The Best Movies to Watch on HBO Max in February 2026

HBO Max continues to curate a diverse selection of cinema, blending recent theatrical releases with acclaimed classics. The February 2026 lineup offers everything from intense psychological thrillers and socially conscious dramas to visually arresting animation. Whether viewers are seeking Academy Award winners or chilling horror stories, the platform provides a comprehensive streaming experience. This selection highlights the most compelling titles available for subscribers this month.

‘Dead of Winter’ (2025)

Emma Thompson portrays a grieving widow who finds herself isolated in her remote home during a severe blizzard. The plot intensifies when she reluctantly takes in a mysterious couple seeking refuge from the storm. As the night progresses, she discovers their presence is not accidental and must use her wits to survive their dangerous intentions. This psychological thriller explores themes of grief and survival within a claustrophobic setting.

‘Boys Go to Jupiter’ (2025)

This surreal animated feature follows the journey of a Florida teenager navigating the complexities of the gig economy. Through various odd jobs, the protagonist encounters a series of increasingly bizarre characters and situations that blur the line between reality and fantasy. The film utilizes a distinct visual style to capture the alienation and humor of modern youth culture. ‘Boys Go to Jupiter’ creates a coming-of-age story that is both hallucinatory and grounded in contemporary economic anxieties.

‘2073’ (2024)

Directed by Asif Kapadia, this documentary thriller utilizes a blend of speculative fiction and archive footage to project a future defined by systemic collapse. The narrative focuses on a protagonist living in a dystopian version of the future, looking back at the warning signs from the early 21st century. It examines the decline of democratic institutions, the rise of surveillance, and the escalating climate crisis. The film ‘2073’ serves as a cautionary tale about the long-term consequences of modern political and environmental decisions.

‘The Pope’s Exorcist’ (2023)

Russell Crowe stars as Father Gabriele Amorth, a real-life figure who served as the Vatican’s Chief Exorcist for decades. The story follows Amorth as he investigates a terrifying possession of a young boy living in an ancient Spanish abbey. During his investigation, he uncovers a centuries-old conspiracy that the Catholic Church has desperately tried to keep hidden. ‘The Pope’s Exorcist’ blends traditional horror elements with a historical mystery centered on the struggle between faith and ancient evil.

‘Zola’ (2021)

Based on a viral 148-tweet thread, the story follows a waitress named Zola who befriends a customer and agrees to a spontaneous trip to Florida. The journey, initially intended for professional dancing, quickly spirals into a dangerous odyssey involving sex trafficking and petty crime. The film captures the chaotic energy of the original social media narrative through bold cinematography and a distinctive digital aesthetic. ‘Zola’ features notable performances by Taylour Paige and Riley Keough as they navigate a series of increasingly volatile encounters.

‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’ (2017)

Frances McDormand plays Mildred Hayes, a mother frustrated by the lack of progress in the investigation of her daughter’s murder. She rents three prominent billboards to publicly challenge the local police chief, leading to a heated conflict within the community. The drama explores the complexities of grief, justice, and redemption in a small Midwestern town. ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’ received multiple Academy Awards, including Best Actress and Best Supporting Actor for Sam Rockwell.

‘The Shape of Water’ (2017)

Set during the Cold War era, the film follows Elisa Esposito, a mute woman working as a cleaning lady in a high-security government laboratory. She discovers a mysterious amphibious creature being held captive and eventually forms a deep, wordless bond with the being. With the help of her neighbors and colleagues, she orchestrates a plan to liberate the creature from its captors. In ‘The Shape of Water’, director Guillermo del Toro combines elements of fantasy, romance, and thriller to create a unique Best Picture winner.

‘Paddington 2’ (2017)

The titular bear has settled happily with the Brown family and becomes a popular member of his local community in London. While searching for the perfect gift for his Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday, he finds a unique pop-up book that is subsequently stolen. After being wrongfully accused of the theft, Paddington must navigate prison life while his family works to unmask the true culprit. ‘Paddington 2’ is widely praised for its heartfelt storytelling, visual inventiveness, and themes of kindness.

‘Just Mercy’ (2019)

This legal drama is based on the true story of Bryan Stevenson, a young defense attorney who travels to Alabama to provide legal representation to those in need. He takes on the case of Walter McMillian, a man sentenced to death for a murder despite evidence of his innocence. The narrative follows the uphill battle against systemic racism and legal corruption to secure a proper exoneration. ‘Just Mercy’ features powerful performances by Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx in this exploration of the American justice system.

‘Life of Pi’ (2012)

Ang Lee directs this adaptation of a celebrated novel about Pi Patel, a young man who survives a shipwreck in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. He finds himself stranded on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker as his only companion. The film documents their extraordinary journey of survival, faith, and mutual respect over the course of 227 days at sea. ‘Life of Pi’ is noted for its groundbreaking visual effects and spiritual themes regarding the power of storytelling.

’42’ (2013)

Chadwick Boseman stars as Jackie Robinson, the legendary athlete who made history by breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball. The film focuses on Robinson’s signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers under the guidance of team executive Branch Rickey. Robinson faces intense racial hostility from fans, fellow players, and the media as he strives to prove his talent on the field. ’42’ highlights the immense courage required to challenge institutional segregation in American sports during the 1940s.

‘Malcolm X’ (1992)

Spike Lee’s biographical epic chronicles the life of the influential civil rights activist from his early years to his assassination in 1965. Denzel Washington portrays the titular lead, tracing his transformation from a small-time criminal to a minister for the Nation of Islam and eventually an international human rights leader. The film provides a comprehensive look at his changing ideologies regarding racial justice and religious faith. ‘Malcolm X’ is regarded as a landmark in American cinema for its scale, historical detail, and central performance.

‘The Notebook’ (2004)

Based on the Nicholas Sparks novel, the story follows the enduring romance between Noah Calhoun and Allie Hamilton. Despite their different social backgrounds, the two fall in love during a summer in the 1940s before being separated by World War II and family intervention. Years later, they find their way back to one another, proving the strength of their initial connection. ‘The Notebook’ is framed as a story being read from a journal in the present day to an elderly woman in a nursing home.

‘Insidious: Chapter 3’ (2015)

Acting as a prequel to the previous films, this supernatural horror entry focuses on psychic Elise Rainier before her encounters with the Lambert family. She reluctantly agrees to use her spiritual abilities to help a teenage girl who has been targeted by a malevolent entity. The plot explores the origin of Elise’s involvement with the dark realm known as The Further. ‘Insidious: Chapter 3’ emphasizes psychological tension and jump scares as characters navigate the boundary between life and death.

‘Ferdinand’ (2017)

Inspired by the classic children’s book, the film tells the story of a giant bull who prefers smelling flowers to fighting in the bullring. After being mistaken for a dangerous beast and captured, the protagonist assembles a diverse group of animals to help him return to his home. The narrative promotes messages of being true to oneself and non-violence in the face of societal expectations. ‘Ferdinand’ is an animated family comedy that features voice performances by John Cena and Kate McKinnon.

Tell us which of these films is at the top of your watchlist by sharing your thoughts in the comments.