-the-rough street rat takes on the evil sorcerer Jafar and tries to win the hand of Princess Jasmine. Alan Menken’s songs are superb and the animation is lovely, but the show is stolen by Robin Williams as the big blue genie. You never had a friend like him.

Route Irish – 24th January

An exploration of grief and army practice, Ken Loach’s Iraq movie is a provocative piece with a resolution that lies less in government cover-ups and more in the mundane deception of routine.

The Secret in Their Eyes – 24th January

The excellent Ricardo Darin stars in Juan Jose Campanella’s thriller, which sees a federal justice agent becomes fixated on finding the brutal killer of a young woman. The arrival of his new boss, Irene, turns this slow-burning mystery into an understated romance as much as a gripping crime story. This Oscar-nominated gem is long-winded, methodical, and completely absorbing.

Despicable Me 2 – 25th January

The Minions seize centre stage in this sequel to DreamWorks’ animated comedy, which sees Steve Carell’s Gru go undercover to catch another super-villain, but its adopted daughter Agnes who makes this as adorable as it is funny.

The World’s End – 25th January

Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and Edgar Wright team up once again for the final entry in their Cornetto trilogy, as a bunch of old friends reunite for a pub crawl in their sleepy hometown, just as aliens invade.

Get Shorty – 31st January

John Travolta and Gene Hackman star in this stylish adaptation of Elmore Leonard’s novel, which just might be one of the funniest Hollywood-set comedies ever made.

Stargate SG-1 – 1st February

This long-running sci-fi series picks up where the blockbuster movie left off.

13 Assassins – 1st February

Takashi Miike’s take on The Seven Samurai has all the blood, barnstorming action and burning cows a martial arts fan could wish for.

Community – 2nd February

Arguably one of the best TV shows ever made, Community has won fans all over with its wit, pop culture references and surreal sense of humour. It may not have reached the six seasons and a movie it jokingly promised but Dan Harmon’s series is still a modern classic. (Which episodes should you watch before 2nd February? We rounded up the show’s Top 10 Parody Episodes.)

Gossip Girl – 15th February

Gossip Girl, based on the book series of the same name and starring Leighton Meester amd Ed Westwick, ran for six seasons until its finale in 2012, but it has been a perennial favourite of Netflix subscribers – even as the streaming site races to acquire other teen dramas, such as Pretty Little Liars and Shadowhunters.

Horrible Histories – 15th February

Education TV? Whatever. But CBBC’s historical series, based on the popular book franchise, combines hyperactive puns and visual gags with a whole heap of facts. Witty, clever – and, most of all, very funny.

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Other titles leaving Netflix UK in January / February 2016

20th January
Care Bears to the Rescue

21st January
Streets of Blood
Confidence
Amazing Grace
The Lucky Ones
The Muslims Are Coming!

24th January
Gurren Lagann
Kill La Kill

1st February
Pajanimals
RWBY
WordGirl
Arn: The Knight Templar
Bodyguard
Cane Toads: The Conquest
Child’s Play
Dead Man Running
Gasland
Josh (Against the Grain)
McCullin
The Natural History of the Chicken
Pusher (1996)
Radio Rebel
The Siege of Firebase Gloria
The Sons of Katie Elder
Vanishing of the Bees

2nd February
Pokemon: Black & White
Pokemon the Movie: Black: Victini and Reshiram
Pokemon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened
Pokemon the Movie: White: Victini and Zekrom
Pokemon the Movie: Krureme vs. The Sword of Justice

4th February
What Happens Next

5th February
Alpha and Omega
Bloody Sunday
The Hunchback of Notre Dame II
The Railway Man
Saw: The Final Chapter

12th February
Stella and Sam
The Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

With thanks to Newonnetflix.info for helping to provide some information.

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