Movies you (probably) skipped
Welcome to Movies You (Probably) Skipped, a monthly column where I pick out the best new releases that didn’t quite pull in the crowds on the big screen, but deserve a second chance now they’ve arrived on streaming.
I watch a lot of movies in theaters every year. So many that I’m on first-name terms with several employees at my local multiplex. Last year, I saw more than 110 movies on the big screen, and in 2026, I’m already well into the double figures. Seeing so many films in theaters means I’m often watching movies that don’t get a whole lot of attention.
Sadly, with annual cinema attendance numbers dropping and many viewers opting to only see the biggest blockbuster on the big screen, some great movies aren’t getting their much-deserved time in the spotlight. That’s why I’m here to pick out the best movies you (probably) skipped in theaters, but should make time to watch now that they’ve arrived across the best streaming services (or on premium streaming platforms).
Below, you’ll find the five movies that didn’t make major waves during their theatrical run, but are worth circling back to on streaming. They might not have the name recognition of a tentpole release, but each has quality in spades and won’t waste your precious watch time this week.
‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’
Rose Byrne has long been one of the best comedic actresses around, but there’s nothing funny about her turn as an overwhelmed mother in “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.” At least, not in the traditional sense, while there’s certainly some dark humor, this psychological drama borders on anxiety-inducing. In the intense chaos, Byrne thrives, delivering a performance worthy of its Oscar nomination and her recent Golden Globe award win.
Byrne plays Linda, a therapist who is juggling an overwhelming cocktail of problems, including a daughter with a feeding disorder, an absent husband, a water-damaged apartment and a laundry list of issues with her own patients. It’s enough to stretch anybody beyond their limits. Writer/director Mary Bronstein layers in intriguing surreal elements, giving “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” extra bite and leaving viewers with plenty to reflect on.
Watch “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You” on HBO Max now
‘Good Fortune’
“Good Fortune” is an enjoyable comedy with some real star power. It’s no surprise that bringing together Keanu Reeves, Seth Rogen, Kek Palmer and Aziz Ansari (who also writes and directs) results in some great gags. Though I do wish “Good Fortune” were a little less Hollywood in its approach. It has some interesting and important things to say about the struggles faced by everyday workers, but the cookie-cutter ending blunts its overall message. Still, it’s a charming comedy, and Reeves looks good with angel wings.
Gabriel (Reeves) is a frustrated guardian angel who desperately wants to rise to the top ranks among his peers. In a misguided attempt to prove he’s capable of more, he meddles in the life of Arj (Aziz), a struggling gig worker lacking direction and true purpose. To prove to Arj that money alone won’t solve his problems, he switches Arj’s life with that of a wealthy tech tycoon (Rogen), but finds himself in real trouble when Arj refuses to switch back.
Watch “Good Fortune” on Prime Video (buy/rent) or stream it on Starz now
‘Blue Moon’
Among this year’s Oscar movies, I’d argue that “Blue Moon” is perhaps the most overlooked. Ethan Hawke scooped a Best Actor nomination for his leading role, and he certainly is the biographical drama’s driving force. Still, there’s so much more to appreciate in this Richard Linklater movie. The script jumps between charming, tender and tragic on a dime, and I adore the theatrical setup, which feels supremely appropriate considering the subject matter is Lorenz Hart, one half of the Rodgers and Hart Broadway writing team.
Set during the opening night of “Oklahoma!” in 1943, Hart (Hawke) sneaks away from the production to Sardi’s restaurant to wallow in his misery, frustrated to see his partner, Richard Rodgers (Andrew Scott), having quickly found new success with another collaborator, Oscar Hammerstein II (Simon Delaney). Hart reflects on his career while battling his alcoholism and his infatuation with a Yale art student, Elizabeth (Margaret Qualley).
Watch “Blue Moon” on Netflix now
‘The Secret Agent’
“The Secret Agent” earned a deserved Best Picture nomination last month. While it’s not considered among the frontrunners to win Hollywood’s biggest prize at the Oscars 2026, it’s yet more evidence that non-English-language films are being given a bigger platform than ever. Which is a very good thing. The flick holds a 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes, which should be reason enough for you to watch this engrossing political thriller.
Set in the 1970s, during a period of political turmoil in Brazil, Marcelo (Moura) is a teacher who moves from São Paulo to Recife in the hopes of reuniting with his son. However, his plans for a fresh start quickly turn sour when he finds his hometown is not a safe refuge. Corruption is around every corner, and he soon learns he’s been spied upon. “The Secret Agent” is a tense watch, made even better by its sharp (timely) political message.
Watch “The Secret Agent” on Prime Video (buy/rent) now
‘Twinless’
Dylan O’Brien is currently delighting horror fans in theaters with the wickedly enjoyable “Send Help.” If you want more O’Brien in your life, then consider watching “Twinless” this month. “Twinless” is a very different movie compared to Sam Raimi’s new desert island blood-fest, but O’Brien is no less excellent. And O’Brien actually plays two parts in this comedy-drama, nailing both roles, which further speaks to “The Maze Runner” star’s talents.
Roman (O’Brien) finds himself in a support group for twins who have lost their siblings after a tragic car accident. Here he meets Dennis (James Sweeney), and the two find solace in each other, quickly forming a close friendship. However, Dennis is hiding secrets from Roman, and if they spill out, their new friendship is almost certain to hit the rocks. “Twinless” explores grief and human connections in a way that really hits home.
Watch “Twinless” on Hulu now
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