If, by some stroke of luck, you find yourself with a little extra time on your hands amidst the flurry of Chinese New Year family reunions and romantic Valentine’s Day plans, there is no better way to unwind and unplug than with a jaunt down to the local cinema. While February’s theatrical offerings may seem a bit sparse when compared to the Christmas blockbuster bonanza, there are a few outings that merit particular mention. Onwards, then to our round-up of the must-watch movies in February.

Alita: Battle Angel – 5 February

Having broken box office records with his animated sci-fi hit, Avatar, acclaimed director James Cameron has now turned his sights on another anime odyssey, Alita: Battle Angel. Based on the manga series by Yukito Kishiro, this futuristic cyberpunk saga follows the adventures of Alita, the titular cyborg heroine, who awakens in a post-apocalyptic world with no memory of her past life. With beautiful cinematography and vibrant characters, this is a must-see for any fantasy aficionado.

The Favourite – 21 February

This historic world of 18th century England comes to life as British actress Olivia Colman embodies Queen Anne of England, Ireland and Scotland (1665-1714) in The Favourite. Explore the intricacies of court life and royal intrigue and watch as competing favourites vie for the honour of being the Royal’s boon companion in what is sure to be a visual extravaganza.

The Lego Movie 2 – 7 February

Fans young and old have fallen under the spell of Warner Bros’ computer animated Lego Movie series, and now, the entire family can enjoy an entire afternoon of hilarious antics, can’t-believe-it-happened adventures and sharp dialogue courtesy of the world’s smallest, box-shaped heroes, voiced by Hollywood A-listers like Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks and Nick Offerman.

KURSK – 21 February

A film adaptation of novelist Robert Moore’s A Time to Die, this harrowing historic drama tracks the immediate fallout of the real-life Kursk submarine disaster in 2000 in which the vessel sank to the bottom of the Barents Sea. You’re sure to be at the edge of your seat and biting your nails as you experience the tense atmosphere within the submarine first hand as the surviving sailors desperately await rescue as their air runs out.