The snow was coming down sideways, blurring the streetlights into hazy halos. Inside, the glow of the TV beckoned, promising escape. My partner turned from the window and asked, “So, what are we watching tonight?”
Welcome to the Nerd’s Watch, your curated guide to the best genre titles arriving on Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Peacock, HBO Max, Paramount+, and more. I sift through the endless lists so you don’t have to. Consider me your personal streaming sherpa, pointing out the gems amid the content avalanche.
February brings a mix of old favorites and new contenders. Some will ignite your imagination; others will offer a comforting dose of nostalgia. Here are my picks for the month.
Ex Machina (February 1 on Netflix)
Remember when everyone was debating the ethics of AI? Alex Garland’s Ex Machina isn’t just a movie; it’s a philosophical pressure cooker. Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson, and Alicia Vikander deliver career-defining performances in this sci-fi masterpiece. If you haven’t seen it, now is the time.
Flipped (February 1 on Netflix)
I saw a kid at the park reading a hardcopy, and had to include it. Rob Reiner’s *Flipped* is an overlooked gem, a sweet coming-of-age story that presents young love from two unique points of view. It’s like watching two movies woven into one charming narrative. Perfect for a heartwarming night in.
How to Train Your Dragon movies (February 1 on Netflix)
I remember my kiddo watching this over and over. Hiccup and Toothless soar onto Netflix with the first two installments of their animated saga. And mark your calendars: on February 10, the 2025 live-action remake joins the lineup.
Independence Day (February 1 on Netflix)
I still remember seeing this in the theater. Thirty years later, Independence Day remains the gold standard for summer blockbusters. Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, and Bill Pullman unite against an epic alien invasion in a film that’s pure, unadulterated fun.
Night at the Museum Trilogy (February 1 on Netflix)
Shawn Levy directs the entire series (Night at the Museum, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, and Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb) are coming to Netflix. The second movie even features Darth Vader. Don’t judge a book by its cover here.
Stargate SG-1: Seasons 1-10 (February 15 on Netflix)
The revival is coming, and here’s the best place to catch up. With a new show on Prime Video, Stargate prepares its return. Every episode of the original TV hit, SG-1, lands on Netflix.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (February 2 on Hulu)
Speaking of my kids, they like this way more than I thought they would. As Wes Ball focuses his energy on The Legend of Zelda, revisit this excellent 2024 Apes film. Is this the best of the new trilogy? That’s debatable, but it is highly enjoyable.
The Good Place: Seasons 1-4 (February 9 on Hulu)
Someone needs to watch this show, still. The Good Place is a sitcom that deserves more recognition. This afterlife-based show is packed with laughs, heart, and unexpected twists. If you’re seeking your next binge, look no further.
Is The Good Place appropriate for kids?
The Good Place is TV-PG rated, making it suitable for teens and adults. While dealing with complex moral and philosophical questions, it presents them in an approachable and humorous way.
Clown in a Cornfield (February 10 on Hulu)
I actually jumped at this one, I admit it! You know precisely what you’re getting with 2025’s Clown in a Cornfield. The film, originally a Shudder release, delivers on its promise of scares and entertainment. Prepare for some old-school horror thrills.
Ghostbusters movies (February 1 on Hulu)
I’ve seen this quoted constantly in my group chats. Hulu isn’t afraid of ghosts, offering the first two films starting February 1, followed by their direct sequel, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, on February 16. Perfect for a movie marathon with friends or family.
Smile (February 16 on Hulu)
One of my friends said this movie caused him sleepless nights. Smile became a modern horror franchise, and you can join the fun on Hulu this month. Will its unsettling premise leave you sleeping with the lights on?
The Muppet Show (February 4 on Disney+)
Not the old one, a new iteration. Disney has created a new version of The Muppet Show for Disney+. Get ready to play the music and light the lights with Kermit and the gang.
The Shape of Water (February 1 on HBO Max)
Guillermo del Toro. ‘Nuff said. The Shape of Water, an underwater love story, earned him a Best Director Oscar. If you missed it, consider this a must-see.
Paddington 2 (February 27 on HBO Max)
Wholesome, pure, fun for everyone. Paddington 2 is like sunshine in movie form. This film will brighten your day, no matter what. It’s the cinematic equivalent of a warm hug.
Cloverfield (February 1 on Paramount+)
I watched this with my eyes closed. If The Blair Witch Project sparked the found footage craze, 2008’s Cloverfield amplified it. Director Matt Reeves presents an inventive take as a group of New Yorkers documents a giant monster attack. A raw and terrifying ride.
Face/Off (February 1 on Paramount+)
Is a sequel coming? John Woo’s 1997 classic Face/Off remains a high-octane masterpiece. John Travolta and Nicolas Cage are at their absolute best. Enjoy this action spectacle, whether or not a sequel ever materializes.
Grease and Grease 2 (February 1 on Paramount+)
I know every lyric by heart. John Travolta may not swap faces in Grease, but the high school musical is a nostalgic delight. And its sequel, starring Michelle Pfeiffer, has become a cult classic. Together, they make a perfect double feature.
Team America: World Police (February 1 on Paramount+)
A personal favorite, and no apologies. Revisit Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s outrageous action puppet musical. Just try not to get “America, f\*\*\* yeah!” stuck in your head.
About Time (February 1 on Peacock)
It can be tough to find rom-com sci-fi, this is true. About Time, starring Domhnall Gleeson and Rachel McAdams, explores time travel for love. A Richard Curtis film, and an underrated treat.
Who is Richard Curtis?
Richard Curtis is the writer and director behind such beloved rom-coms as Love Actually, Notting Hill, and Four Weddings and a Funeral. His films are known for their humor, heartwarming moments, and focus on relationships.
Ghost (February 1 on Peacock)
I wish Patrick Swayze was still with us. Another timeless genre romance: Ghost, starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, and Whoopi Goldberg. A man tries to solve his own murder while reconnecting with the woman he loves. Trust me, it’s way better than you remember.
Anchorman: The Legend Of Ron Burgundy (February 1 on Peacock)
Stay classy, friends. Will Ferrell leads one of the finest comedy casts in Anchorman, an endlessly quotable satire of TV news. This is the kind of movie you can watch a hundred times.
Enemy of the State (February 1 on Peacock)
I felt like this was a documentary when I watched it. Will Smith and Gene Hackman star in a prescient tech thriller from Jerry Bruckheimer and Don Simpson. How does it hold up today?
Zombieland and Zombieland: Double Tap (February 1 on Peacock)
The original Zombieland blends horror, comedy, and romance. Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Woody Harrelson, and Abigail Breslin, it’s something special. The sequel doesn’t quite reach the same heights.
Zoolander (February 1 on Peacock)
Hansel, so hot right now. Ben Stiller created a comedy classic about male modeling. Brainwashing, spies, and gasoline fights ensue. It’s so absurd; it has to be seen.
What is Derek Zoolander’s most famous pose?
Derek Zoolander’s most famous pose is “Blue Steel,” a squinting look he believes is different from his other expressions, though they appear the same to everyone else.
Asteroid City (February 11 on Peacock)
I’ll watch anything Wes Anderson does. Wes Anderson directs his unique eye toward aliens. Asteroid City is a quirky film wrapped around an alien discovery. It’s pure Wes Anderson, through and through.
February’s streaming landscape offers something for everyone. Whether you crave heartwarming stories, adrenaline-pumping action, or thought-provoking sci-fi, these titles provide a cinematic feast. This list is merely a starting point, a compass to help you chart your own adventure. After all, isn’t the joy of discovery what makes streaming so engaging?