Every month, all the major streaming services add a host of newly acquired (or just plain new) shows, movies, and documentaries into their ever-rotating libraries. So what's a dedicated reader to watch? Well, whatever you want, of course, but the name of this website is Literary Hub, so we sort of have an angle. To that end, here's a selection of the best (and most enjoyably bad) literary film and TV coming to streaming services this month. Have fun.
NEW:
The Tiger's Apprentice
February 2, Paramount+
Literary bona fides: based on The Tiger's Apprentice by Laurence Yep (2003)
This animated adaptation of the first book in Yep's The Tiger's Apprentice trilogy has been delayed for literal years, but will finally be released to streaming in February. In it, Chinese-American teenager Tom Lee, who's minding his own business in San Francisco until he discovers he's connected to a group of magical protectors called the Guardians—and they need him. Of course. For kids or kids at heart.
One Day
February 8, Netflix
Literary bona fides: based on David Nicholls' One Day (2009)
Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall star in this limited series adaptation of David Nicholls' bestselling novel (in which two people meet every day, on the same day, for 20 years, cue the swoonage), the book's second chance at a screen life after the disappointing 2011 feature film.
Shōgun
February 27, Hulu
Literary bona fides: based on James Clavell's Shōgun (1975)
Clavell's epic bestseller, itself loosely based on the true story of William Adams, one of the first Englishmen to reach Japan, has already been adapted into a beloved (or at least constantly shown on TV) 1980 miniseries. FX's new adaptation looks pretty spectacular, though, starring Hiroyuki Sanada as Lord Toranaga, Cosmo Jarvis as Adams-stand-in John Blackthorne, and Anna Sawai as the translator/samurai Toda Mariko.
THROWBACK:
The Great Gatsby (1974)
February 1, Paramount+
Literary bona fides: based on F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby (1925)
Robert Redford makes an ideal Gatsby in Jack Clayton's adaptation, written by Francis Ford Coppola. (Redford almost didn't get the gig because producer Robert Evans was convinced that Gatsby had to be a brunette, for some reason.) Mia Farrow's Daisy is not too shabby either.
The Great Gatsby (2013)
February 1, Netflix
Literary bona fides: based on F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby (1925)
There's also the Baz version, if you're into that sort of thing.
It (2017)
February 1, Netflix
Literary bona fides: based on It by Stephen King (1986)
You can't top Tim Curry, but Bill Skarsgård comes dangerously close.
Call Me By Your Name (2017)
February 1, Hulu
Literary bona fides: based on Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman (2007)
One of the very best recent literary adaptations (cannibalism accusations notwithstanding).
Ghost World (2001)
February 1, Prime Video
Literary bona fides: based on Ghost World by Daniel Clowes (1997)
A cult classic based on a cult classic. Neither disappoints.
If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)
February 1, Peacock
Literary bona fides: based on If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin (1974)
Barry Jenkins adapts James Baldwin, and while the result may not be perfect, it is beautiful.
In the Cut (2003)
February 1, Prime Video
Literary bona fides: based on Susanna Moore's In the Cut (1995)
Jane Campion's adaptation of Moore's brilliant and truly disturbing novel was shrugged off upon its release, but has, in recent years, begun to be re-evaluated as a feminist deconstruction of the erotic thriller. Worth revisiting, especially if you haven't seen it in twenty years.
Beloved (1998)
February 4, Hulu
Literary bona fides: based on Beloved by Toni Morrison (1987)
Still the only major adaptation of one of Morrison's works, Beloved is a classic in its own right.
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
February 8, Hulu
Literary bona fides: based on William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew (1592)
The best of the best of the '90s teen Shakespeare adaptations, and the third best '90s Shakespeare overall.
Romeo + Juliet (1996)
February 8, Hulu
Literary bona fides: based on William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet (1597)
Officially the second-best '90s Shakespeare adaptation, not least due to the soundtrack.
Cat Person (2023)
February 9, Hulu
Literary bona fides: based on "Cat Person" by Kristen Roupenian (2017)
The viral short story made a less-than-viral film, despite the inclusion of Cousin Greg. But if you would like to form your own opinion, the hour is nigh.
Oppenheimer (2023)
February 16, Peacock
Literary bona fides: based on American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer, by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin (2005)
It's vaguely ridiculous to have Oppenheimer in the "throwback" section—it was one of the best adaptations of 2023—but so it goes. If you, like some people that will remain nameless, have a toddler and therefore could not make it to the theater for a three-hour movie, phenomenon or nay, now's your chance.
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