Best films released in the UK this month: February 2026

February is usually a quiet month for new movies, but not this year in the UK! A wide range of exciting films are coming to cinemas all month long, offering something for every movie lover.

Everyone is talking about the new film adaptation of Wuthering Heights. While Emily Brontë’s classic gothic novel has been made into a movie before, this version promises to be unique. It’s directed by Emerald Fennell, who brought us Saltburn, and features a soundtrack by Charli xcx.

Several films have been prominent during this awards season. Among them is the Brazilian drama, The Secret Agent, which is the last of the Oscar Best Picture nominees to be released in the UK. Another contender for Best International Feature, Sirât, will also be available later this month.

Mona Fastvold’s film, The Testament of Ann Lee, is a truly special and deeply touching period musical about the woman who started the Shaker religious movement. Despite not getting much awards recognition, it’s a film that absolutely deserves to be celebrated.

This month also features highly-rated independent British film My Father’s Shadow, Sam Raimi’s first movie outside of established franchises in years, Send Help, and Kristen Stewart’s first time directing a feature film, The Chronology of Water. This is just a small taste of what’s available – it’s a particularly packed month for new releases.

We’ve chosen some of the best movies to watch this month to help you decide what to see! You can watch our picks in the video above, or keep reading for the full list.

Best films released in the UK this month: February 2026

Send Help

Release date: Thursday 5th February in cinemas

After a fifteen-year break from directing original stories, Sam Raimi delivers a hugely enjoyable comedy-horror film set on a deserted island, featuring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien.

Leslie McAdams stars as Linda Liddle, a reality TV addict who’s constantly put down by her boss, played by Dermot O’Brien. Everything changes when a plane crash leaves them both stranded, completely reversing their relationship. The movie features director Sam Raimi’s signature fast-paced camera work and moments of intense violence.

100 Nights of Hero

Release date: Friday 6th February in cinemas

Julia Jackman’s delightful new film, a modern fairytale, stars Maika Monroe, Emma Corrin, and Nicholas Galitzine. It offers a fresh, queer and feminist take on the classic story of One Thousand and One Nights, with beautiful visuals.

The story centers on Cherry, a young bride who is left alone by her careless husband for 100 nights as part of a bet. He leaves her with a friend to see if she remains faithful, but instead, she develops a strong connection with her devoted maid.

The Chronology of Water

Release date: Friday 6th February in cinemas

Imogen Poots leads the cast of Kristen Stewart’s first film as a director. The movie is inspired by the life story of Lidia Yuknavitch, a former competitive swimmer who became an author.

The film explores difficult themes related to Lidia’s traumatic childhood. It tells the story of how she overcomes her past by discovering her passion for writing and finding healing through swimming, eventually becoming a successful teacher, mother, and acclaimed author.

Hamlet

Release date: Friday 6th February in cinemas

Riz Ahmed stars as Hamlet in a fresh, contemporary take on Shakespeare’s classic tragedy. The cast also includes Morfydd Clark, Joe Alwyn, Sheeba Chaddha, Art Malik, and Timothy Spall.

This shorter version of the play preserves Shakespeare’s original language but reimagines the story with a modern British-Asian perspective. Director Aneil Karia also adds unique and creative touches to the production.

My Father’s Shadow

Release date: Friday 6th February in cinemas

This highly praised drama, the first feature film from director Akinola Davies Jr., stars Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù and is set against the backdrop of the 1993 Nigerian election crisis.

During the turbulent 1993 Nigerian election, two brothers reconnect with their father while navigating the bustling city of Lagos. The story follows their journey as they experience the vastness of Lagos and the challenges their father faces amidst the growing political unrest, all while trying to make their way home.

Wuthering Heights

Release date: Friday 13th February in cinemas

Emerald Fennell’s new take on the beloved story of ‘Wuthering Heights’ features Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as Cathy and Heathcliff, with a soundtrack by Charli xcx.

Most people already know the basic story, which centers on a tragic romance. However, this adaptation won’t be a typical retelling – the director seems determined to offer a fresh and surprising take.

Crime 101

Release date: Friday 13th February in cinemas

This crime thriller features Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Barry Keoghan, and Halle Berry. It’s directed and written by Bart Layton, who is returning to filmmaking after a four-year break since his 2018 film, American Animals.

This story, based on a work by Don Winslow, centers around several connected characters. The main ones include a Los Angeles detective played by Ruffalo, the mysterious thief he’s trying to catch, played by Hemsworth, and an insurance broker, played by Berry, who unexpectedly finds himself involved.