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The best movies and shows to stream right now: Our top picks for February

Set reminders, mark your calendars, and binge-watch to your heart's content with our top streaming picks ahead of Valentine's Day.
Written by Rebecca Isaacs, Staff Writer
The Lord of the Rings | Film series
Lord of the Rings
The Lord of the Rings
Film series
View now View at Netflix
Spoiler Alert | Movie
Spoiler Alert
Spoiler Alert
Movie
View now View at Peacock
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever | Movie
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Movie
View now View at Disney+
Pamela: A Love Story | Documentary movie
Pamela: A Love Story
Pamela: A Love Story
Documentary movie
View now View at Netflix
Poker Face | TV show
Poker Face
Poker Face
TV show
View now View at Peacock
Party Down season 3 | TV show
Party Down season 3
Party Down season 3
TV show
View now View at Starz
Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine's Day Special | TV holiday special
Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine's Day Special
Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine's Day Special
TV holiday special
View now View at HBO Max
Super Bowl 2023 | TV sports special
Super Bowl trophy amid confetti
Super Bowl 2023
TV sports special
View now View at YouTube TV
The 65th Annual Grammy Awards 2023 | TV awards ceremony
The 65th Annual Grammy Awards 2023
The 65th Annual Grammy Awards 2023
TV awards ceremony
View now View at Paramount+
Show more (4 items)

I'll be the first to admit: I'm a streaming enthusiast. So much, in fact, that when I'm not testing out the latest TVs, I'm catching up on the latest shows and movies or revisiting old comforts like my all-time fav Parks and Recreation.

If you're unsure of what to watch this February, fear not. There are plenty of new movies and shows to stream no matter what streaming service you're subscribed to (or if you're getting rid of Netflix due to the new password policy). From romantic happily-ever-after films to family-friendly megahits, there's something for everyone on this list.

Also:

The best movies to stream right now

Check out my list of the best movies, film series, and documentaries to stream this February 2023.

  • Where to stream: Netflix
  • Rating: 6.9/10 IMDb and 83% Rotten Tomatoes
  • Trailer: Watch it on YouTube

I could go on all day about how this is arguably the perfect movie trilogy, from the perfect casting to the spectacular direction helmed by Peter Jackson – and, of course, the mountain of Oscars these films received that's the size of Mount Doom itself. If you've been itching to return to Middle Earth after streaming Amazon's The Rings of Power, Netflix is bringing the big films to the small screen starting Feb. 1.

Spoiler Alert
Spoiler Alert
  • Where to stream: Peacock
  • Rating: 7.1/10 IMDb and 84% Rotten Tomatoes
  • Trailer: Watch it on YouTube

To be blunt: Spoiler alert is our pick for a beautiful, romantic story. Full disclosure, Jim Parsons' latest film ends tragically, thus the spoiler. But that shouldn't stop you from streaming this beautiful love story, which received a 84% "certified fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Stream it on Peacock Feb, 3.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Ryan Coogler's sequel to the highly acclaimed film just landed on Disney+. It's a beautiful, bittersweet tribute to the late Black Panther, Chadwick Boseman, and features an Oscar-worthy performance from Angela Bassett. Stream it today on Disney+.

  • Where to stream: Netflix
  • Rating: 7.4/10 IMDb and 96% Rotten Tomatoes
  • Trailer: Watch it on YouTube

Last year, we had Hulu's Pam and Tommy, and this year, Pamela Anderson is finally getting the chance to tell her side of her story, from her rise to fame to the moments that shadowed her career. This documentary allows Pamela to put herself forth and provides us an in-depth look into this actress, mother, and activist.

The best TV shows to stream right now

Check out my list of the best TV shows or specials to stream this February 2023.

  • Where to stream: Peacock
  • Rating: 8.2/10 IMDb and 99% Rotten Tomatoes
  • Trailer: Watch it on YouTube

Fresh off his latest directorial project, Glass Onion, Rian Johnson is bringing back those groovy 70s whodunnit vibes to TV. This time, his muse is Natasha Lyonne who's really, really good at solving murders while on the lam thanks to her ability to tell who is lying. Episodes began last month, but it's solid enough to make it to our list this month, too.

For a limited time, you can score a Peacock membership for only $30 for the entire year for the ad-based subscription, too. Use code NEWYEAR23 at checkout through Feb. 7.

It's been years since the last season of the hit comedy series, and Henry, Ronald, Casey, and crew are back in LA and churning out the laughs as they navigate life, love, and of course, catering gone wrong. Expect the cutting jokes that you've come to love from this rag-tag gang plus appearances by Jennifer Garner, James Marsden, and more. Stream it on Starz February 24.

Right now, you can get the streamer for only $5 per month for three months. No code needed.

Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine's Day Special
Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine's Day Special

If you've been sleeping on the hit series on HBO Max, drop what you're doing and binge it so you can enjoy this raunchy holiday special ahead of its Feb. 9 release date. The premise: Poison Ivy wants a low-key way of celebrating Valentine's Day, but Harley has some over-the-top plans to spend their first romantic holiday together. Cue the sex-fueled chaos.

Super Bowl trophy amid confetti
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
  • Where to stream: Multiple platforms (like YouTube TV and Hulu Live)
  • Rating: Not available
  • Trailer: Watch it on YouTube

It would be amiss not to mention the largest sporting event of the year, which will see the Philadelphia Eagles face off against the Kansas City Chiefs. If you're not sure where to stream it, this year there are plenty of options. Tune in on Feb. 12 to the live stream from the service of your choosing.

The biggest awards ceremony for music will be livestreamed this Sunday, February 5 on the Paramount+ app. Will Queen Bee or Adele take the top record of the year? Or, is it "About Damn Time," that Lizzo secures her second Best Pop Solo Performance award? Tune in for live performances on Sunday, February 5 throughout the evening from many nominees.

What is the best new movie or show to stream right now?

My pick for the best film to stream right now is the classic Lord of The Ring film series, which came to Netflix on Feb. 1. For TV shows, Natasha Lyonne is really great in Poker Face on Peacock.

Title

Movie or show

Where to stream

Lord of the Rings

Film series

Netflix

Spoiler Alert

Movie

Peacock

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Movie

Disney+

Pamela: A Love Story

Documentary movie

Netflix

Poker Face

TV show

Peacock

Party Down season 3

TV show

Starz

Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine's Day Special

TV holiday special

HBO Max

Super Bowl 2023

TV sports special

YouTube TV or Hulu Live

The 65th Annual Grammy Awards 2023

TV awards ceremony

Paramount+

Which new movie or show is right for you?

It really depends on you, but here's a little decision tree matrix below that might help you pick one:

Choose this movie or show…

If you want to…

Lord of the Rings

Binge-watch a film series that you don't have to rent.

Spoiler Alert

Watch a romantic movie with your partner.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Watch an action-packed superhero MCU movie.

Pamela: A Love Story

Watch a documentary.

Poker Face

Watch a new TV show from Rian Johnson.

Party Down season 3

Watch a sitcom..

Harley Quinn: A Very Problematic Valentine's Day Special

Watch something animated, plus you're a DC fan.

Super Bowl 2023

Watch football live.

The 65th Annual Grammy Awards 2023

Watch TV awards ceremony live.

How did we choose these movies and shows?

As a seasoned binge-watcher, I have spent countless hours watching the latest and greatest and am confident in my ability to recommend must-see titles for your next movie night inside. I've also personally watched every movie and TV show on the above list and can vouch for how good they are to stream.

What's the best video streaming service?

If you need help deciding what is the best video streaming service, see ZDNET's in-depth guide:

ZDNET also compared the best live TV streaming services here:

Finally, here's the best free video streaming services available:

Are there more movies and shows worth streaming right now?

Of course, there are plenty of other new shows and movies to stream out right now. Here are a few we still recommend catching up on because they're all the talk right now.

Editorial standards