Best BBC shows: All the best dramas on BBC iPlayer
From all-time classics to the very best new drama series, discover what you've been missing on BBC iPlayer.
As we reach the halfway point in December, there has never been a better time of year to get settled and cosy up in front of a new drama – and BBC iPlayer has plenty to choose from. The platform is home to a wealth of original content, including beloved long-running series like Call the Midwife and Death in Paradise, plus the latter's spin-offs Beyond Paradise and Return to Paradise, but it also features brand-new series too. More recently, the streamer has added historical epics like King & Conqueror and The Narrow Road to the Deep North, sitting alongside offbeat comedy-dramas such as Film Club and Am I Being Unreasonable?, as well as the unflinching – and deeply impactful – drama Prisoner 951 which explores the true story of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe. For fans of gritty dramas they'll be pleased to know that Blue Lights is also on the platform, which recently returned for its third outing, while other 2025 releases include Gabrielle Creevy and Eve Myles's thriller The Guest, plus true story adaptations like The Bombing of Pan Am 103 and twisted drama Wild Cherry. Crime, murder mystery and detective series like Annika, Death Valley and Silent Witness also join iPlayer's stacked library, as well as American acquisitions like Tell Me Lies, so there really is something for everyone. However, with so much to binge-watch, we understand it can all be a bit overwhelming to have so much choice. So, we've put together a list of all the best available series right now, which should mean you can find something to suit you without all that endless scrolling. Read on and enjoy.
Find out which of the Christmas classics the stars are watching — and where to find them for yourself
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Top 10 Picks of the Day – Friday 19 December
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What to watch on streaming: today's picks from Netflix, Prime Video and more
Looking for something to watch today on Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV and more? Don't miss our experts' recommendations...
We can all feel a bit overwhelmed when looking for something to watch in the world of streaming, so if you're in need of some help, you've come to the right place. This week on Netflix: Wake Up Dead Man, the marvellous third instalment in writer/director Rian Johnson’s Knives Out series, dares to get a bit spooky, as it finds gentleman sleuth Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) tackling the fiendish mystery of a seemingly impossible “locked room” murder. Josh O’Connor lends support as the small-town priest who’s in the frame for the crime. Put-upon house-sitter Trevor Bingley is back, plagued this time by an ever-crawling baby he wasn’t supposed to be looking after. Rowan Atkinson’s mostly visual comedy Man Vs Baby delivers plenty of wholesome Christmas chaos. Over on Apple TV, the creative team behind Top Gun: Maverick hits the asphalt and keeps the pace up for exhilarating drama F1 set in the world of Formula One. Brad Pitt is the former hotshot getting back behind the wheel with the help of an old buddy (Javier Bardem). Meanwhile, the door closes on Amazon’s “new chapter” of Aussie soap Neighbours after two years, much to the disappointment of a loyal audience gripped by the goings-on in Ramsay Street for four decades. How will this finale compare to the one from 2022, when the show was axed by 5? It might not be a huge stretch for him, but George Clooney puts in a roundly entertaining performance as a Hollywood A-lister undergoing a crisis of confidence in Jay Kelly, the latest comic drama from film-maker Noah Baumbach (Marriage Story). It’s Adam Sandler, though, who takes the acting honours as the star’s long-suffering manager. In The Roses over on Disney+, Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch get their claws out as the married couple whose relationship collapses in a new adaptation of black comedy The War of the Roses. There's no shortage of streaming options, and so to give you a bit of a hand, RadioTimes.com has collated some of the best new offerings: from Netflix and Disney Plus to Prime Video, BBC iPlayer and Apple TV, here are the latest highlights across the services. Whether it's a police procedural drama like NCIS: Origins, a reality show like Squid Game: the Challenge or a fascinating documentary thriller such as The Moonies: Married to the Cult, there's something here to suit everyone's taste. Take a look at the list below, which includes all the details about where you can watch any title – and what we think.
Best Disney+ shows – originals and returning favourites
Disney's streaming service and its add-on, Star, have plenty to add to your watch list.
If you’re a fan of family sitcoms, Disney+ has plenty to keep you entertained. Malcolm in the Middle is a standout, following a highly intelligent boy trying to navigate life with his unpredictable family, full of energy and relatable everyday struggles. Oh, and a classic noughties theme song for good measure. And if a show about one smart kid wasn’t enough, Young Sheldon is also available to stream on the platform, offering a peek into the childhood of The Big Bang Theory’s Sheldon Cooper. It explores what it’s like to grow up exceptionally clever in an otherwise ordinary Texas household. Expect plenty of awkward moments, but don’t worry – there’s equally as many heartwarming ones. Disney+ has also launched All’s Fair, a juicy, fast-paced legal drama starring Kim Kardashian. You might have spied some less than favourable reviews in the media but it’s packed with courtroom showdowns and an addictive soap-style tension and has definitely found a fanbase. The platform is also home to classics like Desperate Housewives – the iconic 2000s dramedy full of scandal, satire, secrets and all the chaotic suburban drama you could want across eight binge-worthy seasons. Elsewhere on the platform, 911 returns for its ninth season, continuing to deliver gripping rescues and emotional stories weekly that have made the series a long-running hit. The last season of saw the shock death of one of the show's most beloved characters, so there's plenty for the new episodes to get stuck into. A new true crime drama, Murdaugh: Death in the Family, is also available to stream and dramatises one of the most widely reported American murder cases in recent memory. Already the subject of a hit podcast and Netflix docuseries, this latest incarnation enlists acclaimed actors Jason Clarke and Patricia Arquette to play Alex and Maggie Murdaugh, who were once at the centre of a powerful South Carolina family. Tragically, in 2021, things took a shockingly dark turn, as depicted in this eight-part miniseries from The Mosquito Coast writer Michael D Fuller and Britney vs Spears filmmaker Erin Lee Carr. This month also sees the continuation of Only Murders in the Building season 5, The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox, High Potential and Chad Powers, with the Kim Kardashian-led All's Fair also set to launch on the platform early next month. There's also the likes of Good American Family, Grey's Anatomy, A Thousand Blows and The Stolen Girl all ready and waiting for you to watch. If you're unsure what to watch next, scroll on for more on these titles and many others, as we present the best titles on Disney+ to watch now. View Affiliate Playlist on the source website
Best TV shows to watch on Amazon Prime Video UK (November 2025)
From original series to iconic acquired dramas, check out the best shows to watch on Amazon's streaming service.
Looking for your next binge-worthy treat? Prime Video’s Chewing Gum is a must-watch. It follows Tracey, a young woman full of energy and ambition, as she navigates love, family, and the chaos of adulthood – with unfiltered results, naturally. Caution: you may not stop laughing… Prime Video is also home to Chicago Med, a high-pressure series packed with big medical emergencies, layered character stories, and all the emotional highs and lows that have made the One Chicago world so popular. You’ll also find Ryan Murphy’s Scream Queens, a campy horror-comedy set on a college campus – equal parts slasher chaos and sass. Prime Video also features its latest Harlan Coben offering with Lazarus, led by Sam Claflin as Joel Lazarus, who is delivered the shock news of his father's suicide and is left to piece together the events leading up to his father's death. When he sets foot in his father's office though, he starts to embody Dr L (Bill Nighy) himself, leading him to uncover more about not only his father, but his mix of clients. If thrillers aren't up your street, then some other strong Prime Video contenders include Hotel Costiera, which boasts a beautiful Mediterranean setting, or The Summer I Turned Pretty, which unfolds against the backdrop of Wilmington, North Carolina (aka Cousins Beach). Alternatively, if you're looking for something with a bit of edge – it is spooky season, after all – you can find some reliable thrills in no-holds-barred The Boys spin-off Gen V, which just returned for season 2, or unpredictable psychological thriller The Girlfriend. The latter show pits Robin Wright (House of Cards) against Olivia Cooke (House of the Dragon), as a worried mother attempts to unravel the apparent lies of her son's mysterious new partner. If you need any further inspiration while navigating Prime Video's vast library, we're here to help, picking the best titles you can find on the streamer and updating this list with new entries every week. So, without further ado, here are the top titles on Amazon Prime Video for UK viewers. Sign up for a 30-day free trial of Prime Video and pay £8.99 a month after that.
Overwhelmed by all your streaming options? Check out our best picks for TV shows on Apple TV.
Apple TV+ has you covered with shows of all genres, and if you’re a crime fiend, Suspicion is the show for you. Following a high-profile kidnapping, it unravels a web of secrets and lies as four ordinary people become prime suspects in the case. The series dives into their lives, revealing hidden motives and unexpected connections. After his stellar breakout in One Day, British actor Leo Woodall is everywhere, and in Prime Target he proves just as captivating. He stars as a brilliant (and dangerous) math genius entangled in a high-stakes global conspiracy. Two extremely addictive crime shows to get stuck into. Apple TV also brings the high-energy world of K-pop to life with KPopped, following aspiring idols as they chase their dreams and navigate the pressures behind the scenes of stardom. And for comedy fans, Loot sparkles with Maya Rudolph playing a newly divorced billionaire trying to figure out her life. Not the worst problem in the world to have… Seasons 1 and 2 are fully available to stream, while season 3 is currently airing, with the fifth episode landing on 5 November. Big budget shows and high-profile casts are the norm on the platform, with some of the biggest hitters, like Slow Horses, continuing to pull in audiences with its charm and wit. Slow Horses author Mick Herron has another book adaptation series in store, with Down Cemetery Road being released in the coming weeks. Set to be led by Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson, it's one to certainly add to the watchlist. There's also the likes of Seth Rogen's The Studio, Masters of the Air, Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, Slow Horses and Severance which have all attracted the attention of TV lovers across the globe – and if you've recently subscribed to the streamer and want to know what you should be tuning in to, then you've come to the right place. Our experts here at RadioTimes.com have selected the biggest, boldest and best titles you can find on Apple TV so you can spend your time watching instead of endlessly scrolling through its sleek menu - there's something here for everyone. If you want to find out more about the service, check out our guide to Apple TV, or read on for our picks of the best TV shows available.
50 best movies to watch on Netflix right now
Some of the best movies on Netflix right now include The Lesson, Priscilla and Jaws. Updated weekly.
We might be knee-deep in the festive season, but that doesn't mean everything you watch needs to be Christmas-related – and fortunately, Netflix has plenty of alternatives to keep us busy in the weeks ahead. Following the reveal of the Golden Globe nominations, it's a great time to catch up on this year's potential awards contenders, which include A House of Dynamite, Frankenstein, Jay Kelly and Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. And of course, alongside all the brand new films, Netflix never fails to add to its platform with a range of options from years gone by, with The Godfather, Vera Drake and Inside Llewyn Davis among the recent additions to the ever-changing library. Read on for our latest picks of the best films on the streaming service right now – updated weekly – or head over to our guides to the best series on Netflix and best comedies on Netflix. Alternatively, check out our helpful list of Netflix secret codes, which can help you unlock hidden movies and TV shows. Updated: 11th December 2025 Best movies to watch on Netflix right now Love Lies Bleeding (2024) If the schmaltz and sentiment of Christmas films like Love Actually is getting a bit much at this time of year, you'd be hard pushed to find a more feel-bad movie than Love Lies Bleeding to cleanse your palate. The gritty feature whisks us away to the late '80s in New Mexico, where gym manager Lou (Kristen Stewart) meets bodybuilder Jackie (Katy O'Brian) – and the two of them quickly fall in love. So far so good. Alas, their fleeting peace comes under attack by dangerous elements, including Lou's abusive brother-in-law JJ (Dave Franco), an FBI investigation into her criminal father, and Jackie's growing dependency on steroids. What follows is a tale that is unashamedly grim and nasty; not in a gore sense (although there are some bloody scenes), but more so in tone and atmosphere, with every character seemingly capable of anything to survive another day. Love Lies Bleeding is directed by Rose Glass, who previously helmed acclaimed horror flick Saint Maud (starring The Rings of Power actor Morfydd Clark); she co-wrote the script too, alongside Baby Reindeer's Weronika Tofilska. Love Actually (2003) There can be few films from the 21st century that have been rewatched as much as Richard Curtis's romcom, which has become a staple of festive viewing in millions of houses around the country. Of course, the film includes one of the best casts of British talent ever assembled – with memorable roles for the likes of Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Bill Nighy, Kiera Knightley, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant – and tells numerous intersecting love stories in the run up to Christmas. Although it isn't unanimously loved – and perhaps some aspects of it have aged rather poorly – there's no denying it's impact and influence, and if you're one of it's countless fans there are probably few films better at getting you in the festive spirit. If nothing else, the scene of Thompson's character breaking down in tears to Joni Mitchell is one for the ages. The Holdovers (2023) In recent years, it's become common to ask when the last truly great new Christmas film was released – and now we have a definitive answer to that question. Although Alexander Payne's The Holdovers actually arrived in UK cinemas after Christmas, in January 2024, it's about as close to a festive classic as you could possibly get. Not only is it set over the festive period with a sprinkling of beloved carols on the soundtrack, but it also embraces all the themes we've come to associate with Christmas movies, including redemption, renewal and the power of generosity. Set in the 1970s, the film stars Paul Giamatti as a grumpy teacher at a New England boarding school who is charged with looking after the students who have nowhere to go over the holidays. Gradually, he forms an unexpected bond with troublemaking student Angus (Dominic Sessa) and the school's head cook (Da'Vine Joy Randolph) as the trio learn there is more to each other than they had initially thought. Randolph deservedly took home the Best Supporting Actress prize at that year's Oscars, while Giamatti was only stopped from winning the Best Actor gong by Cillian Murphy's generational turn in Oppenheimer. Little Women (2019) Approaching beloved, classic literary material for any new adaptation can be tricky, with some fans of the source always ready to be hyper-critical. It's therefore somewhat astonishing that Greta Gerwig managed to pull off what she did, which is an almost universally beloved take on Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. The film, which received a whole host of awards and nominations upon its release in 2019, was considered both faithful to the original text, yet still adding its own flourishes that made it an enjoyable watch for existing devotees and newcomers alike. The film is certainly helped by having an absolutely stellar cast, including Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Laura Dern, Timothée Chalamet, Meryl Streep, Bob Odenkirk and James Norton – I could go on, but we'd be here all day. With gorgeous visuals, a ton of heart and an evocative sense of time and place, it's a truly impressive piece of work that's always worth revisiting. Eileen (2023) The script for this bleak but alluring noir thriller was adapted by author Ottessa Moshfegh (and her husband Luke Goebel) from her 2015 novel, and the feel of the book translates impeccably to the screen. Thomasin McKenzie stars as Eileen, a repressed young woman in 1960s Massachusetts who works as a secretary at a boy's prison. Her dull life is given an unexpected jolt by the arrival of new psychologist Rebecca (a superb Anne Hathaway), and Eileen finds herself immediately entranced. Director William Oldroyd (Lady Macbeth) uses period stylings and Richard Reed Parry's terrific score to craft a richly atmospheric mood, resulting in a film that becomes something of a twisted delight – especially when an ingenious third-act rug-pull nudges the film into far darker territory. That late twist may divide audiences, but those who stay with it will be deeply rewarded. Frankenstein (2025) Guillermo del Toro has long been considered among the finest genre filmmakers currently working, and for almost his entire life there's been one particular story he's been desperate to tell: his own version of Mary Shelley's iconic gothic novel, Frankenstein. After years in development, that dream has now come true – with the film having premiered to some rave reviews at the Venice Film Festival earlier in the year. This adaptation includes all the grandiose set design and sweeping narrative scope we've come to expect from the Mexican director, while the score from composer Alexandre Desplat – his third collaboration with del Toro – is also sublime. Oscar Isaac takes on the lead role of Victor Frankenstein, the eccentric scientist who tries to play God by fashioning a creature from the body parts of corpses and bringing it to life. Meanwhile, the Creature itself is played in an first-rate performance by Jacob Elordi, who provides plenty of heart and sensitivity to the apparently monstrous creation. As ever with this story, the film asks who the real monster is – before answering that question with tremendous visual panache. Inside Llewyn Davis (2013) If you were entranced by Oscar Isaac's performance in Frankenstein, you might want to check out – or revisit – arguably his finest big screen role in this 2013 Coen brothers gem. Isaac stars as the titular Llewyn Davis, a folk-singer trying to make a living in the Greenwich Village scene of the 1960 while also struggling with the recent loss of his former musical partner. Partly inspired by the autobiography of folk singer Dave Van Ronk, it's a melancholic tale that follows one week in the central character's life as he moves from apartment to apartment and encounters various acquaintances, including his former lover Jean (played by Carey Mulligan) and eccentric jazz musician Roland Turner (John Goodman). The Coen's expertly capture the look and feel of '60s New York, while the soundtrack – consisting mostly of existing folk songs and standards – is tremendous. And if all that wasn't reason enough to watch it, the film also includes one of cinema's finest cats. It's a wonderful film. Vera Drake (2004) In his decades-long career, Mike Leigh has well and truly earned his place in the pantheon of great British directors, and this 2004 effort is up there with his best. Imelda Staunton won a BAFTA for her performance as the title character – a working-class housewife and cleaning lady in the 1950s who has been performing illegal abortions for women with unwanted pregnancies. When this sideline is discovered, she is reproached by both the law and her own family, and her world begins to fall apart around her. Although Vera Drake is not a real historical figure, Leigh drew on the accounts of backdoor abortionists to create a film that explored a very true – and perhaps overlooked – aspect of British history. Although the tone of the piece is rather dour, Leigh's storytelling instinct is as empathetic and sensitive as always, and Staunton's central performance is strong enough on its own to warrant giving it a watch. A House of Dynamite (2025) Following a limited release in cinemas, this high-stakes political thriller is now streaming on Netflix, marking the welcome return of filmmaker Kathryn Bigelow (Zero Dark Thirty) after an eight-year absence. Film buffs will know she became the first female winner of Best Director at the Academy Awards for her 2008 drama The Hurt Locker. The question now is: can Bigelow become the first woman to win it twice? That's certainly looking plausible right now, with A House of Dynamite earning rave reviews from critics and even ruffling some feathers in the Pentagon. The fictional thriller takes you deep inside the national security infrastructure of the United States, as a nuclear missile is fired at the country from an unknown source. It triggers a pulse-pounding race against time to identify the culprit of the launch and determine how exactly to respond, with Idris Elba's unnamed US President and Rebecca Ferguson's Captain Olivia Walker being key players in the unfolding crisis. Claustrophobic, intense and terrifying in an unnervingly grounded sense, A House of Dynamite is tipped to be a major contender at this year's awards season – check it out now to find out what all the fuss is about. Priscilla (2023) <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2024/01/httpscdn.sanity.ioimagesxq1bjtf4productiona1e7757dec904304ff641bf4819fa4b01dedcce6-8256x5504-5ec5216.jpg" width="8192" height="5461" alt="Cailee Spaney as Priscilla Presley and Jacob Elordi as Elvis Presley pose for wedding photos in Priscilla." title="https___cdn.sanity.io_images_xq1bjtf4_production_a1e7757dec904304ff641bf4819fa4b01dedcce6-8256x5504" /> Just a year after Baz Luhrmann's show-stopping Elvis biopic was released to much fanfare in the summer of 2022, Sofia Coppola explored the King of Rock'n'Roll from a very different angle in this excellent, understated drama. As the title suggests, the film unfolds entirely from the perspective of Elvis's wife Priscilla, beginning from their first meeting when she was just 14 years old. Although reckoning with some uncomfortable truths about the Elvis mythology, including his possessive nature and propensity for violent outbursts, Coppola handles the material with a typically delicate touch – exploring both the highs and lows of the pair's often-toxic relationship with great sensitivity. The film's production design is also a marvel, while the piece is anchored by a truly terrific performance from Cailee Spaeny, who won a well-deserved acting award at the Venice Film Festival for her portrayal. It's a fascinating counterpoint to the more theatrical thrills of the aforementioned Elvis, and the films make for an ideal double bill. Steve (2025) Even before his Oscar-winning turn in Oppenheimer, Cillian Murphy's presence alone helped to make a film must-see viewing, and that is certainly true here, with Steve proving to be a wonderful showcase for the actor's immense talents. However, it is also more than that. The film, which follows a day in the life of Murphy's Steve, the headteacher at a Reform School for troubled teenagers, is a powerful, propulsive, often chaotic watch, with a sense of realism that few other school-based dramas achieve – even if this is right at the edge of challenging establishments. Beyond this, it also has a real heart to it, not only put across by Murphy's central character, but also by Jay Lycurgo as Shy, a bright young student whose day goes from bad to worse. Lycurgo is just as captivating as Murphy here, a seriously impressive feat. In its stylistic choices and its intense disorder, Steve won't be for everyone, but for those who get on its wavelength, there's something seriously unique and impressive here. The Godfather (1972) In the history of cinema, few films have been lavished with as much praise as Francis Ford Coppola's first two Godfather films – and the entire trilogy of epic gangster movies has recently been added to the Netflix library. The first entry, based on Mario Puzo's novel of the same name, introduced audiences to Marlon Brando's Vito Corleone and his son Michael (Al Pacino) – who's best intentions to not get involved with the family business were always doomed to fail. A landmark of 1970s cinemas and a major box office sensation, the film includes more iconic lines and moments than it's possible to count – from making offers that can't be refused to gruesome incidents involving a horse's head – and looks incredible throughout. Meanwhile the performances, from Brando, Pacino, Robert Duval, John Cazale, James Caan, Tallia Shire, Diane Keaton and more, are all superb. Hugely entertaining, emotionally involving, rivetingly told, visually stunning and thematically rich – there's a reason why this is regarded as one of the finest movies ever made. The Royal Hotel (2023) Julia Garner has had a very busy summer – appearing in both superhero behemoth The Fantastic Four and hugely acclaimed horror hit Weapons – so now's a good chance to check out an underrated entry from her filmography that has recently landed on Netflix: The Royal Hotel. Originally released back in 2023, the film saw Garner reunite with Australian filmmaker Kitty Green – who had previously directed her in The Assistant – for this impressively tense Outback-set thriller. Garner and Jessica Henwick star as Hanna and Liv, American backpackers in Australia who find employment at a remote pub after they run out of money. They soon find that the raucous locals – many of whom appear to be violent, misogynistic men – are not easy customers to deal with, although the pair respond in different ways to the threat. Over the next few days, the toxic situation gradually worsens, with Green expertly crafting a pressure cooker atmosphere that eventually explodes in a memorable finale. It's a taut, engaging film that will perhaps make some viewers think twice about venturing into the Outback. The Running Man (1987) This year, popular writer/director Edgar Wright returned with his latest film – a new adaptation of Stephen King's novel The Running Man, which the prolific author published under his pseudonym Richard Bachman in 1982. With that recent release in mind, it's a perfect time to revisit the previous film version of the novel as a primer, and luckily enough Paul Michael Glaser's movie has recently been added to the Netflix library. The film – released in 1987 – saw legendary action hero Arnold Schwarzenegger take on the lead role of Captain Ben Richards, a policeman living in a dystopian USA who is arrested after refusing to comply with barbaric commands from his superiors. Although he initially makes a couple of successful escape attempts, he soon finds himself recruited for the nation's preeminent reality show – The Running Man – which sees convicts forced to battle for their freedom by running from bloodthirsty killers. A dystopian sci-fi with a satirical edge, some fun action sequences and entertaining performances, it's rarely mentioned on lists of the very best King adaptations – but it's still worth a watch, even if just to see how it measures up to Wright's remake. Knives Out (2019) Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, the latest film in Rian Johnson's Benoit Blanc series, is on the way later this year. In anticipation of its arrival, the first movie in the franchise, Knives Out, has now been added back to Netflix. Glass Onion may have been a worthy follow-up, but this original film is still the strongest, with a phenomenal cast including Ana de Armas, Chris Evans and Toni Collette bringing their all to some meaty roles. It also features a fittingly twisty narrative with an unconventional beat in the middle, one that automatically made viewers realise they were in for something special. However, it's really Daniel Craig who was the key piece in the puzzle here, as Johnson clearly picked up given the future direction of the franchise. His Benoit Blanc, Southern accent and all, is so broad as to almost be preposterous – yet somehow, not only does it work, but it absolutely pulls the whole thing together. The Thursday Murder Club (2025) This cosy whodunnit has arrived on Netflix with a huge amount of hype and anticipation. After all, not only does it feature a legendary cast, led by Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley and Celia Imrie, but it is also based on Richard Osman's mega-hit best-selling novel of the same name. The film follows the titular quartet, a group of retirees who spend their time solving cold case murders for fun. They soon find themselves wrapped up in a case which is very current indeed, however, as an unexplained death occurs on their own doorstep. The film doesn't quite reach the heights of the book's charm, and it might not be doing anything hugely innovative, but director Chris Columbus provides a steady hand, the cast are delightful together on-screen, and the whole thing makes for the perfect easy watch if you're looking for some light escapism. ET: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982) Choosing the best Steven Spielberg film is a nearly impossible task – but it's hard to have the conversation without giving some serious consideration to this beloved family sci-fi film. Released in 1982, just one year after his equally exemplary Raiders of the Lost Ark, the emotional tale of an alien left behind on Earth was the highest-grossing film of all time for 11 years until it was eventually surpassed by another Spielberg classic, Jurassic Park, in 1993. The film follows 10-year-old Elliot (Henry Thomas), a young boy who takes in and befriends the titular creature, with the pair forming a special bond that helps both stave off loneliness. A magical adventure filled with warmth and heart – but not without its moments of genuine fear – it's hard to think of a better film on the subject of childhood. Meanwhile, Spielberg's legendary directing skills are utilised to great effect – the film is a technical marvel as well as an emotional one. The Iron Claw (2023) <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2024/02/httpscdn.sanity.ioimagesxq1bjtf4production61dab35179cc5e013f2fef728efbc697c91cfabb-8283x5395-e172807.jpg" width="8192" height="5336" alt="As still from the film The Iron Claw showing Zac Efron as Kevin, Holt McCallany as Fritz, Harris Dickinson as David and Jeremy Allen White as Kerry playing American football on some grass" title="Zac Efron as Kevin, Holt McCallany as Fritz, Harris Dickinson as David and Jeremy Allen White as Kerry in The Iron Claw" /> Without a doubt one of the most emotional films of recent years, this true story drama from writer/director Sean Durkin told the tragic tale of the Von Erich family, who dominated the world of pro wrestling in the 1980s before a series of devastating deaths ripped the family apart – and led some to believe a curse had been placed on them. Durkin called on a tremendous all-star cast to bring the story to life, with Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson and Stanley Simons playing the four brothers. In real life, the story had actually been even more tragic – with one of the brothers left out of the film as Durkin believed that his death was "one more tragedy that the film couldn't withstand". The film is tremendously acted throughout, with a first act that shows the brothers in happier times before everything goes wrong, while the wrestling scenes are also brought together with great verve. But it's the powerful way in which Durkin explores the family's losses that will make this film truly stay with you. Jaws (1975) There are some films that don't need much of an introduction, and it's safe to say that Steven Spielberg's iconic Jaws fits squarely into that category. Not only did the film practically invent the modern blockbuster – and somewhat unfairly alter public perception of sharks – but it remains no less effective a thriller today. The film recently celebrated it's landmark 50th anniversary with a brief cinematic re-release and has now been re-added to Netflix, so now you're able to rewatch – or even watch for the first time if you've somehow never seen it – in the comfort of your own home. Of course, the film features superb turns from Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss and Robert Shaw as three very different men tasked with hunting and killing the shark that has been terrorising beachgoers on Amity Island. John Williams's legendary score, Spielberg's superbly suspenseful direction and some truly terrific character moments between that trio all combine to make this one of cinema's finest ever productions. The Lesson (2023) This 2023 psychological thriller comes from director Alice Troughton, known for her TV work, including on Doctor Who. It stars Daryl McCormack as Liam, an aspiring writer who gets a job tutoring the son of his idol, JM Sinclair, played by Richard E Grant. The film also stars Julie Delpy, Stephen McMillan and Crispin Letts, but that's the totality of its small cast, with a keen focus on the core characters and devising a sense of claustrophobia around the Sinclair estate. The performances are, as you'd expect from this cast, outstanding, and the narrative keeps you on your toes and guessing throughout. It may not quite stick the landing in the most satisfying manner, but the journey to get there is still well worth it, with the film providing gorgeous visuals, some fantastically knotty plotting and an incredibly tense atmosphere. Oppenheimer (2023) It's been two years ago since Oppenheimer and Barbie were released on the same day, in what proved to be one of the most savvy programming moves in recent memory. While Barbie unsurprisingly had the higher gross of the two, Christopher Nolan's film still managed to amass hugely impressive box office sales, raking in almost a billion dollars. Not bad for a talky, three-hour biographical epic of the father of the nuclear bomb! Of course, aside from it's commercial success, Oppenheimer also proved to be something of a critical darling, met with a glut of rave reviews and going on to win seven Oscars including Best Picture, Best Director for Nolan and Best Actor for star Cillian Murphy. It's easy to see why it was on the receiving end of so much praise: the film is a consistently captivating character study stuffed to the brim with memorable performances from famous faces, with Nolan applying a typically non-linear approach that worked a treat. And two years on, the film's devastating final act hasn't lost any of its power. Talk to Me (2023) You know you're always in for an interesting ride with an A24 horror film, but 2023's Talk To Me proved to be a real unexpected thrill ride. The supernatural horror comes from YouTubers turned directors Danny and Michael Philippou, and follows Mia, a young woman who gets involved with a group of friends who have found a mystical ceramic hand, which can grant spirits access to your body. It's an already chilling premise which is only heightened by extremely successful execution. Some of the sequences are so terror inducing and stressful that you'll need a long lie down afterwards, but for those looking for some properly thrilling horror then look no further. Sophie Wilde is hugely impressive in the central role, while the supporting cast all do stellar work. The film's thematic storytelling also hits home come the end, as it explores topics around grief and addiction more successfully than many a drama. Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (2024) After first airing on BBC One on Christmas Day, the latest Wallace & Gromit adventure, a full-length film, is now available to watch on Netflix. The film, which for the first time stars Ben Whitehead as the voice of Wallace following the death of Peter Sallis, also features the return of fan-favourite villain Feathers McGraw, as he takes control of Wallace's latest invention, Norbot, an automated robot gnome. The jokes come just as thick and fast as usual, with the franchise keeping up its astounding hit rate. While this outing may not have quite the same impact or staying power as the absolute best (particularly The Wrong Trousers), it is still a phenomenally fun watch for the whole family, with a surprising dose of emotional moments baked in. Prisoners (2013) With fans highly anticipating Denis Villeneuve's third Dune film – and now also his take on the Bond franchise – now could be the perfect time to revisit the director's first English-language film, Prisoners. A dark, gritty and taut thriller, Prisoners stars Hugh Jackman as the father of an abducted girl who becomes convinced that Alex Jones, a man with diminished IQ played by Paul Dano, is behind it. Meanwhile, Jack Gyllenhaal plays Detective Loki, the officer heading up the police investigation. All three lead performers are on top form here, in a film which is at times hard to watch, but always rewarding. At a time where you might believe you have seen every formulation of a crime thriller, Prisoners takes a different approach, while also demonstrating the technical skill that Villeneuve and his frequent collaborator, cinematographer Roger Deakins, have now repeatedly shown. Blade Runner 2049 (2017) The idea of a sequel to Blade Runner always seemed like a risky one. The 1982 film hadn't been a smash hit upon its release, but it had gained a great deal of critical appreciation is subsequent years and amassed a cult following. Thankfully, Blade Runner 2049, released in 2017, didn't disappoint - in fact, it could actually be argued that it exceeded the original. Arguably one of director Denis Villeneuve's finest films, 2049 is a visually gorgeous sci-fi, with compelling themes, a slow yet purposeful and thoughtful pace and excellent world-building. It's all helped along by stellar performances from Ryan Gosling, Ana de Armas and a returning Harrison Ford, as well as a clear dedication behind the scenes to tell a new story in this world, rather than simply rehashing the original - a trap far too many legacy sequels have fallen into. Barbarian (2022) Director Zach Cregger's new film Weapons will shortly be in cinemas, meaning now could be the perfect time to catch up with or rewatch his solo directorial debut, Barbarian. A truly original piece of work, Barbarian shakes off an expectations the audience may have time and time again, providing an experience which is wholly unpredictable. It stars Georgina Campbell, Bill Skarsgård and Justin Long, and follows a woman who books an Air BnB, only to find there is another man already staying there. To reveal anymore would be to spoil the film's many surprises, but it's fair to say that it's an eerie, tense, often gnarly watch, with some phenomenal central performances and a real sense of style. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022) The comedy murder-mystery has been enjoying something of a moment in recent years – thanks to everything from British flick See How They Run to hit TV series Only Murders in the Building. But arguably no one has done it better than Rian Johnson, whose two star-studded Knives Out mysteries have both been huge hits, with a third confirmed to follow. The second film is streaming on Netflix and sees Daniel Craig’s heavily accented sleuth Benoit Blanc attempt to unravel another mysterious case – this time a puzzling death on a private island owned by tech billionaire Miles Bron (Edward Norton). Craig is on terrific form throughout, and the film is as humorous as it is exciting, packed with intriguing twists that keep the audience guessing until the end. Guillermo Del Toro's Pinocchio (2022) Guillermo Del Toro’s first foray into stop-motion animation – alongside co-director Mark Gustafson – is one of many new takes on the tale of the wooden boy to have been released in recent years. It also happens to be, by some margin, the best of the bunch, ingeniously transposing Carlo Collodi’s classic tale to Benito Mussolini’s Italy. Many of the story beats are, of course, familiar: Geppetto makes a puppet that comes to life, with the pair then getting tangled up in adventures alongside a talking cricket. But, this new version also laces its narrative with profound meditations on grief, death, religion, and authoritarianism, adding up to a truly beautiful and visually sumptuous piece of work. The Karate Kid (1984) If you're a Cobra Kai fan itching to get your hands on the three-part final season, consider going back to where the martial arts saga began with this bona fide classic of the 1980s – now streaming on Netflix. A young Ralph Macchio and William Zabka, currently starring in the streaming revival, are the stars of the show, playing teen rivals Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence respectively. Meanwhile, Pat Morita earned an Academy Award nomination as the former's mentor, Mr Miyagi, a war veteran who teaches him karate to ward off bullies and compete in a high-profile tournament. The film remains popular decades on from its release, telling a classic underdog story in an earnest and heartwarming way. It's hardly unpredictable viewing – particularly if you've seen Cobra Kai – but there's still lots of fun to be had from this family flick. Y tu mamá también (2001) Long before he became known to the world as Cassian Andor, Diego Luna starred alongside his fellow Mexcian actor Gael García Bernal in this terrific coming-of-age road trip movie from director Alfonso Cuaron – who would go on to direct Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Children of Men and Gravity. Luna and Bernal star as best friends Julio and Tenoch, who have recently graduated high school and boast to the glamorous wife of the latter's older cousin that they intend to embark on a long trek to a fictional beach known as Heaven's Mouth. When she unexpectedly takes them up on their invite to accompany them, they are forced to hurriedly plan a route. What follows is a colourful, occasionally outrageous journey – by turns hedonistic and tender – which slowly morphs into something more profound as the best pals gain new perspectives on friendship, sex and life. It's beautifully performed and expertly directed, with numerous memorable scenes along the route. Manchester by the Sea (2016) Casey Affleck won a deserved Best Actor Oscar for his superb central turn in this intimate, occasionally funny and frequently emotionally devastating drama written and directed by playwright and acclaimed indie filmmaker Kenneth Lonergan. He plays Lee, a janitor living alone in a Boston suburb whose life is unexpectedly transformed after his brother suffers a heart attack and he finds himself caring for his teenage nephew, excellently played by Lucas Hedges. What starts as a somewhat spiky, frosty dynamic slowly but surely becomes tender as the pair spend more time together. Meanwhile we also peel back the layers on Lee's past life before he became the withdrawn shell of a man we first meet in the film, leading up to an extraordinary encounter with his ex-wife, heartbreakingly played by Michelle Williams. Paddington in Peru (2024) Although the general consensus was that this third entry in the Paddington franchise was a slight downgrade on the previous two outings – and especially from the superlative Paddington 2 – this was nonetheless another delightful adventure for the nation's favourite bear. This time around, he and the Brown clan headed back to his homeland of deepest, darkest Peru after getting word that his beloved Aunt Lucy had vanished from the Home for Retired Bears, setting in motion a bold, colourful journey featuring plenty of charm, whimsy and copious quantities of marmalade – as well as scenery-chewing turns from Olivia Colman and Antonio Banderas. The extra good news is that both previous films are also still streaming on Netflix, so if you're after an especially wholesome triple bill to make you feel warm and fuzzy, there's no better place to look! Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood (2019) Tarantino's most recent film Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood was notable for teaming up two of the world's biggest movie stars, Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio, while also starring Margot Robbie as Sharon Tate, and telling an alternate history version of what, in real life, were the film star's final days. The writer-director's love for the period exudes from the screen and is truly infectious – while there's little in the way of plot here, it's a joy simply to hang out in this world with these characters. Meanwhile, the finale is one of the goriest, but also funniest and most cathartic climaxes Tarantino has ever put on screen. Okja (2017) This South Korean/Hollywood co-production comes from acclaimed director Bong Joon-ho, and follows the story of a young South Korean girl who has raised and become best friends with a genetically modified super pig called Okja. When Okja is kidnapped and taken to be used by a meat industry corporation in the US, she tries to track her down and save her. Featuring a winning central performance from young actor Ahn Seo-hyun, along with some heightened turns from the likes of Tilda Swinton and Jake Gyllenhaal, it's a consistently engaging film, even if it can be tonally bumpy at times. However, the best sequences come at the start of the movie, in the smaller-scale set-up, and the end, when the emotional heft of the film really hits home. It would be hard for anyone to watch the final sequences of Okja and not feel moved, as the series turns its attention to the mistreatment and slaughter of animals, as well as the meat industry, not in a particularly subtle way, but in a manner which is effective just the same. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) There have been so many big-screen Spider-Man adaptations now it can be hard to keep track, but this 2018 animated version is arguably the finest of them all. Coming from producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the film explores the origin story of a different Spider-Man than the one most fans know, Peter Parker, instead focusing on Miles Morales. However, that's not to say Peter is left out in the cold – in fact, the film explores multiversal storytelling before it became the norm for superhero films, and does so with the greatest effect of any so far. The heartfelt, funny storytelling is matched by the beautiful, unique animation style, which managed to break through the standard Disney-style template which had ruled in Hollywood for so long. It was followed up by another strong entry in the franchise, 2023's Across the Spider-Verse, which is also available to stream on Netflix now, but this remains the height of cinematic web-slinger content. Pig (2021) Although the idea of Nicolas Cage going after the mystery assailants who stole his beloved truffle pig might sound like the basis of a crazed action flick or an absurdist comic romp, this film from 2021 is actually something a little different. Written and directed by Michael Sarnoski – who would go on to make A Quiet Place: Day One –Pig is a rather sombre piece of work that deals fairly profoundly with loss, grief and meaning. Cage's performance is far more still, considered and restrained than some of his iconic madcap turns, rarely indulging in the kind of showboating with which he’s often associated, and yet still delivering a very memorable performance. Meanwhile, the confrontation scenes that regularly punctuate the action rarely play out as you’d expect them, serving as chances for the characters to have discussions about topics deeper than just the location of the missing animal. It all adds up to a very touching, but undoubtedly rather gloomy film, that certainly makes for a very rewarding watch. His Three Daughters (2024) One of the best new films released as a Netflix original in 2024, this low-key drama originally premiered at the 2023 Toronto Film Festival before being acquired by the streamer. It stars a terrific trio of Carrie Coon, Elizabeth Olsen and Natasha Lyonne, all of whom are in fine form as they play bickering sisters reunited in their family home in New York to care for their terminally ill father. It's a beautiful, painstakingly performed portrait of a family in crisis, as the three sisters struggle to process their grief and hold their tempers while questioning what their connection will be once their father is gone. Writer/director Azazel Jacobs has created something plausible and insightful, taking an approach to confrontation and confessions reminiscent of the work of John Cassavetes – before a late flight of fancy takes the film in a slightly different but no less rewarding direction. The Boy and the Heron (2023) For the last few years, Netflix has been home to the vast majority of the Studio Ghibli catalogue, and now the latest film from the hugely acclaimed and widely beloved Japanese animation studio has been added to the library. The Boy and the Heron saw the legendary Hayao Miyazaki come out of retirement, and went on to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature after having praise heaped upon it by critics. The film opens in Tokyo during the Second World War, and follows a boy named Mahito (voiced by Soma Santoki) who loses his mother in a fire and subsequently moves with his father to the countryside. There, a creepy talking heron (Masaki Suda) lures the grieving boy into a surreal underworld where he embarks on a bizarre adventure and meets a variety of unusual creatures. Miyazaki's gorgeous hand-painted animation is present and correct, alongside the requisite fearless little girls and cute sprites, while there is also plenty of Princess Mononoke-style blood and guts, plus parakeet soldiers, murderous pelicans and musings on the nature of reality. It's not one to be missed! Rebel Ridge (2024) This crime thriller from Blue Ruin and Green Room writer/director Jeremy Saulnier is one of the best Netflix originals of the year – attracting both impressive viewership numbers and near universally positive reviews from critics. Starring Aaron Pierre as a former Marine who discovers a major cop corruption operation while attempting to post bail for his cousin, it delivers some excellent action choreography and a pointed commentary on policing. Slow-burning but rife with tension, it's a riveting watch that works in large part due to Pierre's excellent presence in the lead role, as his character Terry works firmly but calmly to retrieve his money – using both the skills and philosophy he learned as a close combat expert. There are plenty of impressive supporting turns, too, with Don Johnson excelling as a slimy police chief. It all adds up to an intriguing thriller that carefully builds up to a well-crafted, high-octane finale. Hit Man (2024) The latest film from acclaimed director Richard Linklater, Hit Man is loosely based on the incredible true story of a man named Gary Johnson– a Houston-native who, over a 10 year spell, was hired to kill more than 60 people while posing as a hitman. Little did his prospective clients know, he was working undercover for the police, and their arrests were secured soon after they had handed over cash. A version of Johnson is played by Glen Powell – who also co-wrote the script with Linklater – with the film using the real tale as a jumping off point to tell a fictional love story that ponders what might have happened if he had become romantically involved with one of the clients. The result is a romcom that sees Gary continue to adopt the fake hitman guise he had used on his first encounter with love interest Maddy (Adria Arjona) – which, unsurprisingly, leads to a couple of issues later down the line. Equal parts farcical screwball comedy and philosophical musing on the nature of identity, the film asks fascinating questions about the capacity of a person to change while never being anything less than brilliantly entertaining. The chemistry between Powell and Arjona is palpable and there are some superbly executed set pieces, leading up to an enjoyably twisted conclusion. Godzilla Minus One (2023) If the increasingly silly tone of Hollywood's monster franchise isn't your cup of tea, then consider trying out this distinct and unrelated Japanese version, which earned acclaim upon release last year. Far from the Saturday morning cartoon-style fisticuffs of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, this feature is an altogether more sombre affair. Taking place after the end of the Second World War, when Japan was still in a state of shock and grief from the nuclear bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the country is dealt another devastating blow when Godzilla emerges just off the coast. The story unfolds primarily from the perspective of deserter pilot Kōichi (Ryunosuke Kamiki), who is grappling with PTSD and a desperate desire for redemption. Not an easy, popcorn-munching watch by any means, but if you like your sci-fi with a philosophical and emotional edge, Godzilla Minus One is for you. The film also looks utterly dazzling, which is why it took home the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects at the 2024 ceremony. Maestro (2023) Bradley Cooper announced himself as a major new directorial voice with his Oscar-nominated remake of A Star Is Born five years ago, and his second feature Maestro proves that was no fluke. Focusing on one of the most iconic American musicians of the 20th century in Leonard Bernstein (played by Cooper himself), the film shines a light on his sometimes volatile relationship with wife Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan). Filmed in both black and white and colour, it is a consistently gorgeous film to look at and also includes a brilliant soundtrack full of some of Bernstein's finest work. Meanwhile, the performances are superb – with both Cooper and Mulligan correctly emerging as possible frontrunners for major awards attention. The film runs the full gamut of emotions and there are several standout scenes: from a joyous dance sequence during a rehearsal for On the Town and a breathtaking six-minute scene of Bernstein conducting Gustav Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony, to a blistering argument between Bernstein and Montealegre at their New York apartment and several heartbreaking moments when the latter falls ill. It's well worth a watch. Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023) More than twenty years after the first film became an instant claymation classic, Ginger, Rocky and the rest of the flock return in this joyous sequel, where we find them on a utopian island paradise following their audacious escape from the evil Mrs Tweedy. But when Ginger (voiced by Thandiwe Newton) and Rocky (Zachary Levi) discover that their intrepid daughter Molly (Bella Ramsey) has set off on her own adventure, old enemies rear their heads and only an expertly orchestrated heist can avert a calamity. The increased scale compared to the original offers director Sam Fell plenty of opportunities to showcase a number of highly innovative and intricately designed set pieces. And, as ever with Aardman, there's also a terrific assortment of verbal and visual gags to delight audiences, while the film crucially retains the handcrafted, eccentric charm that has become synonymous with the studio. Nimona (2023) This animated adventure started its life at Blue Sky Studios only to be shelved following Disney's acquisition of 21st Century Fox in 2021, eventually being picked up by Netflix for release in 2023. And it's a good job it was rescued: it's a rollicking, inventive, and amusing fairytale that deftly touches on LGBTQ+ themes, with some impressive voice performances from the likes of Chloë Grace Moretz and Riz Ahmed. The film tells the story of Knight Ballister Boldheart (Ahmed) who has to turn to the titular shape-shifting teen (Moretz) for help when he is falsely accused of murdering the Queen. Nimona is the only person willing to help him prove his innocence, but things are somewhat confused by the fact she is also the monster he has sworn to kill. Cue an enjoyable adventure that features all sorts of havoc and makes for top-tier entertainment for the whole family. RRR (2022) The latest work from legendary Telegu filmmaker S. S. Rajamouli, RRR became a major international hit upon its release – enrapturing viewers all around the globe. It’s not difficult to see why it resonated so much – across its epic three-hour running time the film packs in all manner of superbly executed action scenes (sometimes involving CGI animals) and splendidly choreographed dance scenes, including one to Oscar-winning song Naatu Naatu. Set against the backdrop of the brutal British Raj, RRR is a thrilling tale of revenge. The film chronicles a charming fictional friendship between real-life revolutionaries Komaram Bheem (NT Rama Rao Jr) and Alluri Sitarama Raju (Ram Charan) as they seek to rid the nation of British rule. Marriage Story (2019) Writer/director Noah Baumbach has teamed up with Adam Driver on a number of occasions, but this divorce drama is arguably the peak of their collaboration. The film earned six nominations at the 92nd Academy Awards – winning one – and proved every bit as popular with audiences as it did with critics. Based in part on Baumbach’s own divorce, Driver and Scarlett Johansson star as a director and actor couple whose marriage has reached its end, but things only get more bitter when lawyers are called in to begin divorce proceedings. By turns funny and tear-jerking, this film is a real winner – worth it for a scene that sees Driver singing Stephen Sondheim’s Being Alive alone. The Irishman (2019) There was a time a few years ago when Netflix was gladly giving a number of acclaimed big-name auteurs big budgets and free rein to make their passion projects, and the greatest result of that era was Martin Scorsese’s superb gangster epic. Of course, the great director has famously dabbled in the gangster genre many times before, but what marks The Irishman out from the likes of Goodfellas and Casino is the more sombre, elegiac tone. The film follows Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran (Robert De Niro), as he recalls his involvement in the disappearance of his longtime friend Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino), whilst also reflecting on a number of relationships, including that with his daughter, Peggy (Anna Paquin). 13th (2016) The title of Ava DuVernay’s searing documentary refers to the 13th Amendment in the US Constitution, which declares: “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States.” The film goes on to draw parallels between slavery and the major flaws in America’s modern-day criminal judgment system, examining the prison-industrial complex and the ways in which the system disproportionately affects Black Americans and other minority communities. The film won huge acclaim on release and secured Netflix its first BAFTA – while it found an audience again following the murder of George Floyd in 2020. Uncut Gems (2020) Most of the Adam Sandler films you’ll find on Netflix are of rather dubious quality, but every so often the actor picks a project that shows just how good he can be – and there’s never been a better example of that than Uncut Gems. This unbearably tense, blackly comic offering from the Safdie Brothers was a huge critical hit when it debuted in 2020, with many feeling that Sandler was unfortunate not to nab an Oscar nomination. He stars as a New York City jeweller with a gambling problem, who must risk everything to banish his debts and escape the collectors after him – whilst also balancing his role as a father, a crumbling marriage with his soon-to-be-ex-wife (Idina Menzel) and an affair with an employee (Julia Fox). My Neighbour Totoro (1988) Pretty much the whole Studio Ghibli oeuvre is available to stream on Netflix, giving subscribers a huge range of wonderful animated flicks to enjoy including Spirited Away, Kiki’s Delivery Service and Whisper of the Heart. And there can be no doubt that this delightfully charming little film – just their third feature – is one of the greatest. It follows two girls who move with their father to the countryside while their mother is ill, where they find themselves having a number of magical encounters with the titular friendly monster and other surreal beings. The story itself is fairly minimalist, but the gorgeous animation and the way the film captures a youthful sense of wonderment make it a must-watch. Streaming services we think you might like... From the best TV like Westworld and Game of Thrones to the latest movies including Spider-Man: Far from Home and Yesterday Start your 7-day free NOW TV trial now Want the very best of Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel and National Geographic - plus 30 seasons of The Simpsons all in one place? Try Disney Plus for £5.99 a month The Office USA, The Grand Tour, Outlander, The Man in the High Castle, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and much more... Try Amazon Prime Video Free for 30 days Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Looking for something else to watch? Check out our best series on Netflix, best Netflix comedies and best Netflix horror movies. Want to see what's on the other streaming sites? Take a look at our best Disney Plus shows guide or best Disney Plus movies. Slow broadband letting you down? Up your streaming game with the best broadband deals. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Festive Films Advent Calendar: 15 December
Our film picks for some seasonal streaming…
Festive Films Advent Calendar: 14 December
Festive Films Advent Calendar: 13 December
Festive Films Advent Calendar: 12 December
Festive Films Advent Calendar: 11 December
Our favourite new dramas you should be streaming…
Working for the NHS inspired Adam Kay to write his memoir This Is Going to Hurt. Now he’s penned a BBC series for kids about 10-year-old doctor Dexter Procter – and he has some important tips for his younger self…
Add Dexter Procter: The 10-Year-Old Doctor to your watchlist Finger out of your nose, please. First of all, don’t panic about a 45-year-old man randomly writing to you – this is you from the future. I just wanted to tell you a few things before you tear this letter in half and feed it to the class hamster. (Don’t get too attached to that hamster, by the way. There’s an… incident next year.) You can be a writer! Yeah, I know you’ve been told you’re going to be a doctor since you were four, but other jobs are available. Even ones your parents tell you aren’t “proper” jobs, so just follow your heart and your actual interests. Although I would say that if you do stick with the doctor route for a bit, remember to write some diaries. Don’t be ashamed to be smart Look, you’re no Albert Einstein, but you enjoy learning and there are a bunch of subjects you’re quarter-decent at. But at school you’ll pretend you’re no good at them and stay quiet in class when your teachers ask questions, in case other pupils pick on you. Knowing the capital of Belize is nothing to be ashamed of (Belmopan, as you know), and you need to embrace your inner nerd. Talking of which… You’re not cool You’re going to spend the next decade agonising over how to be cool. Sadly, whatever you wear or however you style your hair isn’t going to convince anyone. (Those frosted tips at university are a catastrophic mistake, by the way – you’ll look like a melted waxwork of Justin Timberlake. You’ll hear about him in about six years.) Eventually, you’ll wake up and realise that it doesn’t matter in the slightest what other people think of you, and it’s OK to be different – the people who actually matter in your life won’t care about anything like that. One day you’ll write a TV show called Dexter Procter: the 10-Year-Old Doctor (see, you can be a writer!) all about the fact it’s fine to be different. Don’t worry, it’s funny too – give it a watch in December 2025. (The series will also be on BBC One over Christmas.) Adults don’t always know best You know how half the people in your class at school are idiots who you wouldn’t trust to open a carton of milk? Well, they grow up to become adults who you still wouldn’t trust to open a carton of milk. (Oh, there’s some bad news for cartons, too – they go out of fashion in a few years and milk all comes in plastic bottles.) Despite what they’ll repeatedly tell you, just because someone’s older than you doesn’t mean they know best. I mean, apart from me. I’m definitely right about all this. Get your revenge Most of the sayings that adults parrot out are absolute nonsense: for example, words are more than capable of hurting you, and sticks and stones are quite unlikely to actually break your bones compared with, for example, skiing. But there’s one saying that’s very true: revenge is a dish best served cold. Keep a mental record of anyone who’s ever wronged you, and include thinly veiled versions of them as the baddies in every book and TV show you write. You’re gay, by the way, and that’s fine Life will be confusing and strange for a long while yet, maybe for ever, and you’ll always be asking questions – why do the radiators make that noise at night? What’s the point of daylight savings time? Why do paper cuts hurt so much? What does third party insurance actually mean? But pretty soon you’ll start asking quite a big question – why do I feel this way? Big answer: it’s because you’re gay. You’ll feel like you’ll never have a “normal” life, whatever that means, and it will terrify you, but it shouldn’t. One day you’ll fall in love with a man and he will also in fall in love with you for some reason. Then you’ll get married (bit of a parliamentary legislation spoiler for you there) and have children (I’m serious) and it will be chaos and it will be heaven and everything in between. There are no shortcuts Unlike Dexter Procter, you’re not quite clever enough to get A*s in 87 separate A-levels. You’ll only do well when you put in the hard hours. Some of that work will be fun, and some of it will leave you covered head to toe in blood (you’re going to be an obstetrician, by the way, not a serial killer), but all of it will get you where you need to be. Eventually. Actually, maybe there is a shortcut Just in case you can’t be bothered doing any of that work, the Lottery numbers the week after you turn 18 (oh, they start a National Lottery in a few years) are 2, 7, 10, 15, 27, and 45.