February Releases
Browse the films, anniversaries, milestones, and memorable premieres that made February a part of cinema history
February Releases
February 1
Suspiria (1977)
Director: Dario Argento
Cast: Jessica Harper, Stefania Casini, Flavio Bucci, Miguel Bosé, Alida Valli, Joan Bennett
Budget: $4 Million (estimated)
Box Office: Cult classic; original box-office figures are incomplete, though the film became highly successful through international releases and re-releases.
Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
IMDb: 7.3/10
Synopsis
American ballet student Suzy Bannion arrives at a prestigious dance academy in Germany, only to discover that a series of gruesome murders and supernatural events are connected to a terrifying secret hidden within the school. As the body count rises, Suzy uncovers a dark world of witchcraft and ancient evil lurking behind the academy's walls.
Did You Know?
• Dario Argento originally wanted the main characters to be children around 12 years old, but the idea was rejected by producers due to the film's extreme violence. He kept much of the original dialogue, which explains the characters' childlike behavior.
• The film's unforgettable soundtrack was composed by the progressive rock band Goblin.
• The vivid reds, blues, and greens were inspired by classic Technicolor films such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
• Many horror filmmakers, including Guillermo del Toro and Edgar Wright, have cited the film as a major influence.established in Ju-On: The Grudge (2002).
The Fog (1980)
Director: John Carpenter
Cast: Adrienne Barbeau, Jamie Lee Curtis, Janet Leigh, Tom Atkins, Hal Holbrook, John Houseman
Budget: $1.1 Million
Box Office: $21.4 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 75%
IMDb: 6.8/10
Synopsis
As the small coastal town of Antonio Bay prepares to celebrate its centennial, a mysterious glowing fog rolls in from the sea. Hidden within the fog are the vengeful ghosts of sailors who were betrayed and murdered a century earlier. As the town's dark past resurfaces, residents must fight to survive the supernatural terror approaching from the ocean.
Did You Know?
• John Carpenter wrote the film after being inspired by the ghostly atmosphere of the 1958 British horror classic The Trollenberg Terror.
• The movie reunited Carpenter with Jamie Lee Curtis two years after their groundbreaking success with Halloween (1978).
• Jamie Lee Curtis appears alongside her real-life mother, Janet Leigh, famous for playing Marion Crane in Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho (1960).
• Carpenter was dissatisfied with the original cut and returned to film additional scenes, including several of the movie's most memorable scares.
Velvet Buzzsaw (2019)
Director: Dan Gilroy
Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, René Russo, Zawe Ashton, Toni Collette, John Malkovich, Natalia Dyer
Budget: $21 Million (estimated)
Box Office: N/A (Netflix Original Release)
Rotten Tomatoes: 61%
IMDb: 5.7/10
Synopsis
After a collection of paintings by a mysterious deceased artist is discovered, the Los Angeles art world becomes obsessed with acquiring and profiting from the work. But as greed takes over, a supernatural force hidden within the paintings begins taking revenge on those who treat art as a commodity rather than an expression of humanity.
Did You Know?
• Dan Gilroy reunited with Jake Gyllenhaal and René Russo following their acclaimed collaboration on Nightcrawler (2014).
• The fictional artist Vetril Dease was loosely inspired by outsider artist Henry Darger, whose work became famous after his death.
• The film blends horror, satire, dark comedy, and mystery to critique the commercialization of the contemporary art world.
• Natalia Dyer starred in the film shortly after becoming internationally known for Stranger Things.
February 2
Winchester (2018)
Director: Michael Spierig, Peter Spierig
Cast: Helen Mirren, Jason Clarke, Sarah Snook, Angus Sampson, Finn Scicluna-O'Prey
Budget: $3.5 Million
Box Office: $44 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 13%
IMDb: 5.5/10
Synopsis
Inspired by the legend of the Winchester Mystery House, the film follows Sarah Winchester, heiress to the Winchester Repeating Arms fortune, who believes she is haunted by the spirits of those killed by the company's rifles. As psychiatrist Dr. Eric Price investigates her mental state, he discovers that the sprawling mansion may truly be home to restless supernatural forces.
Did You Know?
• Helen Mirren was fascinated by the real history of Sarah Winchester and accepted the role because of the mansion's mysterious legend.
• Only a small portion of the movie was filmed inside the actual Winchester Mystery House. Most of the interiors were recreated on soundstages because the real mansion's narrow hallways made filming difficult.
• The film is loosely inspired by the true story of Sarah Winchester rather than being a historical biography.
• The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California, remains one of America's most famous haunted tourist attractions.
Argylle (2024)
Director: Matthew Vaughn
Cast: Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, Henry Cavill, Bryan Cranston, Samuel L. Jackson, Catherine O'Hara, Dua Lipa, John Cena, Ariana DeBose
Budget: $200 Million (reported)
Box Office: $96.2 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 33%
IMDb: 5.6/10
Synopsis
Reclusive author Elly Conway discovers that the plots of her bestselling spy novels are beginning to mirror real-life espionage missions. When she becomes the target of a dangerous syndicate, she is thrust into a globe-trotting adventure alongside a rogue spy, where the line between fiction and reality quickly disappears.
Did You Know?
• Matthew Vaughn cast Henry Cavill because he believed he was "born to play James Bond" and wanted audiences to see him in that type of role.
• The film features an ensemble cast that includes Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, Samuel L. Jackson, Bryan Cranston, John Cena, Dua Lipa, and Catherine O'Hara.
• Much of the movie was filmed in London, Greece, and other European locations.
• A mid-credits scene hints at a possible expansion of the Argylle universe.
February 3
Knock at the Cabin (2023)
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Cast: Dave Bautista, Jonathan Groff, Ben Aldridge, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Rupert Grint, Kristen Cui
Budget: $20 Million
Box Office: $54.8 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 67%
IMDb: 6.1/10
Synopsis
While vacationing at a remote cabin, a young girl and her parents are taken hostage by four strangers who claim the apocalypse is imminent. The intruders demand that the family make an impossible choice to save humanity, forcing them to decide whether the threat is real or part of a terrifying delusion.
Did You Know?
• The film is based on Paul Tremblay's bestselling novel The Cabin at the End of the World.
• Dave Bautista received some of the strongest reviews of his career for his performance as Leonard.
• M. Night Shyamalan financed the film himself, continuing the independent model he has used for many of his recent projects.
• The movie was filmed primarily in New Jersey, with the cabin built specifically for production.
February 4
Videodrome (1983)
Director: David Cronenberg
Cast: James Woods, Debbie Harry, Sonja Smits, Peter Dvorsky, Leslie Carlson, Jack Creley
Budget: $5.9 Million
Box Office: $2.1 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 80%
IMDb: 7.2/10
Synopsis
Max Renn, the president of a small television station, discovers a mysterious broadcast known as Videodrome, a program featuring extreme violence and torture. As he investigates its origins, he becomes trapped in a disturbing conspiracy that blurs the line between reality, hallucination, technology, and human consciousness.
Did You Know?
• David Cronenberg wrote the screenplay based on his fascination with the growing influence of television and mass media.
• Blondie lead singer Debbie Harry was personally chosen by Cronenberg after he admired her screen presence.
• Most of the film's disturbing effects were created practically, years before CGI became common.
• The famous "living television" sequence was achieved using elaborate prosthetics and mechanical effects.
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)
Director: Tom Shadyac
Cast: Jim Carrey, Courteney Cox, Sean Young, Tone Loc, Dan Marino
Budget: $15 Million
Box Office: $107.2 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 48%
IMDb: 6.9/10
Synopsis
When the Miami Dolphins' mascot, Snowflake the dolphin, is kidnapped just before the Super Bowl, eccentric pet detective Ace Ventura is hired to solve the case. Using his bizarre methods and unmatched love for animals, Ace uncovers a conspiracy involving missing football players, revenge, and one of the strangest mysteries in comedy history.
Did You Know?
• Jim Carrey co-wrote parts of the screenplay and helped create many of Ace Ventura's signature mannerisms and catchphrases.
• The film was shot on location throughout Miami, Florida.
• Real NFL quarterback Dan Marino appears as himself in a major role.
• The success of the movie turned Jim Carrey into a major Hollywood star almost overnight.
Scream 3 (2000)
Director: Wes Craven
Cast: Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Parker Posey, Patrick Dempsey, Liev Schreiber
Budget: $40 Million
Box Office: $161.8 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 45%
IMDb: 5.7/10
Synopsis
As production begins on Stab 3, a film based on the Woodsboro murders, a new Ghostface killer starts targeting the cast and crew in Hollywood. Forced out of isolation, Sidney Prescott reunites with Gale Weathers and Dewey Riley to uncover the killer's identity before the murders become personal once again.
Did You Know?
• Scream 3 was the first film in the franchise not written entirely by Kevin Williamson. Ehren Kruger took over screenplay duties.
• The movie was heavily rewritten during production because the identity of the killer was leaked online.
• Parker Posey's performance as actress Jennifer Jolie became one of the film's most beloved elements among fans.
• Following concerns about violence in media after the Columbine tragedy, the film toned down some of the graphic gore seen in earlier entries.
Awards & Recognitions:
MTV Movie Awards
• Nominated — Best Female Performance (Neve Campbell)
• Nominated — Best Comedic Performance (Parker Posey)
The Cloverfield Paradox (2018)
Director: Julius Onah
Cast: Gugu Mbatha-Raw, David Oyelowo, Daniel Brühl, Elizabeth Debicki, Chris O'Dowd, Zhang Ziyi
Budget: $45 Million
Box Office: N/A (Netflix acquired the film before a wide theatrical release)
Rotten Tomatoes: 22%
IMDb: 5.5/10
Synopsis
When a mysterious force knocks the Moon out of its orbit, Earth faces total destruction. With only weeks before impact, former astronaut Brian Harper, NASA executive Jo Fowler, and conspiracy theorist K.C. Houseman embark on an impossible mission to save humanity, only to discover that the Moon is hiding an unimaginable secret.
Did You Know?
• A real astronaut served as an advisor during production, helping the filmmakers with space-related details.
• The film was directed by Roland Emmerich, known for disaster epics such as Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow, and 2012.
• Much of the movie was filmed in Montréal, Canada.
• The story combines disaster-film spectacle with science-fiction concepts involving megastructures, artificial intelligence, and ancient civilizations.
Moonfall (2022)
Director: Roland Emmerich
Cast: Halle Berry, Patrick Wilson, John Bradley, Michael Peña, Charlie Plummer, Donald Sutherland
Budget: $150 Million
Box Office: $67.3 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 35%
IMDb: 5.2/10
Synopsis
When a mysterious force knocks the Moon out of its orbit, Earth faces total destruction. With only weeks before impact, former astronaut Brian Harper, NASA executive Jo Fowler, and conspiracy theorist K.C. Houseman embark on an impossible mission to save humanity, only to discover that the Moon is hiding an unimaginable secret.
Did You Know?
• A real astronaut served as an advisor during production, helping the filmmakers with space-related details.
• The film was directed by Roland Emmerich, known for disaster epics such as Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow, and 2012.
• Much of the movie was filmed in Montréal, Canada.
• The story combines disaster-film spectacle with science-fiction concepts involving megastructures, artificial intelligence, and ancient civilizations.
February 5
Peter Pan (1953)
Director: Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske
Cast: Bobby Driscoll, Kathryn Beaumont, Hans Conried, Bill Thompson, Heather Angel
Budget: $4 Million
Box Office: $87.4 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 79%
IMDb: 7.2/10
Synopsis
Wendy Darling and her brothers are whisked away to the magical world of Neverland by the boy who refuses to grow up. Alongside Peter Pan and Tinker Bell, they encounter mermaids, Lost Boys, and the villainous Captain Hook in one of Disney's most beloved animated adventures.
Did You Know?
• Peter Pan was the final Disney animated feature distributed by RKO Radio Pictures before Disney launched its own distribution company, Buena Vista.
• It was the last Disney film on which all nine of Disney's legendary "Nine Old Men" worked together as directing animators.
• Kathryn Beaumont, who voiced Wendy, had previously voiced Alice in Alice in Wonderland (1951).
• The film spent years in development, with Walt Disney attempting to adapt J.M. Barrie's story as early as the 1930s
From Paris with Love (2010)
Cast: John Travolta, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Kasia Smutniak, Richard Durden, Amber Rose Revah
Budget: $52 Million
Box Office: $52.8 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 37%
IMDb: 6.4/10
Synopsis
James Reese, a low-level CIA operative working in Paris, dreams of becoming a full-fledged spy. His opportunity arrives when he is partnered with Charlie Wax, a reckless and unpredictable American agent. As they race across Paris to stop a terrorist attack, James discovers that the world of espionage is far more dangerous than he ever imagined.
Did You Know?
• The film was co-written and produced by Luc Besson, the filmmaker behind Léon: The Professional, Taken, and The Fifth Element.
• John Travolta shaved his head specifically for the role of Charlie Wax, creating one of the most distinctive looks of his career.
• Much of the movie was filmed on location throughout Paris, France.
• Director Pierre Morel previously directed the action hit Taken (2008).
Hail, Caesar! (2016)
Director: Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
Cast: Josh Brolin, George Clooney, Alden Ehrenreich, Ralph Fiennes, Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum, Tilda Swinton, Jonah Hill
Budget: $22 Million
Box Office: $63.9 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 85%
IMDb: 6.3/10
Synopsis
Set during Hollywood's Golden Age in the 1950s, studio fixer Eddie Mannix spends his days solving scandals, covering up celebrity mishaps, and keeping a major movie studio running smoothly. When the star of the studio's biggest production, Hail, Caesar!, is mysteriously kidnapped, Mannix finds himself facing his most complicated crisis yet.
Did You Know?
• Alden Ehrenreich learned horseback riding, guitar playing, gun twirling, and rope tricks for his role as singing cowboy Hobie Doyle.
• The film was inspired by the real-life Hollywood fixer Eddie Mannix, who worked for MGM during the studio era.
• Roger Deakins served as cinematographer, marking another collaboration with the Coen Brothers.
• Channing Tatum's musical number "No Dames!" became one of the film's most celebrated scenes
February 6
Coraline (2009)
⭐ Cast: Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, Keith David, John Hodgman, Robert Bailey Jr., Ian McShane
💰 Budget: $60 Million+
🎟️ Box Office: $185.3 Million
🍅 Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
⭐ IMDb: 7.8/10
Synopsis
After moving into an old house with her distracted parents, young Coraline Jones discovers a secret door leading to a seemingly perfect alternate world. But behind its colorful wonders and loving "Other Mother" lies a terrifying nightmare that threatens to trap her forever.
Did You Know?
• Coraline was the first feature film produced by Laika, the animation studio later known for ParaNorman, Kubo and the Two Strings, and Missing Link.
• The film is based on Neil Gaiman's award-winning 2002 novel of the same name.
• More than 130 sets were built by hand for the production.
• The character of Wybie was created specifically for the movie and does not appear in Neil Gaiman's original book.
Awards & Recognitions:
Academy Awards
• Nominated — Best Animated Feature
BAFTA Awards
• Nominated — Best Animated Film
Jupiter Ascending (2015)
🎬 Director: Lana Wachowski & Lilly Wachowski
⭐ Cast: Mila Kunis, Channing Tatum, Sean Bean, Eddie Redmayne, Douglas Booth, Tuppence Middleton
💰 Budget: $176 Million
🎟️ Box Office: $184 Million
🍅 Rotten Tomatoes: 28%
⭐ IMDb: 5.3/10
Synopsis
Jupiter Jones, a young woman living an ordinary life on Earth, discovers she is the genetic heir to a powerful intergalactic dynasty. Hunted by ruthless members of her cosmic family, she joins genetically engineered warrior Caine Wise in a battle that could determine the fate of entire planets.
Did You Know?
• The Wachowskis conceived the film as an original space opera inspired by classic science-fiction adventures such as Star Wars and Flash Gordon.
• Channing Tatum spent hours each day in makeup to transform into the wolf-human hybrid Caine Wise.
• The film features more than 2,000 visual effects shots.
• Eddie Redmayne won the Academy Award for The Theory of Everything just weeks after Jupiter Ascending premiered.
February 7
Blazing Saddles (1974)
🎬 Director: Mel Brooks
⭐ Cast: Cleavon Little, Gene Wilder, Harvey Korman, Madeline Kahn, Slim Pickens, Mel Brooks
💰 Budget: $2.6 Million
🎟️ Box Office: $119.5 Million
🍅 Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
⭐ IMDb: 7.7/10
Synopsis
When a corrupt politician appoints Bart, a Black railroad worker, as sheriff of the all-white town of Rock Ridge, he expects the townspeople to abandon the town. Instead, Bart uses his intelligence, wit, and an unlikely partnership with the alcoholic gunslinger Jim "The Waco Kid" to save the town and expose a greedy land scheme.
Did You Know?
• Richard Pryor co-wrote the screenplay and was one of the film's most important creative voices, though the studio refused to cast him in the lead role
.• Warner Bros. executives were initially nervous about the film's controversial humor and feared it would be impossible to market.
• Gene Wilder joined the cast after Gig Young was originally cast as the Waco Kid but was replaced shortly after filming began.
• The movie intentionally satirized racism, Hollywood western clichés, and social prejudices rather than endorsing them.
Awards & Recognitions:
Academy Awards
• Nominated — Best Supporting Actress (Madeline Kahn)
• Nominated — Best Film Editing
• Nominated — Best Original Song ("Blazing Saddles")
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
Director: Donald Petrie
Cast: Kate Hudson, Matthew McConaughey, Kathryn Hahn, Annie Parisse, Adam Goldberg, Michael Michele
Budget: $50 Million
Box Office: $177.5 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 42%
IMDb: 6.5/10
Synopsis
Magazine writer Andie Anderson is assigned to write an article about how to drive a man away in ten days by intentionally making every dating mistake possible. At the same time, advertising executive Ben Barry bets he can make any woman fall in love with him in ten days. Neither realizes the other's secret, leading to a hilarious battle of manipulation, misunderstandings, and unexpected romance.
Did You Know?
• The film is loosely based on the illustrated book How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days by Michele Alexander and Jeannie Long.
• Gwyneth Paltrow was originally considered for the role of Andie Anderson before Kate Hudson was cast.
• The famous "Love Fern" plant became one of the movie's most memorable running jokes.
• Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson's chemistry was so popular that they reunited for Fool's Gold (2008).
The Monuments Men (2014)
Director: George Clooney
Cast: George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, Cate Blanchett, John Goodman, Jean Dujardin, Hugh Bonneville, Bob Balaban
Budget: $70 Million
Box Office: $155.1 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 30%
IMDb: 6.1/10
Synopsis
During World War II, a group of museum curators, architects, artists, and historians are recruited by the Allies to recover priceless works of art stolen by the Nazis before they are destroyed. Facing the dangers of war, the team races across Europe to preserve humanity's cultural heritage.
Did You Know?
• The film is based on the true story of the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives program, often called the "Monuments Men."
• Many of the characters were inspired by real individuals, though some were composites of several historical figures.
• George Clooney directed, co-wrote, produced, and starred in the film.
• More than five million artworks and cultural objects were looted by Nazi forces during World War II.
Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (2020)
Director: Cathy Yan
Cast: Margot Robbie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett, Rosie Perez, Ella Jay Basco, Ewan McGregor, Chris Messina
Budget: $84.5 Million
Box Office: $205.5 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 79%
IMDb: 6.1/10
Synopsis
After breaking up with the Joker, Harley Quinn finds herself without Gotham City's most feared criminal as protection. When a young pickpocket steals a valuable diamond from crime lord Roman Sionis, Harley joins forces with Black Canary, Huntress, and Renee Montoya in a chaotic battle against Gotham's underworld.
Did You Know?
• Margot Robbie personally pushed for a female-led Harley Quinn film after the success of Suicide Squad.
• Cathy Yan became the first Asian woman to direct a superhero film with a budget exceeding $100 million.
• The movie's original title was considered so long that Warner Bros. later rebranded it in some markets as Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey.
• Most of Harley Quinn's colorful costumes were inspired directly by comic book designs while adding a punk-rock aesthetic unique to the film.
February 8
Side Effects (2013)
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Cast: Rooney Mara, Jude Law, Channing Tatum, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Vinessa Shaw
Budget: $30 Million
Box Office: $63.4 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 82%
IMDb: 7.0/10
Synopsis
After struggling with depression following her husband's release from prison, Emily Taylor is prescribed a new medication by her psychiatrist. When a shocking tragedy occurs, a complex web of deception, manipulation, and hidden motives begins to unravel, revealing that nothing is quite what it seems.
Did You Know?
• The film was originally marketed as a psychological thriller about prescription drugs before revealing its true mystery-thriller storyline.
• Steven Soderbergh served as both director and cinematographer, using the pseudonym Peter Andrews for the film's cinematography credits.
• Jude Law has said he felt unusually vulnerable playing Dr. Jonathan Banks because it was one of the first roles where he closely resembled his real-life self.
• The film was shot largely in New York City, helping create its grounded and realistic atmosphere.
Identity Thief (2013)
Director: Seth Gordon
Cast: Jason Bateman, Melissa McCarthy, Jon Favreau, Amanda Peet, John Cho, Genesis Rodriguez
Budget: $35 Million
Box Office: $174 Million Worldwide
Rotten Tomatoes: 20%
IMDb: 5.7/10
Synopsis
TypWhen mild-mannered businessman Sandy Patterson discovers that his identity has been stolen by a con artist living lavishly in Florida, he embarks on a cross-country road trip to bring the thief to justice. What follows is a chaotic adventure filled with scams, bounty hunters, and unexpected friendship.
Did You Know?
Melissa McCarthy improvised many of her funniest scenes and was given considerable freedom during filming.
• The film marked the first major starring collaboration between Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy.
• Despite poor reviews from critics, audiences responded much more positively, helping the film become a major commercial success.
• The movie opened at #1 at the North American box office with over $34 million during its debut weekend.
February 9
Taxi Driver (1976)
Director: Martin Scorsese
Cast: Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd, Harvey Keitel, Peter Boyle, Albert Brooks
Budget: $1.3 Million
Box Office: $29 Million Worldwide
Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
IMDb: 8.2/10
Synopsis
Travis Bickle, a lonely and mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran, works nights as a taxi driver in New York City. As he becomes increasingly disgusted by the crime, corruption, and isolation surrounding him, his grip on reality begins to unravel, leading him toward a violent and unforgettable confrontation.
Did You Know?
Robert De Niro prepared for the role by working as a real New York City taxi driver before filming began.
• Jodie Foster was only 12 years old during production and delivered one of the most acclaimed child performances in film history.
• Bernard Herrmann completed the score shortly before his death, making Taxi Driver his final film composition.
• The film's depiction of urban alienation became one of the defining portraits of 1970s America.
Awards & Recognitions:
Academy Awards
• Nominated — Best Picture
• Nominated — Best Actor (Robert De Niro)
• Nominated — Best Supporting Actress (Jodie Foster)
• Nominated — Best Original Score (Bernard Herrmann)
Golden Globe Awards
• Nominated — Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama (Robert De Niro)
• Nominated — Best Screenplay (Paul Schrader)
BAFTA Awards
• Won — Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles (Jodie Foster)
• Nominated — Best Film
• Nominated — Best Director (Martin Scorsese)
• Nominated — Best Actor (Robert De Niro)
Cannes Film Festival
• Won — Palme d'Or (Highest Honor)
Norbit (2007)
Director: Brian Robbins
Cast: Eddie Murphy, Thandiwe Newton, Terry Crews, Cuba Gooding Jr., Clifton Powell, Eddie Griffin
Budget: $60 Million
Box Office: $159.8 Million Worldwide
Rotten Tomatoes: 9%
IMDb: 4.3/10
Synopsis
Norbit Albert Rice has endured a difficult life since being abandoned as a child and raised in an orphanage. Trapped in a miserable marriage with the overbearing Rasputia, his life changes when his childhood sweetheart Kate returns to town, giving him hope for a better future.
Did You Know?
• Eddie Murphy plays three major roles in the film: Norbit, Rasputia, and Mr. Wong.
• Transforming into Rasputia required 2–3 hours of makeup each day and a 34-kilogram (75-pound) fat suit.
• The screenplay was co-written by Eddie Murphy and his brother Charlie Murphy.
• The film was released just one week after Murphy received an Oscar nomination for Dreamgirls.
Awards & Recognitions:
Academy Awards
• Nominated — Best Achievement in Makeup (Rick Baker & Kazu Hiro)
February 10
Billy Madison (1995)
Director: Tamra Davis
Cast: Adam Sandler, Darren McGavin, Bridgette Wilson, Bradley Whitford, Josh Mostel, Norm Macdonald
Budget: $10 Million
Box Office: $26.4 Million Worldwide
Rotten Tomatoes: 40%
IMDb: 6.4/10
Synopsis
Billy Madison, the immature heir to a hotel empire, learns that he must repeat grades 1 through 12 in just 24 weeks if he wants to inherit his father's company. Along the way, Billy faces embarrassing challenges, unexpected friendships, and a ruthless rival determined to take over the business.
Did You Know?
• Billy Madison was Adam Sandler's first starring role in a major motion picture.
• Much of the film's humor was inspired by Sandler's comedy style developed during his time on Saturday Night Live.
• The movie was co-written by Adam Sandler and longtime collaborator Tim Herlihy.
• Several cast members from Sandler's future films, including Norm Macdonald, appear in supporting roles.
Final Destination 3 (2006)
Director: James Wong
Cast: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ryan Merriman, Kris Lemche, Alexz Johnson, Sam Easton, Texas Battle
Budget: $25 Million
Box Office: $118.9 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 44%
IMDb: 5.9/10
Synopsis
After having a terrifying premonition of a deadly roller coaster accident, high school student Wendy Christensen saves herself and several classmates from certain death. But escaping the disaster only delays the inevitable, as Death begins claiming the survivors one by one in increasingly gruesome and unexpected ways.
Did You Know?
• Mary Elizabeth Winstead's performance as Wendy Christensen is often considered one of the strongest lead performances in the entire franchise.
• The film's opening roller coaster disaster was inspired by real-life amusement park accidents.
• Viewers could unlock clues about future deaths through the movie's interactive DVD release, known as the "Choose Their Fate" edition.
• Much of the film was shot in Vancouver, Canada, including scenes filmed at Playland Amusement Park.
Safe House (2012)
Director: Daniel Espinosa
Cast: Denzel Washington, Ryan Reynolds, Vera Farmiga, Brendan Gleeson, Sam Shepard, Robert Patrick
Budget: $85 Million
Box Office: $208.1 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 52%
IMDb: 6.7/10
Synopsis
Matt Weston, a young CIA operative stationed at a safe house in South Africa, gets the opportunity he's been waiting for when notorious rogue agent Tobin Frost is brought in for interrogation. When mercenaries attack the facility, Weston is forced to go on the run with Frost, uncovering a conspiracy that reaches deep into the CIA itself.
Did You Know?
• The film was shot extensively in Cape Town, South Africa, which doubled for several international locations.
• Denzel Washington performed many of his own action scenes throughout the production.
• Screenwriter David Guggenheim sold the screenplay before it was selected for Hollywood's prestigious Black List of best unproduced scripts.
• This marked Ryan Reynolds' first major dramatic action-thriller role after becoming known primarily for comedies and romantic films
The Vow (2012)
Director: Michael Sucsy
Cast: Rachel McAdams, Channing Tatum, Sam Neill, Jessica Lange, Scott Speedman Budget: $30 Million
Box Office: $196.1 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 30%
IMDb: 6.8/10
Synopsis
After a devastating car accident leaves Paige with severe memory loss, she can no longer remember her husband Leo or the life they built together. Determined to win back her heart, Leo embarks on an emotional journey to make her fall in love with him all over again.
Did You Know?
• The film was inspired by the real-life story of Kim and Krickitt Carpenter, whose marriage was tested after a traumatic accident.
• Channing Tatum revealed that he wore a prosthetic device during one scene to surprise Rachel McAdams and capture a genuine reaction on camera.
• Much of the film was shot in Chicago, Illinois.
• The movie became one of the biggest romantic-drama hits of the 2010s.
John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)
Director: Chad Stahelski
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Common, Laurence Fishburne, Riccardo Scamarcio, Ruby Rose, Ian McShane, John Leguizamo
Budget: $40 Million
Box Office: $174.3 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
IMDb: 7.4/10
Synopsis
Just when legendary hitman John Wick thinks he has left his violent past behind, an old blood oath forces him back into the criminal underworld. Sent to Rome to carry out an impossible mission, Wick soon finds himself hunted by the world's deadliest assassins after a massive bounty is placed on his head.
Did You Know?
• Keanu Reeves spent months training in firearms, martial arts, and tactical driving to perform many of the film's action sequences.
• The movie significantly expanded the mythology of the John Wick universe, introducing the High Table and the global network of assassins.
• Laurence Fishburne reunited with Keanu Reeves for the first time since The Matrix trilogy.
• Much of the film was shot on location in Rome, Italy, giving the sequel a larger international scope
February 11
Just Go with It (2011)
Director: Dennis Dugan
Cast: Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, Nicole Kidman, Nick Swardson, Brooklyn Decker, Bailee Madison, Griffin Gluck, Dave Matthews, Kevin Nealon, Rachel Dratch
Budget: $80 million
Box Office: $214.9 million worldwide
Rotten Tomatoes: 20% Tomatometer, 59% Popcornmeter
Synopsis
A plastic surgeon who pretends to be married to avoid commitment suddenly falls for a younger woman. To maintain his lie, he convinces his assistant to pose as his soon-to-be ex-wife, dragging them—and her children—into an increasingly complicated series of deceptions.
Did You Know?
• Just Go with It is loosely based on the 1969 romantic comedy Cactus Flower, which starred Walter Matthau, Goldie Hawn, and Ingrid Bergman.
• The screenplay also credits the stage play on which that film was based.
• The movie was a modest performer upon release but later achieved cult-classic status.
• The character Super Soul became one of the most memorable radio personalities in film history.
Awards & Recognition
• ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards (2012): Won Top Box Office Films for composer Rupert Gregson-Williams.
• MTV Movie Awards: Jennifer Aniston was nominated for Best Female Performance, while Adam Sandler was nominated for Best Comedic Performance.
• People's Choice Awards: Jennifer Aniston received nominations for Favorite Comedic Movie Actress and Favorite Movie Actress.
• Razzie Awards: The film received multiple nominations, including Worst Screen Couple for Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston.
Death on the Nile (2022)
Director: Brian Robbins
Cast: James Van Der Beek, Jon Voight, Paul Walker, Amy Smart, Ali Larter, Scott Caan
Budget: $16 Million
Box Office: $54.3 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 42%
IMDb: 6.5/10
Synopsis
When the star quarterback of a Texas high school football team suffers a devastating injury, backup quarterback Jonathan "Mox" Moxon is thrust into the spotlight. As pressure from the town and his demanding coach intensifies, Mox begins challenging the culture surrounding high school football.
Did You Know?
• Paul Walker broke his leg during production.
• The film was shot primarily in Austin, Texas.
• The line "I don't want your life" became one of the most quoted movie lines of the late 1990s.
• Ali Larter's whipped-cream bikini scene became a pop-culture phenomenon.
February 12
Groundhog Day (1993)
Director: Harold Ramis
Cast: Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell, Chris Elliott, Stephen Tobolowsky, Brian Doyle-Murray, Marita Geraghty, Angela Paton, Rick Ducommun
Budget: $14.6–30 Million
Box Office: $71.1 Million worldwide (original run)
Rotten Tomatoes: 93%
Synopsis
hil Connors, a cynical television weatherman, is sent to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to cover Groundhog Day. After becoming trapped in a mysterious time loop, he is forced to relive the same day over and over again, gradually transforming his outlook on life, love, and happiness.
Did You Know?
• The film has become so influential that the phrase "Groundhog Day" is now commonly used to describe a repetitive situation.
• Harold Ramis and Danny Rubin reportedly debated exactly how long Phil spent trapped in the time loop, with estimates ranging from years to decades.
• In 2006, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry for being culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.
• It is frequently ranked among the greatest comedy films ever made and has gained a much larger reputation than it had during its original theatrical run.
Awards & Recognition
BAFTA Winner – Best Original Screenplay (Danny Rubin & Harold Ramis)
British Comedy Award Winner – Best Comedy Film
National Film Registry Inductee (2006)
Ranked among the greatest fantasy and comedy films by the American Film Institute and remains one of Bill Murray's most acclaimed performances.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010
Director: Chris Columbus
Cast: Logan Lerman, Alexandra Daddario, Brandon T. Jackson, Jake Abel, Sean Bean, Pierce Brosnan, Uma Thurman, Rosario Dawson, Catherine Keener, Steve Coogan
Budget: $95 Million
Box Office: $226.5 Million worldwide
Rotten Tomatoes: 48%
Synopsis
Teenager Percy Jackson discovers he is the son of Poseidon and is thrust into a world of Greek mythology. Joined by his friends Grover and Annabeth, Percy embarks on a quest to recover Zeus's stolen lightning bolt and prevent a war among the gods.
Did You Know?
• Chris Columbus directed the film after previously directing the first two Harry Potter movies.
• The movie was based on Rick Riordan's bestselling 2005 novel of the same name.
• Alexandra Daddario's role as Annabeth Chase became one of her breakout performances.
• Despite mixed reviews from critics and fans of the books, the film was a commercial success and launched a sequel, Sea of Monsters (2013).
Deadpool (2016)
Director: Tim Miller
Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein, T.J. Miller, Gina Carano, Brianna Hildebrand, Stefan Kapičić, Leslie Uggams
Budget: $58 Million
Box Office: $782.8 Million worldwide
Rotten Tomatoes: 85%
IMDb: 8.0/10
Synopsis
After undergoing a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers and a twisted sense of humor, mercenary Wade Wilson becomes Deadpool. Armed with his new abilities, he sets out to hunt down the man responsible for destroying his life.
Did You Know?
• The film spent nearly 10 years in development hell before finally receiving approval from 20th Century Fox.
• Ryan Reynolds spent years campaigning for the movie to be made after portraying a very different version of Deadpool in X-Men Origins: Wolverine
• At the time of its release, Deadpool became the highest-grossing R-rated film ever made.
• The movie shattered numerous February and Presidents' Day weekend box-office records.
Awards & Recognition
Critics Choice Awards Winner – Best Comedy & Best Actor in a Comedy (Ryan Reynolds).
Golden Globe Nominee – Best Motion Picture (Comedy or Musical).
Golden Globe Nominee – Best Actor (Ryan Reynolds).
People's Choice Awards Winner – Favorite Movie and Favorite Action Movie
Judas and the Black Messiah (2021)
Director: Shaka King
Cast: Daniel Kaluuya, LaKeith Stanfield, Jesse Plemons, Dominique Fishback, Ashton Sanders, Algee Smith, Martin Sheen
Budget: $26 Million
Box Office: $6.5 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
IMDb: 7.4/10
Synopsis
Set in late-1960s Chicago, Judas and the Black Messiah follows FBI informant William O'Neal, who infiltrates the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party under the direction of the FBI. As he gains the trust of charismatic chairman Fred Hampton, O'Neal becomes increasingly torn between loyalty, survival, and the devastating consequences of his actions. The film explores political activism, government surveillance, and Hampton's enduring legacy.
Did You Know?
• The film is based on true events surrounding Fred Hampton and FBI informant William O'Neal.
• Daniel Kaluuya was born in London and initially worried he might not accurately portray Hampton, but his performance received widespread acclaim.
• The title refers to O'Neal's betrayal ("Judas") and Hampton's status as a revolutionary leader ("Messiah").
• Much of the dialogue and speeches were inspired by Hampton's real-life speeches and recorded interviews.
• Fred Hampton was only 21 years old when he was killed during a police raid in 1969.
• The movie was produced by Ryan Coogler, director of Black Panther and Creed.
Awards & Recognition
Academy Awards (2021)
• Won Best Supporting Actor — Daniel Kaluuya
• Won Best Original Song — "Fight for You"
• Nominated for Best Picture
• Nominated for Best Original Screenplay
• Nominated for Best Cinematography
• Nominated for Best Supporting Actor — LaKeith Stanfield
Golden Globe Awards
• Won Best Supporting Actor — Daniel Kaluuya
BAFTA Awards
• Won Best Supporting Actor — Daniel Kaluuya
Screen Actors Guild Awards
• Won Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role — Daniel Kaluuya
February 13
Over the Top (1987)
Director: Dennis Dugan
Director: Menahem Golan
Cast: Sylvester Stallone, David Mendenhall, Robert Loggia, Susan Blakely, Rick Zumwalt
Budget: $25 Million
Box Office: $16.1 Million (Domestic)
Rotten Tomatoes: 32%
Synopsis
Long-haul truck driver Lincoln Hawk attempts to reconnect with his estranged son while competing in the World Armwrestling Championship in Las Vegas. As father and son travel across the country together, Hawk must overcome personal struggles, family opposition, and fierce competitors in pursuit of redemption both as a father and as a champion.
Did You Know?
• Sylvester Stallone was reportedly paid around $12 million to star in the film, making it one of the biggest paychecks of his career at the time.
• Real professional arm wrestlers were cast throughout the tournament scenes to add authenticity.
• The movie became a cult favorite despite disappointing box-office results.
• The title refers to Hawk's belief that he becomes unstoppable when he turns his cap backward before a match.
• Stallone later said he would have changed several aspects of the film if he had the chance to remake it.
The Wedding Singer (1998)
Director: Frank Coraci
Cast: Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Christine Taylor, Allen Covert, Alexis Arquette
Budget: $18 Million
Box Office: $123.3 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 72%
Synopsis
Set in 1985, Robbie Hart is a wedding singer who is left heartbroken at the altar. As he struggles to move on, he forms a close friendship with Julia, a waitress engaged to the wrong man. Their growing connection leads to one of the most beloved romantic comedies of the 1990s.
Did You Know?
- Adam Sandler co-wrote the film with longtime collaborator Tim Herlihy.
- The movie’s soundtrack became hugely popular thanks to its nostalgic collection of 1980s hits.
- Billy Idol makes a memorable cameo as himself in the film’s climax.
- The success of The Wedding Singer helped establish Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore as one of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic-comedy pairings.
- Sandler and Barrymore would later reunite for 50 First Dates (2004) and Blended (2014).
- Many fans consider the airplane finale one of the most iconic romantic comedy endings of the 1990s.
Happy Death Day 2U (2019)
Director: Christopher Landon
Cast: Jessica Rothe, Israel Broussard, Phi Vu, Suraj Sharma, Sarah Yarkin, Rachel Matthews, Ruby Modine, Steve Zissis
Budget: $9 Million
Box Office: $64.6 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 71%
Synopsis:
After finally escaping a deadly time loop, college student Tree Gelbman discovers that the nightmare isn't over. When a scientific experiment goes wrong, she finds herself trapped in an alternate reality and forced to relive another series of murders while trying to save her friends and return to her own timeline.
Did You Know?
• Jessica Rothe performed many of her own stunts throughout the film.
• Unlike the first movie, which leaned heavily into slasher horror, Happy Death Day 2U incorporates science-fiction elements inspired by films such as Back to the Future and Groundhog Day.
• Director Christopher Landon conceived the story for the sequel while making the original film and always envisioned it as a larger sci-fi mystery.
• The movie was filmed in New Orleans, Louisiana, where the first film was also shot.
• Jessica Rothe's performance received praise from critics, with many highlighting her ability to balance comedy, horror, and emotional drama.
February 14
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Director: Jonathan Demme
Cast: Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Scott Glenn, Ted Levine, Anthony Heald, Brooke Smith
Budget: $19 Million
Box Office: $272.7 Million worldwide
Rotten Tomatoes: 79%
Synopsis
A young FBI trainee, Clarice Starling, must seek the help and psychological insight of an imprisoned, brilliant serial killer and cannibal, Dr. Hannibal Lecter, in order to catch another active serial killer known as "Buffalo Bill".
Did You Know?
• The film became only the third movie in Oscar history to win all five major "Big Five" Academy Awards (Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Director, and Screenplay).
• Michelle Pfeiffer was originally the first choice to play the role of FBI agent Clarice Starling, but turned it down.
•Director Jonathan Demme brought in real-life FBI agents as technical consultants to ensure that the training sequences, tactics, and procedures looked fully authentic.
• In 2011, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.
• Anthony Hopkins' portrayal of Dr. Hannibal Lecter is widely considered one of the most iconic and chilling villains in cinema history.
Awards & Recognition
Academy Award Winner – Best Picture (Edward Saxon, Kenneth Utt, and Ron Bozman)
Academy Award Winner – Best Director (Jonathan Demme)
Academy Award Winner – Best Actor (Anthony Hopkins)
Academy Award Winner – Best Actress (Jodie Foster)
Academy Award Winner – Best Adapted Screenplay (Ted Tally)
BAFTA Winner – Best Actor in a Leading Role (Anthony Hopkins) & Best Actress in a Leading Role (Jodie Foster)
Wayne's World (1992)
Director: Penelope Spheeris
Cast: Mike Myers, Dana Carvey, Rob Lowe, Tia Carrere, Brian Doyle-Murray, Lara Flynn Boyle, Colleen Camp
Budget: $20 Million
Box Office: $183.2 Million worldwide
Rotten Tomatoes: 85%
Synopsis
It remains the highest-grossing film of all time based on a Saturday Night Live sketch.The iconic scene where Wayne, Garth, and their friends headbang to Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" in a Gremlin car almost didn't happen because Mike Myers had to fight studio executives who wanted a Guns N' Roses song instead.Mike Myers and Dana Carvey developed the characters originally for Saturday Night Live, but they had been performing iterations of them since their days together on the Toronto comedy scene in the mid-1980s.The film's massive success significantly revived Queen's popularity in the United States years after Freddie Mercury's death..
Did You Know?
• Glass serves as the sequel to both Unbreakable (2000) and Split (2016).
• M. Night Shyamalan personally financed the film.
• James McAvoy portrays more than 20 personalities throughout the movie.
• Bruce Willis returned as David Dunn nearly two decades after Unbreakable.
Daredevil (2003)
Director: Mark Steven Johnson
Cast: Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Colin Farrell, Michael Clarke Duncan, Jon Favreau, Joe Pantoliano
Budget: $78–$80 Million
Box Office: $179.2 Million worldwide
Rotten Tomatoes: 43%
Synopsis
Blinded by toxic waste as a child, Matt Murdock develops superhuman senses that allow him to perceive the world around him. By day, he works as a dedicated defense attorney; by night, he transforms into Daredevil, a masked vigilante stalking the dark and corrupt streets of Hell's Kitchen to dispense justice.
Did You Know?
Ben Affleck was a massive fan of the Daredevil comic books growing up, which heavily motivated him to take on the titular role.
Colin Farrell, who played the villain Bullseye, chose to keep his native Irish accent for the character rather than attempting an American accent.
Before Ben Affleck was cast, other actors considered or rumored for the role included Edward Norton, Matt Damon, and Guy Pearce.
The film’s fight choreography and darker, gritty tone paved the way for future cinematic adaptations of street-level comic book antiheroes.
Jumper (2008)
Director: Doug Liman
Cast: Hayden Christensen, Jamie Bell, Rachel Bilson, Samuel L. Jackson, Diane Lane, Michael Rooker
Budget: $85 Million
Box Office: $225.1 Million worldwide
Rotten Tomatoes: 16%
Synopsis
David Rice is an ordinary young man who discovers he possesses a genetic mutation that allows him to "jump" instantaneously to any location on Earth. He uses his incredible ability to live a life of luxury and freedom, until he finds himself hunted by a secret society of zealots known as Paladins who have sworn to eradicate all "Jumpers"
Did You Know?
The movie was filmed across an astonishing 20 cities and 14 countries to realistically capture David’s ability to teleport globally on a whim.
Hayden Christensen performed many of his own stunts, which resulted in him accidentally suffering a chipped tooth and a minor hand injury during intense action sequences.
Eminem was originally considered and approached for the lead role of David Rice before Hayden Christensen was cast.
The film is loosely based on Steven Gould’s 1992 sci-fi novel of the same name, though the plot takes significant creative liberties with the source material.
Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
Director: Robert Rodriguez
Cast: Rosa Salazar, Christoph Waltz, Jennifer Connelly, Mahershala Ali, Ed Skrein, Keean Johnson
Budget: $170 Million
Box Office: $405 Million worldwide
Rotten Tomatoes: 61%
Synopsis
Set centuries in the future, a deactivated cyborg named Alita is discovered in a scrapyard by a compassionate scientist named Dyson Ido. Waking up with total amnesia and no memory of who she is or where she came from, Alita discovers she possesses extraordinary martial arts capabilities and fights to uncover the dangerous secrets of her past.
Did You Know?
The project was originally championed by filmmaker James Cameron as early as 2003, but production was repeatedly delayed for over a decade while he worked on Avatar (2009) and its sequels.
Lead actress Rosa Salazar performed her role entirely in a motion-capture suit, with visual effects artists meticulously rendering her iconic, manga-inspired oversized eyes to ensure emotional depth.
Director Robert Rodriguez intentionally hid subtle nods to his Mexican heritage throughout the movie, including an Aztec calendar carved into the back of a major cyborg character
February 15
The Breakfast Club (1985)
Director: John Hughes
Cast: Emilio Estevez, Anthony Michael Hall, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy, Paul Gleason, John Kapelos
Budget: $1 Million
Box Office: $51.5 Million worldwide
Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
Synopsis
On a Saturday in March 1984, five high school students—representing different high school cliques: a brain, a basket case, a athlete, a princess, and a criminal—report to Saturday detention. As they spend the day locked in the school library together under the watchful eye of a strict disciplinarian, they break down barriers, share their deepest secrets, and realize they are all much more than their labels suggest.
Did You Know?
Director John Hughes wrote the screenplay in just two days over a single weekend.
• The famous scene where the five characters sit in a circle on the library floor and open up about their family pressures was entirely improvised by the young actors after going off-script.
• Judd Nelson's character, John Bender, improvised his iconic closing walk across the football field and fist pump into the air; it wasn't originally scripted that way
•Before being cast as the athlete Andrew Clark, Emilio Estevez was originally slated to play the rebel John Bender.
February 16
Happy Gilmore (1996)
Director: Dennis Dugan
Cast: Adam Sandler, Christopher McDonald, Julie Bowen, Frances Bay, Carl Weathers, Richard Kiel, Ben Stiller
Budget: $12 Million
Box Office: $39.2 Million worldwide
Rotten Tomatoes: 62%
Synopsis
Happy Gilmore is a hot-tempered, unsuccessful hockey player who possesses a shockingly powerful, unorthodox slapshot. When he discovers that his beloved grandmother is about to lose her house due to unpaid back taxes, Happy enters a professional golf tournament to win the prize money, bringing his aggressive hockey antics and foul-mouthed swagger to the traditionally polite world of golf.
Did You Know?
• The iconic, physically demanding golf swing that Happy uses was inspired by Adam Sandler practicing golf swings as a child with his friends, trying to hit the ball as hard and aggressively as possible.
• Bob Barker, who famously brawled with Adam Sandler in the movie on the golf course, initially requested that his character win the fight to sign on for the role.
• Professional golfer Lee Trevino turned down a cameo appearance in the film, which opened the door for Bob Barker to take on the legendary golf tournament fight scene.
• The famous hockey legend character Chubbs Peterson was played by Carl Weathers, who kept a prosthetic wooden hand in character after losing it to an allig
Hot Fuzz (2007)
Director: Edgar Wright
Cast: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jim Broadbent, Timothy Dalton, Paddy Considine, Bill Nighy, Olivia Colman
Budget: £8–$12 Million (£8 Million / ~$16 Million)
Box Office: $80.6 Million worldwide
Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
Synopsis
Nicholas Angel is an overachieving, exceptionally talented London police sergeant whose high-performing stats make everyone else look bad. To keep up appearances, his superiors "promote" him and transfer him to the sleepy, picturesque, and seemingly crime-free West Country village of Sandford. Once there, he is partnered with the easygoing Danny Butterman, but a series of gruesome and suspiciously convenient "accidents" soon convince Angel that the village is hiding a dark and deadly secret.
Did You Know?
Director Edgar Wright and co-writer/star Simon Pegg spent over a year researching British police procedures and watching more than 130 action movies to prepare the script.
The film features a massive lineup of uncredited or surprise cameos, including Peter Jackson as a Santa Claus who stabs Nicholas Angel in the hand, Cate Blanchett as Angel’s ex-girlfriend, and director Garth Jennings as a convenience store clerk.
The movie is the second installment in Wright, Pegg, and Nick Frost’s famous Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy, following Shaun of the Dead (2004) and preceding The World’s End (2013).
Director Edgar Wright edited the film using over 3,000 separate cuts to give the action sequences the rapid, hyper-stylized pace of Hollywood blockbusters while maintaining a British setting.
The Witch (2015)
Director: Robert Eggers
Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie, Harvey Scrimshaw, Ellie Grainger, Lucas Dawson
Budget: $4 Million
Box Office: $40.4 Million worldwide
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
Synopsis
Set in New England in 1630, a devout Christian family is banished from their Puritan plantation due to a religious dispute. They build an isolated farmstead on the edge of a vast, gloomy wilderness. When their newborn baby mysteriously vanishes and their crops suddenly fail, paranoia, fear, and religious hysteria take hold as the family turns on one another, convinced that a malevolent witch is haunting their woods.
Did You Know?
Director Robert Eggers conducted extensive historical research for years, reading journals, diaries, and witch-trial accounts from 17th-century New England to ensure the dialogue, superstitions, and lifestyle were historically accurate.
The eerie, archaic English dialogue used throughout the film was pulled almost entirely from actual period-authentic texts, pamphlets, and historical documents.
Real animals were used on set, and the family’s infamous goat, named Charlie (who played “Black Phillip”), was notoriously difficult to work with, occasionally attacking actor Ralph Ineson during takes.
This feature film marked the breakthrough leading role for actress Anya Taylor-Joy, who instantly gained global acclaim for her haunting performance.
Awards & Recognition
Sundance Film Festival Winner – Directing Award: Dramatic (Robert Eggers).
Independent Spirit Award Winner – Best First Feature and Best First Screenplay.
Empire Award Winner – Best Horror.
Black Panther (2018)
Director: Ryan Coogler
Cast: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Angela Bassett, Andy SerkisBudget: $200–$210 Million
Box Office: $1.348 Billion
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
Synopsis
After the death of his father, T'Challa returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to take his rightful place as king. However, when a powerful old enemy resurfaces, T'Challa's capacity as king and Black Panther is tested when he is drawn into a formidable conflict that puts the fate of Wakanda—and the entire world—at risk.
Did You Know?
The film made cinematic history as the first Marvel Cinematic Universe movie to feature a predominantly Black cast and a Black director, becoming a monumental cultural milestone worldwide.
Costume designer Ruth E. Carter drew deep inspiration from various traditional African tribes (such as the Maasai, Surma, and Zulu) to create Wakanda’s iconic, visually breathtaking clothing and aesthetic.
Lead actor Chadwick Boseman deliberately chose to give T’Challa a regal Xhosa accent rather than an American accent to emphasize Wakanda’s sovereignty and freedom from colonization.
The fictional language spoken by the Wakandans in the film is based on IsiXhosa, a real-life official language of South Africa
Awards & Recognition
Academy Award Winner (3 Oscars) – Best Costume Design, Best Original Score, and Best Production Design (making history as the first MCU film to win Academy Awards).
Academy Award Nominee – Best Picture (making history as the first superhero film ever nominated for Best Picture).
Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award Winner – Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.
February 17
The 'Burbs (1989)
Director: Joe Dante
Cast: Tom Hanks, Carrie Fisher, Bruce Dern, Rick Ducommun, Corey Feldman, Wendy Schaal, Henry Gibson
Budget: $18 Million
Box Office: $49.1 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 51%
Synopsis
When God loses faith in humanity, He sends a legion of angels to bring about the apocalypse. Ray Peterson, looking forward to a peaceful staycation in his quiet suburban neighborhood, joins forces with his paranoid neighbors to investigate their eerie, reclusive new neighbors who have moved into the spooky house next door. As strange noises echo from the basement and the previous elderly neighbor mysteriously vanishes, the neighborhood descends into chaotic, suburban paranoia.
Did You Know?
Tom Hanks accepted the role because he wanted to work with director Joe Dante and because the filming location was set right on the Universal Studios backlot, allowing him to stay close to home during production.
The film’s cul-de-sac set was actually constructed on the Universal Studios backlot right next to the famous courthouse square set from Back to the Future.
Much of the comedic neighbor banter and panic among the main cast members (Tom Hanks, Rick Ducommun, and Bruce Dern) was heavily improvised on set.
Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics upon its initial theatrical release in 1989, the movie has since developed a massive, dedicated cult following over the decades as a dark comedy classic.
Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989)
Director: Stephen Herek
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter, George Carlin, Terry-Thomas, Dan Shor, Tony Steedman, Jane Wiedlin
Budget: $10 Million
Box Office: $40.4 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 82%
Synopsis
Two lovable, rock-and-roll-obsessed high school slackers, Bill S. Preston, Esq. and Ted "Theodore" Logan, are on the verge of failing their high school history class, which would force Ted to be sent away to military school. Their future depends on passing an upcoming presentation, but salvation arrives in the form of Rufus, a mysterious traveler from a futuristic utopian society who provides them with a time-traveling telephone booth so they can gather historical figures firsthand.
Did You Know?
Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter had such incredible natural chemistry during their audition that the casting directors knew instantly they had found their dynamic duo.
The famous historical figures featured in the film—including Abraham Lincoln, Joan of Arc, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Socrates—were deliberately chosen to reflect a mix of different eras and personalities to maximize comedic culture shock.
The phrase “Be excellent to each other” and “Party on, dudes” became massive pop-culture catchphrases following the film’s release.
Originally, the script had the time-traveling device as a 1969 Chevy van, but the creators changed it to a police telephone booth to avoid direct comparisons to Back to the Future‘s DeLorean—though it unintentionally drew comparisons to Doctor Who instead.
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)
Director: Peyton Reed
Cast: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Jonathan Majors, Michelle Pfeiffer, Michael Douglas, Kathryn Newton, David Dastmalchian
Budget: $200 Million
Box Office: $476.1 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 46%
Synopsis
Super-Hero partners Scott Lang and Hope Van Dyne return to continue their adventures as Ant-Man and the Wasp. Along with Hope's parents Janet van Dyne and Hank Pym, and Scott's daughter Cassie Lang, the family finds themselves exploring the Quantum Realm, interacting with strange new creatures and embarking on an adventure that pushes them beyond the limits of what they thought was possible, coming face-to-face with the terrifying conqueror, Kang.
Did You Know?
This film officially kicked off Phase Five of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and marked the big-screen theatrical debut of the powerful multiversal villain Kang the Conqueror.
Kathryn Newton took over the role of Cassie Lang in this film, replacing actress Emma Fuhrmann who had previously portrayed the older version of the character in Avengers: Endgame (2019).
Director Peyton Reed explicitly wanted this third installment to feel much larger and more consequential than the previous two Ant-Man films, treating it like a massive “Avengers-style” event film set entirely within a hidden universe.
David Dastmalchian, who played the fan-favorite Russian hacker Kurt in the first two films, returned for Quantumania playing an entirely new CGI character named Veb.
February 18
Reality Bites (1994)
Director: Ben Stiller
Cast: Winona Ryder, Ethan Hawke, Ben Stiller, Janeane Garofalo, Steve Zahn, Renée Zellweger
Budget: $11 Million
Box Office: $33.4 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 65%
Synopsis
Lelaina Pierce is an ambitious aspiring videographer living in Houston who captures the daily lives and struggles of her close-knit group of post-college friends navigating the disillusionment of Generation X. As they deal with dead-end jobs, financial struggles, and shifting romantic feelings—particularly caught in a love triangle between a cynical slacker musician and a corporate television executive—they search for identity and meaning in the early 1990s
Did You Know?
This movie marked the feature film directorial debut of actor Ben Stiller, who also took on a supporting acting role as the nervous television executive Michael Grates.
The iconic soundtrack became a massive critical and commercial success, featuring defining 90s alternative rock tracks including Lisa Loeb’s breakout hit “Stay (I Missed You)”, which became the first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100 by an unsigned artist.
Winona Ryder and Ethan Hawke pushed heavily to keep the film grounded in authentic Generation X culture, resisting studio pressures to make the characters and plot more conventional or polished.
The screenplay was written by Helen Childress, who began drafting the script while she was still a student attending Vassar College at just 19 years old.
Pitch Black (2000)
Director: David Twohy
Cast: Vin Diesel, Radha Mitchell, Cole Hauser, Keith David, Claudia Black, Lewis Fitz-Gerald
Budget: $23 Million
Box Office: $53.2 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 61%
Synopsis
A commercial transport ship carrying forty passengers crashes on a remote, sun-baked desert planet orbiting three blazing suns, leaving the surviving crew stranded. Among the survivors is Richard B. Riddick, a dangerous, convicted criminal with surgically altered eyes that allow him to see in the dark. However, the crew soon realizes that the planet's terrifying nocturnal predators emerge from underground every 22 years during a total eclipse, plunging the world into total darkness and forcing the survivors to trust Riddick to stay alive.
Did You Know?
Vin Diesel’s iconic breakout performance as Richard B. Riddick catapulted him to global action-star fame, leading to an entire multi-media sci-fi franchise including sequels The Chronicles of Riddick (2004) and Riddick (2013).
Director David Twohy achieved the blistering, scorched-earth aesthetic of the desert planet by filming on location in Coober Pedy, an isolated opal-mining town in the Australian outback known for its extreme heat and underground homes.
To create Riddick’s eerie, light-sensitive eyes, Vin Diesel wore specially made contact lenses that restricted his vision and required careful coordination during bright outdoor scenes.
The movie was originally developed under a different working title before being named Pitch Black to emphasize the terrifying descent into total darkness.
Constantine (2005)
Director: Francis Lawrence
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Rachel Weisz, Shia LaBeouf, Djimon Hounsou, Tilda Swinton, Gavin Rossdale, Peter Stormare
Budget: $70–$100 Million
Box Office: $230.9 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 46%
Synopsis
John Constantine is a supernatural detective and occult exorcist who has literally been to hell and back. Born with an unwanted gift—the ability to clearly see the half-breed angels and demons that walk the earth among humans—he attempts to buy his way into heaven by sending demonic foot soldiers back to the underworld. When a skeptical police detective named Angela Dodson investigates her twin sister's mysterious death, Constantine gets dragged into a terrifying conspiracy spanning both heaven and hell.
Did You Know?
The film is loosely based on DC/Vertigo’s gritty comic book series Hellblazer, though the movie adapted the character to an American setting instead of his original British roots, and changed his appearance from blonde to Keanu Reeves’ natural dark hair.
Peter Stormare’s chilling portrayal of Lucifer—wearing a white suit stained with black crude oil dripping from his feet—was entirely his own creative suggestion to make the Devil look like he had just walked up straight from the depths of hell.
Director Francis Lawrence made his feature-film directorial debut with this movie after establishing a massively successful career directing high-profile music videos for artists like Britney Spears, Shakira, and Aerosmith.
Keanu Reeves underwent intensive physical preparation and sword/weapon handling training for the role, while also dealing with a severe flu during the filming of several major exorcism scenes.
Uncharted (2022)
Director: Ruben Fleischer
Cast: Tom Holland, Mark Wahlberg, Sophia Ali, Tati Gabrielle, Antonio Banderas
Budget: $120 Million
Box Office: $401.7 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 40%
Synopsis
Street-smart Nathan Drake is recruited by seasoned treasure hunter Victor "Sully" Sullivan to recover a fortune lost by Ferdinand Magellan 500 years ago. What starts as a heist job becomes a globe-trotting, high-stakes race against a ruthless billionaire and his mercenary team to reach the prize and find Nathan's long-lost brother.
Did You Know?
The film’s jaw-dropping cargo plane action sequence is directly inspired by a similarly iconic set piece featured in Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception.
Development on a cinematic adaptation of the Uncharted video game franchise spent over a decade stuck in “development hell,” going through multiple directors (including David O. Russell, Neil Burger, and Dan Trachtenberg) and varying scripts before finally making it to the screen.
Tom Holland underwent rigorous physical training and even worked behind a bar in London for a brief period to learn how to mix drinks authentically for Nathan Drake’s opening bartending scene.
Nolan North, the voice and motion-capture actor for Nathan Drake in the original video game series, makes a fun, memorable cameo appearance in a beach scene early in the film.
February 19
Shutter Island (2010)
Director: Martin Scorsese
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Michelle Williams, Emily Mortimer, Max von Sydow, Patricia Clarkson
Budget: $80 Million
Box Office: $294.8 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 69%
Synopsis
In 1954, U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels and his new partner Chuck Aule travel to Shutter Island, an isolated island housing the Ashecliffe Hospital for the criminally insane, to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a patient who seemingly vanished from a locked room. As a massive hurricane cuts off the island from the mainland and disturbing clues unfold, Teddy begins to uncover dark institutional secrets, plunging him into a labyrinth of paranoia, trauma, and his own fractured psyche.
Did You Know?
This film marked the fourth major cinematic collaboration between director Martin Scorsese and actor Leonardo DiCaprio, following Gangs of New York (2002), The Aviator (2004), and The Departed (2006).
The movie is based on the 2003 bestselling psychological thriller novel of the same name written by author Dennis Lehane.
Director Martin Scorsese deliberately studied classic 1940s and 1950s horror and noir films—such as Out of the Past and The Bad Seed—to capture the tense, atmospheric, and expressionistic visual style of the era.
The eerie and dissonant soundtrack features no traditional orchestral score, but instead relies on a curated compilation of avant-garde modern classical pieces by composers like Krzysztof Penderecki and György Ligeti.
February 21
Bottle Rocket (1996)
Director: Wes Anderson
Cast: Luke Wilson, Owen Wilson, Ned Dowd, Robert Musgrave, Lumi Cavazos, James Caan, Shea Whigham
Budget: $5 Million
Box Office: $560,000
Rotten Tomatoes: 85%
Synopsis
After being released from a voluntary psychiatric hospital, a wannabe mastermind named Dignan and his mild-mannered friend Anthony decide to embark on a life of crime. Alongside their timid friend Bob, they plan a series of increasingly absurd heists, culminating in a major robbery orchestrated by a local criminal legend named Mr. Henry, leading to unexpected romantic complications and hilarious misadventures.
Did You Know?
This film marked the feature-film directorial debut of Wes Anderson and the Hollywood acting debuts of brothers Owen and Luke Wilson, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Anderson.
The movie was originally expanded from a 13-inch black-and-white short film of the same name that Anderson and the Wilson brothers made in 1994, which caught the attention of legendary filmmaker James L. Brooks.
Renowned director Martin Scorsese publicly named Bottle Rocket one of his favorite films released in the 1990s, helping launch Anderson’s career internationally.
The quirky, deadpan humor and pastel-infused aesthetic established in this film laid the foundational style for Wes Anderson’s entire legendary cinematic career.
Pompeii (2014)
Director: Paul W.S. Anderson
Cast: Kit Harington, Emily Browning, Carrie-Anne Moss, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Jessica Lucas, Jared Harris, Kiefer Sutherland
Budget: $100 Million
Box Office: $117.8 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 27%
Synopsis
Set in the days leading up to the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, Milo is a enslaved Celtic gladiator who has watched his family get slaughtered by Roman soldiers. Transported to Pompeii to fight in the arena, he falls in love with Cassia, a wealthy merchant's daughter who is betrothed to a corrupt Roman senator. When the mountain suddenly blows its top in a fiery explosion of ash and lava, Milo must fight his way through the collapsing city to save the woman he loves
Did You Know?
Director Paul W.S. Anderson and his production team spent years studying archaeological records, plaster casts of victims, and historical excavation reports from Pompeii to recreate the architecture and destruction of the ancient Roman city as accurately as possible.
Kit Harington underwent an intense physical transformation for months before filming, building a lean, muscular physique to convincingly play a battle-hardened gladiator.
The massive eruption sequences combined elaborate practical fire/stunt effects with cutting-edge computer-generated imagery to simulate rolling pyroclastic flows and tsunamis striking the harbor.
Kiefer Sutherland played the film’s primary antagonist, Senator Corvus, sporting a distinct British accent that contrasted with the film’s global cast.
February 22
Vantage Point (2008)
Director: Pete Travis
Cast: Dennis Quaid, Matthew Fox, Forest Whitaker, Sigourney Weaver, William Hurt, Eduardo Noriega, Edgar Ramírez
Budget: $40 Million
Box Office: $151.9 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 34%
Synopsis
During a major international summit in Salamanca, Spain, where world leaders are gathering to sign a historic global counter-terrorism treaty, the U.S. President is suddenly struck down by an assassin's bullet, followed by a massive, chaotic explosion. The tense and thrilling story unfolds entirely over the span of 23 minutes, told repeatedly from the unique perspectives of eight different eyewitnesses and participants, slowly piecing together the terrifying conspiracy behind the attack.
Did You Know?
The film’s unique narrative structure was directly inspired by Akira Kurosawa’s legendary 1950 masterpiece Rashomon, which similarly explores a single event through multiple conflicting perspectives.
Although the movie is explicitly set in Salamanca, Spain, the vast majority of the street scenes, historic plazas, and chase sequences were actually filmed on location in Mexico City and Puebla, Mexico.
Dennis Quaid performed many of his own stunts for the film’s intense foot-chase sequences through the crowded, narrow streets of the city.
The production utilized synchronized digital cameras and overlapping timelines to ensure that the exact 23-minute window matched up seamlessly across all eight character viewpoints.
February 23
Trainspotting (1996)
Director: Danny Boyle
Cast: Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller, Kevin McKidd, Robert Carlyle, Kelly Macdonald
Budget: £1.5–£2.5 Million ($2.5–$4 Million)
Box Office: $72 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
Synopsis
Mark Renton is a young man living in an economically depressed area of Edinburgh, Scotland, trying to navigate his severe heroin addiction alongside an eccentric group of friends. Caught in a destructive cycle of getting high, trying to get clean, and falling back into old habits, Mark attempts to break free from his dead-end lifestyle and score one final big deal before leaving Scotland behind for a fresh start.
Did You Know?
Ewan McGregor drastically altered his physical appearance for the role, losing 28 pounds and briefly considering abstaining from alcohol and dairy during production to look convincingly emaciated.
The infamous scene where Renton crawls inside the “worst toilet in Scotland” was filmed using clean chocolate syrup and pleasant-smelling food materials instead of actual waste.
The film is based on Irvine Welsh’s critically acclaimed 1993 debut novel of the same name, which captured the raw, gritty underground counterculture of 1990s Scotland.
The movie’s electrifying soundtrack became a defining cultural artifact of the 1990s, featuring iconic tracks from artists like Iggy Pop, Underworld, and Lou Reed.
Awards & Recognitions:
BET Comedy Awards
Academy Award Nominee – Best Adapted Screenplay (John Hodge).
BAFTA Winner – Best Adapted Screenplay (John Hodge).
The Number 23 (2007)
Director: Joel Schumacher
Cast: Jim Carrey, Virginia Madsen, Logan Lerman, Danny Huston, Lynn Collins, Rob Nagle
Budget: $30 Million
Box Office: $77.6 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 8%
Synopsis
Walter Sparrow, a loving husband and father who works as an animal control officer, receives a mysterious, self-published noir novel titled The Number 23 as a birthday gift from his wife. As Walter reads through the dark, obsessive story of a detective haunted by the mystical and malevolent influence of the number 23, he begins to notice eerie, unexplainable parallels between the book's plot and his own hidden past, driving him slowly toward paranoia and madness.
Did You Know?
This film marked a rare, serious dramatic thriller role for Jim Carrey, who was widely known primarily for his iconic slapstick and comedic blockbusters.
To prepare for the role and capture the character’s physical transformation into an obsessed investigator, Jim Carrey grew a full goatee and lost weight.
The screenplay was inspired by the real-life cultural phenomenon known as the “23 enigma,” a widespread belief that all incidents and events are directly connected to the number 23.
The film features heavily stylized, neo-noir fantasy sequences whenever Walter reads the book, showcasing a gritty, monochromatic visual style that contrasts with his normal life.
Annihilation (2018)
Director: Alex Garland
Cast: Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gina Rodriguez, Tessa Thompson, Tuva Novotny, Oscar Isaac
Budget: $40–$55 Million
Box Office: $43.1 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
Synopsis
Lena, a cellular biologist and former soldier, joins a secret, all-female scientific expedition into "The Shimmer"—a mysterious, shimmering electromagnetic quarantine zone spreading across a coastal region of the United States after a meteorite impact. Inside the zone, the laws of biology and physics are rapidly mutating, forcing Lena and her team to confront bizarre landscapes, mutated creatures, and psychological fracturing as they search for the truth of what happened to Lena's missing husband.
Did You Know?
The film is loosely adapted from Jeff VanderMeer’s bestselling 2014 sci-fi novel of the same name, though writer-director Alex Garland deliberately chose to base the script primarily on his own memory of reading the book rather than strict source adherence.
The striking, iridescent rainbow refraction effect of “The Shimmer” was created using specialized optical lenses and soap bubbles to catch real natural light on set.
The climactic, terrifying alien entity sequence at the end of the film features groundbreaking modern motion-capture dance choreography performed by dancer Alina Holmes.
Despite receiving critical acclaim, Paramount Pictures had low box-office expectations and sold international distribution rights to Netflix shortly before its theatrical release.
Game Night (2018)
Director: John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein
Cast: Jason Bateman, Rachel McAdams, Kyle Chandler, Jesse Plemons, Billy Magnussen, Sharon Horgan, Lamorne Morris, Michael C. Hall
Budget: $37 Million
Box Office: $117.7 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 85%
Synopsis
Max and Annie are a fiercely competitive, game-obsessed couple who host a weekly couples' game night with their friends. When Max's charismatic, ultra-successful brother Brooks organizes an elite, immersive murder-mystery party complete with fake federal agents and actors, things quickly spiral out of control. As Brooks gets genuinely kidnapped by real criminals, the group must decipher whether the unfolding violence is part of the game or a deadly real-life emergency.
Did You Know?
Directors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein deliberately styled the cinematography to make everyday suburban Los Angeles look and feel like a high-end, neon-lit David Fincher thriller.
Jesse Plemons delivered a breakout, scene-stealing performance as Gary, the creepy, socially awkward neighbor cop, playing the entire role with a chillingly deadpan, whisper-quiet voice.
The film’s stunt coordinators worked meticulously to ensure that the physical comedy set pieces—such as an intense glass-table fight scene carrying a fragile Faberge egg—flowed naturally without looking overtly choreographed.
Ryan Reynolds was originally considered for the lead role of Max Davis before Jason Bateman was cast.
February 24
Get Out (2017)
Director: Jordan Peele
Cast: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Catherine Keener, Bradley Whitford, Caleb Landry Jones, Lakeith Stanfield, Stephen Root
Budget: $4.5 Million
Box Office: $255.4 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
Synopsis
Chris Washington, a young African-American photographer, is nervous about meeting the wealthy white parents of his white girlfriend, Rose Armitage, for the first time during a weekend getaway at their secluded estate. While Rose assures him their apparent progressive friendliness masks no ill intent, Chris quickly notices bizarre, unsettling behavior from the family's Black domestic servants and the overly accommodating guests at an annual garden party. As hypnotic manipulation and insidious racial microaggressions give way to a terrifying psychological trap, Chris realizes he must fight to escape before it is too late.
Did You Know?
This film marked the feature-film directorial debut of comedian and filmmaker Jordan Peele, who transitioned into psychological horror and won widespread critical acclaim.
Jordan Peele wrote the screenplay in secret over several years, drawing inspiration from classic horror films like The Stepford Wives (1975) and Rosemary’s Baby (1968), as well as real-world conversations surrounding systemic racism and microaggressions in modern America.
The famous “Sunken Place”—where Chris’s consciousness is trapped and paralyzed during hypnosis—was created entirely through visual effects designed to evoke a vast, terrifyingly empty void while he watches a small television screen of reality.
The movie became a massive commercial phenomenon, grossing over $255 million against a microscopic budget of just $4.5 million, making it one of the most profitable original films of the decade
Awards & Recognition
Academy Award Winner – Best Original Screenplay (Jordan Peele), making Peele the first African-American writer to win in that category.
Academy Award Nominee – Best Picture, Best Director (Jordan Peele), and Best Actor (Daniel Kaluuya).
Critics’ Choice Movie Award Winner – Best Sci-Fi/Horror Movie and Best Comedy.
February 25
The Passion of the Christ (2004)
Director: Mel Gibson
Cast: Jim Caviezel, Monica Bellucci, Maia Morgenstern, Christo Jivkov, Francesco De Vito, Hristo Shopov, Rosalinda Celentano
Budget: $30 Million
Box Office: $612.4 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 49%
Synopsis
Set in ancient Judea during the 1st century AD, the film chronicles the final twelve hours in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. Beginning with the agonizing betrayal in the Garden of Gethsemane, the narrative follows Jesus through brutal interrogation, cruel mockery, and public humiliation by Roman authorities and religious leaders, culminating in his agonizing crucifixion along the Via Dolorosa and his ultimate resurrection..
Did You Know?
Director Mel Gibson financed the entire $30 million production independently out of his own pocket after major Hollywood studios turned down the project due to its controversial nature and foreign-language dialogue.
To preserve historical authenticity, the entire film is spoken exclusively in reconstructed ancient Aramaic and Latin with English subtitles.
Lead actor Jim Caviezel endured grueling physical conditions during production, including being accidentally struck by real lightning during the crucifixion scene, dislocating his shoulder from carrying the heavy wooden cross, and suffering accidental lashings.
Makeup artist Greg Cannom and his team spent up to eight hours a day applying complex prosthetic wounds and blood effects on Jim Caviezel to capture the harrowing physical trauma.
Awards & Recognition
Academy Award Nominee (3 Oscars) – Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, and Best Makeup.
MTV Movie Award Winner – Best Jesus (Jim Caviezel).
Man of the House (2005)
Director: Stephen Herek
Cast: Tommy Lee Jones, Christina Milian, Paula Garcés, Monica Keena, Vanessa Ferlito, Kelli Garner, Cedric the Entertainer
Budget: $40 Million
Box Office: $21.9 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 11%
Synopsis
Roland Sharp is a tough, no-nonsense Texas Ranger who is tasked with a highly unusual and awkward assignment: protecting a group of college cheerleader sorority sisters who witnessed a brutal gangland murder. To keep the young women safe without blowing their cover, Sharp must go undercover and move directly into their sorority house as a resident protector, leading to massive culture clashes between the grizzled veteran and the spirited college students.
Did You Know?
The film pairs veteran Oscar-winning dramatic actor Tommy Lee Jones with a young ensemble cast of rising 2000s actresses and pop singer Christina Milian.
Director Stephen Herek previously directed the 1989 classic Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (which was also featured earlier in our film series!).
Tommy Lee Jones leaned heavily into comedic self-parody, playing his signature deadpan, stone-faced tough-guy persona to maximize the absurd humor of placing a hardboiled Texas Ranger into a bubbly college sorority environment.
The production utilized several college campuses in Austin and New Orleans to stand in for the film’s fictional university setting.
February 26
Falling Down (1993)
Director: Joel Schumacher
Cast: Michael Douglas, Robert Duvall, Barbara Hershey, Rachel Ticotin, Tuesday Weld, Frederic Forrest
Budget: $25 Million
Box Office: $40.9 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 75%
Synopsis
William "D-Fens" Foster is a divorced, recently laid-off defense worker who suffers a total psychological breakdown on a stiflingly hot summer day in Los Angeles. Stuck in excruciating traffic and overwhelmed by the frustrations of modern urban life, he abandons his car on the freeway and embarks on a violent, increasingly unhinged walking trek across the city to attend his young daughter's birthday party, leaving a trail of chaos in his wake while a weary veteran detective named Prendergast tracks him down.
Did You Know?
Michael Douglas’s iconic look—consisting of a short-sleeved white dress shirt, tie, flat-top haircut, and thick glasses—became an instantly recognizable pop-culture symbol of corporate burnout and working-class rage.
The film’s infamous opening traffic jam sequence was shot on the 110 Freeway in Los Angeles, though permission to stall real traffic for long was limited, requiring precise choreography.
Director Joel Schumacher initially worried that Michael Douglas might be too wealthy and suave for the role, but Douglas fully committed to transforming into an ordinary, deeply frustrated commuter pushed to the edge.
The screenplay was written by Ebbe Roe Smith, who drew inspiration from feeling overwhelmed by the fast-paced, stressful nature of living in Los Angeles.
Gods of Egypt (2016)
Director: Alex Proyas
Cast: Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Gerard Butler, Chadwick Boseman, Élodie Yung, Courtney Eaton, Geoffrey Rush
Budget: $140 Million
Box Office: $150.7 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 16%
Synopsis
Set in an alternate, mythological ancient Egypt where gods and mortals walk the earth together, a ruthless god of darkness named Set violently usurps the throne, plunging the once-peaceful empire into chaos and tyranny. To save humanity and rescue his true love, a courageous mortal thief named Bek teams up with the exiled god Horus on an epic, high-stakes quest across mystical realms and heavens to overthrow the tyrant.
Did You Know?
Director Alex Proyas chose to depict the gods as towering beings standing over nine feet tall compared to normal humans, requiring extensive green-screen and forced-perspective filming techniques.
The film faced widespread public controversy prior to its release due to its predominantly white leading cast playing ancient Egyptian deities, prompting apologies from director Alex Proyas and studio executives.
To create the opulent, gold-heavy fantasy aesthetic of the mythical realm, production designer Owen Paterson built massive, highly detailed physical sets complemented by complex CGI visual effects.
Chadwick Boseman, who played the god of wisdom Thoth, deliberately gave his character a unique, scholarly cadence to stand out among the heavy action cast.
The United States vs. Billie Holiday (2021)
Director: Lee Daniels
Cast: Andra Day, Trevante Rhodes, Natasha Lyonne, Garrett Hedlund, Leslie Jordan, Rob Morgan, Adepero Oduye
Budget: $25 Million
Box Office: $3.6 Million (Released primarily streaming on Hulu due to the COVID-19 pandemic)
Rotten Tomatoes: 57%
Synopsis
The biographical drama focuses on the legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday during the height of her career, when she was secretly targeted by the Federal Bureau of Narcotics in an undercover sting operation led by federal agent Jimmy Fletcher. Despite her massive international fame and iconic anti-lynching protest anthem "Strange Fruit," Holiday faces relentless government harassment, systemic racism, and severe personal battles with addiction.
Did You Know?
Singer-songwriter Andra Day made her astonishing feature-film acting debut with this role, dropping a significant amount of weight and smoking/drinking heavily during production to capture Billie Holiday’s raspy vocal tone and physical exhaustion.
Andra Day famously won a Golden Globe for her performance, making her only the second Black woman in history to win the award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama (following Whoopi Goldberg in 1986).
To protect her authentic singing voice from strain while portraying Holiday’s deep, weathered tone, Andra Day worked closely with vocal coaches to safely replicate her style without damaging her chords.
The screenplay was adapted by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks, drawing inspiration from Johann Hari’s non-fiction book Chasing the Scream.
Awards & Recognition
Academy Award Nominee – Best Actress (Andra Day for her powerful leading performance).
Golden Globe Award Winner – Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama (Andra Day) and Best Original Song (“Tigress & Tweed” by Andra Day and Raphael Saadiq).
Cherry (2021)
Director: Anthony and Joe Russo
Cast: Tom Holland, Ciara Bravo, Jack Reynor, Michael Gandolfini, Forrest Goodluck, Jeff Wahlberg
Budget: $40 Million
Box Office: $40,000 (Limited theatrical release before streaming globally on Apple TV+)
Rotten Tomatoes: 37%
Synopsis
Based on Nico Walker's semi-autobiographical novel, the film spans over a decade in the life of an unnamed young man known simply as "Cherry." After dropping out of college and experiencing a shattering breakup, he impulsively enlists in the U.S. Army and serves as a combat medic in Iraq. Returning home severely traumatized and battling undiagnosed PTSD, he spirals into a devastating opioid addiction with his wife Emily, eventually turning to robbing local banks to fund their habits.
This Did You Know?
Directors Anthony and Joe Russo directed this gritty independent drama immediately following their historic blockbuster success with Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame (2019).
Tom Holland underwent a drastic physical transformation, losing 30 pounds for the early college scenes and bulking back up for the military segments to visually represent his character’s deteriorating mental and physical state.
The film is split into distinct stylistic chapters (such as basic training, war, and addiction) with each section utilizing unique color grading, narration style, and fourth-wall-breaking camera angles to mirror Cherry’s shifting psychological state.
Author Nico Walker wrote the original novel while serving a prison sentence for bank robbery, drawing directly from his own harrowing personal experiences.
February 27
Dark City (1998)
Director: David R. Ellis
CastDirector: Alex Proyas
Cast: Rufus Sewell, Kiefer Sutherland, Jennifer Connelly, William Hurt, Richard O'Brien, Ian Richardson, Colin Friels
Budget: $27 Million
Box Office: $27.2 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 76%
Synopsis
John Murdoch wakes up in a squalid hotel bathtub with total amnesia, a corpse in the next room, and a hypodermic needle. He soon discovers that he is living in a strange, gloomy metropolis where the sun never shines and time stops completely at midnight every single night, allowing mysterious, pale beings known as "The Strangers" to alter the city's architecture and human memories. As Murdoch realizes he possesses strange psychokinetic powers of his own, he races against time to uncover his true identity and save humanity from the parasitic alien overlords.
Did You Know?
The film’s stunning, gothic-noir outdoor sets were constructed on a massive scale at Fox Studios Australia, utilizing many of the exact same soundstages and physical backlot spaces that would be used the following year to film The Matrix (1999).
Director Alex Proyas and his production crew famously complained about studio interference during post-production, as New Line Cinema forced them to add an explanatory opening voiceover narration because they feared audiences wouldn’t understand the complex plot. (A director’s cut was eventually released in 2008 restoring Proyas’s original vision).
Jennifer Connelly performed all of her own singing vocals for her character Emma’s haunting musical numbers in the film.
The screenplay was co-written by David S. Goyer, Lem Dobbs, and Alex Proyas, drawing deep inspiration from German Expressionism, classic film noir, and Philip K. Dick-style sci-fi paranoia.
February 28
Pretty in Pink (1986)
Director: Howard Deutch
Cast: Molly Ringwald, Andrew McCarthy, Jon Cryer, James Spader, Annie Potts, Harry Dean Stanton
Budget: $9 Million
Box Office: $40.4 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 68%
Synopsis
Andie Walsh is a bright, fiercely independent high school student from a working-class background living with her unemployed father. When she falls for Blane McDonough, a wealthy and popular upper-class student (referred to as a "richie"), they face intense social friction and judgment from their respective peers. Supported by her quirky, bespectacled best friend Duckie—who harbors secret romantic feelings for her—Andie must navigate the awkward hierarchies of teenage social strata and decide whether to compromise herself for love or stand tall on her own terms.
Did You Know?
The film’s iconic title and central theme were directly inspired by the 1981 song “Pretty in Pink” by the British alternative rock band The Psychedelic Furs.
In the original ending tested with audiences, Andie ended up going to the prom and winding up with Duckie instead of Blane. However, viewers reacted poorly to the pairing during test screenings, prompting writer-producer John Hughes to hastily bring the cast back to shoot a new ending where Andie and Blane end up together.
Molly Ringwald personally fought to have actor Robert Downey Jr. considered for the role of Duckie, but Jon Cryer ultimately won the part, delivering a legendary breakout performance.
The stunning pink prom dress Andie wears in the climax was actually pieced together by Molly Ringwald and costume designer Marilyn Vance using two different vintage dresses.
Donnie Brasco (1997)
Director: Mike Newell
Cast: Al Pacino, Johnny Depp, Michael Madsen, Bruno Kirby, James Russo, Anne Heche, Paul Giamatti
Budget: $35 Million
Box Office: $124.9 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
Synopsis
Based on a true story, the film follows Joseph D. Pistuna, an undercover FBI agent who infiltrates the Bonanno crime family in New York City during the late 1970s under the alias "Donnie Brasco." To gain the trust of the mob, Donnie becomes the protégé of Lefty Ruggiero, a low-level, aging hitman who is disillusioned with his lack of advancement in the mafia. As Donnie dives deeper into organized crime, the line between his real identity as a devoted family man and his fabricated persona begins to blur dangerously.
Did You Know?
The real-life former FBI agent Joseph D. Pistone worked closely on set as a technical consultant, even teaching Johnny Depp how to handle firearms, talk, and move like an authentic undercover federal agent.
Johnny Depp spent weeks meeting with Pistone in secure locations prior to filming, absorbing his mannerisms and understanding the intense psychological toll of living a double life.
Al Pacino originally turned down playing Lefty Ruggiero because he felt the character was too similar to other mob roles he had played in the past, but director Mike Newell and Johnny Depp convinced him to take it.
The infamous mafia slang term “fuhgeddaboudit” is famously broken down and explained by Johnny Depp’s character in one of the film’s most memorable instructional scenes.
Non-Stop (2014)
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Cast: Liam Neeson, Julianne Moore, Scoot McNairy, Michelle Dockery, Nate Parker, Corey Stoll, Lupita Nyong'o
Budget: $50 Million
Box Office: $222.8 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 62%
Synopsis
Bill Marks is a disillusioned, hard-drinking U.S. Federal Air Marshal battling personal demons while working aboard a non-stop commercial transatlantic flight from New York City to London. Mid-flight, Marks receives a series of chilling text messages on his secure phone from an anonymous blackmailer threatening to execute a passenger every 20 minutes unless a ransom of $150 million is transferred to an offshore bank account. As panic spreads through the cabin, Marks finds himself framed as the hijacker, forcing him to hunt down the real killer before time runs out at 40,000 feet.
Did You Know?
The entire thrilling narrative takes place almost exclusively inside a meticulously constructed replica of a Boeing 767 airplane cabin built on a soundstage in Long Island, New York.
This film marked the second major cinematic collaboration between action star Liam Neeson and Spanish director Jaume Collet-Serra, following their success with Unknown (2011).
Lupita Nyong’o made one of her very first feature-film appearances here as Gwen, one of the flight attendants, just weeks before winning her Academy Award for 12 Years a Slave.
To keep the audience guessing right up until the final reveal, the identity of the primary mastermind was kept under tight wraps, and alternate takes were shot to prevent script leaks.
The Invisible Man (2020)
Director: Leigh Whannell
Cast: Elisabeth Moss, Aldis Hodge, Storm Reid, Harriet Dyer, Michael Dorman, Oliver Jackson-Cohen
Budget: $7 Million
Box Office: $144.5 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 92%
Synopsis
Cecilia Kass is trapped in a violent, controlling relationship with a wealthy and brilliant optics scientist named Adrian Griffin. One night, she executes a daring, terrifying escape from his secluded high-tech fortress with the help of her sister. Shortly after learning that Adrian has apparently committed suicide and left her a massive portion of his fortune, Cecilia begins to experience a series of eerie, increasingly life-threatening coincidences. Convinced that Adrian faked his death and developed a revolutionary invisible suit to stalk her, Cecilia fights to prove her sanity as the invisible terror closes in.
Did You Know?
Director Leigh Whannell brilliantly flipped the classic Universal Monster premise on its head by shifting the perspective away from the invisible man himself and focusing entirely on the psychological trauma of his victim.
To create the unsettling effect of an empty room where an invisible entity is moving around, the camera crew utilized complex motion-control rigs and clever framing while actors interacted with empty space.
Elisabeth Moss delivered a tour-de-force leading performance, performing many of her own intense physical stunts and capturing harrowing panic entirely through expression and body language.
The film was produced on a micro-budget of just $7 million by Jason Blum’s Blumhouse Productions and became an unexpected box-office powerhouse during the early spring of 2020.
February 29
The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)
Director: Justin Chadwick
Cast: Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, Eric Bana, Jim Sturgess, Kristin Scott Thomas, Mark Rylance
Budget: $35 Million
Box Office: $77.6 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 43%
Synopsis
Set in 16th-century England, two ambitious sisters, Anne and Mary Boleyn, are thrust into the dangerous and intoxicating world of the royal court by their ruthless uncle and father. Both women catch the eye of the powerful and passionate King Henry VIII. While gentle Mary initially becomes the King's mistress and bears him a child, the fiercely cunning and ambitious Anne schemes to eclipse her sister, ascending the throne as Queen at the devastating cost of religious upheaval, political betrayal, and tragic consequences.
Did You Know?
The film is based on Philippa Gregory’s internationally bestselling 2001 historical fiction novel of the same name, which reimagined the hidden personal dynamics behind the Tudor dynasty.
Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson spent extensive time prior to filming working with dialect coaches to perfect their British accents, as both lead actresses are American.
Costume designer Sandy Powell meticulously crafted over a hundred historically inspired, lavish velvet and silk gowns to visually distinguish the contrasting personalities and fortunes of the two sisters.
The historic Hever Castle in Kent and Penshurst Place were utilized for various court and interior sequences to capture authentic Tudor architecture.
In Bruges (2008)
Director: Martin McDonagh
Cast: Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Ralph Fiennes, Clémence Poésy, Jordan Prentice, Eric Theis
Budget: $15 Million
Box Office: $34.5 Million
Rotten Tomatoes: 84%
Synopsis
Following a botched hit in London that tragically resulted in an innocent child's death, two brooding Irish hitmen, Ray and Ken, are ordered by their ruthless boss to hide out in the medieval fairytale city of Bruges, Belgium. While the older, cultured Ken takes in the historic architecture and sights, a profoundly guilt-ridden and deeply depressed Ray hates every second of the medieval town. Their bizarre vacation descends into utter chaos when their boss arrives to hand down a final, deadly judgment.
Did You Know?
This film marked the feature-film directorial debut of acclaimed playwright Martin McDonagh, who won an Academy Award for his short film Six Shooter (2004) before writing this script.
Colin Farrell won a Golden Globe for his brilliant, emotionally complex performance as Ray, reviving critical acclaim for his career at the time.
The stunning city of Bruges played an essential character role in the film, with almost the entire production shot on location across its historic canals, cobblestone squares, and medieval bell towers.
Ralph Fiennes delivered a hilariously terrifying and profane performance as the explosive mob boss Harry Waters, utilizing dialogue heavily praised by critics for its razor-sharp dark comedy.
Awards & Recognition
Academy Award Nominee – Best Original Screenplay (Martin McDonagh).
BAFTA Award Winner – Best Original Screenplay (Martin McDonagh).
Golden Globe Award Winner – Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy (Colin Farrell), alongside a nomination for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.
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