What to watch on Disney +, Neon, Netflix, Amazon Prime in March

It's already March, which is an utterly astounding concept, as it feels like 2021 is flying by.

With cinemas still largely affected by Hollywood getting scared off from releasing its blockbusters, streaming services are once again taking advantage and gaining a foothold in our viewing habits.

Here's some of the best stuff being released on streaming platforms in March

Raya and The Last Dragon (Disney +, Premier Access from March 5)

The latest animated film from Disney is getting a hybrid release in New Zealand, with cinemas here being fortunate enough to be under Covid alert level restrictions.

One of the bonuses is getting to choose how to see Raya and the Last Dragon, a tale of Kelly Marie Tran's Raya, who's forced to undergo a quest when the dragon orb her people are charged with guarding is stolen. 

A return to form of sorts for Disney, Raya and the Last Dragon is a magical family outing.

The Mauritanian (Amazon Prime, March 24)

This could potentially be a fine drama.

Directed by Kevin Macdonald and based on the best-selling memoir “Guantánamo Diary” by Mohamedou Ould Slahi, The Mauritanian is the inspiring true story of Slahi’s fight for freedom after being detained and imprisoned without charge by the U.S. Government for years.

Already coming with talk of awards pedigree, the film's streaming premiere is something to mark in your diaries.

Waffles and Mochi (season 1, Netflix, March 16)

Former first lady Michelle Obama is heading to the world of kids TV.

A delightfully colourful looking show, Mrs Obama is going to be bringing the world into your living room, as she is joined by puppet pals to discover, cook and eat foods from around the world.

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (Disney +, March 19)

Did someone say Marvel?

Yep, just two weeks after the no doubt cataclysmic events of the WandaVision finale, the latest salvo from the Marvel canon is fired, as the Covid-delayed The Falcon and The Winter Soldier premieres.

After being handed the mantle of Captain America at the end of Avengers: Endgame (2019), Sam Wilson teams up with Bucky Barnes in a worldwide adventure that puts their abilities to the test as they fight the anti-patriotism group the Flag-Smashers.

Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan star - and probably some top secret cameos. (We're expecting Chris Evans)

Louis Theroux Life on the Edge (March 16, Neon)

Lockdown was hard on us all globally.

But for documentarian Louis Theroux, it gave him a chance to pillage his archives for reflection.

And the result is him visiting some of his more controversial and colourful characters, as well as the chance to catch up with them.

The series just manages to avoid outstaying its welcome, and the format creaks a little under the strain of what's an extended repeat in parts, but it's still a fascinating look at what enthused us then, and what happens after the cameras have gone.

Coming 2 America (March 2, Amazon Prime Video)

Three decades and three beautiful daughters later, Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy) prepares to take over the reigns of his homeland of Zamunda.

However, that all changes when an ailing King Joffer (James Earl Jones) delivers the shocking news that Akeem has a long-lost son, Lavelle, in Queens.

You may be able to guess what's next, because of the title, and the first film...

Invincible (Amazon Prime, March 22)

Invincible is an adult animated superhero show that revolves around seventeen-year-old Mark Grayson (Steven Yeun), who’s just like every other guy his age — except that his father is the most powerful superhero on the planet, Omni-Man (J.K. Simmons). But as Mark develops powers of his own, he discovers that his father’s legacy may not be as heroic as it seems.

From The Walking Dead's head honcho Robert Kirkman, this animated film has a multi-talented cast.

But its greatest asset will be Steven Yeun, whose performance in Minari (in cinemas now) have finally sealed what many have known for years - that he's a stellar talent that's vastly underappreciated.

ZeroZeroZero (March 8, Neon)

This eight-parter from Stefano Sollima (who created the stunning Suburra) is all about drugs.

It follows the journey of a cocaine shipment, from the moment a powerful italian cartel purchases it, to its packaging in Mexico and shipment across the Atlantic Ocean.

With an all-star cast including Andrea Riseborough, Dane DeHaan and Gabriel Byrne, it's sure to be a tense and unpredictable ride for those of us obsessed with shows like Narcos.

Justice League: The Snyder Cut (Neon, Date TBC)

Due to release abroad on March 18, and still not confirmed for a day or time but with Neon confirming via Instagram, it will be "Express from the US", geek expectations are high for this one.

The director's cut of the 2017 film is one of the most anticipated films of the year - even though this is a 4 hour epic helping to bolster its US streaming platform.

Whether it's folly or game-changing remains to be seen, Widely derided on release, and supposedly what sank Warner Studio's ambitions for a DCEU, it will be an essential watch for those of us interested to see how creativity changes along the way.