3 excellent movies on Hulu that you should watch this weekend (February 7-9)

      When choosing films for the upcoming weekend, we usually don't consider the year of release. However, due to a coincidence in the February release lineup, all three of our recommended Hulu movies to stream this weekend debuted in theaters in 1998. Each film is uniquely distinct from the others.

      Our first pick is a moving father-son drama directed by Spike Lee, the second showcases a performance by Oprah Winfrey, while the last selection is a beloved comedy that stirred considerable controversy upon its initial release but may appear quite mild nearly thirty years later.

      Looking for additional suggestions? We also provide lists of the best films available on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Max, and Disney+.

      **He Got Game (1998)**

      *Buena Vista Pictures Distribution*

      Spike Lee’s *He Got Game* tells the story of basketball, featuring NBA player Ray Allen in a standout role as Jesus Shuttlesworth, a top high school basketball prospect. Colleges are so eager to recruit Jesus that the governor of New York temporarily frees his estranged father, Jake Shuttlesworth (Denzel Washington), from prison to persuade Jesus to enroll at the governor’s alma mater.

      Jesus, however, is unwilling to comply with his father's demands, especially considering Jake was imprisoned for the accidental death of Jesus’ mother. Jake seeks redemption by helping an abused prostitute, Dakota Barns (Milla Jovovich), rebuild her life. For Jake to regain his freedom for good, he will need his son’s assistance.

      *Watch He Got Game on Hulu.*

      **Beloved (1998)**

      *Buena Vista Pictures Distribution*

      *Beloved* marks a reunion for *The Color Purple* co-stars Oprah Winfrey and Danny Glover, adapted from Toni Morrison’s Gothic romance. Set in the post-Civil War era, it follows a former slave, Sethe (Oprah Winfrey), who is tormented by a ghost that has frightened most of her children away.

      Paul D. (Glover), who endured slavery with Sethe, reenters her life and seemingly expels the sinister spirit from her home. However, he is shocked to learn the reason behind Sethe’s haunting. Meanwhile, Sethe’s daughter, Denver (Kimberly Elise), builds a relationship with Beloved (Thandiwe Newton), a young woman whose connection to Sethe's past threatens to unravel everything she holds dear.

      *Watch Beloved on Hulu.*

      **There’s Something About Mary (1998)**

      *20th Century Studios*

      Before Ben Stiller shifted to directing projects like Apple TV+’s *Severance*, he appeared in numerous outrageous comedies of the ’90s, none zanier than *There’s Something About Mary*. In high school, Ted Stroehmann (Stiller) has one opportunity to take Mary Jensen (Cameron Diaz) on a date, which ends in such a catastrophic manner that it can't be described without delving into graphic details.

      Years later, Ted’s friend Dom (Chris Elliott) persuades him to hire a private investigator, Pat Healy (Matt Dillon), to discover what Mary’s life is like and if she is still available. Unfortunately for Ted, Pat also becomes smitten with Mary and decides to sabotage Ted’s chances of reconnecting with her. As Ted gradually uncovers Pat's deceit, both men realize they are not the only ones competing for Mary’s affection, with some rivals resorting to extreme measures to win her over.

      *Watch There’s Something About Mary on Hulu.*