February might mark The White Lotus‘ grand return, but there is much more to look forward to. Max has a diversified lineup of new releases that are bound to cater to each viewer’s personal tastes. From riveting biopics to romantic tearjerkers (which fits the Valentine’s Day theme), there is lots in store for subscribers looking for their next watch. February’s slate even includes We Live in Time, A24’s touching production featuring none other than Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh. If you are hoping to hit play on this title, or others, and are unsure when they will land on the streaming platform, here is a recommendation list with all the info you need.

‘Jackie’

(2016)

Before Pablo Larraín directed Angelina Jolie in Maria, a film that follows opera singer Maria Callas in the last days of her life, he worked with Natalie Portman to bring another iconic figure to the screen. The actress plays Jackie Kennedy in 2016’s Jackie, which focuses on the aftermath of her husband’s assassination. In a matter of days, the then first lady was forced to pack her bags and leave the White House with her small children. Yet, prior to exiting the property, the titular character struggles with grief, tries to console her children, plans a funeral, and strives to maintain JFK’s legacy. This compelling film is told through an interview, with Jackie reflecting on her state-of-mind after witnessing a traumatic event, and how she found composure in her final days of duty.

Jackie

Release Date

December 2, 2016

Runtime

100minutes

‘Speed’

(1994)

Although there is nothing confirmed for Speed 3, Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock have been vocal about their interest in reprising their roles from the 1994 action flick. Directed by Jan de Bont, the first installment centered on S.W.A.T officer Jack Traven (Reeves), who faces a near-death experience when Howard Payne (Dennis Hopper) plants a bomb in a city bus. To keep the explosive from blowing off, the bus can’t go below 50 miles per hour, meaning that the protagonist must devise a plan to save everyone while the wheels are still turning. As Jack allies with a passenger named Annie (Bullock), the two of them not only try to find a way out, but also figure out how Payne is tracking them.

Speed

Release Date

June 10, 1994

Runtime

116 minutes

‘Malcolm X’

(1992)

One of Spike Lee‘s classics, Malcolm X is a biopic about one of the most revolutionary figures in Black nationalism. From his criminal past to his inspiring leadership, the film hones in on all the key events of his life up until he was murdered in 1965. With Denzel Washington playing Malcolm, viewers get to see a more sensitive depiction of the titular character’s journey, and notice how his period of incarceration was pivotal in helping him find his purpose. As he comes in contact with Islam behind bars, the protagonist is compelled to become a spokesperson for the Nation of Islam. With his popularity on the rise, Malcolm soon notices that the same people who welcomed him into the faith are then the ones to threaten his influence.

Malcolm X

Release Date

May 24, 1972

Runtime

91 minutes

Cast

• 

  Biographical Narration (voice)

• 

  Ossie Davis

  Eulogy (voice)

• 

  Malcolm X

  Self (archive footage)

• 

  Muhammad Ali

  Self (archive footage) (as Rap Brown)

‘The Notebook’

(2004)

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, why not go for a romance title to celebrate the occasion. Based on Nicholas Sparks‘ best-selling novel, The Notebook tells Noah (Ryan Gosling) and Allie’s (Rachel McAdams) timeless love story. Although the film primarily goes into their relationship throughout their youth, the person who narrates their journey is Noah at an older age (played by James Garner). He shares these memories with Allie (Gena Rowlands) at a retirement home, hoping that she can remember who he is. After all, the elderly version of Allie has Alzheimer’s and can’t recall that the person beside her is her soulmate, recounting the life they shared.

The Notebook

Release Date

June 25, 2004

Runtime

124 Minutes

‘We Live in Time’

(2024)

Another sentimental romance film that is bound to make you tearful, We Live in Time sees Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh playing characters who meet each other after a car accident. When Almut (Pugh) accidentally crashes into Tobias (Garfield), she feels overwhelmed with guilt, and accompanies him to the hospital. It is this chance encounter that leads them to fall for each other, and start a family. Yet, when Almut finds out that her cancer has advanced to stage 3, she decides to spend her last months alive following her cooking dreams and spending quality time with her loved ones instead of undergoing treatment.

‘Waitress: The Musical’

(2023)

Grammy winner Sarah Bareilles took her songwriting skills and sultry voice to the stage in the hit musical Waitress, which takes direct inspiration from the Keri Russell-led film of the same name. After a successful run on Broadway, the show was recorded and released as a movie, which is about to drop on Max. In it, the singer stars as Jenna, a pie maker and waitress living an unfulfilling life alongside her husband. After learning that she is pregnant, the main character makes the bold decision to leave her small town with the help of her work colleagues and local doctor, in order to follow her baking aspirations.

Waitress: The Musical

Release Date

December 7, 2023

Runtime

144 minutes

• 

  Sara Bareilles

  Jenna Hunterson

• 

  Caitlin Houlahan

  Dawn Louise Pinkett

• 

  Drew Gehling

  Dr. Jim Pomatter

• 

‘Elevation’

(2024)

Halfway through the month, 2024’s sci-fi thriller Elevation will arrive on streaming. If you are interested in alien invasion premises, where humans have to scramble to survive in a post-apocalyptic world, this one is for you. It takes place after Reapers (a predator species) take over the planet, killing over 95% of the population. The remaining people take shelter in communities that are 8,000 feet above sea level, which is an elevation that the creatures are unable to get to. When their resources are cut short, a small group decide to face their fears and descend to dangerous territory, looking to get what they can to stay alive.

Elevation

Release Date

November 8, 2024

Runtime

90 Minutes