20 Top Films Hitting Streaming in Feb: ‘We Live in Time’, ‘Gladiator 2’, ‘Bridget Jones’ & More

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In February, there’s one highly anticipated movie on streaming services that’s bound to draw a large audience: Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II.” Although it debuted on Paramount+ at the end of January, this is its first full month of availability, and with its impressive $460 million global box office earnings, it’s expected to be a significant success for the streaming platform. Meanwhile, A24 is releasing their time-traveling romance film “We Live in Time,” which had a nearly $50 million box office run last fall, largely due to the chemistry between Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh.

Indeed, February arrives accompanied by Valentine’s Day, and along with it, a selection of romantic content from various streaming platforms. Peacock aims to steal the spotlight on this special day by debuting “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy” exclusively on streaming in the U.S. Renée Zellweger reprises her Oscar-nominated role for what is said to be the final time. Given that the first three films generated a total worldwide gross of $756 million, it’s expected that “Mad About the Boy” will be among Peacock’s biggest original productions thus far. As for Netflix, they are releasing the international romantic comedy “La Dolce Villa,” starring Scott Foley.

Check out a full rundown below of the big movies new to streaming platforms this February.

    We Live in Time (Feb. 7 on Max)

    In “We Live in Time,” directed by John Crowley (of “Brooklyn” fame), Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield show a captivating chemistry. This time-traveling romance drama follows a couple grappling with a difficult cancer diagnosis, as it jumps through the timeline of their lives. The filmmaker is so certain that the pair’s onscreen connection will draw viewers back repeatedly, as he has crafted an engaging compilation of elements common in romantic comedies – from meeting each other’s families and marriage proposals to parenthood, separation, and cancer diagnoses – but not necessarily in the traditional order.

    Gladiator 2 ( Paramount+)

    As a die-hard fan, I couldn’t contain my excitement when Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated sequel to “Gladiator,” titled simply as “Gladiator 2,” premiered on Paramount+ at the beginning of February. With its initial release in January only giving us a sneak peek, this film is poised to be one of the standout offerings of the month, now that it’s fully available for streaming. Paul Mescal takes center stage as the son of Maximus, played by Russell Crowe, embarking on a journey to Rome in search of vengeance.

    There was a moment when some Oscar prognosticators predicted Ridley Scott might earn best director accolades for this sequel, but unfortunately, it didn’t secure any nominations at this year’s Academy Awards. The original “Gladiator,” however, was an Oscars juggernaut, taking home awards for Best Picture and Best Actor (Russell Crowe).

    Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (Feb. 13 on Peacock)

    Renee Zellweger reappears in “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy,” marking the fourth and final film in the romantic comedy series. Although it’s hitting cinemas globally, in the U.S., Universal is only making it available for streaming on Peacock. They’re hoping for an increase in viewings around Valentine’s Day. The story finds Bridget juggling single parenthood, with support from her friends and even Daniel Cleaver (played by Hugh Grant). After a while, she catches the eye of a charming younger man (Leo Woodall), prompting her to return to work and re-enter the dating scene.

    Here (Netflix)

    In “Here,” Tom Hanks and Robin Wright seem significantly younger than their actual ages, making a return to working with director Robert Zemeckis, who directed them in “Forrest Gump.” Although the film didn’t create much of a stir at the box office last autumn, it might gain some traction on Netflix this month due to the intriguing visual effects used to de-age the actors. This movie is adapted from Richard McGuire’s 2014 graphic novel with the same title. The story unfolds over a century within a single location, as the camera remains stationary inside a home for the entire 104 minutes. Viewers are given a glimpse into the lives of the various inhabitants of this house through an array of stories. Tom Hanks and Robin Wright portray the central couple in this unique production.

    The Gorge (Feb. 14 on Apple TV+)

    This year, Apple’s first major original movie is titled “The Gorge,” directed by Scott Derrickson. In this film, Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy play skilled operatives stationed at towers on opposite sides of a deep chasm. Their mission: to safeguard the world from an unnamed, enigmatic danger hidden within the gorge. As they strive to maintain their vigilance while developing a bond, they suddenly learn about a catastrophic threat to humanity. To prevent disaster, they must collaborate and push their physical and mental abilities to the limit to keep the secret buried in the gorge before it’s too late.

    Piece by Piece (Feb. 7 on Peacock)

    Under the guidance of Academy Award-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville (“20 Feet From Stardom”), the movie “Piece by Piece” delves into the life and career of Pharrell Williams, who chose Lego as a symbolic representation of his unique perspective on the world, to narrate his story. The Focus Features film also features Jay-Z, Missy Elliot, Gwen Stefani, Busta Rhymes, and Snoop Dogg, all portrayed in Lego form, and it traces Williams’ journey from his modest beginnings in Virginia Beach, through his early success as a producer in the Neptunes and performer in N.E.R.D., to his current status as one of the most influential and successful artists in the industry today.

    The Order (Feb. 6 on Prime Video)

    Justin Kurzel’s film “The Order” delves into the gripping and volatile world of the American white-supremacist movement in the 1980s, portrayed as a docudrama. Jude Law delivers an exceptional performance, arguably the best of his career, yet the movie did not garner much attention during this Oscar season. Law plays an FBI agent uncovering a string of crimes, leading him to encounter the Order, a rough gang of radical right-wing racist extremists in the Pacific Northwest who are financing what they call an “army” to overthrow the U.S. government. According to Owen Gleiberman’s review, the film’s relevance lies in its exploration of how the belief that the U.S. government is the enemy is deeply entwined with the emotional and historical roots of white supremacy ideology.

    Nickel Boys (Feb. 28 on MGM+)

    Strange Darling (Feb. 17 on Prime Video)

    As I sat down to watch “Strange Darling,” I found myself immersed in the intriguing one-night encounter between two enigmatic characters, The Lady (Willa Fitzgerald) and The Demon (Kyle Gallner). This film, directed by JT Mollner in his second feature, is a refreshing take on the thriller genre, standing out as one of the most intelligent productions in recent memory.

    Mollner skillfully manipulates the script, breathing new life into a seemingly tired formula. The performances from Fitzgerald and Gallner are nothing short of extraordinary, elevating the movie to unprecedented heights. To get the full effect of this gripping thriller, I’d recommend approaching it with minimal prior knowledge.

    While ‘Strange Darling’ requires a bit of patience, it more than compensates by offering a rich, rewarding viewing experience. This is one film that’s definitely worth setting aside some time for.

    Parasite (Feb. 1 on Netflix)

    With the highly-anticipated release of “Mickey 17,” directed by Bong Joon Ho and starring Robert Pattinson, set to hit theaters on March 7 from Warner Bros., it’s an ideal moment for Netflix viewers to revisit the critically acclaimed film “Parasite.” This movie won the Palme d’Or at Cannes in 2019 and went on to be a global box office phenomenon, earning $262 million worldwide. It also made history as the first South Korean film to win the Oscar for best picture, with Bong Joon Ho receiving accolades for his direction, screenplay, and international feature categories.

    Kinda Pregnant (Feb. 5 on Netflix)

    In the latest Netflix trailer for the R-rated comedy “Kinda Pregnant,” I, Amy Schumer, step into the role of Lainy Newton, a single teacher yearning to become a mom. When my best friend, Kate (Jillian Bell), announces her pregnancy, a pang of envy sets in. To cope, I decide to tell a tiny white lie – I start sporting a fake baby bump! However, things get tangled when I cross paths with my dream man (Will Forte), all while pretending to be with child.

    Spencer (Feb. 8 on Netflix)

    Angelina Jolie is one of the most significant oversights for an Oscar this year, given that director Pablo Larrain has previously earned nominations for Natalie Portman in “Jackie” and Kristen Stewart in “Spencer.” The latter film, which will be available on Netflix later this month, has been praised by critic Owen Gleiberman of EbMaster as the best movie of 2021. In his review, Gleiberman notes that Stewart delivers a remarkable performance as Princess Diana, capturing her hesitant elegance and fame-related shyness with precision. However, according to Gleiberman, this is just the beginning of Stewart’s performance. The film takes viewers on an emotional journey, offering a blend of diary, soap opera, horror, and a meticulously analytical drawing-room biopic.

    Aftermath (Feb. 10 on Netflix)

    In the upcoming action thriller “Aftermath,” stars Mason Gooding and Dylan Sprouse join forces. This movie will premiere on Netflix this month following a limited theater run by Voltage Pictures last year. The film’s ensemble includes Megan Stott and Dichen Lachman. The plot revolves around a war veteran suffering from PTSD who, along with his teenage sister, finds themselves in a perilous situation on the Tobin Memorial Bridge in Boston, Mass., during a hostage crisis. It’s the veteran’s responsibility to find a way out and save the day.

    La Dolce Villa (Feb. 13 on Netflix)

    Director Mark Waters, known for “Mean Girls,” is at the helm for Netflix’s original romantic comedy “La Dolce Villa.” In this film, Scott Foley portrays a prosperous businessman named Eric, who journeys to Italy in an attempt to prevent his imaginative daughter, Olivia, from renovating a dilapidated villa. However, Italy seems to have its own agenda as Eric encounters the possibility of finding true love. Supporting roles are filled by Violante Placido, Maia Reficco, and Giuseppe Futia.

    In the Summers (Feb. 5 on Hulu)

    In 2024, the movie “In the Summers,” directed by Alessandra Lacorazza Samudio, received both Sundance’s grand jury prize and the directing award in the U.S. dramatic competition. This film narrates the journey of two sisters as they negotiate a complex relationship with their father during annual trips to his home in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The movie presents a portrait of a Latin American family, featuring René Pérez Joglar (known as Residente in the music industry), who portrays the divorced father. The roles of the two sisters, Violeta and Eva, are played at different ages by several promising actors such as Sasha Calle (“The Flash”), Lío Mehiel (“Mutt”) and Sharlene Cruz (“Flatbush Misdemeanors”).

    Winner (Feb. 7 on Hulu)

    Omni Loop (Feb. 11 on Hulu)

    As a captivated viewer, I find myself drawn into “Omni Loop,” where Mary-Louise Parker takes center stage as a physicist grappling with her impending mortality. With only a week left to live and a mysterious time-traveling pill at her disposal, she leaps back five days each time, hoping to prolong her existence indefinitely. Yet, it’s not just more time she yearns for; she craves a cure that will let her advance, free from the confines of her predicament. Without giving away the plot twist, writer-director Bernardo Britto masterfully converts Parker’s existential struggle into something poignantly deep and profound. When you think you’ve seen it all in time-loop films, this indie production emerges with innovative perspectives on the human condition, powered by Parker’s multifaceted acting prowess.

    Ghostlight (Feb. 24 on Hulu) 

    Elevation (Feb. 21 on Max)

    This month, Anthony Mackie is dominating cinemas as Captain America in Marvel’s latest blockbuster, “Captain America: Brave New World.” Simultaneously, he’ll appear on streaming platforms with his 2024 post-apocalyptic thriller “Elevation,” which premieres on Max. Directed by George Nolfi, the film sees Mackie as a single father who must protect a young boy, leading him to encounter terrifying creatures in his quest.

    Waitress: The Musical (Feb. 14 on Max)

    As a devoted cinephile, I’m thrilled about the screen adaptation of “Waitress: The Musical,” which showcases Sara Bareilles’s Tony-nominated Broadway gem. In this captivating tale, Bareilles plays Jenna Hunterson, a waitress and pie master trapped in a small town and a joyless marriage. A baking competition in a neighboring county offers her a glimmer of hope for an escape. As she grapples with rediscovering a forgotten piece of herself, Jenna finds the strength through the encouragement of her fellow waitresses and an unexpected romance to dust off a long-neglected dream. The storyline further unfolds, highlighting the power of friendship, dreams, the chosen family we bond with, and the charm of a perfectly baked pie.

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2025-02-02 19:48