The Best Movies About Travel to Stream in February
According to furry meteorologist Punxsutawney Phil, we have six more weeks of winter. Cue the groans. At least this is the perfect excuse to plan a warm-weather escape — or, if that’s not in the cards, hunker down with new streaming options that can at least mentally whisk you away.
Because it’s gonna be a long winter, here are the best destination-worthy films coming to Netflix, Amazon, iTunes and Hulu in February, with our recommendations.
New on Netflix
If You Want to: Get Lost in a Park Watch: National Parks Adventure (February 1)
Robert Redford narrates this 2016 documentary, which travels throughout some of the country’s most awe-inspiring parks. Originally released on IMAX, the film’s beautiful vistas, canyons and red-rock formations will still scratch your travel itch.
If You Want to: Pull off a Heist in Vegas Watch: Oceans Trilogy (February 1)
It’s been over a decade since the last Ocean’s movie hit theaters, but now that an all-female spin-off Ocean’s 8 is debuting this year, it’s a good time to revisit Steven Soderbergh’s films — they captured the City of Sin in all its slick-and-sordid glory.
If You Want to: Hike in the Woods Watch: The Ritual (February 9)
Actually, this might turn you off the outdoors rather than encourage you to grab your hiking boots. This new Netflix Original thriller tracks four friends hiking through the Scandinavian wilderness, but unfortunately, they take a wrong turn. Many will start hiking. Few will live.
If You Want to: Explore the Civil War Watch: Lincoln (February 21)
Watching Daniel Day-Lewis is sorta like time-traveling — the man can literally become anyone, anywhere, at any time. He nailed Lincoln’s gravitas enough to nab a Best Actor Oscar for this 2012 Steven Spielberg film. More fun than a trip to DC, that’s for sure.
New on Amazon Prime
If You Want to: Hang Out in New England Watch: Mystic Pizza (February 1)
Another blast from the past, to those strange and mysterious years when Julia Roberts wasn’t a household name. Here, she plays a waitress (alongside Lili Taylor and Annabeth Gish) at a pizza parlor in Mystic, Connecticut, dealing with a dramatic summer of love.
If You Want to: Go Where No Man Has Gone Before Watch: Star Trek (February 14)
Earth too dull for you? The USS Enterprise might be more your speed. This 2009 reboot from J.J. Abrams follows young Commander Spock (Zachary Quinto) and Captain Kirk (Chris Pine) — and was surprisingly well-received by time-traveling Trekkies.
If You Want to: Have a Reality Check Watch: Human Flow (February 16)
Artist Ai Weiwei documents travel of an altogether different sort with this deeply moving Amazon Original documentary about the global refugee crisis, which has displaced more than 65 million people worldwide. You can’t watch and not be grateful for all that you have.
New on iTunes
If You Want to: Frolic with the Dead >> Watch: Coco (February 13)
Yes, it’s an animated 3-D film. But no, it’s not just for kids. In one of the best-reviewed films of 2017, young hero Miguel accidentally travels to the Land of the Dead — so, not technically a place you can get to via American Airlines, but it’s fun to pretend.
If You Want to: Ride the Rails Watch: Murder on the Orient Express (February 20)
Mystery lovers rejoice! Kenneth Branagh reinterpreted Agatha Christie’s classic book last year, and despite some questionable facial hair, it’s a fantastic depiction of the 1930s Golden Age of rail travel. Except for, you know, the murders and all. Watch and you’ll start Googling for European rail ticket deals.
If You Want to: Make It in Hollywood Watch: The Disaster Artist (February 20)
Los Angeles isn’t all glitz and glamour — sometimes, people move all the way from San Francisco to pursue dreams of stardom and end up making the worst movie of all time. Well, that actually only happened to Tommy Wiseau, but his feature film The Room ended up a cult hit — popular enough for James Franco to direct this behind-the-scenes look, which definitely pulls the curtain back on Hollywood.
New on Hulu
If You Want to: Dream Big Dreams in Paris Watch: Amélie (February 1)
Swap out your popcorn for croissants for the biggest escape vehicle of all! This 2001 French comedy starring Audrey Tautou is a charming feast for the eyes. Shot on the streets of Paris, particularly in the Montmartre neighborhood, it will make you long for spring.
If You Want to: Watch a Fake Western Watch: Blazing Saddles (February 1)
Never mosey along to the American west? Dive in to this classic 1974 Mel Brooks satire set in 1874. Chronicling the rise of the first black sheriff in town, it lampoons racial prejudice — hmm, definitely worth a rewatch today.
If You Want to: Watch a Real Western Watch: The Good, the Bad & the Ugly (February 1)
And then here’s the counterpoint — Clint Eastwood became a star after headlining Sergio Leone’s Civil War-set Spaghetti Western. After watching, you can visit Sad Hill Cemetery, site of the film’s famous showdown, in northern Spain. A group of volunteers (and diehard movie fans) cleaned up the site around 140 miles from Madrid for the film’s 50th anniversary. Field trip time!
Feature photo: The Ritual
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.