25 Must-See Movies Hitting Streaming in March: 'Wicked,' 'Moana 2,' and More!

This month promises some major hits on streaming platforms! “Wicked” and “Moana 2,” two highly anticipated films from 2024, are set to premiere on Peacock and Disney+. “Wicked,” a musical phenomenon that grossed $728 million globally and earned 10 Academy Award nominations, including best picture, is coming to Peacock. On the other hand, “Moana 2” surpassed the $1 billion mark worldwide, cementing Moana’s status as one of Disney’s most cherished and popular characters, and it will be streaming on Disney+.

This month, I can’t wait to catch Sean Baker’s “Anora” on Hulu! It’s been making waves after winning the Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival last May, and it’s not the only award-winning gem arriving on streaming platforms. For instance, “Soundtrack to a Coup D’Etat,” a Best Documentary nominee, can be found on the Kino Film Collection, while the four-time Oscar nominee “Nosferatu” is streaming on Peacock. Although they missed out on Oscars this year, don’t miss “Queer,” “Heretic,” and “The Outrun” – all favorites of awards season and now available on various streaming platforms for your viewing pleasure!

Check out a full rundown below of the biggest movies new to streaming in March.

Wicked (March 21 on Peacock)

Beginning March 21, the hit movie musical ‘Wicked’, which grossed $727 million globally and garnered 10 Academy Award nominations, will be available for streaming on Peacock. This includes a special sing-along version of the film. Directed by Jon M. Chu (‘Crazy Rich Asians’, ‘In the Heights’), this musical is based on the beloved Broadway production and serves as a prequel to ‘The Wizard of Oz’. Cynthia Erivo portrays Elphaba, while Ariana Grande takes on the role of Glinda; both actors received Oscar nominations for their performances. The friendship between these two characters blossoms but is later tested when they meet the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, played by Jeff Goldblum. Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, and Peter Dinklage also star in this production.

Moana 2 (March 17 on Disney+)

This month, Disney+ is likely to draw in families as the much-anticipated sequel to “Moana” premieres on its streaming platform. The original “Moana” remains Disney+’s most popular title to date, so it’s reasonable to expect that the sequel will be a hit among viewers. Moana (voiced by Auli’i Cravalho) and Maui (Dwayne Johnson) reunite three years after the end of the first movie, embarking on a new adventure across the vast oceans of Oceania and into treacherous, forgotten waters. In his review, EbMaster‘s film critic Owen Gleiberman praised “Moana 2” for its colorful monsters and fluid motion that keeps the eyes engaged.

Anora (March 17 on Hulu)

Queer (March 28 on Max)

Heretic (March 7 on Max)

Hugh Grant has been garnering recognition during this awards season for his role in “Heretic”. His performance as a fanatical religious scholar, who goes so far as to imprison two Mormon missionaries in his home and mentally torment them to abandon their faith, has earned him nominations at the Golden Globes and BAFTAs. According to EbMaster’s review, Grant’s surprising portrayal keeps viewers guessing due to its stark contrast from his usual roles. The charming British actor has never delved into such a somber and intense character as “Heretic” requires.

Nosferatu (Peacock)

Robert Eggers’ “Nosferatu” turned out to be a powerful draw at the box office, earning $178 million globally. Although it premiered on Peacock in mid-February, March was its first full month of streaming availability and it’s definitely worth watching. Lily-Rose Depp delivers a compelling portrayal of a woman grappling with her psychological bond to the vampire Count Orlok (played by Bill Skarsgard). The cast also includes Nicholas Hoult, Willem Dafoe, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Emma Corrin.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (Paramount+)

Starting February 18th, ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ began streaming on Paramount+ and is expected to be among the most watched family-friendly options during its first month of availability in March. In this third Sonic installment, our hero Sonic, Tails the Fox, and Knuckles the Echidna join forces with their arch-nemesis Dr. Robotnik (portrayed by Jim Carrey) to battle against Shadow the Hedgehog, voiced by Keanu Reeves. The third film in the series raked in a massive $483 million at the global box office, making it the highest-grossing Sonic movie to date. A fourth Sonic film is already under production for release in 2027 on Paramount.

The Electric State (March 14 on Netflix)

The Russo Brothers return to Netflix following “The Grey Man” with a new science fiction action film called “The Electric State,” featuring Chris Pratt and Millie Bobby Brown in leading roles. This streaming service is undoubtedly anticipating that this movie will be the hit of the month. Set in an alternate America during the mid-1990s, “The Electric State” sees Millie Bobby Brown as Michelle, a young girl on a cross-country journey to find her missing brother amidst a conflict between humanity and the robots they once relied upon. Chris Pratt portrays Keats, a smuggler she encounters during her journey.

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim (Max)

Last year, ‘Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim,’ directed by Kenji Kamiyama, struggled in cinemas but now has a chance at redemption as it’s been made available for streaming on Max. Set 261 years prior to ‘The Fellowship of the Ring,’ this film follows Helm Hammerhand as its main character and is based on a story by J.R.R. Tolkien from the appendices of ‘The Lord of the Rings.’ Brian Cox lends his voice to the King of Rohan, while Miranda Otto reprises her role as Eowyn from Peter Jackson’s film series. In this animated adaptation, the king fights to protect his realm from the Dunlendings, offering insight into how Helm’s Deep earned its legendary name.

September 5 (Paramount+)

On September 5th, the film received an Oscar nomination for best original screenplay. This movie is set during the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics and focuses on the ABC Sports broadcasting team who find themselves unexpectedly transitioning from sports commentary to live coverage of the crisis unfolding when Israeli athletes are taken hostage. John Magaro portrays a determined young producer, eager to win over his boss, the renowned TV executive Roone Arledge (played by Peter Sarsgaard).

The Outrun (March 18 on Netflix)

Saoirse Ronan received a BAFTA nomination for best actress due to her role in “The Outrun.” In this film, she delivers a captivating portrayal of Rona, a woman who is learning to rediscover herself after struggling with alcoholism. Directed by Nora Fingscheidt, the movie utilizes an inventive storyline that intertwines three different timelines. These timelines show Rona’s downward spiral during her ten years in London and her subsequent journey towards recovery after moving back to the Orkney Islands in Scotland.

Holland (March 27 on Prime Video)

Director Mimi Cave, fresh off her previous work, brings us the suburban mystery titled “Holland.” This suspenseful drama is now available on Prime Video following its screening at SXSW this month. In the lead role, we see Nicole Kidman as a tranquil teacher and homemaker whose idyllic existence with her husband Matthew Macfadyen (winner of an Emmy for “Succession”) and son Jude Hill (“Belfast” sensation) is shaken when she uncovers a sinister truth about her spouse. Gael Garcia Bernal appears as a sympathetic coworker to Kidman’s character, who finds herself in turmoil following this revelation.

Soundtrack to a Coup D’Etat (Kino Film Collection)

Up for the Best Documentary award at the Oscars, Johan Grimonprez’s “Soundtrack to a Coup D’Etat” delves into an intriguing period where jazz, colonialism, and espionage intersected, creating a thrilling historical ride that sheds light on the political maneuvers surrounding the 1961 assassination of Patrice Lumumba, the Congolese independence leader. This documentary is a captivating piece enriched with eyewitness accounts, authentic government documents, testimonies from mercenaries and CIA agents, speeches from Lumumba himself, and an impressive collection of jazz greats.

The Parenting (March 13 on Max)

In “The Parenting,” director Craig Johnson joins forces with Brandon Flynn, Brian Cox, Edie Falco, Lisa Kudrow, Dean Norris and Parker Posey for a chilling-yet-humorous horror-comedy. This spine-tingling production, penned by Kent Sublette, will be available solely on Max this month. The movie centers around a young couple who arrange a countryside retreat to bring their families together. However, the peace is disrupted when they uncover that their rented home is inhabited by a 400-year-old poltergeist, causing tensions to escalate.

How to Have Sex (March 2 on Netflix)

Molly Manning Walker penned and helmed the highly praised film titled “How to Have Sex,” focusing on three 16-year-old inseparable friends who explore new friendships, face sexual pressures, and undergo self-discovery during a vacation. The movie garnered 12 nominations at the British Independent Film Awards, with its star Mia McKenna-Bruce receiving awards for her outstanding lead performance and breakthrough role.

Plankton: the Movie (March 7 on Netflix)

The newly released “Spongebob Squarepants” film focuses primarily on the character of Plankton, a long-standing adversary and occasional ally, making it an ideal choice for family viewing on Netflix this month. Titled “Plankton: the Movie”, the plot unfolds as Plankton’s world turns upside down when his scheme for global domination fails. With Karen, his longtime computer companion, taking over his quest, Plankton is compelled to join forces with SpongeBob to halt her and restore their connection.

Den of Thieves 2: Pantera (March 20 on Netflix)

Den of Thieves 2: Panthera” debuted as the top-grossing movie in North America in January, earning over $32 million within the U.S. The crime thriller pairs Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr., who portray an LASD sheriff and a suspected thief respectively, as they collaborate to execute a heist in Europe. This film is loosely based on the true events surrounding the Antwerp diamond heist that occurred in 2003. Currently, plans are underway for a third installment in the “Den of Thieves” series.

The Life List (March 28 on Netflix)

Following the success of “Purple Hearts” and “Carry On,” Sofia Carson has become one of Netflix’s highly sought-after actors. This is promising news for “The Life List,” Carson’s latest Netflix original, which is an adaptation of Lori Nelson Spielman’s novel of the same name. The movie is written and directed by Adam Brooks. In this film, Carson plays Alex Rose, a character who embarks on a journey to fulfill a childhood bucket list that her late mother had left for her. This adventure leads to both romantic encounters and self-discovery. Kyle Allen, José Zúñiga, Sebastian de Souza, and Connie Britton also star in the movie.

Exhibiting Forgiveness (March 18 on Hulu)

In a reunion after 15 years apart, Tarrell (André Holland) meets his father La’Ron, who has changed significantly since they last saw each other. John Earl Jelks portrays La’Ron convincingly as an older, rougher man with a history of addiction and homelessness. Their relationship was strained in the past, with La’Ron often absent and displaying a cold, harsh indifference towards Tarrell that occasionally verged on violence. The film raises the question of whether Tarrell can find it within himself to forgive his father. André Holland delivers a powerful performance as Tarrell, portraying him as a man who is both strong-willed and haunted by his past. The movie effectively demonstrates how everyday hardships can become deeply ingrained in an individual’s personal narrative or mythology.

Hellboy: The Crooked Man (March 7 on Hulu)

This month, the latest “Hellboy” film titled “The Crooked Man” will be available on streaming via Hulu. Unlike Guillermo del Toro or Ron Perlman, this new movie features Jack Kesy in the lead role. The storyline is based on the popular “Crooked Man” comic series, and Mike Mignola, its creator, co-wrote the script. Mignola shared with EbMaster that it’s the first Hellboy script he read where he thought, “This is a horror movie,” which was his intention. Director Brian Taylor may not have a background in horror movies, but Mignola mentioned that they’ve had two horror directors make Hellboy films before, and neither of them delivered a true horror experience.

Picture This (March 6 on Prime Video)

In this heartwarming romantic comedy on Prime Video, photographer Pia (Simone Ashley), who’s having a tough time, gets a prophecy: she stands to find true love and career success in the next five dates she goes out on. As her sister’s wedding draws near and family members meddle with her love life, her former partner resurfaces, causing turmoil in both her personal and professional worlds.

O’Dessa (March 20 on Hulu)

In the original rock opera “O’Dessa,” directed by Geremy Jasper, Sadie Sink is bringing life back to a desolate land through her guitar playing and singing voice. This unique production from Searchlight Pictures will be premiering exclusively on Hulu this month. Here’s a brief summary of the story: The film takes place in a post-apocalyptic future where we follow a farm girl on an incredible journey to retrieve a treasured family heirloom. Along her quest, she encounters a mysterious and perilous city where she finds her one true love. However, to save his soul, she must put her faith in the power of destiny and music to its greatest test. The supporting cast includes Kelvin Harrison Jr., Murray Bartlett, and Regina Hall.

Rumours (March 3 on Paramount+)

The movie titled “Rumours,” helmed by directors Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson, and Galen Johnson, revolves around a band of world leaders who become disoriented in the wilderness during their deliberations to draft a unified statement at the G7 summit, which is a gathering of the political and economic minds from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Besides Cate Blanchett and Alicia Vikander, the star-studded cast of “Rumours” also includes Charles Dance, Roy Dupuis, Denis Ménochet, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Rolando Ravello, Takehiro Hira, and Zlatko Burić. This humorous political satire had its debut at the Cannes Film Festival last year, with “EbMaster” praising it as a “roaring comedy.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip (March 28 on Disney+)

Eva Longoria, Jesse Garcia, and Cheech Marin star in the Disney+ original film titled “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip.” This story follows 11-year-old Alexander and his family on a dream Spring Break trip to Mexico City. However, their well-planned vacation takes an unexpected turn when they come across a cursed idol, causing all their plans to go awry. Longoria is also the film’s producer, contributing to its production as a family adventure.

Tom Petty: Heartbreakers Beach Party (March 11 on Paramount+)

This month, Cameron Crowe’s early-80s documentary “Tom Petty: Heartbreakers Beach Party” will make its streaming debut exclusively on Paramount+. Initially screened in cinemas for a one-weekend-only theatrical event in October, it was originally filmed around the time of the release of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ “Long After Dark” album. The film has been restored from its 16mm source and enhanced with approximately 20 minutes of previously unseen bonus content, such as outtakes and a newly recorded interview featuring Crowe and Adria Petty, Tom Petty’s daughter.

2025-03-01 19:16

25 Must-See Movies Hitting Streaming in March: ‘Wicked,’ ‘Moana 2,’ and More!