Netflix Top Movies Right Now: Must-See Gems for February
Derek Malcolm has been covering the worlds of tech and entertainment for more than two decades. Before joining How-To Geek, Derek honed his skills at Digital Trends, writing about everything from the latest A/V gear to what to watch on streaming services. His background also includes contributions to publications like TV Guide and Hello! magazine, and a long tenure as editor-in-chief of a Canadian tech magazine.
February’s new releases on Netflix offer a fantastic selection of films to brighten your week. Let’s dive into three must-see movies, including a tribute to the late comedy legend Catherine O’Hara, a thought-provoking AI thriller, and a charming Wes Anderson classic.
Remembering Catherine O’Hara with Best in Show
The recent passing of Catherine O’Hara, a beloved figure in Canadian comedy, is a significant loss. To honor her legacy, I recommend revisiting Best in Show, currently streaming on Netflix. This Christopher Guest mockumentary hilariously skewers the world of competitive dog shows with an incredible ensemble cast, including O’Hara and Eugene Levy. The film’s brilliance lies in its largely improvised dialogue, creating moments of quirky and unexpected humor.
Best in Show follows five teams of dog owners as they compete in the Mayflower Dog Show in Philadelphia. The film expertly captures the fierce politics, status-seeking, and often vapid commentary that characterize this unique subculture. It’s an uncomfortably real and endlessly funny comedy.
Ex Machina: A Chillingly Realistic AI Thriller
Alex Garland’s Ex Machina, a new addition to Netflix’s February lineup, remains remarkably relevant since its release in 2014. This sci-fi thriller explores the complexities of artificial intelligence and raises unsettling questions about the potential for human-like AI. The film’s claustrophobic setting and tense narrative create a truly chilling experience.
The story centers on Caleb Smith, a coder who wins a contest to evaluate Ava, a highly evolved humanoid robot. As Caleb interacts with Ava, he becomes increasingly drawn to her intelligence and beauty, but soon discovers that Nathan, the CEO of the company, has ulterior motives. Ex Machina is a visually stunning film, winning an Oscar for Best Visual Effects and boasting a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Moonrise Kingdom: Wes Anderson’s Charming Masterpiece
Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom is a beautifully crafted film that exemplifies his signature “dollhouse aesthetic.” Set on a fictional New England island in 1965, the film tells the story of two young lovers, Sam and Suzy, who run away together. Their disappearance sparks a chaotic manhunt involving the local police, scoutmaster, and their bickering parents.
Moonrise Kingdom is visually striking, with Anderson’s signature pastel color palette and a soundtrack by Alexandre Desplat and Benjamin Britten that perfectly complements the film’s themes of childhood whimsy and adult overcompensation. It’s a truly enchanting and heartwarming film.
Whether you’re in the mood for a laugh, a thrill, or a heartwarming story, Netflix has something for everyone. Check out these three recommendations, or explore the platform’s vast library of licensed and original programming. Learn more about Netflix subscriptions here.
