Best Netflix Movies February 2026 | Top Picks

by Ethan Brooks

New York City’s vibrant film scene continues to deliver critically acclaimed works,with Azazel Jacobs’s His Three Daughters earning a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes as of January 30,2026.

A Trio of Standout Performances

His three Daughters showcases the remarkable talents of Carrie Coon, Natasha lyonne, and Elizabeth Olsen, who deliver what critics are calling revelatory performances as three estranged sisters navigating the impending death of their father in a cramped New York City apartment.

Did you know? – Azazel Jacobs is known for his intimate, character-driven films often exploring family dynamics. His Three Daughters continues this trend, focusing on the complexities of sisterhood.

beyond the Family Drama: A Look at other Notable Films

The conversation around compelling cinema extends beyond new releases.Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig’s 2012 collaboration, Frances Ha, remains a touchstone for its authentic portrayal of navigating life in New York City. Gerwig’s performance as Frances, a dancer grappling with adulthood and shifting friendships, is widely considered essential viewing.

Magical Realism and Social Commentary

Alice Rohrwacher,who gained recent acclaim for 2023’s La Chimera,previously captivated audiences with her 2018 film,Happy as Lazzaro. This idiosyncratic fable uses magical realism to examine themes of class and exploitation, taking a daring narrative leap that recontextualizes the story of a kind-hearted farmhand.

A blast From the Past: Independence Day

Blockbuster spectacle reached new heights with Roland Emmerich’s 1996 film,Independence Day. Featuring a star-studded cast including Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum, the film’s over-the-top action and iconic destruction of landmarks-the White House and the Empire State Building among them-continue to resonate with audiences decades later. as one publication noted, the film is “riveting, weird, and completely dumb, but proud of that fact.”

Pro tip – When revisiting older blockbusters,consider the historical context. Independence Day‘s success reflected post-Cold War anxieties and a interest with disaster scenarios.

Scorsese’s Epic Crime Drama

Martin Scorsese’s 2019 crime epic,The Irishman,starring Robert De Niro,Al Pacino,and Joe Pesci,garnered critical acclaim with a 95% rating on Rotten tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 94. the film offers a sprawling and nuanced exploration of organized crime and its consequences.

Reader question – What makes a film truly “essential” viewing? Is it critical acclaim, cultural impact, or personal connection? Share your thoughts!
  • Why: The article showcases a range of films, highlighting critical acclaim, artistic merit, and cultural impact.
  • Who: Directors like Azazel Jacobs, Noah Baumbach, Alice Rohrwacher, Roland Emmerich, and Martin Scorsese, along with actors Carrie Coon, Natasha Lyonne, Elizabeth Olsen, Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and joe Pesci are featured.
  • What: The article discusses films including His Three Daughters, Frances Ha, Happy as Lazzaro, Independence Day, and The Irishman.
  • How did it end?: The article concludes by highlighting Scorsese’s The Irishman and invites reader reflection on film thankfulness.

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