The Queue

The big list of streaming recommendations

A guide to help you navigate the never-ending struggle of picking something to watch.

"The Hunt for Red October" Photo by Bruce McBroom

January 31, 2025

4 minutes to read

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A typical edition of The Queue starts with me going in-depth on a single topic — whether it’s favorite holiday movies, Oscars snubs, or the decline of Chris Evans — before offering some quick streaming recommendations.

Once a month, however, I’ll be sending you an all-recommendations edition of the newsletter, because the struggle of deciding what to watch is eternal.

The timing of this week’s list-heavy newsletter is perfect: There are tons of movies and shows leaving various streaming services on Friday (Jan. 31), new ones debuting on Saturday (Feb. 1), and a number of new release dates just announced to keep in mind for the future.

Last call on these movies:

All of these movies are leaving their respective streaming services on Jan. 31, so the time to watch is now.

“21 Jump Street” (2012) and “22 Jump Street” (2014): Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill are a hilarious pairing in both of these reboots of the ‘80s TV show. (Leaving both Netflix and Max)

“Not Another Teen Movie” (2001): Chris Evans plays a stereotypical jock in this farce, showing that he did, in fact, have range at one point. (Leaving Netflix)

“Sunset Boulevard” (1950): Reader Stephen C. emailed me this week about Billy Wilder’s black comedy/noir, one of the best (and earliest) looks at the perils of Hollywood stardom. (Leaving Paramount+)

Coming Attractions:

Each of these movies will make their debut on Feb. 1, so pencil them in for Saturday night.

“The Hunt for Red October” (1990) *– Photo by Bruce McBroom*

“Easy A” (2010): After standout early-career performances as part of an ensemble or as a romantic interest, Emma Stone gets to carry this modernized “Scarlet Letter” all on her own, and does so in style. (Hulu)

“Magic Mike XXL” (2015): As one Channing Tatum comedy leaves Netflix, another arrives, with the entrepreneurial stripper taking his showmanship to new heights in this sequel. (Netflix)

“The Hunt for Red October” (1990): Tom Clancy’s enduring hero Jack Ryan’s first big-screen appearance comes in the form of Alec Baldwin, who must match underwater wits with Sean Connery’s traitorous sub captain. (Paramount+ and free with ads on Pluto TV)

Key Release Dates:

Netflix dropped a whole bunch of release dates for its 2025 movies and shows on Thursday, while other streaming services announced return dates for some of their popular shows.

“Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” | Feb. 16

A lot of people I know took a break from following the news after the election, but maybe the affable/exasperated Brit’s return can make current events a bit more palatable. (Max)

“You” | April 24

Everyone’s favorite booksmart serial killer (Penn Badgley) is back for the final season of Netflix’s darkly funny psychological thriller. (Netflix)

“Squid Game” Season 3 | June 27

I wasn’t exactly wowed by Season 2, but I’m sufficiently hooked that I need to find out what happens after last season’s cliffhanger. (Netflix)

Play or Skip

I’m in more of a lean-back than a lean-forward mood this week (read: lighter fare over heavy material), so here are three easy watches (all with Massachusetts connections!) to catch up on while the weather remains frigid.

“Going Dutch”: Worcester native Denis Leary is perfectly suited to play an Army Colonel who has been exiled to a remote Netherlands post after being effectively canceled due to a videotaped rant. (Hulu)

“Taskmaster”: This absurd British competition show just cast comedian (and Nahant native) Jason Mantzoukas (“The League”) in its upcoming 19th season, and its first 18 seasons (or series, as the Brits call it) are all free to watch on YouTube.

“The Traitors” Season 3: Reality star and Hyde Park native Rob “Boston Rob” Mariano has flipped this competition series (styled after the party game “Mafia”) on its head this season. (Peacock)

This image released by Apple TV+ shows Adam Scott, from left, Zach Cherry, John Turturro and Brit Lower in a scene from “Severance,” which was nominated for 14 Emmy Awards. (Apple TV+ via AP)

This week featured the biggest number of reader recommendations I’ve received so far, which is really exciting! Keep emailing me what you’re watching at [email protected].

“Culinary Class Wars”: Reader Garrett B. is loving this South Korean cooking show: “It skips all the reality TV B.S. found in US shows, and wows with delicious and impressive food, and the competitions stay varied and interesting.” (Netflix)

“Severance”: After some initial hesitation reader Anna F. got on board with Apple TV’s sci-fi dark comedy: “I tried to watch the first episode a while back and didn’t make it past the first 10 minutes, but I gave it another go based on all the rave reviews it was getting and am glad I did!” (Apple TV+)

“Major League” (1989): Following the death of “Mr. Baseball” Bob Uecker, reader Michael G. recommended this ballpark comedy featuring the legendary Brewers radio announcer as a less-restrained version of himself. (Prime Video)

And if you want more shows to binge, here are 5 must-watch movies and shows streaming right now.

End Credits

That’s a wrap on this edition of The Queue. If you’re a fan, please consider recommending this newsletter to your friends.

Until next time, good stream hunting, everyone!

— Kevin

Kevin Slane

Staff Writer

Kevin Slane is a staff writer for Boston.com covering entertainment and culture. His work focuses on movie reviews, streaming guides, celebrities, and things to do in Boston.

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