Literary Hub » The Literary Film & TV You Need to Stream in February

February brings a fresh wave of content to streaming platforms, offering a diverse selection of new shows and movies. For those seeking adaptations with literary roots, this month’s releases provide a range of options, from classic tales reimagined to contemporary stories brought to the screen. Here’s a look at some of the highlights.

New Releases Rooted in Literature

Romance and Relationships

Prime Video debuts Relationship Goals on February 4th, starring Kelly Rowland and Method Man (Cliff Smith). The romantic comedy is based on the 2020 bestselling advice book, Relationship Goals: How to Win at Dating, Marriage, and Sex by Pastor Michael Todd.

Dickens Revisited

Hulu continues the story of the infamous Jack Dawkins with the second season of The Artful Dodger, premiering February 10th. The series builds upon the characters and world established in Charles Dickens’ 1838 novel, Oliver Twist, and features the return of David Thewlis as Fagin and the “kid from Love Actually” as Jack Dawkins.

Crime and Vigilantism

Aldis Hodge reprises his role as DC homicide detective/forensic psychologist Alex Cross in the second season of Cross, arriving on Prime Video February 11th. This adaptation of James Patterson’s sprawling Alex Cross series (which began in 1993) sees Cross facing a vigilante targeting America’s wealthiest individuals.

Did You Know? The Alex Cross series by James Patterson has been running since 1993.

Erotic Thrillers and Deception

Prime Video presents 56 Days on February 18th, an erotic thriller based on Catherine Ryan Howard’s 2021 novel of the same name. The story centres on a couple who quickly become entangled during the COVID-19 pandemic, only to discover that neither may be who they claim to be.

True Stories and Injustice

HBO Max offers the Italian miniseries Portobello, beginning February 20th. The series is based on the true story of Enzo Tortora, a popular television host arrested and wrongly convicted of ties to the Camorra in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and draws from his published letters.

Continuing Mysteries

Apple TV+ continues the story of Hannah and Bailey with the second season of The Last Thing He Told Me, also debuting February 20th. The new season is based on Laura Dave’s newly released sequel to her novel, and picks up five years after the events of the first book, with the return of Owen threatening their settled lives.

Musical Adaptations and Rediscoveries

Hulu will stream Kiss of the Spider Woman starting February 27th. The film is based on the 1992 stage musical, which itself was adapted from Manuel Puig’s 1976 novel.

Classic Films Find New Homes

Timeless Adventures

HBO Max will stream National Velvet on February 1st, the 1944 film that launched Elizabeth Taylor’s career. The movie is based on Enid Bagnold’s 1935 novel.

Spielberg’s Imagination

Prime Video will feature Hook (1991) beginning February 1st. This sequel-of-sorts to the Peter Pan story, directed by Steven Spielberg, is based on J.M. Barrie’s 1911 work, Peter and Wendy.

Biographical Epic

HBO Max will stream Malcolm X on February 1st. The 1992 film, directed by Spike Lee and starring Denzel Washington, is based on The Autobiography of Malcolm X, as told to Alex Haley in 1965.

Expert Insight: Adaptations of classic literature often serve as cultural touchstones, allowing new generations to engage with enduring stories and themes. The variety of adaptations available this month demonstrates the continued relevance of these works.

Austen and Modern Retellings

Paramount+ will stream Emma (1996) on February 1st. This adaptation of Jane Austen’s 1816 novel features Gwyneth Paltrow and is considered by some to be second only to Clueless in its interpretation of the source material.

Early Internet Romance

Netflix will stream You’ve Got Mail on February 1st. The 1998 film explores the burgeoning world of online connection and romance between bookshop owners.

Dark and Haunting Tales

Paramount+ will stream The Virgin Suicides (2000) on February 1st, based on Jeffrey Eugenides’ 1993 novel.

Romantic Comedies and Cultural Icons

Paramount+ will stream Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001) on February 1st, based on Helen Fielding’s 1996 novel.

Fashion and Ambition

Starz will stream The Devil Wears Prada (2006) on February 1st, based on Lauren Weisberger’s 2003 novel.

Political Intrigue

Hulu will stream The Last King Of Scotland (2006) on February 1st, based on Giles Foden’s 1998 novel.

Sherlock Holmes Reimagined

Prime Video will stream Sherlock Holmes (2009) on February 1st, a reimagining of the characters created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the earliest work being adapted this month?

Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist (1838) serves as the basis for the second season of The Artful Dodger.

Which adaptation is based on a true story?

Portobello is based on the true story of Enzo Tortora, a television host wrongly convicted of ties to the Camorra.

Are any sequels being adapted this month?

Yes, the second season of The Last Thing He Told Me is based on Laura Dave’s newly released sequel to her original novel.

With such a diverse range of literary adaptations arriving on streaming services this February, which film or series are you most excited to watch?