As the first month of 2026 draws to a close, January’s typical slump feels lighter thanks to a strong lineup of streaming options. I’ve made it a habit to track standout movies and series across major platforms each month, continuing the tradition into this new year. Among the highlights this time stands out the HBO Max series Heated Rivalry, which generated significant buzz across social media. Normally, such anticipation might deter me, but this show surpassed all expectations. Alongside new releases, I’ve dedicated time to revisiting long-ignored favorites, including the Lord of the Rings trilogy and Manchester by the Sea (2016). This early commitment to catching up suggests a promising shift in my viewing habits.
Heated Rivalry (2025)
Creator: Jacob Tierney
Age rating: TV-MA
Runtime: ~43 minute episodes
Where to stream: HBO Max (US); Now TV (UK); HBO Max (AU)
While anticipating HBO Max’s UK debut in March, Now TV serves as a solid interim choice for accessing current hits. The widespread online excitement for Heated Rivalry proved well-founded. Set in the intense world of Major League Hockey, the series follows rivals Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) as they ascend in their careers. Their competitive dynamic unexpectedly evolves into a concealed romance, starting as a physical connection but deepening into profound emotion. This gripping narrative adds undeniable intensity to chilly winter nights.
Bones and All (2022)
Director: Luca Guadagnino
Age rating: R
Runtime: 130 minutes
Where to stream: Netflix (US); Prime Video (UK & AU)
Luca Guadagnino’s films always deliver surprises, and Bones and All blends drama, romance, and horror in an intriguing mix that surprisingly succeeds. Set in the late 1980s, it centers on high schooler Maren (Taylor Russell), who relocates frequently to hide her cannibalistic urges. After a mishap leads to her father’s departure, she sets out alone, crossing paths with fellow outcast Lee (Timothée Chalamet), another with the same secret. Their journey fosters a tender romance amid societal rejection, exploring themes of belonging and survival.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)
Director: Peter Jackson
Age rating: PG-13
Runtime: 178 minutes (first film)
Where to stream: Prime Video, HBO Max (US); Now TV (UK); HBO Max, Prime Video, Stan (AU)
Despite lifelong avoidance of fantasy, diving into Peter Jackson’s adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic trilogy left me regretting the delay. The story unfolds years after the Dark Lord Sauron forges a powerful Ring to dominate Middle-earth. The artifact ends up with unassuming Hobbit Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood), who receives a mission from wise wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen) to destroy it in the perilous Mordor—the only place capable of its annihilation. Frodo’s quest, bearing the weight of the world’s fate, unfolds across three monumental films.
Train Dreams (2025)
Director: Drew Hancock
Age rating: R
Runtime: 107 minutes
Where to stream: Prime Video, HBO Max (US); Now TV (UK); Prime Video (AU)
The 2026 Oscar contenders shine brightly, with Train Dreams securing four nominations, including Best Picture and Adapted Screenplay. Though it trails flashier entries like One Battle After Another and Marty Supreme, its stunning visuals capture the rugged beauty of the American Northwest. Adapted from Denis Johnson’s novella, the film traces logger Robert Grainier (Joel Edgerton) over eight decades, beginning in the early 1900s. Orphaned young and adrift, he toils on railway expansion until meeting Gladys (Felicity Jones), which brings stability. Yet, unforeseen tragedies force him to redefine his path.
Euphoria (2019-2026)
Creator: Sam Levinson
Age rating: R
Runtime: ~60 minutes per episode
Where to stream: Prime Video, HBO Max (US); Now TV (UK); Prime Video (AU)
Production controversies surrounding Euphoria‘s third season, including cast tensions and distractions from projects like The Idol, have challenged its standing. Nevertheless, the finale trailer reignited interest, sparking theories ahead of its April 12 release. This A24 series delves into California high schoolers grappling with identity in the social media era, focusing on Rue (Zendaya), a 17-year-old battling addiction whose relapses lead to perilous encounters.
Manchester by the Sea (2016)
Director: Kenneth Lonergan
Runtime: 137 minutes
Age rating: R
Where to stream: Prime Video (US); Prime Video, Netflix (UK)
Casey Affleck’s performance in Manchester by the Sea lingered on my list until now, and it delivers an emotional gut punch—best approached with resilience. Reclusive handyman Lee (Affleck) returns to his hometown after his brother’s death, only to learn he’s guardian to his teenage nephew Patrick (Lucas Hedges). Unprepared for the role, Lee confronts buried traumas from past events that drove him away, navigating grief and responsibility in a raw, unflinching tale.
About Time (2013)
Director: Richard Curtis
Age rating: R
Runtime: 123 minutes
Where to stream: Paramount+, Fubo (US); Now TV (UK); Paramount+, Foxtel Now, Binge (AU)
Shifting from sorrow to bittersweet romance, About Time weaves time travel into a heartfelt story that delivers profound impact. At 21, Tim (Domhnall Gleeson) learns from his father (Bill Nighy) of the family’s inherited ability to revisit moments—though not rewrite history. Relocating to London for law training, Tim uses it to court American Mary (Rachel McAdams), perfecting their meetings. As life unfolds, he fixes errors but discovers some challenges defy temporal fixes.
Interstellar (2014)
Director: Christopher Nolan
Age rating: PG-13
Runtime: 169 minutes
Where to stream: Paramount+ (US); Prime Video (UK)
Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar exemplifies cinematic excellence with its soaring score, groundbreaking visuals, and compelling performances. In a drought-ravaged near-future America, ex-pilot Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) faces crop failures and famine. Recruited by NASA for a wormhole expedition to find a new home for humanity, he leads astronauts knowing it means leaving his family behind in a desperate bid to ensure survival.
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Director: Gil Junger
Age rating: PG-13
Runtime: 97 minutes
Where to stream: Disney+ (US, UK & AU)
Inspired by recent literary adaptations like Chloe Zhao’s Hamnet (2025), I revisited the enduring 10 Things I Hate About You, a ’90s gem updating Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. Newcomer Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) crushes on Bianca (Larisa Oleynik), but rules require her prickly sister Kat (Julia Stiles) to date first. To bypass this, Cameron and Bianca enlist brooding Patrick (Heath Ledger) in a ploy that unexpectedly sparks genuine connection amid high school antics.
