Sony's PlayStation to delete 550+ purchased StudioCanal movies from user libraries

Sony announced that, effective 1 September 2026, it will permanently remove 551 movies and series licensed from StudioCanal from the PlayStation Store libraries of European users. The purge affects accounts in the United Kingdom, France and other EU markets, erasing titles such as Terminator 2, Paddington, Apocalypse Now, Hot Fuzz and numerous French films. Sony says the action is required because the content‑licensing agreements with StudioCanal have expired, and it will not offer refunds or alternative access.

The company’s notice to customers states: “You will no longer be able to watch any of your previously purchased StudioCanal content and the content will be removed from your video library.” The removal revives a longstanding debate over digital ownership, as purchases on platforms like the PlayStation Store are licences rather than permanent property. Similar deletions occurred in Germany and Austria in 2022 and for other catalogs in 2023, underscoring the fragility of digital media rights for consumers.