What to watch on Netflix in february 2026: Movies & shows you can’t miss

Netflix is bringing an exciting mix of films and series this month, from critically acclaimed dramas to quirky comedies, intense thrillers, and thought-provoking sci-fi. With releases perfect for binge-watching or a cozy movie night, February’s lineup has something for every taste.

Sci-Fi & Thrillers

Ex Machina – Alex Garland’s hauntingly quiet AI thriller (The Beach, 28 Days Later) is back on Netflix, strikingly relevant over a decade later. The movie delves into artificial intelligence via Caleb Smith (Domhnall Gleeson), a talented coder who visits a remote facility to analyze Ava (Alicia Vikander), an advanced humanoid robot. Caleb becomes captivated by Ava, whose intelligence and humanity are unsettlingly authentic. As Caleb learns the real purpose of his visit, the narrative challenges how far humans are ready to go with AI.


28 Days Later: The Bone Temple – Director Danny Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland reunite for this deep zombie follow-up. The story centres on Isla (Jodie Comer) and Spike (Alfie Williams), survivors going through a post-apocalyptic world to get medical support from Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes), a former doctor gone rogue. Fans can anticipate a suspenseful and unpredictable thriller that extends the universe of the original movie.

The Rip – Ben Affleck and Matt Damon feature as Miami cops who find $24 million in cartel-controlled cash in a routine raid. Tension elevates as rival factions close in, leaving the authorities uncertain of whom to trust. The cast also showcases Steven Yeun, Teyana Taylor, and Kyle Chandler in a taut, gripping crime thriller.

Drama & Biographical Stories

Priscilla – Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi features Priscilla and Elvis Presley in Sofia Coppola’s A24 drama. Adapted from Priscilla’s memoir Elvis and Me, the movie delves into their romance, marriage, and eventual divorce in 1973. Spaeny received a Golden Globe nomination for her performance, and the film achieved widespread critical praise.

Train Dreams – Joel Edgerton features in this adaptation of Denis Johnson’s novella regarding an ordinary man facing extraordinary life events. Edgerton offers a career-best performance as Robert Granier, a train worker experiencing tragedy and grief, depicted with elegiac beauty and emotional intensity.

Small Axe – Steve McQueen’s acclaimed collection, earlier exclusive to Amazon Prime, is currently on Netflix. Chiwetel Ejiofor features in 12 Years a Slave, bringing to life Solomon Northup’s true narrative with power and precision. This is regarded as one of the most definitive movies about American slavery.

The Hurt Locker – Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, the first female Oscar winner for Best Director, this gripping portrayal of an explosives expert in Iraq stars Jeremy Renner. The movie spots the intensity and trauma of war with meticulous precision and remains compelling today.

Quirky & Heartfelt Stories

Moonrise Kingdom – Wes Anderson’s seventh feature movie features his signature “dollhouse aesthetic,” making self-contained, diorama-like worlds. Set on the fictional New England island of New Penzance in 1965, it centers on a young Khaki Scout Sam Shakusky (Jared Gilman) and rebellious Suzy Bishop (Kara Hayward) as they run away together. Their disappearance results in a chaotic search that involves Captain Sharp (Bruce Willis), scoutmaster Ward (Edward Norton), and Suzy’s parents (Bill Murray and Frances McDormand).

Jay Kelly – Noah Baumbach’s Netflix satire features George Clooney as a Hollywood icon navigating family and career strains while traveling in Europe with his manager Ron (Adam Sandler). Laura Dern, Billy Crudup, and Stacy Keach round out the ensemble cast in this affectionate glimpse into celebrity life.

Caught Stealing – Austin Butler excels in this crime comedy directed by Darren Aronofsky. Hank, a former baseball icon turned bartender, discovers himself caught between gangsters, corrupt cops, and a life that isn’t turning out as expected. With Zoë Kravitz co-starring, the movie combines Scorsese-like grit with Coen Brothers-style dark humor.

FAQs:

Q1. What’s new on Netflix this February?
Netflix has a blend of movies and series, which includes comedies, dramas, thrillers, and sci-fi. Highlights are Ex Machina, Moonrise Kingdom, and Priscilla.

Q2. Are there any comedy highlights this month?
Yes! Catherine O’Hara’s work and Caught Stealing are featured for fans of humor and quirky stories.