This Apocalyptic Comedy Leaves Netflix Soon

Viewers have limited time left to watch the 82% Rotten Tomatoes-rated film "This Is the End".

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The 2013 comedy film "This Is the End" is set to depart Netflix in the coming weeks. The movie features a unique premise where celebrities play exaggerated versions of themselves as the apocalypse unfolds around them. Despite initial studio skepticism, the film blends slapstick comedy with surprising emotional depth and impressive visual effects.

Why it matters

"This Is the End" is a rare example of a successful comedic take on the apocalypse genre, balancing humor with high stakes. The film's meta approach, featuring celebrities poking fun at their own public personas, was a risky creative choice that ultimately paid off, making the movie feel fresh and original.

The details

In "This Is the End", Seth Rogen's character hosts a party at James Franco's house, attended by a who's who of A-list celebrities. When the rapture begins, Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Jonah Hill, Craig Robinson, Franco, and Danny McBride find themselves trapped inside, forced to confront their own flaws and selfishness as the world crumbles around them. The film features both slapstick comedy, like Emma Watson's tense encounter with the group, and emotional character arcs, particularly the deteriorating friendship between Rogen and Baruchel's characters.

  • "This Is the End" is set to depart Netflix in the United States in the coming weeks.

The players

Seth Rogen

An actor and comedian who co-wrote and starred in "This Is the End", playing an exaggerated version of himself.

Evan Goldberg

Rogen's longtime collaborator who co-wrote and co-directed "This Is the End" with him.

Sony Pictures

The studio that produced "This Is the End", initially skeptical of the film's meta premise featuring celebrities playing themselves.

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What they’re saying

“The idea of the actors playing themselves 'really rubbed people up the wrong way in the studio world'.”

— Seth Rogen (WonderCon)

“It was an 'uphill battle' to get the studio to approve the meta approach.”

— Evan Goldberg (WonderCon)

The takeaway

"This Is the End" proves that a comedic take on the apocalypse can succeed by blending slapstick humor with genuine emotion and impressive visual effects. The film's meta premise, featuring celebrities playing exaggerated versions of themselves, was a risky creative choice that ultimately paid off, making the movie feel fresh and original.