Kevin Hart’s $875M comedy leaves Netflix

Get ready to pack away your favorite animated adventures, because an $875 million comedy blockbuster starring Kevin Hart is preparing to make its final exit from Netflix. The Secret Life of Pets, a film that captured the hearts and laughs of audiences upon its release in 2016, is set to leave the streaming platform within weeks.

The highly successful movie will depart Netflix on August 1, 2026. This departure is part of a larger wave of popular titles leaving the service, including other beloved features such as There’s Something About Mary and Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie.

From a creative standpoint, the film is a vibrant celebration of animal antics, masterfully directed by Chris Renaud. The story was brought to life through an exceptional ensemble cast, featuring major comedic talent like Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet, Jenny Slate, and Ellie Kemper, among many others.

At the heart of the film is Kevin Hart, who brought a signature comedic flair to the role of Snowball, the white rabbit navigating the urban chaos with his pack. The blend of nonstop mayhem and delightful sight gags made this animated feature a massive hit both at the box office and with critics.

The financial success of The Secret Life of Pets was staggering. It generated $875 million against a relatively modest $75 million production budget, demonstrating the immense commercial appeal of the story. Critics have largely echoed this positive reception, with the film currently holding a 70% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Reviewers praised the animation, noting that the animated urban cityscape was both colorful and crisply detailed. One critic highlighted how the film balanced high-energy animal antics with satisfying humor, describing it as something that would please children while also entertaining their accompanying adults.

The success of the initial release paved the way for further adventures. Illumination Entertainment, the studio behind the Despicable Me franchise, capitalized on this momentum by developing a sequel. The Secret Life of Pets 2 followed in 2019 and grossed over $431 million worldwide.

Though Kevin Hart did not reprise his role as Max in the sequel, the franchise continued to thrive, proving that the comedic energy and heart of these animated stories continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. Now, it is time for fans to savor the cinematic experience before it officially shifts platforms.