Wow, is it really almost February already? Hopefully, by March I'll actually get used to writing 2022 on things. Anyway, thanks to the often ephemeral nature of streaming, another month means HBO Max is moving a lot of films and shows off their platform as part of its ever-rotating roster. Wondering what you should be sure to catch before it's gone? Well, look no further. Without further ado, here are the best movies leaving HBO Max in February.

Blade Runner 2049

Many had their doubts about Denis Villeneuve's 2017 sequel to a movie that had released 35 years earlier. However, the film defied fan expectations, delivering something truly beautiful and unique. "Blade Runner 2049" somehow managed to capture the spirit of Ridley Scott's original while still adding a wholly fresh persecutive that felt not only compelling, but necessary, an impressive feat considering "Blade Runner" never really asked for a sequel to begin with. Captivating despite its near three-hour runtime, "Blade Runner 2049" sees the return of Harrison Ford's Rick Deckard, but also introduces Ryan Gosling's Officer K. The film didn't do so well at the box office, but it certainly did well in my heart. You don't have to watch the original to enjoy the sequel, but if you haven't seen "Blade Runner," honestly, what are you waiting for?

Birds Of Prey (And The Fantabulous Emancipation Of One Harley Quinn)

"Birds of Prey (And The Fantabulous Emancipation Of One Harley Quinn)" may have a title that I hate writing out, but it's a movie I absolutely love watching. The 2020 film follows Margot Robbie's "Suicide Squad" standout Harley Quinn, as well as Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez), Helena Bertinelli (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), and Dinah Lance (Jurnee Smollett), who soon to star in her own Black Canary movie, in their own wild adventure across Gotham City. The movie also boasts Ewan McGregor's rather gleeful take on Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask. Robbie may have been the best part of "Suicide Squad," but the movie certainly doesn't do much for her in terms of character development. "Birds of Prey" not only adds significant depth to Harley, but gives the same treatment to her cohorts, who we hopefully haven't seen the last of. A smart script from Christina Hodson and deft direction from Cathy Yan created a superhero movie that is not only super fun, but also stands out as one of the DCEU's better films.

The LEGO Batman Movie

The most surprising thing about 2014's "The LEGO Movie" is how good it actually is and while it's hardly the first franchise based on toys, it might just be the most fun. Perhaps even more shocking is how "The LEGO Batman Movie," which arrived in 2017, manages to maintain that sense of whimsy while both paying homage to and slyly winking at decades of the Dark Knight's history. Starring Will Arnett as Batman, Michael Cera as Robin, Zach Galifianakis as Joker, Rosario Dawson as Batgirl, and Ralph Fiennes as Alfred, the movie showcases a different type of Caped Crusader than fans had more grown accustomed to. While undeniably tons of fun and packed with jokes and cameos, the film also has a very strong emotional throughline. I found myself surprisingly touched by a movie I was certain wouldn't have much to say.

Less Than Zero

Strap in for this '80s classic! It may be dated, and it may have received mixed reviews at the time of its release, but "Less Than Zero" is worth a watch. Aside from a fantastic soundtrack, the 1987 movie boasts a truly incredible performance from Robert Downey Jr. as Julian. The film also stars Andrew McCarthy, Jami Gertz, and James Spader, who's turn as Rip is also quite memorable. Though it bears little resemblance, "Less Than Zero" is based on the novel of the same name by Bret Easton Ellis, best known for later writing "American Psycho." Sure, the film is about rich white kids doing tons of drugs in Los Angeles, but it sure is beautifully shot. The film may revel in its excess, but its characters certainly don't emerge unscathed. I'll admit, it's been quite a few years since I've seen it, but now that I know "Less Than Zero" is leaving HBO Max, I'll definitely be revisiting this one.

Where The Wild Things Are

If you haven't seen this movie, you may be wondering if it's possible to create a compelling film out of a very beloved and very short children's book. Well, if that book is by Maurice Sendak and the director in question is the incomparable Spike Jonze, then the answer is a resounding yes. Also, the script was written by Dave Eggers, who manages to expand a whole lot on Sendak's nine sentence story. Of course, the 2009 movie takes quite a few liberties to make up its 101 minute runtime, but the adaptation is inarguably both heartfelt and lovely, capturing Sendak's singular illustrations and fantastical spirit. The film stars Max Records as Max, the kid who goes on an unforgettable adventure, and also features some great vocal performances from the likes of Forest Whitaker, Catherine O'Hara, and the late James Gandolfini. It even has a wonderful score from Carter Burwell and Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. If you need a cozy, warm blanket of a movie to help you through these dark times, look no further than "Where the Wild Things Are."

Everything Leaving HBO Max In February 2022

February 11:

Dunkirk, 2017 (HBO)February 25:Blade Runner 2049, 2017 (HBO)February 27:Epic Movie, 2007 (Extended Version) (HBO)February 28:13 Going On 30, 2004 (HBO)300: Rise of an Empire1968The 2000sA Hijacking, 2012 (HBO)Amanpour: Sex & Love Around the WorldAmerican Dynasties: The KennedysAmerican StyleAmistadAnnabelle Comes HomeAnthony Bourdain: Parts UnknownAny Given SundayAquamanBeverly Hills Cop, 1984 (HBO)Beverly Hills Cop II, 1987 (HBO)Beverly Hills Cop III, 1994 (HBO)Beyond Reasonable DoubtBirds of Prey (And The Fantabulous Emancipation Of One Harley Quinn)Brown Sugar, 2002 (HBO)The Bush Years: Family. Duty. Power.The Cell 2, 2009 (HBO)Charlotte's Web, 2006 (HBO)Chasing Life with Sanjay GuptaThe Cider House Rules, 1999 (HBO)CNN Special: The Trump InsurrectionThe Color PurpleConstantineCradle 2 the GraveCrazy Rich AsiansCrimes of the CenturyThe Curse of La LloronaDead Again, 2017 (HBO)Dead Wives Club, Season 1Dear ChristmasDeath Row Stories, Season 1-5Detour, 2016 (HBO)The Diary of a Teenage GirlThe Disappearance of Alice CreedDrinking Buddies, 2013 (HBO)The EightiesThe End: Inside The Last Days of the Obama White HouseEvent Horizon, 1997 (HBO)Fast Company, 1979 (HBO)Feast Of Love, 2007 (HBO)Flawless,2007 (HBO)Finding Jesus: Faith, Fact, ForgeryFirst LadiesForensic Files II, Season 1Fun Size, 2012 (HBO)The Gallows, 2015 (HBO)Gangs Of New York, 2002 (HBO)GigliGodzilla: King of the MonstersThe Good German, 2006 (HBO)The Good Heart, 2009 (HBO)The GooniesThe Great Gatsby, 2013 (HBO)Hell in the Heartland: What Happened to Ashley and Lauria?The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy, 2005 (HBO)The History of ComedyHow It Really Happened, Season 1-5How To Deal, 2003 (HBO)Imperium, 2016 (HBO)The Hunt with John WalshIndependence Day, 1996 (Special Edition Extended Version) (HBO)It: Chapter 2JokerJustice LeagueKeeping The Faith, 2000 (HBO)The Killer TruthKong: Skull IslandLady In The Water, 2006 (HBO)The Legend of Bagger VanceThe LEGO Batman MovieLess Than Zero, 1987 (HBO)Lincoln: Divided We StandLovelaceMacbethMenace II SocietyMovie 43, 2013 (HBO)Mo Willems Storytime Shorts!The MoviesMr. Nobody, 2009 (Extended Version) (HBO)Muriel's Wedding, 1994 (HBO)My Golden Days, 2015 (HBO)National Lampoon's Dorm Daze 2: College at Sea, 2006 (Unrated Version) (HBO)The Neverending Story II The Next Chapter, 1990 (HBO)The NinetiesThe NunNurse 3D, 2013 (HBO)Ocean's EightOne Hour Photo, 2002 (HBO)Ouija Origin Of Evil, 2016 (HBO)Paddington 2Parental Guidance, 2012 (HBO)The People v. The KlanThe Photograph, 2020 (HBO)Pitch Perfect, 2012 (HBO)Pope: The Most Powerful Man In HistoryPrime, 2005 (HBO)Prince Avalanche, 2013 (HBO)Race for the White House, Season 1Ready Player OneThe Redemption ProjectThe Return Of The Living Dead, 1985 (HBO)A Return to Salem's LotRush HourRush Hour 2Rush Hour 3Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World, 2012 (HBO)Set Up, 2011 (HBO)Severance, 2006 (HBO)The SeventiesShazam!Showdown In Little Tokyo, 1991 (HBO)Something's Killing MeSpace CowboysStanley Tucci: Searching for ItalyThe Story of Late NightSuicide SquadTeen Titans Go! To The MoviesTim Burton's Corpse BrideTricky DickUltravioletUnited Shades of America, Season 1-6Unmasking a KillerValentine's DayVegas VacationVengeance: Killer CoworkersVengeance: Killer LoversVengeance: Killer NeighborsVery Scary People, Season 1Very Scary People, Season 2Vice, 2018 (HBO)Wendy, 2020 (HBO)We Will Rise: Michelle Obama's Mission to Educate Girls Around the WorldWhere the Wild Things AreThe Windsors: Inside The Royal DynastyThe Wonder List With Bill WeirWonder WomanZombieland

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The post The Best TV Shows And Movies Leaving HBO Max In February 2022 appeared first on /Film.