Modern Classics, Prestige Miniseries Among March's Best Streaming Options

Hugo – Netflix – Right Now
Martin Scorsese’s love letter to the early days of film is possibly the most underrated film of his legendary career. “Hugo” is the tale of a young boy who lives in the Gare Montparnasse railway station of Paris in the 1930s who befriends Georges Melies, the director of one of cinema’s first masterpieces in 1902’s “A Trip to the Moon.” Originally shot in 3D “Hugo,” from 2011, is a gorgeous movie that is sure to put a smile on any cinematic lover’s face. 

The Shawshank Redemption – Netflix – Right Now
If you’ve yet to see Frank Darabont’s 1994 modern classic “The Shawshank Redemption” than you’re certainly in the minority, but here’s your chance as the film returns to Netflix this month. The seven-time Oscar-nominated prison drama is the story of two imprisoned men (the excellent Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman) who bond through years serving time together. “The Shawshank Redemption” has become perhaps the most beloved film of the last 25-plus year with its score of fans ranking it as the No. 1 movie of all-time via their votes on IMDb.com. 

The Plot Against America – HBO Now/Go – March 16
HBO’s latest prestige miniseries “The Plot Against America” debuts on March 16 and can be seen on the network’s streaming services shortly after. The series is based on Philip Roth’s 2004 novel which sees the 1940 Presidential Election go differently than it did in real life with Charles Lindbergh, aviator hero and xenophobic populist, winning the Presidency and follows the life of a working-class New Jersey Jewish family through the nation’s turn toward fascism. The series stars the incredibly underrated John Turturro, which is honestly enough on its own to grab my attention. Though set in the ‘40s, this series created by “The Wire” creator David Simon, is sure to hit on modern-day themes and issues. 

Little Fires Everywhere – Hulu – March 18
Reese Witherspoon has become the queen of television limited series over the last few years starring in one or two a year with her runs in HBO’s “Big Little Lies” and Apple’s “The Morning Show” and now Hulu’s “Little Fires Everywhere,” which she also produced. The eight-episode series based on the 2017 novel by Celeste Ng will debut on March 18 on the streaming service and co-stars Kerry Washington, in her first major televised performance since “Scandal” wrapped in 2018. The series follows the Richardson family and the secrets within it. 

Blinded by the Light – HBO Now/Go – March 22
If you’re a Bruce Springsteen fan “Blinded by the Light,” which hit theaters in the summer of 2019, is making its streaming premiere this month on HBO Now/HBO Go. The film, directed by Gurinder Chadha, tells the tale of a teenage Pakistani immigrant living in England who identifies with the music of Springsteen and becomes a superfan. The film is based on the true story of journalist Sarfraz Manzoor and how Springsteen’s music changed his life. For a Springsteen fan it’s a movie we can all identify with, but I’m sure even something non-Springsteen fans (if those exist) would enjoy, as well. It premieres on the streaming service on March 22.