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.
A new year is upon us, and as ever we can expect Netflix to bring us plenty more major original movies throughout 2026. Of course, Peaky Blinders film The Immortal Man – which released it's first trailer on Christmas Eve – is expected to be an early highlight, while later in the year we'll have Greta Gerwig's Narnia film and David Fincher's intriguing continuation of Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood to look forward to, among many others. But until then, we have the streamer's ever-expanding library to keep us entertained – with everything from Silence of the Lambs and Catch Me If You Can to Vera Drake and Inside Llewyn Davis currently available to stream on the platform. And of course, there's also all the originals released by Netflix last year, including Knives Out mystery Wake Up Dead Man, plus A House of Dynamite, Frankenstein and Jay Kelly – all of which are still hoping they might have a shot at some awards nominations in the coming weeks and months. 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: 2nd January 2026 Best movies to watch on Netflix right now Silence of the Lambs (1991) One of the most acclaimed and influential horror – or at least horror adjacent – films of all time, Jonathan Demme's spectacular adaptation of Thomas Harris's novel remains truly iconic more than 30 years on from its release. The story will likely need no introduction to most film fans: Jodie Foster's Clarice Starling is a young FBI agent who is tasked with assisting in the hunt for serial killer Buffalo Bill and looks to incarcerated, sociopathic cannibal Dr Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) for advice, leading to some pretty chilling scenes as the two probe each other with some fascinating mind games. One of only three films in history to have won all of 'The Big Five' awards at the Oscars – Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Screenplay – the performances of Foster and Hopkins are truly first-rate, while Demme's direction adds both a gloomy atmosphere and a generous helping of suspense. A classic for a reason. Catch Me If You Can (2002) Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks shine in this classic cat-and-mouse chase thriller from Steven Spielberg – a delightfully entertaining 60s-set period piece that reimagines the true story of prolific conman Frank Abagnale Jr (DiCaprio) and the tenacious FBI agent Carl Hanratty (Hanks) on his tail. Beginning when the 16-year-old Frank runs away to New York after his parents's divorce, it follows him over multiple years as he gets away with all manner of shady schemes while posing as various professions – including as an airline pilot – and cashes some pretty massive cheques, consistently managing to elude the attentions of Hanratty. Five years on from Titanic, DiCaprio had already well and truly established himself as a bonafide movie star, and this was a tremendous showcase for his magnetic charisma, with the character giving him all sorts of opportunities to impress. It's hard to think of many films from this century that give it a run for its money when it comes to good old fashioned entertainment value. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025) After he previously staged star-studded murder mysteries at a cosy mansion and a lavish private island, this third Knives Out film from Rian Johnson unfolds against the backdrop of a small Catholic parish in upstate New York. This time, Daniel Craig's Southern sleuth Benoit Blanc is tasked with solving the murder of an intimidating priest (Josh Brolin), whose increasingly warped fire and brimstone sermons have seen him brush up against Josh O'Connor's younger clergyman. What makes the mystery so enticing on this occasion is that it initially appears to be an impossible crime, with Johnson's script making several references to John Dickson Carr's classic "locked room" mystery novel The Hollow Man, while the church setting allows the director to make cinematic use of religious iconography and deliver a pointed satire about the way contemporary right-wing figures have weaponised faith to their own ends. Meanwhile, the film gets a little darker, more unsettling, and weirder than the previous instalments – embracing elements of gothic horror – and although there are times where the case threatens to get a little too convoluted, it eventually leads to a hugely satisfying denouement. Love Lies Bleeding (2024) This 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. 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 now on Netflix, and the first movie in the franchise, Knives Out, is also available on the streamer. 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. 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. Leaving Netflix: 24th January 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. Leaving Netflix: 11th January 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. 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. Leaving Netflix: 15th January 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.
Ready for spooky season? Here are 27 old and new Halloween classics to watch now
With October now under way, we're counting down the days to a spooktacular Halloween.
October might have only just begun, but the Halloween-obsessed among us are already getting into the spirit of spooky season as we look with anticipation towards the end of the month. Of course, that can mean all sorts of things – from decking out your living space with pumpkin-themed decor to sorting out your ideal fancy dress costume – but when it comes to embracing the season, there are few things better than binging all sorts of horror films. 2025 has been a pretty banner year when it comes to new entries in the genre – with the likes of Sinners, Weapons, 28 Years Later and Final Destination: Bloodlines all causing a splash in cinemas – but sometimes nothing beats curling up to a familiar old favourite in the comfort of your own home. With that in mind we've compiled a list of horror classics – from films that are over 100 years old such as Nosferatu to modern masterpieces like Longlegs – meaning there are all sorts of possibilities for your Halloween movie night, plenty of which are streaming on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, and various other platforms. Whether you prefer slashers, psychological chillers, or perhaps even folk horror, there's something for you on the list – so read on to find the perfect film for you. Best Halloween movies to watch right now Longlegs (2024) Undoubtedly one of the most terrifying films of last year – and hailed by some critics as the scariest of the decade – it would be criminal for Longlegs not to be added to this list. Led by the incomparable Maika Monroe, one of the best scream queens of our generation, as the clairvoyant Detective Lee Harker, the story is simple but masterfully effective: Harker is investigating an occult serial killer known as Longlegs, only to discover that her connection to him runs far deeper than she had imagined. With Nicolas Cage adorned in so many prosthetics to play the frightfully uncanny Longlegs that Monroe’s heartrate reportedly increased at the mere sight of him, the film is chilling in ways you least expect – and yet there is hardly a jump-scare in sight. Stylish, dreadfully atmospheric and expertly crafted, it has all the markings of an instant horror classic. – Chezelle Bingham, Sub-Editor Where to watch: Prime Video Nope (2022) A new classic, the latest from horror visionary Jordan Peele NOPE arrived in cinemas just last year. Set mostly on a Californian family ranch, Nope sees Daniel Kaluuya reunite with Peele to play a stunt horse trainer for the film industry as his family business struggles. Keke Palmer delivers buckets of charisma as Kaluuya's on-screen sister as the pair soon find themselves under threat from a dangerous unidentified object that appears to be taking their horses. Expect awe-inspiring visuals, unnerving chimpanzees and unsettling scenes galore. – Lewis Knight, News and Trends Editor Where to watch: Rent or buy on Prime Video The Shining (1980) There have been a seemingly endless number of Stephen King adaptations over the years, and although they have generally been of mixed quality, there's no doubt that this Stanley Kubrick film is a horror classic – even if King himself had major reservations. The film follows Jack Torrance, a writer who moves with his family to the closed Overlook Hotel to take a position as winter caretaker, only for him to gradually lose his mind. Jack Nicholson is at his unhinged best in the central role and Shelley Duvall is superb as his suffering wife Wendy, while Kubrick conjures up all sorts of surreal and horrifying imagery that is guaranteed to keep most viewers up at night. King's complaints centred around a lack of faithfulness to his novel, but that doesn't detract from what remains a singular and terrifying viewing experience more than 40 years on. – Patrick Cremona, Senior Film Writer Where to watch: NOW The Substance (2024) There’s no denying that Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance stands as the most culturally relevant film of 2024: a genre-bending, culture-resetting masterpiece that had us all talking. With the Oscar nominated Demi Moore at its helm as Elisabeth Sparkle, a fading actress clinging to her youth while desperately trying to 'respect the balance', it would be a crime to spoil even a moment of this film to those who haven’t yet managed to watch it – for it is the shock factor of this epic two-and-a-half-hour body horror that makes it so effective. Offering a pointed critique on ageism and sexism in Hollywood, the film is grotesque, profoundly surreal and uniquely unsettling – with brilliant supporting performances from the likes of Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid providing the film with recklessly comedic chaos. And with a deeply divisive final sequence, The Substance is a film that will haunt you for days after watching – in the best way possible. Chezelle Bingham – Sub-Editor Where to watch: Mubi Get Out (2017) If you're looking for some food for thought with your serving of horror, Jordan Peele's Academy Award-winning film Get Out is a perfect Halloween pick. While paying homage to scary classics like The Shining, Peele's directorial debut looks at the genre through a satirical lens, simultaneously exploring social critiques and giving thrill-seeking audiences a good fright. Starring Black Panther's Daniel Kaluuya, Get Out follows photographer Chris (Kaluuya), who travels to rural Upstate New York with his white girlfriend Rose (Allison Williams) to meet her middle-class family. However, when Chris notices the odd behaviours of Rose's parents and their strange neighbours, the trip takes a horrific turn. A gripping thriller with racial commentary woven throughout, Get Out's infusion of classic horror tropes with dark humour and thought-provoking imagery makes it one of the best films of 2017. – Lauren Morris Where to watch: Netflix and BBC iPlayer The Exorcist (1973) This landmark horror film is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, shortly after the sad death of legendary director William Friedkin at the age of 87. A new sequel has also recently arrived in UK cinemas that sees Ellen Burstyn reprise her role as Chris MacNeil for the first time since the original, but the latest entry can't hold a candle to the first film – which remains not just one of the best horror films of all time but one of the greatest movies ever full stop. The premise is iconic: a terrified mother seeks help from two priests when her daughter Reagan starts to show a number of startling signs that point towards demonic possession. It's often the film's set pieces such as the famous head spinning and spider walk that grab the headlines, but the film is a masterclass throughout – maintaining a chilly atmosphere and asking deep questions about theology and belief. – Patrick Cremona, Senior Film Writer Where to watch: NOW Don't Look Now (1973) Another film that celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, Nicolas Roeg's horror masterpiece starring Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie has often been listed among the best British films ever – and with good reason. Adapted from a short story by Daphne du Maurier, it follows a couple who travel to Venice shortly after the tragic death by drowning of their young daughter. As they traverse the mysterious canals of the Italian city they come across a number of unusual people including two sisters who claim they can communicate with the dead and a sinister figure in a red coat that matches the one worn by their daughter. It's an unusual and haunting meditation on grief with a chilling mood and two pitch-perfect performances from Sutherland and Christie. – Patrick Cremona, Senior Film Writer Where to watch: Studio Canal Presents Hereditary (2018) It's hard to believe that this horror masterpiece was Ari Aster's first feature as director – given just how accomplished he proves himself at creating a menacing, foreboding mood and crafting a range of genuine scares. The plot revolves around a grief-stricken family who slowly become aware of some terrifying secrets about their ancestry following the death of an elderly relative – after which all manner of bizarre occurrences begin. Toni Collette delivers a tour-de-force performance as matriarch Annie and the rest of the cast are also superb, while the film references a number of other horror favourites, from Rosemary's Baby to The Shining. Make no mistake, though, this is an original and striking film that deserves its status as a modern classic of the genre. – Patrick Cremona, Senior Film Writer Where to watch: Rent or buy on Prime Video Carrie (1976) Modern day horror maestro Mike Flanagan is set to be adapt Stephen King's debut novel into an eight-episode TV series – but he'll have a tough job topping Brian De Palma's superb film from 1976. Two subsequent adaptations have already tried and failed to get anywhere near this version, which saw Sissy Spacek star as the titular teenager who strikes back against her bullies after a viciously cruel Prom prank. Spacek is simply superb in the lead role, as is the late Piper Laurie as her terrifying, ultra-religious mother whose overbearing parenting style is party responsible for Carrie's insecurities, while there's also an early role for John Travolta as one of the bullies. De Palma's virtuosic direction makes this a deeply atmospheric, visually striking and often rather haunting adaptation – with his style the perfect match for King's writing. The final, bloody set piece is one of the most brilliant moments in all of horror cinema. – Patrick Cremona, Senior Film Writer Where to watch: BBC iPlayer 28 Days Later (2002) For a long time, Danny Boyle's hit zombie movie was virtually impossible to find on streaming services – but thankfully that's no longer the case. The film has experienced something of a resurgence this year thanks to the release of new sequel 28 Years Later – a critical hit that picked up with new characters almost three years into the outbreak and is set to be followed by at least one sequel. The original film was one of the first to fully embrace the possibilities of filming on digital cameras and followed Cillian Murphy's bike courier Jim after he wakes from a coma to find that London has become a deserted wasteland as a result of a horrifying virus. As he fights for survival – making allies and enemies along the way – there are all sorts of iconic images, none more so than the early scenes of him wandering around the empty streets of central London in his hospital gown. – Patrick Cremona, Senior Film Writer Where to watch: NOW Psycho (1960) If we say “Psycho”, we'd be prepared to bet a lot of money your mind immediately played those staccato violins while the terrified face of Janet Leigh screaming from her shower filled your vision. There’s a reason Psycho is one of the greatest horror movies of all time – it’s fast-paced, tense and has one of the most haunting soundtracks ever composed. Marion Crane (Leigh) is forced to run away from a bad mistake and she ends up at the Bates Motel, which is probably the worst place she could arrive at. The accommodation is owned by creepy Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins), a man with a taxidermy obsession and a deep, dark secret hidden in his mother’s bedroom. Full of terror, suspense, drama and an ending you will never see coming, Hitchcock’s finest horror is a must-watch this Halloween. – Helen Daly, Associate Editor Where to watch: NOW Halloween (1978) Psycho might, arguably, be the first true slasher flick, but it was John Carpenter's Halloween that set the template for a wealth of copycats – Friday the 13th, Silent Night, Deadly Night et al – throughout the 1980s. A string of increasingly convoluted sequels, remakes and reboots have followed, leaving the series with three distinct timelines (or four, if you count Rob Zombie's 2007 film and its 2009 follow-up), and while some of these spin-offs have their merits, there's a brutal simplicity to the original Halloween which simply cannot be matched. The plot is simple – babysitter Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) is stalked by a masked Michael Myers, while the killer's psychiatrist Dr Sam Loomis (Donald Pleasance) works to track him down – but Carpenter's taut, unflinching direction, utterly chilling musical score and innovative use of POV shots – often putting the audience in Michael's shoes – makes for a horror experience that's as timeless as it is terrifying. – Morgan Jeffery, Digital Editor Where to watch: BBC iPlayer and Shudder It (2017) If you're down with scary-looking clowns, Andy Muschietti's 2017 adaptation of Stephen King's It is bound to give you the heebie-jeebies. Starring an unrecognisable Bill Skarsgârd as the shapeshifting monster, this blockbuster is a solid remake of a horror classic, full of jump-scares, gory gashes and creepy dancing on It's part that will haunt you long after the film ends. Set in 1988, It follows schoolboy Bill (Jaeden Lieberher) and his bullied friends Richie, Eddie, Stan, Mike, Ben and Beverly – branded The Losers' Club – as they investigate sightings of Pennywise the Dancing Clown, a supernatural being who's responsible for the deaths of several children in the area, including Bill's six-year-old brother Georgie. With stunning performances from the film's young cast and edge-of-your-seat run-ins between the children and Pennywise, It is worth a watch if you're a fan of Stranger Things, but you're wanting something much, much scarier for Halloween. – Lauren Morris Where to watch: NOW Midsommar (2019) Ari Aster had already firmly marked himself out as a horror director to watch with his debut feature Hereditary in 2018, and he only enhanced that reputation with this terrific second film. Taking clear inspiration from folk horror staples such as The Wicker Man, the film is nonetheless very much it’s own thing – an exhilarating cinematic experience with memorable moments aplenty, but also a moving and cathartic exploration of grief. The film centres on Dani Ardor, who is grieving the death of her sister and parents when she takes up the offer to travel with her boyfriend and his friends to a remote Swedish community for the traditional Midsommar festival, where she quickly realises everything is not as it seems. In a cinema landscape where nearly all horror films are marked by dark shadows, the film is refreshing in that the action also all unfolds in the broad daylight – proving that not all scares need to come at night! – Patrick Cremona, Senior Film Writer Where to watch: Rent or buy on Prime Video Shaun of the Dead (2004) Halloween can prove a minefield for the horror film averse. Everyone else will be clamouring for slasher-flick marathons, and there’s only so many times you can compromise with a rerun of the creepy but mercifully bloodless Hitchcock gothic, Rebecca. Enter Shaun of the Dead, starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. A zombie film might not sound like a go-to watch for the more easily spooked viewer, but this ground-breaking ‘horror comedy’ feels more like a sitcom (albeit one with a few flesh eaters lurching about the streets of London). Pegg plays Shaun, a slacker-Romeo who is going through a painful break-up and decides to drown his sorrows with his best mate (Frost), only to wake up, hungover, during a full-blown zombie apocalypse. The thoroughly British humour is typified by Billy Nighy’s scene-stealing turn as Shaun’s father, whose reaction to getting bitten by a zombie is to proclaim: “I ran it under a cold tap”. – Flora Carr Where to watch: Rent or buy on Prime Video Alien (1979) “In Space, No-One Can Hear You Scream…” Boasting one of the best poster taglines of all time, Ridley Scott’s original Alien movie meshed the worlds of sci-fi and horror together to create a truly chilling cat-and-mouse thriller set on a battered old spaceship. And when we say cat, we don’t mean Jonesy. No, the true predator onboard is the titular alien creature, memorably bursting from John Hurt’s chest before stalking and hunting down the crew of the Nostromo one by one. Luckily, one of the greatest film heroines in history – Sigourney Weaver’s Ellen Ripley – stands between the creature and the rest of the human race… A mix of good and bad sequels and some truly dire spin-offs (Alien vs Predator: Requiem, anyone?) has slightly diminished the impact of the franchise, but the original Alien movie is still an all-time classic. Just don’t watch that chestburster scene before you tuck into your own dinner. – Huw Fullerton Where to watch: Disney Plus Scream (1996) Legendary director Wes Craven resurrected the ailing slasher genre with this inventive hit. Scream immediately hooks you in with what might be one of the most terrifying opening stings ever put to screen, featuring a heartbreaking performance from Drew Barrymore and the unforgettable first appearance of Ghostface. The focus then shifts to a group of high schoolers led by Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott, who are left reeling from the revelation that a killer is lurking in their sleepy town. The tone lightens just a little as Craven begins playing with the tropes of a sub-genre he helped create, with some amusing meta-commentary delivered by Jamie Kennedy as movie buff Randy Meeks. Such is the brilliance of Scream; it delivers big on scares, but what really sets it apart is its smartly written characters and a dark sense of humour that should put a smile on any horror fan’s face. Without a doubt, one of the greatest slashers ever made. – David Craig, Senior Drama Writer Where to watch: Scream (1996) BBC iPlayer and Paramount Plus Scream 2 BBC iPlayer and <a href="https://paramountplus.qflm.net/c/1236178/175360/3065?redirectUrl=%2Fmovies%2Fscream-2%2FJg8KCWCEQCAwqxhVfajDiRdZbP7gO8W7%2F%3FsearchReferral%3Ddesktop-web%26source%3Dgoogle-organic%26ftag%3DIPP-23-10ahb6g&subId1=radiotimes-929938&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.paramountplus.com%2Fgb%2Faccount%2Fsignin%2F%3FredirectUrl%3D%252Fmovies%252Fscream-2%252FJg8KCWCEQCAwqxhVfajDiRdZbP7gO8W7%252F%253FsearchReferral%253Ddesktop-web%2526source%253Dgoogle-organic%2526ftag%253DIPP-23-10ahb6g" data-id="iframe-1-anchor-30" rel="sponsored" target="_blank">Paramount Plus Scream 3 BBC iPlayer and <a href="https://paramountplus.qflm.net/c/1236178/175360/3065?redirectUrl=%2Fmovies%2Fscream-3%2F0Paa5zzcEo0Dz1HiokpHeyV6nLYIZPdK%2F%3FsearchReferral%3Ddesktop-web%26source%3Dgoogle-organic%26ftag%3DIPP-23-10ahb6g&subId1=radiotimes-929938&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.paramountplus.com%2Fgb%2Faccount%2Fsignin%2F%3FredirectUrl%3D%252Fmovies%252Fscream-3%252F0Paa5zzcEo0Dz1HiokpHeyV6nLYIZPdK%252F%253FsearchReferral%253Ddesktop-web%2526source%253Dgoogle-organic%2526ftag%253DIPP-23-10ahb6g" data-id="iframe-1-anchor-32" rel="sponsored" target="_blank">Paramount Plus Scream 4 Rent or buy on Prime Video Scream (2022) Rent or buy on Prime Video Suspiria (1977) Call Me By Your Name director Luca Guadagnino recently remade this unforgettable 1977 giallo into a new movie starring Dakota Johnson and Tilda Swinton, but the original remains the superior film: a gory and gorgeously colourful horror with an incredibly creepy atmosphere and a tremendously memorable score. The film follows Suzy Bannion (Jessica Harper), a young American ballet dancer who arrives at a prestigious German dance school and begins to suspect that supernatural forces are present at the academy. Against the backdrop of increasingly strange occurrences, Suzy slowly begins to unravel the mystery of the school, leading to an impeccably shot showdown with the leader of a sinister witch’s coven. It’s one of several Dario Argento films currently available with an Amazon Prime Video subscription – among the others on offer, Deep Red (Profondo Rosso), Phenomena and Opera are also well worth a watch for newcomers to the Italian maestro – Patrick Cremona, Senior Film Writer Where to watch: Prime Video and BFI Player Nosferatu (1922) The greatest fan film ever made, 1922's Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror was the first screen adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula (a film released the previous year, Dracula's Death, had featured the Count but was not directly based on Stoker's novel) but was produced without permission, with names being changed from the original text in a flimsy attempt to avoid copyright issues – most notably, Max Schreck's vampire is not the suave Count Dracula that would become standard but rather the memorably grotesque Count Orlok.. This effort failed and a court ruling ordered all copies of Nosferatu to be destroyed – a few prints thankfully survived, though, preserving what is now considered to be a classic of silent German Expressionist horror, with director FW Murnau's use of shadows and unsettling imagery still holding the power to unnerve almost 100 years on from the film's original release. – Morgan Jeffery, Digital Editor Where to watch: Prime Video Nosferatu (2024) More than 100 years after the aforementioned original, horror auteur Robert Eggers (of The Witch and The Lighthouse fame) brought this terrifically atmospheric adaptation to the big screen in late 2024 – and in doing so made one of the most brilliant horror films of recent years. Slightly expanding the story but keeping the basic gist, Eggers's version was meticulously crafted with a fine eye for accurate period detail, while Bill Skarsgaard's new take on the fearsome vampire was especially chilling. His performance was one of several worth noting, with the likes of Lily Rose-Depp, Nicholas Hoult and a scenery-chewing Willem Dafoe also excelling in their key roles. Brought to life with impressive gothic style, it's a film that will leave any viewer with an enveloping feeling of dread – as any good vampire movie should. – Patrick Cremona, Senior Film Writer Where to watch: NOW Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) While we're at it, why don't we add one more adaptation of Dracula to the list – this time one which does use the actual name of Bram Stoker's iconic text. As you'd expect from a Francis Ford Coppola film, this version is incredibly grandiose and operatic, with some magnificent visuals and beautiful hand-crafted sets – creating an altogether more flamboyant retelling of the tale than the two mentioned above. Gary Oldman is terrific as the Count, and although Keanu Reeves's performance as Jonathan Harker attracted some flak, there are plenty of other excellent turns – with the all-star cast also including roles for Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins and Tom Waits. – Patrick Cremona, Senior Film Writer Where to watch: BBC iPlayer A Quiet Place (2018) John Krasinski’s directorial debut takes the high-stakes tension of sneaking back into your house after an illicit night out, every tiny noise spelling your possible doom, into a truly pulse-pounding thriller. You’ll never look at a creaky stair in quite the same way again. Set in a near-future version of present-day Earth, we’re dropped into a world where blind but hearing-sensitive aliens have wiped out most of human society. Those that are left survive by living in complete silence, with the slightest word or too-loud footstep drawing in a wave of the fast-moving monsters. Part of the fun in the film is seeing the arduous methods the lead characters take to avoid detection – soft board game pieces, steamed food under floorboards, long sanded paths that they walk on barefoot – but of course, it’s also not too long before all the preparations go out of the window and a more traditional monster mash-up ensues. – Huw Fullerton Where to watch: NOW and Paramount Plus Night of the Living Dead (1968) 1968 saw the advent of the contemporary zombie movie with the release of George A Romero’s independent horror Night of the Living Dead. Shot on a tight budget and going on to earn more than 250 times what it cost to produce, the film is a masterpiece in creeping tension, with occasional bursts of shocking gore, as it follows seven people trapped in a farmhouse and besieged by cannibalistic corpses. But like all of Romero's best works, there's more to Night of the Living Dead than what's on the surface – it's also a searing piece of social commentary, tackling themes of racism as the film's Black hero Ben (Duane Jones) is mistreated by bigots who consider him as much a threat as the walking dead. The film's ending is perhaps its masterstroke – no spoilers, but it's a twist rife with ambiguity, one which pays off the film's underlying themes in shocking fashion. – Morgan Jeffery, Digital Editor Where to watch: Prime Video Dawn of the Dead (1978) Ten years on from Night of the Living Dead came George A Romero's follow-up and arguably his finest work, Dawn of the Dead. Though themes of social commentary were absolutely present in Night, Dawn is much a critique of American society in the 1970s - and in particular the rise of mass consumerism - as it is a horror film, with a gang of four – SWAT officers Roger (Scott Reiniger) and Peter (Ken Foree), plus husband and wife Stephen (David Emge) and Fran (Gaylen Ross) – taking refuge from the spreading zombie plague in a suburban shopping mall (then still something of a novelty in the US). The zombies are no longer just the enemy, Dawn of the Dead tells us – they're us, a mindless mob blindly driven by a desire to consume above all else. The end result is a film that's sharp, horrific, funny and bleak in equal measure. – Morgan Jeffery, Digital Editor Where to watch: Prime Video Day of the Dead (1985) The final film in George A Romero’s original zombie trilogy, Day of the Dead is generally considered a weaker effort than its predecessors Night and Dawn (review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes has it at an 81 per cent approval rating, compared to its predecessors' 90+ scores) – but in its own way, this 1985 film is every bit as powerful, entertaining and influential as what came before. Exploring a central theme of science vs. military might – as personified by lead character Dr. Sarah Bowman's (Lori Crdille) clash with the unhinged Captain Rhodes (Joseph Pilato) – Day sees Romero continue to push the series in new and fascinating directions with the introduction of “Bub” (Sherman Howard), a ‘friendly’ member of the undead horde taught to mimic human behaviour, introducing the concept of the semi-rehabilitated zombie which would later be explored in everything from Shaun of the Dead (2004) to the BBC TV series In the Flesh (2013). Not only that, but who doesn't have time for a film where a character having his guts torn out instructs his zombie attackers to "CHOKE ON 'EM!!"? – Morgan Jeffery, Digital Editor Where to watch: Rent or buy on Prime Video Rosemary’s Baby (1968) Horror cinema doesn’t get much more iconic than Roman Polanski’s 1968 adaptation of Ira Levin’s novel of the same name – an unsettling and chilling film which expertly builds tension to almost impossibly nightmarish levels. Mia Farrow gives one of the all time great performances as the titular Rosemary, who moves into an opulent new home in New York’s Upper West Side along with her husband Guy, played by John Cassavetes. When Guy becomes close with the pair’s slightly unusual neighbours, Rosemary begins to suspect something sinister is going on. These suspicions are only enhanced when she falls pregnant – with Rosemary believing herself to be carrying the child of Satan himself – but her attempts to stop a supposed coven only send her deeper into trouble. This is a film almost entirely without gore, with the scares coming purely from more psychological elements, but more than 50 years after it’s release it stands up as one of the spookiest horrors ever made. – Patrick Cremona, Senior Film Writer Where to watch: Paramount Plus Us (2019) Weird, wonderful and extremely spooky are just some of the words that come to mind when thinking of Jordan Peele’s Us. Initially set in two timelines – 1986 and the modern day – the American horror film tells the story of a family of four headed by Black Panther stars Lupita Nyong'o and Winston Duke. The Wilsons are put in a compromising position during a trip to Santa Cruz and must fight for their lives when they’re attacked by their menacing doppelgängers. Similar to Peele’s debut film Get Out starring Daniel Kaluuya, Us is as much a social metaphor for America today as it is a gripping, scary movie. With a shocking twist at the end you'll never see coming, Us is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat! – Grace Henry Where to watch: Rent or buy on Prime Video Check out more of our Film coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Best romance movies on Netflix to stream right now
We've picked out some gems on Netflix for those spending the night in.
Valentine's Day is just around the corner – and if you're on the lookout for a romantic film to watch to mark the occasion, then you could do a lot worse than checking out Netflix's extensive library. Below you can find our picks for some of the best romance films currently available on Netflix, so whether you want a serious drama or prefer a more light-hearted comedic love story, there should be something to suit your mood. Check out the list below for what we think are the best romantic movies that you can watch on the streamer right now. The best romance movies on Netflix Pretty Woman (1990) The film that established Julia Roberts as the queen of the romcom in the '90s – before her roles in the likes of My Best Friend's Wedding and Notting Hill – sees her star opposite Richard Gere as a sex worker who is hired by a millionaire, only for the pair to fall in love against the odds. Roberts and Gere share great chemistry, and although certain aspects of the film have perhaps aged badly, it remains very much a romcom staple. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019) Set in late 18th century France, Celine Sciamma's widely acclaimed film follows the romance that develops between a reluctant bride-to-be and the artist hired to paint her portrait. Noémie Merlant and Adèle Haenel are luminous in the lead roles, and the whole film is superbly put together – with certain scenes sure to linger long in the memory, none more so than the heartbreaking final shot. Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011) The first of three big-screen collaborations between Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, this joyous romcom deserves to be seen as a modern classic of the genre. Gosling plays Jacob Palmer, a young man who encourages his recently divorced new friend Cal (Steve Carell) to pick up women at their local bar, only for things to turn complicated when Jacob embarks on a romantic relationship of his own... The film's star-studded cast also includes memorable role for Kevin Bacon, Julianne Moore and Marisa Tomei. Angus Thongs and Perfect Snogging (2008) <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/3/2021/03/13ATandPS-97a6850.jpg" width="1936" height="1288" alt="Georgia Henshaw as Rosie, Eleanor Tomlinson as Jas, Manjeevan Grewal as Ellen, Karen Taylor as Connie, Steve Jones as Jem and Georgia Groome as Georgia in Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging, leaning on a kitchen table looking at a man uncorking a wine bottle" title="Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging" /> If you were a teenager at a certain point in the mid-to-late 2000s, it's highly likely that this coming-of-age classic was a staple of your viewing habits. Directed by Bend It Like Beckham's Gurinder Chadha, it follows soon-to-be 15-year-old Georgia Nicholson as she desperately tries to attract the attention of class heartthrob Robbie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) while dealing with squabbling parents and unflattering fancy dress costumes. Call Me By Your Name (2017) The film that made Timothée Chalamet a major global star, Luca Guadagnino's Oscar-nominated drama is set in the summer of 1983 and follows the burgeoning romance between 17-year-old Elio and doctorate student Oliver (Armie Hammer) – who is seven years his senior. The film became a major hit soon after its release, with critics praising how well it captured the both the excitement and melancholy of first love. The Lost City (2022) This action-comedy film follows romance novelist Loretta Sage (Sandra Bullock) who – due to a kidnapping by an eccentric billionaire (Daniel Radcliffe) – finds herself on an adventure in the jungle with her handsome cover model Alan (Channing Tatum), who is desperate to prove he is more than just a pretty face. Taking inspiration from films such as Romancing the Stone, it's an an enjoyable throwback that merges the romcom and action-adventure genres to entertaining effect. Love at First Sight (2023) Ben Hardy and Haley Lu-Richardson lead the cast of this Netflix original romcom, playing two people who meet by chance at an airport and soon strike up a romantic connection. Mix-ups aplenty follow once they arrive at their destination in London, and while it doesn't exactly reinvent the wheel when it comes to the genre, it's one of the better examples in the streamer's vast library of cheesy romcoms – with plenty of laughs and emotional moments along the way. Easy A (2010) Several teen romances over the years have been based on classic works of literature – including Clueless and 10 Things I Hate About You – and this excellent film takes its inspiration from Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlett Letter. Emma Stone stars as Olive, who finds herself the victim of salacious rumours at her high school after she lies to her best friend about losing her virginity – and uses the rumours as a chance to advance her social standing. Submarine (2010) The directorial debut of Richard Ayoade, this coming-of-age flick is as offbeat and quirky as you'd expect from the star of The IT Crowd – and it's also one of the best original romcoms this side of the millennium. It follows 15-year-old Oliver Tate (Craig Roberts) as he navigates his first relationship while also trying to rescue his parents' marriage, and is full of warmth and humour – as well as a top-tier soundtrack from Alex Turner. Just Like Heaven (2005) This 2005 romcom stars Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo, with the former playing a doctor who tragically dies in a road accident only to awake as a ghost and fall in love with the new tenant in her apartment building. As romcoms go, it's undoubtedly on the twee, schmaltzy side of things, but the likeable lead duo ensure that it's worth a watch nonetheless. Man Up (2015) This London-set romcom follows a chaotic day in the life of singletons Nancy (Lake Bell) and Jack (Simon Pegg), who slowly fall for each other after the latter mistakes the former for his blind date. There are plenty of laughs – including some from an enjoyably off-kilter Rory Kinnear – as their date takes them to several London locations and spirals further our of control. Blue Jay (2016) This melancholy black and white romantic drama follows two high school sweethearts after they unexpectedly reunite in their old hometown and spend some time reminiscing about what used to be. Mark Duplass (who also wrote the script) and Sarah Paulson are superb in the lead roles, helping to make the film a lowkey delight. What's Love Got to Do With It? (2022) Lily James and Shazad Latif star in this recent addition to the romcom canon, which follows commitment-averse filmmaker Zoe as she makes a documentary about her childhood friend Kaz's upcoming assisted marriage. There are no prizes for guessing what happens between the pair as they spend more time together, but the two leads share an easy chemistry and the focus on assisted marriages sets it apart from other romcoms. To All The Boys I've Loved Before (2018) This Netflix original teen romcom became a real sensation when it released in 2018 - spawning two sequels. In the first film, shy teenager Lara Jean (Lana Condor) writes letters to each of her five crushes that she never plans to send – only for them all to be sent anyway. Across the three films, this sparks a major upheaval in her love life, leading to a relationship with Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo). Hitch (2006) Will Smith stars in this romcom as Alex 'Hitch' Hitchens, a supposed dating expert whose career involves giving men advice as to how to successfully date the women of their dreams. His expertise is put to the test when he is tracked down by gossip columnist Sara Melas (Eva Mendes), who is determined to expose him – and, perhaps inevitably, he ends up falling for her. After (2019) After wasn't exactly critically acclaimed upon its release in 2019, but it did gain a very devoted fanbase - which has only grown with the release of several sequels. Based on a novel of the same name by Anna Todd, it follows young student Tessa (Josephine Langford) after she meets enigmatic rebel Hardin (Hero Fiennes Tiffin) during her first months of college - and soon falls passionately in love with him. View Green Video on the source website Sign up for Netflix from £4.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. The Iron Claw is now showing in UK cinemas. If you're looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide or visit our Film hub for all the latest news. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Radio Times Five-Star Films Streaming Information
We have brought together 250 films that have all been reviewed and rated five stars by RT’s expert team of writers
With the diverse array of streaming services at our fingertips and the inconstancy of licensing rights, it can be difficult to keep track of where your favourite films are available to watch. To make things easier, we have compiled all the films in our guide into one handy article, with details of where they can be streamed or rented. We pull information through from BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, Netflix, Disney+, Now TV, Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime Video, so if the films are on any of those platforms the information will appear below. If the film you're looking for doesn't have information attached to it, you can try the following streaming platforms (most of which also need paid membership): ITV hub, Amazon Freevee, Mubi, Icon Film Channel, BFI Player+, Paramount+. In addition to these subscriber services, you can also rent individual titles from Sky Store, Rakuten, GooglePlay, Amazon Prime Video.
Netflix Valentine's Day: The best rom-com movies to watch
From original hit Set It Up to classics When Harry Met Sally and Notting Hill, check out the best romantic comedies to watch online right now.
With Valentine's Day 2023 upon us, now is the time to turn your attention towards some of film and TV’s best romances. Between The Whale, Magic Mike's Last Dance and Tár, there isn't a lot lot of choice at the cinema right now for suitable films. But don't worry: Netflix boasts an impressive catalogue of romantic films that you can watch from the comfort of your own home. From traditional romcoms such as When Harry Met Sally and La La Land to movies like Single All the Way, which challenges some of the usual stereotypes whilst still providing the romance and laughs that make a romcom so enjoyable, there’s something for everyone on the streaming platform. If you’re looking for laughs, comedy and some of that warm nostalgia a romcom guarantees this Valentine's Day, read on to find a list of the best romance movies available to watch on Netflix right now. In addition, be sure to check out our list of the best LGBTQ+ romcom movies available to watch right now, as well as our list of the best romcom films on Disney Plus. Netflix Valentine's Day movies: The best romcoms to watch One Day View oEmbed on the source website The film adaptation of David Nicholls' 2009 best-seller follows revisits best friends Emma Morley (Anne Hathaway) and Dexter Mayhew (Jim Sturgess) every year on St Swithun's Day, as they navigate their way through the struggles of adult life - before hopelessly falling in love. When Harry Met Sally Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan star as the eponymous duo – two friends who vow to resist the urges to turn their relationship romantic. That was the plan, anyway... My Best Friend's Wedding View oEmbed on the source website Julia Roberts tries to sabotage her platonic pal's wedding after realising her true feelings for him. Seeking a Friend for the End of the World Steve Carell and Keira Knightley are the unlikely couple at the heart of this heartwarming tragicomic romance about two lonely souls who find each other just as the apocalypse looms. Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist Two 20-somethings bond over an affinity for the same brand of indie folk/pop (think Devendra Banhart and Vampire Weekend) when they meet on a wild night out in New York City. Single All the Way Michael Urie (Ugly Betty) stars as Peter, a social media strategist who convinces his best friend Nick (Philemon Chambers) to pretend to be his boyfriend during a family Christmas visit, only for his family to hatch a plan to make a real relationship unfold between the pair. Set It Up View oEmbed on the source website This Netflix original starring Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell (alongside Lucy Liu and Taye Diggs) evokes the good old days of romantic comedy when Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan led the genre. It finds two assistants attempting to strike up a romance between their overworked (and tyrannical) bosses. La La Land Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone exhibit immense chemistry in this Oscar-nominated musical from Damien Chazelle about a jazz pianist and a struggling actress who strike up a romance in the City of Angels. Annie Hall Woody Allen's semi-autobiographical masterpiece, about the troubled relationship between comedian Alvy Singer (Allen) and the original manic pixie dream girl Annie Hall (Diane Keaton). 13 Going on 30 View oEmbed on the source website A nerdy teen gets what she wishes for after her birthday party goes awry - she wakes up having aged 17 years. Sounds rough, right? Luckily her older self is Jennifer Garner. Crazy Stupid Love Before the days of La La Land, Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling proved their electrifying chemistry in 2011's Crazy Stupid Love. Think Love Actually meets mid-life crisis, beaten down dad Cal Weaver (Steve Carell) takes advice from ladies' man Jacob Palmer (Gosling) on how to seduce women after he learns wife Emily (Julianne Moore) had an affair. The Notebook Ryan Gosling strikes again in this tear-jerking romance. In South Carolina, poor mill worker Noah Calhoun (Gosling) falls for rich socialite Allie (Rachel McAdams), before the pair are torn apart by the Second World War. When Allie meets another man, Noah returns, and the pair realise their romance is not over. Before We Go A walk-y, talk-y romcom in the style of Richard Linklater's Before Sunrise, starring Alice Eve as a young wife who gets robbed before boarding a train to Boston, where she meets a musician (Chris Evans) who takes her on an all-night adventure. What to Expect When You're Expecting View oEmbed on the source website The ups and downs of impending parenthood, with Cameron Diaz, Anna Kendrick, J-Lo, Cheryl Tweedy, Chris Rock and Dennis Quaid. P.S. I Love You After losing her husband (played by Gerard Butler) to a brain tumour, Holly Kennedy (Hilary Swank) still feels his presence after discovering a series of letters he left her to read. Adventureland Jesse Eisenberg plays an awkward wannabe journalist who takes up a job at a tacky amusement park in Pennsylvania and sparks up a romance with his aloof co-worker Emily (Kristen Stewart). To All The Boys I've Loved Before Starring Lana Condor, the Netflix Original film follows Junior year student Lara Jean Covey who finds life at high school gets turned upside down when her secret love letters get mailed out to her crushes. Panic ensues. About Time Domhnall Gleeson does his best Hugh Grant impression with this Richard Curtis offering. When Tim Lake is 21, he discovers, like all the men in his family, that he can travel through time - a power he commits to use to find true love. When We First Met Another Netflix original romance, Noah uses a magical Photo Booth to revisit the past to try to convince his crush Avery to fall in love with him. Visit our Movies hub for the latest news and features, or find something to watch tonight with our TV Guide. Sign up for Netflix from £6.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream. Try Radio Times magazine today and get 12 issues for only £1 with delivery to your home – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to the Radio Times View From My Sofa podcast.
Looking for something to get you in the Christmas spirit? Here's our selection of the best festive films available to stream on Disney Plus.
With Christmas 2022 fast approaching, now is the perfect time to settle down in front of the fire and tune into a festive film. While there’s plenty on offer on the Christmas 2022 TV schedules, if you’d rather catch up on an old classic or festive flick you’ve never seen, streaming services are probably the best place to look. While Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are teeming with Christmas movies, another great destination is Disney Plus, which boasts classics like The Santa Clause 3 and The Muppet Christmas Carol and kid-friendly cartoons and comedies. Disney Plus also holds plenty of movies with a Christmassy ambience, whether that’s a wintery setting (like Arendelle in Frozen) or a full-on yuletide celebration (as you’ll see in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe). So, without further ado, read on for the very best movies on Disney Plus to watch over Christmas 2022 - and if nothing piques your interest, why not check out our guide to the best Christmas movies on Netflix or the best Christmas films on Amazon Prime Video? You can sign up to Disney Plus now for £7.99 per month or £79.90 a year in the UK (which gives you 12 months of the service for the price of 10). For more information on how to sign up, check out our guide to prices. Best Christmas movies on Disney Plus in 2022
Best Christmas movies on Amazon Prime Video UK in 2022
A selection of the best festive films available to watch now on the streaming service.
The Christmas holidays are the perfect time for settling down on the sofa and getting stuck into a good festive film - and Amazon Prime Video has a packed line-up of seasonal favourites. From classics like Love Actually and The Holiday to hilarious comedies like Elf, and family-friendly animations like Arthur Christmas, the streamer has got all of your festive viewing needs covered. If you’re looking for something to get you into the yuletide spirit, RadioTimes.com has rounded up the best Christmas films to keep you entertained throughout the festive break. Read on for our pick of Prime Video’s top Christmas offerings - and if you’re still on the hunt for something to watch, check out the best Christmas films on Netflix, too. Best Christmas movies on Amazon Prime Video UK in 2022
From original blockbusters like Nope to franchise closers like Halloween Ends, it's been a bumper year for new horror flicks.
Halloween season is upon us once again, and while for some film fans that might be the cue to revisit their favourite horror flicks from years gone by, there are also plenty more recent examples to dig into. Indeed, 2022 has been something of a bumper year for new horror movies – from original blockbusters such as Nope and brand new chillers like Smile to 'legacy sequels' such as Scream and franchise closers like Halloween Ends. Below we've compiled a list of some of the best new horrors to have been released in 2022 – also including brand new films from the likes of David Cronenberg, Alex Garland, and Scott Derrickson. So, read on to discover the best new horror films released in 2022.
From favourites like Sinister and Insidious to recent gems such as Midsommar there are some incredible horror films available to stream.
Spooky season is upon us once again, and as we head deeper into October Horror fans around the world will be looking for chills and thrills, blood and gore, and all sorts of other scary shenanigans. Luckily Netflix has got you covered, with a vast array of options for all different sensibilities and tastes – from gothic horror such as The Others to modern gems like Midsommar. Tim Burton's supernatural whodunnit Sleepy Hollow has also recently been added to the platform while there are various other treats such as the terrific Doctor Sleep, which managed to act as a strong follow-up to Stanley Kubrick's classic The Shining. Netflix also has plenty of original horror on offer – including last year's Fear Street Trilogy – and with new horrors appearing on the platform weekly, the streamer continues to keep viewers on their toes and peaking through their fingers at the onscreen scares. The RadioTimes.com experts have picked out some of the very best streaming scares available on Netflix which will at least remove the horror of having to scroll through the options for hours. Last updated: 12th October 2022 Best horror films on Netflix right now
The best comedies for adults on Disney+ this summer
There are tons of both brand-new and classic comedies for adults to enjoy on Disney+.
Disney+ is full of series and movies for the whole family, including some truly hilarious comedies, but sometimes adults will want to watch something that's just for them – something featuring some more mature themes and content. Well, you're in luck, as Disney+ also features a raft of adult comedies, from raucous movies like Fire Island and The Bob's Burgers Movie through to brand new series like How I Met Your Father and Only Murders in the Building. That's not all - Disney+ also features an extensive back-library of episodes from long-running comedy classics like The Simpsons, Family Guy and Modern Family, so your chances of running out of things to watch are very slim. Read on for our full list of all the best comedies for adults to watch on Disney+ this summer. Sign up to Disney+ for £7.99 a month or £79.90 a year The best comedies for adults on Disney+ this summer Fire Island Fire Island is a movie written by and starring comedian Joel Kim Booster, and it provides a truly modern take on Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. It follows a group of friends as they embark on their annual trip to the iconic gay mecca, Fire Island, but find out that their house mother is planning to sell the house they stay in each year. They decide to make their last year on the island a memorable one. The movie is riotously funny and received acclaim from critics upon its debut on the streamer. It's also an absolute ode to the summer season, so there really couldn't be a better time for a story filled with laughter, romance and heart. Watch Fire Island on Disney+ Only Murders in the Building Only Murders in the Building is streaming weekly new episodes of its second season exclusively on Disney+, with both runs so far proving a riotous hit with fans. It stars Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez as three neighbours who share a love of true crime podcasts, and decide to start their own and investigate when a murder takes place in their building. The second season has been just as popular as the first, producing a compelling mystery, engaging characters and side-splitting comedy to boot. Watch Only Murders in the Building on Disney+ How I Met Your Father Fans of How I Met Your Mother rejoice - the sequel/spin-off series you've all been waiting for is finally here! How I Met Your Father arrived on Disney+ earlier this year and tells the story of Sophie, a hopeless romantic played by Hilary Duff in the present and Kim Cattrall in the future, as she recounts the story of how she met her son's father. The series is a light-hearted look at modern dating, filled with relatable characters who are sure to feel just like the audience's best friends as the series goes on – just as the cast of How I Met Your Mother did. The series has already been renewed for a bumper second season, so this summer is the perfect time to catch up with all of the antics so far. Watch How I Met Your Father on Disney+ Family Guy If you're looking for edgy cartoon comedy, then look no further than Family Guy. The series started life in 1999 as a ruder, cruder cousin-of-sorts to The Simpsons and since then has left no target unscathed in its quest to make viewers laugh. Created by and starring Seth MacFarlane, the series focuses on the Griffin family, including Peter, Lois, Chris, Meg, Stewie and the family dog Brian. It was cancelled after its third season but brought back to life by popular demand, at which point it entered its golden period of near-the-knuckle comedy with a sensibility you just couldn't find anywhere else. The series has now run for 20 seasons (and counting!), with fans able to catch up with all of the zany comedy from almost 400 episodes available on Disney+. Watch Family Guy on Disney+ The Simpsons One of the most popular comedy series of all time and the cartoon which led to a surge in adult-animation, The Simpsons is a must-watch on Disney+ for comedy fans. You know the set-up - Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie are your standard American family, whose exploits range from playground feuds to space missions, lost teddy bears to killer robots. If you can think of it, chances are The Simpsons did it first. With Homer's catchphrase "D'oh!" entering the dictionary, conspiracy theories about the series being some sort of modern-day cartoon Nostradamus, and even a mention in a speech from a US president, the series has entered the zeitgeist like no other. With 32 seasons and hundreds of episodes available to watch, it's time for comedy fans to get binging! Watch The Simpsons on Disney+ Modern Family One of the most popular sitcoms of the 2010s, Modern Family provided a hilarious yet warm and inclusive look at family life. Its mockumentary style allowed for rib-tickling confessionals while the cast, which included Ed O'Neill, Sofía Vergara, Julie Bowen, Ty Burrell, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Sarah Hyland amongst others, sold every moment brilliantly. It's easy and charming watching, with multiple seasons of antics and character development to enjoy, so now is the perfect time to go right back to the beginning on Disney+. Watch Modern Family on Disney+ The Bob's Burgers Movie A movie spin-off to beloved series Bob's Burgers has long been mooted, but it finally arrived in cinemas earlier this year and is now available for fans to watch on Disney+. As with the series, it stars H Jon Benjamin, Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman, Larry Murphy, John Roberts and Kristen Schaal as the Belcher family, who run a burger restaurant and find themselves struggling with financial woes in the movie. It retains the series' unique comedy styling and is a joy for long-time fans and newcomers alike. At just over an hour and a half, it's also the perfect length, not outstaying its welcome and instead making for bite-size big-screen delight. Watch The Bob's Burgers Movie on Disney+ Atlanta The brand-new third season of Atlanta is now available on Disney+ and fans of the series will know exactly what to expect - anyone else could be in for a shock. The series is created by and stars Donald Glover, and chooses to present a surreal, often anthology-style look at pertinent themes such as race, class and power, rather than always telling a continuing story. The characters are well-rounded and thoroughly engaging, but what will keep you hooked is Atlanta's unknowability and sheer artistry. It may be a complex and thematically rich series but it's also deeply satirical and a hilarious ride, meaning comedy fans up for something a bit different will be in for a real treat. Watch Atlanta on Disney+ Not Okay This brand-new movie has just arrived exclusively on Disney+, and stars Zoey Deutch as a woman who mistakenly gains fame after an initial lie spirals, and she ends up pretending she is the survivor of a tragedy in Paris. The movie is a true dark comedy, so if you're looking for something to tickle your funny bone and make you think then Not Okay does both in spades. It's an up-to-date-look at social media and the downsides of immediate fame, as well as featuring strong performances from Deutch and Dylan O'Brien. Watch Not Okay on Disney+ Solar Opposites This sci-fi adult cartoon comes from Rick and Morty's Justin Roiland, and shares more than just that series' animation style. It also shares its irreverent, surreal sense of humour, featuring all the same bad language, gory violence and bizarre interludes that Roiland's fans have come to expect. It centres around a family of aliens who find themselves stranded on Earth, and with the third season currently airing weekly, and a fourth already confirmed to be in the works, they have plenty of exploits for fans to dive into on Disney+ this summer. Watch Solar Opposites on Disney+ You can sign up to Disney+ for £7.99 a month or £79.90 a year now. Find something else to watch with our TV guide. The latest issue of Radio Times magazine is on sale now – subscribe now and get the next 12 issues for only £1. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to the Radio Times podcast with Jane Garvey.
Best movies on Amazon Prime Video to watch now
No one wants to scroll endlessly so we've picked the best movies on Amazon for you.
When it comes to choosing a film to watch, we're simply spoilt for choice thanks to all the streaming platforms on offer these days. While newer platforms like Disney+ and Apple TV+ are making the decision even harder, you can always rely on Amazon Prime Video, which continually releases established blockbusters and original films for subscribers to tuck into. From classics like When Harry Met Sally and Legally Blonde (which has a third film coming out later this year) to newer flicks No Time To Die, The Father and The Green Knight, there's something for everyone on Prime Video. If you're struggling to pick then not to worry – RadioTimes.com's team of film experts has narrowed down the expansive collection on Prime Video to a carefully curated list of entertaining films so you can stop scrolling and get watching. You can also tweet us @RadioTimes if you want to recommend your own favourite for the list. Our Amazon Prime Video pages (including best Amazon shows) will be updated regularly, so keep this page bookmarked as we'll have fresh recommendations you absolutely don't want to miss. For those wanting something a bit different, we’ve also created shortlists of the best Netflix movies and the best Netflix series, as well as your guide to Disney Plus. Last updated 9th June 2022. To Stream with Prime Video When Harry Met Sally When Harry Met Sally may have made its theatrical debut over 30 years ago but it still holds up as a timeless romcom all these years later. Starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan, this Nora Ephron flick follows Harry Burns (Crystal) and Sally Albright (Ryan) – university graduates who first meet when sharing a car from Chicago to New York and immediately disagree over whether men and women can truly be friends without sex getting in the way. When they bump into one another ten years later whilst both in the thralls of heartbreak, they decide to become friends after all – but can it stay that way? Funny and sweet, with electric chemistry between Crystal and Ryan, When Harry Met Sally is a romcom you'll want to watch over and over again. Watch When Harry Met Sally on Amazon Prime Video. About Time If you love time travels and romcoms, then About Time needs to be the next film you watch. The 2013 movie stars Domnhall Gleeson as textbook Richard Curtis character Tim – a bumbling yet charming young man who's unlucky in love despite his rugged good looks. However, when Tim turns 21, his father James (Bill Nighy) reveals that the men in their family have the ability to travel back in time to moments they have lived before and after being discouraged from using it to acquire money and fame, Tim decides to use it to improve his love life. With Rachel McAdams starring as Tim's love interest Mary and a star-studded cast which includes Rachel McAdams, Tom Hollander, Lindsay Duncan, Margot Robbie, Vanessa Kirby and Richard E. Grant, About Time is a safe pick when it comes to Friday film night. It's definitely not Curtis's best, with About Time borrowing elements from many of his previous films, but if you're looking for a heart-warming romcom filled with endearing performances from its stellar cast, About Time is the one. Watch About Time on Prime Video. No Time To Die For a limited time period, all 25 official Bond films are streaming free to Prime Video subscribers – and while that means a huge assortment of riches spanning back 60 years is now available, we've opted to highlight the most recent film in the franchise, 2021's much delayed No Time To Die. Helmed by True Detective's Cary Fukunaga after original director Danny Boyle walked away from the project during production, the film serves as an exhilarating swansong to Daniel Craig's tenure as the iconic double-0 agent, complete with several stunning action set-pieces and a truly jaw-dropping conclusion that proved this franchise can still spring a shock. The film is not without one or two problems – Rami Malek's villain Safin is hardly a standout in the Bond canon, for example – but it features just about everything else Bond fans could have hoped for during its epic runtime, including some terrific supporting performances from the likes of Jeffrey Wright and a scene-stealing cameo from Ana De Armas. Watch No Time To Die on Amazon Prime Video The Father Prepare yourself for a tearjerker - The Father is in no way an easy watch. However, it is a worthwhile one, with a deftly put together look at the world through the eyes of a dementia sufferer. Directed by Florian Zeller, who is adapting his own stage play here, the film follows Anthony, an elderly man whose dementia causes him confusion and distress. Throughout the film, Anthony's world shifts, with sequences seeming to play out again and again, time bending and repeating itself and even faces swapping. Anthony is played by Sir Anthony Hopkins, who won an Oscar for his work here, while Olivia Colman plays his daughter Anne. The Father is likely to hit home for anyone whose life has been touched by dementia, as it tells a simple story in the most compassionate yet heartbreaking way possible. Meanwhile, the performances alone make the film worth your time, with two Oscar-winning actors giving it their all. - James Hibbs Watch The Father on Amazon Prime Video The Courier Benedict Cumberbatch is on a roll of late, having just been nominated for an Oscar in The Power of the Dog and now on his way into the Multiverse of Madness as Doctor Strange. In this 2021 Cold War thriller, Cumberbatch plays Greville Wynne, a mild-mannered businessman who finds himself roped into the world of international espionage. The film is based on an unbelievable true story, with Wynne couriering information from a Soviet source back and forth between London and the Soviet Union amid the Cuban Missile Crisis. As usual, Cumberbatch puts in fine work here, while Jessie Buckley makes a real impression with relatively limited screen time as Wynne's wife Sheila. It's not the highest octane of thrillers, but its sobering look at the real life consequences of MI6's endeavour are deeply affecting. This is only director Dominic Cooke's second film, having mainly been known for theatre, but on the basis of his work here he has an eye for the filmic. For a slice of unbelievable, overlooked history, look no further. - James Hibbs Watch The Courier on Amazon Prime Video The Green Knight Dev Patel leads the cast of this acclaimed indie film, which is based on a 14th century poem about Sir Gawain, nephew of the legendary King Arthur. While steeped in folklore, viewers should be warned that this isn't an action flick in the vein of Guy Ritchie's Legend of the Sword, but rather a more slow-paced and thoughtful drama which occasionally veers into completely surreal territory. When the monstrous Green Knight appears before Arthur's court one day with an intriguing challenge. He offers any knight the chance to strike him with his axe, but only on the condition that he may return their blow one year later. Gawain jumps at an opportunity to prove himself, chopping off the mysterious creature's head, but not anticipating that it would survive the attack and go laughing into the night. The following year, he goes on a journey to find the Green Knight and settle their debt. The Green Knight comes courtesy of director David Lowery, whose measured approach to the source material creates some truly atmospheric scenes, while the addition of Daniel Hart's haunting score often drives the tension to new heights. Patel gives an excellent performance in the lead role, portraying an unlikely hero who is flawed yet utterly compelling, with memorable supporting roles going to Barry Keoghan (Eternals), Joel Edgerton (The Underground Railroad), and Alicia Vikander (Tomb Raider). – David Craig Watch The Green Knight on Amazon Prime Video Everybody's Talking About Jamie Amazon Prime Video bagged the exclusive rights to this film adaptation of the popular stage musical of the same name, which follows a 16-year-old boy who overcomes his bullies at school by forging a new identity as a drag queen. With the performative art being more popular than ever right now thanks to the likes of RuPaul, this is a story that's sure to resonate with many viewers – and remarkably, it's based on true events (see BBC Three documentary Jamie: Drag Queen at 16). This incarnation features a different cast to the stage production, with newcomer Max Harwood taking the highly sought after title role and earning critical acclaim for his performance. The supporting cast includes familiar faces Sarah Lancashire, Ralph Ineson, Adeel Akhtar and Richard E Grant, while West End star Layton Williams and the real Jamie himself pop up in cameo appearances (so keep your eyes peeled). Some critics took issue with the film's somewhat sugar-coated plot, as there's little in the way of tension over whether Jamie will achieve his dreams. However, for many viewers, I suspect that level of unbridled positivity and celebration is exactly what they're looking for. Indeed, if it's feel-good viewing your after, Jamie's uplifting story should have no trouble putting a smile on your face. – David Craig Watch Everybody's Talking About Jamie on Amazon Prime Video Palm Springs Remarkable romcoms have become a rare commodity in the streaming era, with few modern movies managing to stand out in the endless sea of generic, paint-by-numbers “chick-flicks” regularly churned out by the countless platforms we subscribe to. Thankfully, Palm Springs – the sci-fi romcom starring Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti – swooped in last year to save the day, giving the genre a much-needed shot of adrenaline. Best described as Groundhog Day meets Four Weddings and a Funeral, Palm Springs follows Sarah (Milioti), an apathetic maid-of-honour just trying to get through her sister’s California wedding when she finds herself trapped in a time loop with charming, care-free wedding guest Nyles (Samberg) and the pair are forced to relive the same day over-and-over again. A fast-paced, hugely funny and refreshing take on the time loop concept, Palm Springs features stunning performances from Milioti and Samberg, an outstanding supporting cast made up of J.K. Simmons, Meredith Hagner, Camila Mendes and Peter Gallagher, and surprisingly twists that will have you returning for multiple viewings. - Lauren Morris Watch Palm Springs on Amazon Prime Video Sound of Metal Riz Ahmed spent eight months of his life preparing for the lead role in this film, learning to play the drums and communicate in sign language. And it shows. Ahmed plays a punk metal drummer, Ruben living the dream – he’s out on the road with his girlfriend, Lou (Olivia Cooke) playing gigs and feeding off the adrenaline. They have music and each other, nothing else is required. But he’s catapulted into a nightmare when he wakes up and discovers his hearing is rapidly declining as a result of a ruptured ear drum. Concerned the crisis will throw him back into his old patterns of drug abuse, Lou sends him to a deaf-friendly commune, where he must learn to accept his new life. The question is, can he ever lean into his new existence, or will he always pine for the way things were? This unusually spiritual, soul-searching film was 13 years in the making, earned six Oscar nominations and was clearly a labour of love for everyone involved. If the test of a good movie is whether you’re still thinking about it a week later, The Sound of Metal passes with flying colours. And the central performance by Ahmed is just spell-binding. - Emma Bullimore Watch Sound of Metal on Amazon Prime Video The Mauritanian It may have been a year without big blockbuster screenings and red carpet premieres, but that hasn’t stopped Golden Globe-winning films, like Kevin Macdonald’s The Mauritanian, from reaching would-be cinema-goers at home. Based on the true story of Mohamedou Ould Slahi, this legal drama stars The Serpent’s Tahar Rahim as Slahi, a Mauritanian engineer who was detained without charge or trial by the US government at Guantanamo Bay for 14 years, during which time he was subjected to horrific torture techniques. Featuring a heart-breaking and captivating performance from Rahim, The Mauritanian follows Slahi as he’s finally helped by pro-bono lawyers Nancy Hollander (Jodie Foster) and Teri Duncan (Shailene Woodley) who fight for years to get him the trial he deserves whilst dealing with redacted government documents, uncooperative officials and a passionate military prosecutor played by Benedict Cumberbatch. An enlightening watch, The Mauritanian tells Slahi’s remarkable and tragic story, shining a light on the cruelty of the CIA’s “enhanced interrogation techniques” after 9/11 with a terrific turn from the award-winning Foster. - Lauren Morris Watch The Mauritanian on Amazon Prime Video. Parasite The first non-English language film to win Best Picture at the Oscars, South Korean black comedy Parasite re-wrote the record books when it was released in 2019. But beyond the awards glory (the movie ended up winning four Academy Awards, two BAFTAs and a Golden Globe), this is just a thoroughly entertaining watch. You’ll quickly settle into the subtitles as you learn about a struggling family of four – two parents and two twenty-something children – living in cramped conditions in the city. One by one, they hustle their way into well-paid jobs with the unsuspecting Parks family, pretending to be qualified as an English tutor, an art therapist, a chauffeur and a housekeeper. It’s all harmless enough to start with, and they settle into their new way of life, pulling the wool over their employers’ eyes. But the caper soon turns into a dark, unsettling tale, as unexpected twists force the masquerading family to take drastic action – your heart will be in your mouth before the final credits roll. - Emma Bullimore Watch Parasite on Amazon Prime Video I Care a Lot If you enjoyed Rosamund Pike’s blood-curdling turn in Gone Girl, you’ll love her performance in this fast-paced thriller, which earned the British actress a Golden Globe earlier this year. Pike plays ruthless Marla Grayson, a woman appointed by the courts to act as the legal guardian of elderly people who need assistance to take care of themselves. The problem is, the people she chooses are absolutely fine – the only thing they have to be scared of is Grayson, who steals their money, puts them in a home and exploits them for her own purposes. But one day she picks the wrong elderly woman. Her son is a gangster (played by Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage) and he’ll do whatever it takes to make sure his mum is OK. Cue a cat and mouse game, where both players will stop at nothing to get what they want. Impossible to predict and dealing with unsettling subject matter, I Care A Lot is a film that will get your heart pumping and keep you guessing until the very end. Refreshingly original and brought to life by brilliant performances, it’s real gem that you should add to your ‘to watch’ list immediately. - Emma Bullimore Watch I Care A Lot on Amazon Prime Video Suicide Squad It may not have the highest reviews, but there’s something ultimately very fun and weirdly charming about David Ayer’s Suicide Squad. A group of criminal misfits are tasked with saving the world following the death of Superman. If they succeed, their prison sentences will be shortened, but if not, they will die. Their mission is to defeat Enchantress (played by Cara Delevingne), but it won’t be easy, as she’s a powerful witch with powers beyond belief. Culturally, Suicide Squad proved to be enormous as it introduced us to Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn whose beloved character launched a thousand Halloween costumes. The film might not have the strongest plot and some criticism was levelled at the bafflingly short amount of time Jared Leto’s much-hyped Joker appeared in the film, but the cast are electric and the soundtrack is certainly very catchy. It is also the first film in the DCEU to ever win an Academy Award (Best Makeup and Hairstyling). Plus, it’s worth catching up on Suicide Squad before watching the beloved Harley spin-off Birds of Prey and James Gunn's excellent sequel-of-sorts The Suicide Squad. - Helen Daly Watch Suicide Squad on Amazon Prime Video Molly's Game Based on an incredible true story, Molly's Game is a 2017 film that sees Jessica Chastain in the role of Los Angeles poker queen Molly Bloom. A former skier who becomes the leader of a regular high-rolling poker game, Molly is an engaging and charismatic character who comes up against the dark underbelly of Hollywood. One of the most memorable characters is Michael Cera's Player X, a badly behaved composite character that is based on several real-life movie stars who played in Molly's game. Idris Elba, Kevin Costner and Chris O'Dowd also appear, making this a highly star-studded affair. With a typically tight script from Aaron Sorkin (who also makes his directorial debut behind the camera), Molly's Game is a film that ticks along at pace and packs in a lot of tension. As well as offering a unique perspective on the lives of mega-star millionaires, Molly's Game also veers into crime drama territory as the FBI become increasingly interested in Molly. Chastain earned a Golden Globe for her performance in the title role, which mixes charisma and chaos wonderfully well. Sorkin's script was also much-touted on the awards circuit, picking up nominations at the Oscars, the Golden Globes and the BAFTAs. - Rob Leane Watch Molly's Game on Amazon Prime Video Les Miserables (2012) Victor Hugo’s glorious tale is brought to life once more in Tom Hooper’s musical adaptation. With a star-studded cast made up of Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne and many more, this highly decorated film is unmissable. Hathaway picked up almost every award for her emotive and powerful portrayal of Fantine and it’s clear to see why she did. You’ll need a tissue (or several) at hand for this emotional and highly melodramatic film. With rousing music, moments of genuine heartbreak and of course outstanding performances, Les Miserables is one you won’t want to miss – and if you’re anything like us, you’ll have the soundtrack on repeat for days after. - Helen Daly Watch Les Miserables on Amazon Prime Video Legally Blonde Elle Wood proves that hair colour does not define you in 2001 smash hit, Legally Blonde. Reese Witherspoon takes the lead role as the wannabe lawyer who’s outfits are as sharp as her intelligence. Throughout the comedy, Elle must overcome stereotypes put on women with blonde hair and prove she’s good enough to be at Harvard Law School all the while strutting around in her fierce pink heels. This comedy is so much more than its jokes (mainly coming from the simply fantastic Jennifer Coolidge). Legally Blonde genuinely inspired a legion of would-be female lawyers to go to law school and get their degrees. Plus, there’s a third film on the way in May 2022 so there’s never been a better time to check in with Elle. Grab your fluffy pink pen and take notes! - Helen Daly Watch Legally Blonde on Amazon Prime Video The Wolf of Wall Street Martin Scorsese brings the stock market to the big screen in The Wolf of Wall Street with surprisingly great success. Over the course of a fairly intense 180 minutes, we follow Jordan Belfort (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) as he climbs up the ranks in Wall Street, quickly becoming a successful - but corrupt - stockbroker. DiCaprio effortlessly portrays Belfort’s complex life, fuelled by sex, drugs and corruption - and was nominated for an Oscar for his performance. The film itself echoes American Psycho and The Great Gatsby (not just because it shares a lead) as we see decadent portrayals of American life for a rich man which is not always what it seems on first appearance. Margot Robbie offers a stand-out performance as Belfort’s partner Naomi, while Jonah Hill surprises with a unique role for him. You’ll want to concentrate during this one, as the plot is fairly complex and at times the dialogue is quite dense. But you’ll be rewarded with a complete tale from one of the greatest storytellers Hollywood has ever had. - Helen Daly Watch The Wolf of Wall Street on Amazon Prime Video Back to the Future Join Marty and Doc on the adventure of a lifetime in Back to the Future on Amazon Prime. The Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale film brings time travel slap-bang into the 80s and is the epitome of that era. Teenager Marty (played by the charismatic Michael J. Fox) is too cool for school and plans to be a musician until his scientist friend Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) shows him a whole new world, made possible by his trusted time-travelling DeLorean. There truly isn’t a more charming movie to cheer you up on a dreary weekend. Marty and Doc are (quite literally) electric together and the humour is sweet. You’ll be singing Huey Lewis and the News tunes all day while dreaming of one day owning your own DeLorean. There’s a reason it’s a classic – it’s simply never aged. Yes it’s set in the 80s, but Back to the Future could be released today and it would still be as loved and would more importantly still be considered one of the greatest films ever made. - Helen Daly Watch Back to the Future on Amazon Prime Video To Buy or Rent on Prime Us Jordan Peele had already announced himself as a vital new directorial voice with his sublime debut Get Out, and he delivered another brilliant slice of social satire inflected horror with this hugely entertaining 2019 film.The film centres on a family who, while trying to enjoy a relaxing holiday, are suddenly faced with a terrifying and unusual threat: a gang of red jumpsuit wearing, scissor wielding doppelgangers who seem intent on murdering them at any cost. It soon transpires that they are not alone – everyone in the nearby vicinity is being similarly haunted by these figures, who announce themselves as The Tethered. In the ensuing drama, there are some brilliant action sequences, perfect needle drops and some moments of wonderfully dark humour, not to mention a few twists and turns along the way. The performances are great all around, but it's Lupita Nyong'o who steals the show with a breathtaking dual role – how she wasn’t at least Oscar nominated for this we’ll never know. - Patrick Cremona Watch Us on Amazon Prime Video Kong: Skull Island Of all the instalments in Legendary Entertainment’s Monsterverse franchise, this is by far the most fun – an Apocalypse Now inspired adventure with a brilliant Vietnam War soundtrack and some wildly entertaining death scenes. At the centre of the plot is Samuel L. Jackson as Packard, a US Army colonel just about to leave Vietnam, who is encouraged to go on one final mission: a top secret journey to the mysterious island which houses the famed giant primate. Naturally the local creatures aren’t the most welcoming to Packard and his crew, and they face a tough time before they even find Kong himself – resulting in an enjoyable thrilling, if not exactly envelope pushing, experience for viewers. The film’s best moments come after the introduction of John C. Reilly as a seemingly crazed army veteran who has come to love Kong and his life on the island – lending the film a little more heart than your average monster flick. - Patrick Cremona Watch Kong: Skull Island on Amazon Prime Video The Notebook Arguably one of the most romantic love stories of all time, The Notebook is a film everyone truly must see. Based on a novel of the same name by Nicholas Sparks, Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams play lovers Noah and Allie who are simply meant to be together, but the course of true love never did run smoothly. Although at the time of release the film garnered mixed reviews, The Notebook has gone on to achieve cult status, propelling Gosling and McAdams into the stars we know today. The lead actors really do make the film. At times the story does hit highs and lows, but McAdams and Gosling always carry the script with delicacy. The ending will no doubt break your heart, making the whole film worth sticking with – just make sure you’re loaded up with tissues because we guarantee you’ll need them. - Helen Daly Watch The Notebook on Amazon Prime Video Godzilla vs Kong After three earlier films in Legendary Entertainment’s Monsterverse franchise, two of cinema’s most iconic characters finally went up against each other in epic blockbuster, Godzilla vs Kong, released in 2021, a film which very much lives up to its name. The two titans share the screen with a range of human characters – played by some big names including Alexander Skarsgaard, Rebecca Hall and Millie Bobby Brown – but despite a number of storylines involving that star-studded cast, it's ultimately the battle between the pair of gargantuan creatures that is easily the main event. Even the most diehard Godzilla fan would be prepared to admit that the film is flawed, with some two-dimensional characters and questionable pacing, and yet it’s hard not to admire the spectacle on some level, as you’re sucked into the well-choreographed fights in all their bombastic glory. - Patrick Cremona Watch Godzilla vs Kong on Amazon Prime Video The Truman Show Comedy superstar Jim Carrey proved himself as a gifted dramatic actor with this prophetic offering, which first hit cinemas in 1998, in which he stars as Truman Burbank – a man blissfully unaware his entire life is a fabrication created for a television show watched by the world. When strange things start happening in his quaint neighbourhood, it sparks a thirst for adventure that could be the key to shattering the illusion in which he has been trapped. While The Truman Show certainly has some funny moments, particularly shared between Carrey and his cold on-screen wife played by Ozark’s Laura Linney, it’s the emotional moments that will likely stick with you longer. Truman becomes an increasingly tragic figure as his life starts to unravel and by the end of the film, you’ll be on the edge of your seat hoping he can free himself once and for all. Raking in more than $250 million at the global box office, The Truman Show was a mammoth success and went on to score major nominations at the Academy Awards and the BAFTAs. The film was a favourite at the Golden Globes, where both Carrey and co-star Ed Harris won trophies for their performance, while the film also snagged the prize for Best Original Score with its atmospheric soundtrack. - David Craig Watch The Truman Show on Amazon Prime Video Mean Girls A film that has generated no shortage of hilarious GIFs and quotes, Mean Girls is an all-time classic of the teen comedy genre. Written by American comedy star Tina Fey (30 Rock), it introduces us to Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan), a teenage girl experiencing high school for the first time after a childhood spent being tutored at home. She quickly discovers a brutal hierarchy dominated by a group called The Plastics, led by the meanest girl of them all: Regina George (Rachel McAdams). An initial attempt to infiltrate and destroy these titans goes awry when Cady finds herself adopting their two-faced tactics as her popularity soars. In the process, she risks losing the people who truly cared about her. The entire cast are at the top of their game with strong breakout performances from Lohan, McAdams, Lizzy Caplan and Academy Award nominee Amanda Seyfried. Meanwhile, Fey’s script is nothing short of hilarious, occasionally veering into the surrealism that was such a big part of 30 Rock. She returned to pen a stage musical based on the film, which went on to earn 12 nominations at 2018’s Tony Awards. - David Craig Watch Mean Girls on Amazon Prime Video Raya and the Last Dragon Disney's Raya and the Last Dragon takes inspiration from the various countries and cultures of Southeast Asia, including Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. Based in the fantasy world of Kumandra, it tells the tale of a young girl, the titular Raya, who is tasked with finding the kingdom’s last surviving dragon in a bid to stave off the sinister Druun – monsters who have returned to wreak havoc after an absence of 500 years. When she finds the dragon, though, she is surprised to learn that rather than being the brave and fearless warrior she imagined, she is actually the wacky younger sister of the more heroic dragons of legend. What follows is an excellent adventure with all manner of entertaining side characters, voiced by an all star cast that includes Kelly Marie Tran, Awkwafina, Sandra Oh, Benedict Wong and Gemma Chan. It’s worth watching for the beautiful animation alone, and the frequent action sequences are some of the best you’ll find in an animated movie, having been brought to life with the help of a number of martial arts experts. - Patrick Cremona Watch Raya and the Last Dragon on Amazon Prime Video Birds of Prey With Margot Robbie’s charmingly unhinged performance as Harley Quinn being one of the only positives to come out of 2016’s Suicide Squad, it came as no surprise when Warner Bros gave the murderous Fleabag of DC superheroes her own film with Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn). Set four years after Cara Delevingne’s Enchantress was defeated, the Cathy Yan-directed blockbuster follows Harley Quinn as she processes her break-up from the unseen Joker and without his protection, finds herself in the crosshairs of sadistic Gotham mobster Roman Sionis (Ewan McGregor). After teaming up with alcoholic detective Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez), super-powered vigilante Black Canary (Jurnee Smollett-Bell), orphaned assassin The Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) and pick-pocketing child Cassandra Cain (Ella Jay Basco), Harley Quinn fights back against the criminals she’s made enemies of and learns to put her trust in other people. Featuring a stellar cast, high-stakes chases, huge explosions and captivating fight sequences, Birds of Prey is everything you want from a superhero film and more, with writer Christina Hodson putting a fun, tongue-in-cheek spin on the genre that perfectly epitomises the unpredictable antihero that is Harley Quinn. - Lauren Morris Watch Birds of Prey on Amazon Prime Video The Gentlemen Superstar director Guy Ritchie went back to his roots for this gangster flick, which serves as a spiritual successor to the likes of Snatch and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. The story revolves around Mickey Pearson (Matthew McConaughey), a drug lord looking to get out of the business while keeping his opulent lifestyle intact. That will be no easy task with enemies lurking around every corner, from rival gangs to sleazy private detectives, all looking to carve up a slice of Mickey’s empire for themselves. While the stakes are high throughout, the film sustains a relatively light tone overall with a witty and chaotic script featuring an abundance of larger-than-life characters. The all-star cast includes standout performances from Charlie Hunnam, Henry Golding, Colin Farrell and Hugh Grant, all of which are enjoyably over the top and perfectly matched with the film’s zany tone. The Gentlemen became a sleeper hit in early 2020, earning more than $100 million at the box office just prior to cinemas shutting down (and securing a spin-off television series in the process). - David Craig Watch The Gentlemen on Amazon Prime Video A Star Is Born Never has there been a better advert for a film than Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper stepping on stage at the Oscars to perform a duet so smouldering that everyone became convinced they were an item. Seriously, YouTube it if you missed it first time round. The pair were smitten with the project and they seemed to be mesmerised by each other too. That chemistry sizzles in the movie, as Gaga plays an up-and-coming starlet who falls in love with an established musician. Her career is just beginning and his is on the wane, so their heady romance is laced with professional pride, ambition and resentment, which can prove a toxic cocktail. This is the latest remake of a film that has already starred Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand in the lead role, so you’d think there’d be no improvements left to add. But a modernised script, beautiful performances and a BAFTA-winning soundtrack make this movie well-worth your attention. Shallow is the lead single, which bagged Lady Gaga an Oscar, and some argue she should have won an acting gong too. - Emma Bullimore Watch A Star is Born on Amazon Prime Video A Quiet Place John Krasinski and Emily Blunt team up in one of the most interesting horror stories of recent years. A Quiet Place operates on a very simple premise: if you make a noise, you’ll be hunted by monsters with extremely acute hearing. Throughout a very intense 90 minutes, you’ll barely hear a word from the cast as they live on a farm ranch in silence. It shouldn’t work, but the end result is an extremely uneasy feeling and some genuinely frightening scares. Horror films don’t often fare well during awards season, but A Quiet Place most definitely did, bagging over 30 nominations. The production is completely astounding, as Krasinski (who also directed) helps to create an atmospheric and captivating world, showing there can be light even in the most hopeless of situations with the beautiful farm location. The final chapter of the film will leave you breathless and without a doubt demanding answers, some of which can be found in A Quiet Place Part II. - Helen Daly Watch A Quiet Place on Amazon Prime Video Dirty Dancing If we say the words “Dirty Dancing”, you’ll be instantly propelled into a dance hall where Patrick Swayze has just triumphantly lifted Jennifer Grey above his head while “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” fills the room. Thus is the power of the 1987 romance film which is quite rightly considered one of the greatest films ever made. Grey’s innocent but fierce Frances “Baby” Houseman is the most enigmatic lead, who can’t help but fall in love with Swayze’s irresistible Johnny Castle. The casting is simply perfect, and their connection is undeniable. There’s a reason the film is a classic. The story has Romeo and Juliette connotations and many a quotable line. But above all of that, the soundtrack is unforgettable, featuring (I’ve Had) The Time of My Life (which would go on to win an Oscar), Be My Baby and of course, Hungry Eyes. We defy anyone not to get entirely drawn into this glorious film which will have your toe tapping throughout. - Helen Daly Watch Dirty Dancing on Amazon Prime Video First Man Damien Chazelle followed up his hit, not-quite-Oscar-winning musical La La Land with this space biopic in 2018, re-teaming with Ryan Gosling in the process. Gosling turns in a great, understated performance as first man on the moon Neil Armstrong, in a film which is as much about his personal inner turmoil as it is about the space race itself. The prominent family drama aspect of the movie also provides Claire Foy with the chance to shine as Armstrong’s grief-stricken wife, role which earned her a BAFTA, while the rest of the supporting cast –including Kyle Chandler, Corey Stoll and Christoopher Abott – are also in fine form. The effects work is also excellent, with superb visuals throughout, while the space race issue is dealt with in just the right amount of detail – telling the audience what they need to know without becoming a science lecture. A mention too for La La Land composer Justin Hurwitz’s excellent score, which makes brilliant use of electronic theremin and Moog synthesizer and won a Golden Globe. - Patrick Cremona Watch First Man on Amazon Prime Video Spectre Introducing Christoph Waltz as that most iconic of all 007 antagonists Ernst Stavro Blofeld, the film saw everyone's favourite double agent embark on a crucial mission to expose a secretive criminal network. Reaction to the film was mixed on its release, and it’s certainly true to say that it didn’t quite hit the heights of its predecessor Skyfall, with a curious ending that left some Bond fans scratching their heads. Nevertheless with Sam Mendes back as director, there were still some wonderful globe-trotting action scenes, with the superb Mexico City-set opening sequence said to have been the starting point for Mendes’ BAFTA winning war film 1917. And as always there was a colourful cast of characters too, with returning faces such as Ralph Fiennes, Ben Whishaw, and Naomie Harris joined by newcomers like Lea Seydoux as Dr Madeleine Swann, a French psychologist and Bond’s new love interest, who returned in No Time to Die. - Patrick Cremona Watch Spectre on Amazon Prime Video Whiplash Probably the most intense film about drumming ever made, Damien Chazelle’s terrific drama centres on the relationship between aspiring jazz drummer Andrew (an excellent Miles Teller) and his abusive bandleader Terence Fletcher, played with aplomb by JK Simmons in an Oscar-winning performance. Andrew is an ambitious first year student at the fictional Shaffer Conservatory, who finds himself catapulted into the school’s elite band, which is led by the fearsome Terence. Fletcher always claims he’s just trying to get the best out of his students, but his violent and dangerous methods border on the psychopathic, and drive his students – including Andrew – to increasingly desperate places. An astute and terrifically entertaining treatise on obsession and artistic ambition, the film serves its best for the very last – with a mesmerising final scene that will no doubt drive many viewers to a standing ovation. - Patrick Cremona Watch Whiplash on Amazon Prime Video Once Upon A Time In... Hollywood Written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood is an attention-grabbing slice of alternate American history. With Leonardo DiCaprio playing a silver screen action hero called Rick Dalton, and Brad Pitt in the role of his put-upon stuntman Cliff Booth, the film has real-life Hollywood royalty coming out of its ears. On the one hand, Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood plays like a comedic look back on what Hollywood was like in 60s. But on the other hand, it's a somewhat unsettling spin on what was already a very dark chapter of Tinsletown's history. That's because Margot Robbie plays Sharon Tate, the real-life actress who was killed in her Los Angeles home by the Mason Family cult in August 1969. The way the film depicts these events is something that split opinion at the time of release in 2019, but that didn't stop the film from earning 10 Academy Award nominations and taking home the Oscars for Best Production Design and Best Supporting Actor (which went to Pitt, for one of his best performances in recent years). Like a lot of Tarantino films, Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood runs long, with a hefty running time of 161 minutes. But it's well worth a watch, packing in tense scenes and interesting character aplenty. - Rob Leane Watch Once Upon a Time In... Hollywood on Amazon Prime Video I, Tonya If you don’t know the true story of American ice skater Tonya Harding, this film will leave you reeling (although it’s definitely a movie with a strong narrative, rather than a documentary). Always-brilliant megastar Margot Robbie leads the cast, playing the figure skater whose career ended too soon. She had all the odds stacked against her from the very start as she tried to reach the top of her sport. With a tough upbringing, an abusive relationship and class prejudice to get past, we see her throw herself into her skating to become one of the brightest talents in America. She has a promising Olympic career ahead of her, but when her rival becomes the victim of a hate campaign, suspicion falls at Harding’s door… It might be set on the rink, but this is a story about much more than skating. Also starring Alison Janney, who won an Oscar for her performance as Harding’s mum LaVona and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’s Sebastian Stan as Harding’s husband, it’s a movie you’ll be pleased you took the time to watch, whether or not you know anything about the woman in question. - Emma Bullimore Watch I, Tonya on Amazon Prime Video Aquaman Of all the superhero concepts that have been translated into big-screen spectaculars over the last few years, 'guy that can talk to fish' is not exactly the most exciting on paper. However, the Aquaman movie from 2018 is actually a lot better than it had any right to be. With horror expert James Wan in the director's chair, and Game of Thrones star Jason Momoa in the title role, the film sizzles with fun at every turn. Truth be told, it deserved to make a bigger splash than it did. Amber Heard, Willem Dafoe, Patrick Wilson, Dolph Lundgren and Nicole Kidman pack out the cast with terrific talent, and the special effects team clearly went to great lengths to make water-centric action look and feel properly exciting. The story is an interesting one, with the filmmakers having to work around the fact that Momoa had already appeared twice in his Aquaman role thanks to Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League. This means that you get a bit of origin story action, but also a whole lot more besides, with the film avoiding the pitfalls of getting too bogged down in backstory. Instead, the film allows itself to go big and silly, culminating in a watery battle where a giant octopus plays the drums. What more could you want? - Rob Leane Watch Aquaman on Amazon Prime Video Knives Out Hot off the heels of his divisive Star Wars film, The Last Jedi, writer-director Rian Johnson offers a superbly silly send-up with Knives Out. Eschewing the conventions of your typical whodunnit, Knives Out sees Daniel Craig's investigator Benoit Blanc being lampooned at almost every turn as he tries to crack a murder case. Surrounding him in the cast is an absolute hotbed of talent, including Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ana de Armas, Michael Shannon, Toni Collette, Lakeith Stanfield, Katherine Langford, Christopher Plummer and many more besides. All of those talented actors shine thanks to Johnson's winning script, which earned a Best Original Screenplay nomination at the Oscars that year. The story twists and turns and tickles you regularly. The film was also a significant box office success, earning over $300 million from a budget of just $40 million - proof, if we needed it, that films don't need to be part of a big franchise to break through and find an audience. Honestly, though, the best thing about Knives Out is the privilege of seeing the actors behind James Bond and Captain America letting loose with comedic roles. Multiple sequels seem to be on the way, with Netflix paying big money for the rights to them, which is cause for celebration! So if you haven't watched the original already, what are you waiting for? - Rob Leane Watch Knives Out on Amazon Prime Video Wonder Woman 1984 Concluding a tough year for cinema, Wonder Woman 1984 couldn’t have been better timed. Rich, colourful, exciting and packed with plenty of nostalgia and great performances, it’s a powerfully entertaining piece of entertainment, and a more than worthy successor to the smash-hit 2017 original. Gal Gadot is as striking as ever in the lead role, the action scenes are fun and unusual and the film is gifted a tremendous villain in Pedro Pascal’s Maxwell Lord, who more or less runs away with the whole thing. Frankly, you’ll never want a villain to succeed in his evil schemes more. It’s not a perfect film, of course. It’s a little long, and often takes great leaps of logic (in a single bound) which have the effect of leaving odd story points unexplained or underdeveloped. Plus, a slightly odd subplot featuring Diana’s love interest Steve (Chris Pine) might raise a few eyebrows. Still, when a film’s this fun it’s hard to complain too hard about these issues without it sounding like sour grapes. Overall Wonder Woman 1984 is fun, flashy and positive – the perfect capper to a year when the prospects of cinemas felt anything but. - Huw Fullerton Watch Wonder Woman 1984 on Amazon Prime Video The Invisible Man It’s hard to know what’s scarier – this excellent psychological thriller from horror maestro Leigh Whannell, or the evening after you watch it when every creak, shifting door or dripping tap has you on high alert for your own transparent terror. Based on Universal’s classic movie of the same name, this production gives the concept a timely twist by focusing on Elisabeth Moss’ Cecilia, a woman who begins to believe she’s being tormented by her ex (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) who’s somehow mastered invisibility and faked his own death. Largely achieved with the use of practical effects and a small cast, The Invisible Man is a taut, lean movie that still manages to tell an achingly relevant and terrifying story on its small scale. The slightest foot on a sheet, or gasp of breath in the cold air become as terrifying as hundred screaming zombies. In fact, from its very first scene – which sees Cecilia trying to escape her boyfriend’s house at night) you’ll be on the edge of the seat, ready with your own can of paint to toss at any imagined predators. Still, nothing beats the restaurant scene. Has a simple steak knife ever looked so menacing onscreen? Brrr. - Huw Fullerton Watch The Invisible Man on Amazon Prime Video Fancy a TV show recommendation? Check out our guide to the best Amazon Prime series, or visit our TV Guide to see what’s on tonight. Already a Prime member? Head to this year's coverage of the best Amazon Prime Day 2022 deals.
Jennifer Aniston's 12 best movies – from Marley & Me to Horrible Bosses
Want to dive into JenAn's filmography? We've put together a list of her best film performances.
From Friends to Marley & Me, Jennifer Aniston has become one of the most recognisable names in Hollywood over the past 35 years. The Emmy-winning actress may have turned 53 this year but she's still dominating TV and film, whether she's starring in Apple TV+ drama The Morning Show, stopping by Friends: The Reunion or in the process of filming Netflix's Murder Mystery 2. If you're in the mood to dive into JenAn's filmography this weekend, then we've got you covered for the ultimate Rachel movie marathon. We've collated a list of some of Jennifer Aniston's best films, including the critically-acclaimed pictures, the box office successes and the iconic cult classics. Read on for everything you need to know about Jennifer Aniston's best movies.
2021 brought us everything from blockbuster action like No Time to Die to acclaimed awards fare such as Nomadland.
Like 2020 before it, 2021 was another rather strange year for film, with cinemas having remained shuttered across the UK from January until May. But that didn't stop it being a terrific 12 months for new releases, with a huge variety of offerings debuting both on streaming services and theatrically – from period dramas like The Dig to blockbusters such as The Suicide Squad. Save 98% on a subscription to Radio Times magazine - get your first 12 issues for just £1 by direct debit! Of course, perhaps the most high profile of all new films was the long-delayed No Time to Die, with Daniel Craig's final 007 outing having finally arrived in September to largely positive reviews and impressive box office numbers. Meanwhile, towards the beginning of the year, we saw some great films compete for the best picture Oscar, with Chloe Zhao's Nomadland taking the top spot ahead of contenders such as Sound of Metal and Promising Young Woman. Read on for our picks of ten of the best from 2021...
'Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house, the TV was blaring...
There's only one more sleep until Christmas - but there's no need to wait for the great festive telly to begin. Some of the best Christmas TV is airing before the big day this year, with Bradley and Barney Walsh: Breaking Dad at Christmas seeing the pair head to Iceland for a seasonal special, while there's also the chance to catch the original Home Alone on TV. It's also a great day for caroling with the annual Carols from King's returning with a congregation this time, while the Duchess of Cambridge will be honouring some very special people in the one-off Royal Carols: Together at Christmas. Here are some of the best picks for what to watch this Christmas Eve while you wait for the big man to arrive on his sleigh. Frozen - 1:30pm, BBC One Eight years on from its record-breaking release, Frozen remains just as popular as ever - and Let It Go remains just as toe-tappingly catchy. Disney and Christmas is always a winning combination, and few of the House of Mouse's films are quite as festive as this snow-themed offering, and makes for delightful viewing whether this is your first or fifteenth viewing. The plot, if you somehow don't know by now, follows Princess Anna as she sets out on a journey to find her estranged sister who has trapped their kingdom in an en endless winter - cue powerful songs, an adorable snowman sidekick and a storyline that turns several Disney conventions on their head. Shaun the Sheep: the Flight before Christmas - 6pm, BBC One The long-running Wallace and Gromit spin-off continues with a primetime Christmas special, following Shaun's hunt for little cousin Timmy after he goes missing at the market. This delightful episode is a perfect way to keep the kids quiet for half an hour this holiday season, but is so stuffed with gags for all ages that the adults might want a spot on the sofa too. Home Alone - 6pm, Channel 4 It's not Christmas without the Home Alone films air on TV at some point - so if Home Sweet Home Alone was not quite your cup of mulled wine, Channel 4 are offering the chance to catch the timeless original in a primetime Christmas Eve slot. We're sure you know the drill by now - young Kevin McCallister is accidentally left home alone when his family go on holiday, leading to lessons about family, rather violent run-ins with burglars and several iconic expressions from Macaulay Culkin. A certified Christmas classic - the house featured in the film was also listed as available to rent on Airbnb earlier this year! Carol's from King's - 6:15pm, BBC Two The annual Carols from King's will be taking place with a congregation this year, after the choir performed to an empty chapel for the first time in a century in 2020. As usual, a solo chorister will begin the traditional celebration of Christmas at the chapel of King's College, Cambridge, before the whole choir sing carols such as The Holly and the Ivy, O Holy Night and Hark! the Herald Angels Sing. There are few more magical ways to kick off your Christmas celebrations than this! Royal Carols: Together At Christmas - 7:30pm, ITV If you fancy more carols after the service from King's, then look no further than this very special event paying tribute to those who helped their communities during the Covid-19 pandemic. Hosted by the Duchess of Cambridge, Royal Carols: Together At Christmas will feature videos highlighting the work of inspirational individuals and organisations across the UK, along with performances from the Westminster Abbey Choir, Leona Lewis, Ellie Goulding, and Tom Walker. There is also quite a line-up of speakers - the Duke of Cambridge, presenter Kate Garraway and British Paralympian Kim Daybell will also make speeches during the event. Bradley and Barney Walsh: Breaking Dad at Christmas - 9pm, ITV Bradley Walsh will be taking over our TVs this festive season in Christmas specials of The Larkins, Blankety Blank and of, course, The Chase, which airs a celebrity version earlier today. However the multi-talented entertainer will also be reuniting with son Barney for another instalment of their popular travel series, this time heading to Iceland for a Christmas-themed getaway. If this is anything like previous trips this won't be a festive frolic through the snow, with volcanoes and glaciers on the agenda - but this should be heartwarming enough to keep any cold at bay. All Creatures Great and Small - 9pm, Channel 5 Few shows lend themselves to Christmas specials quite as well as All Creatures Great and Small, with Skeldale House in 1930s Yorkshire quite the idyllic sight when adorned with Christmas decorations while snow falls outside. However any Christmas spirit is soon threatened when pampered pup Tricki Woo gets sick - though it is their owner Mrs Pumphrey we learn more about. Despite the perfect Christmassy backdrop, this special still delivers plenty of drama without getting overly sentimental. Spitting Image Christmas Special – 10pm, ITV The BritBox revival returns to terrestrial TV once more following a Halloween episode earlier this year, this time for the reboot's first Christmas special. Sketches include Tom Cruise performing one of his daredevil stunts with Santa's sleigh and Elton John meeting an angelic Brad Pitt, with appearances also likely from the likes of Boris Johnson, Gary Lineker, Raheem Sterling, Rishi Sunak and more. Expect a Queen's Christmas message unlike any other! Looking for something else to watch? Check out our TV Guide to see what’s on tonight.
Best Christmas TV and movies for kids on Netflix - your guide to what to watch
Your guide to all the best Christmas picks for kids to watch this year on Netflix, from Robin Robin to Klaus.
Nothing – absolutely nothing – will get you in the festive spirit more than watching a kid-friendly Christmas movie or TV show with the whole family. Luckily, Netflix has a great offering for kids this festive season, with a string of festive classics and brand new originals. So, if you’re looking for the best family-friendly Christmas TV and movies to watch on Netflix, or you’re wondering whether your own childhood favourites are available on the streaming giant, then look no further. We’ve rounded up all our favourite kids' specials, from the likes of The Great British Baking Show: Holidays to Blown Away: Christmas and Shaun the Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas. From festive specials to classic movies that have been around for decades, read on for all the best Christmas TV and films for kids to watch this year on Netflix. In the meantime, check out our guide to all the best Netflix December releases, as well as our guide to the best Christmas TV for 2021. And if you’re looking for more children’s content, why not try our round-up of the best Christmas TV for kids?
The Radio Times Christmas Podcast Season: David Tennant, Julie Walters, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Strictly Stars, John & Johannes!
Our three-part Christmas series that will help navigate what to watch this festive season, and features some VERY special guests...
It wouldn't be Christmas without Radio Times, and this year we're offering up a festive treat via The Radio Times Podcast– a three-part series guiding you through all the telly-must-sees this Christmas! Listen to all three episodes below, and hear from Dame Julie Walters, Strictly stars John and Johannes, David Tennant and Lin-Manuel Miranda, plus a host of other Christmas TV recommendations and reviews. Episode One: Dame Julie Walters - available now - click here to listen Episode Two: John and Johannes - available now - click here to listen Episode Three: David Tennant and Lin-Manuel Miranda - available now - click here to listen Christmas Season Episode One - Julie Walters: Guest starring on the first episode is Dame Julie Walters who joins Jane Garvey to discuss Channel 4’s Christmas animation special, The Abominable Snow Baby. This adaptation of Terry Pratchett’s short story, narrated by David Harewood, tells the tale of a quintessential English Town thrown into disarray by the appearance of a 14-foot-tall Abominable Snow Baby. Walters plays Granny – a spirited 98-year-old – and discusses with Garvey how she has been playing “ancient people” since she was in her 20s and how she manipulated her vocal cords to sound older. She also reveals a festive childhood story – which involves a home-reared turkey that became something of a watch dog. Listen to Episode 1 here: View oEmbed on the source website Christmas Season Episode Two - Strictly Stars, John and Johannes. Joining The Radio Times Podcast for episode 2 of the Christmas series is beloved Strictly stars, John and Johannes. The dancing duo discuss what it is like to be the first male same sex couple on the show and why John originally wanted to be partnered with a straight man. In a revealing interview they discuss the flack, trolling and hate mail they initially anticipated - "it is what we are accustomed to as Queer people", says John - but they have been overwhelmed with kindness and generosity. Also on the episode: Rhianna Dhillon and Jane Garvey review BBC1's The Girl Before (Sunday 20 December)And Just Like That (Now TV) and Amazon Prime's Being the Ricardo's. Listen to Episode 2 here: View oEmbed on the source website Episode Three: David Tennant and Lin-Manuel Miranda Joining The Radio Times Podcast for episode 3 of the Christmas series is David Tennant who stars in the BBC’s remake of Around the World in 80 Days (available Boxing Day). Tennant sits down in the studio, with resident TV critic Rhianna Dhillon, to discuss shooting in Romania and South Africa, why camels are not the calmest creatures and why when filming a fish market scene in the sweltering heat one should always use plastic, as opposed to real, fish as props. Also on the episode is Lin-Manuel Miranda, who chats about upcoming Disney+ film Encanto. The creator of Hamilton and In the Heights discusses his trip to Colombia that inspired the film’s music. Radio Times’s TV Editor, David Butcher, takes to the studio in Jane Garvey’s absence – offering nuanced and thought-provoking reviews on BBC’s A Very British Scandal, Netflix’s Don’t Look Up and Sky’s Amazing Mr Blundon. Listen to Episode 3 here: View oEmbed on the source website When and where can I listen? Join Jane and Rhianna every Wednesday (except 29 December) for interviews with TV’s biggest stars, plus a whistle stop tour of the finest treats the entertainment world has to offer. Follow via your preferred podcast provider so as to never miss an episode! Available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music.
These movies are guaranteed to keep the kids entertained!
Keeping the kids amused for weeks on end is no small task, but it’s a whole lot easier when you’ve got the Apple TV app.
It can be difficult finding new ways to keep your little ones entertained each and every day, but that’s where the Apple TV app can help. If you need a little help choosing movies the kids will love (and the parents, too), read on. From inspiring Oscar®-nominated animations to heart-warming Disney and Pixar tales, here are some of the best you can find within the Apple TV app. Wolfwalkers What’s it about? A young apprentice hunter journeys to Ireland with her father to help wipe out the last wolf pack. But everything changes when she befriends a free-spirited girl from a mysterious tribe rumoured to transform into wolves by night. Why you’ll love it… Cartoon Saloon, the celebrated Irish animation company responsible for award-winning movies such as Song of the Sea and The Breadwinner, have done it again with this wonderfully unique film that was nominated for Best Animated Feature at this year’s Academy Awards®. As well as being a feast for the eyes, it’s an original and exciting story about the importance of friendship, difference, and acceptance. Stream on Apple TV+ Peter Rabbit 2 What’s it about? Struggling to shake his mischievous reputation, Peter persuades the rest of the rabbits to experience life beyond Bea and Thomas’s garden and venture out into the big city. Of course, it isn’t long before Peter discovers some shady characters and ends up creating chaos for the whole family. Why you’ll love it… Promising both laughter and adventure, your little ones will relish every minute of this whimsical sequel, which features the voices of James Corden, David Oyelowo and Margot Robbie, as well as performances from Rose Byrne and Domhnall Gleeson. Available to Buy or Rent Luca What’s it about? A young boy experiencing an unforgettable summer with his new best friends finds his fun threatened by a major secret he is hiding – he is a sea monster from another world that sits just below the ocean’s surface. Why you’ll love it… If you’re not leaving UK shores this year, then having Luca transport you to the sun-dappled, gelato-filled Italian Riviera is a real pleasure. Though, in true Disney and Pixar form, this is a story that offers substance as well as style with its focus on embracing diversity and overcoming self-doubt. Buy, or stream on Disney+ Space Jam: A New Legacy What’s it about? Superstar LeBron James and his young son, Dom, get trapped in digital space by a rogue AI. To get home safely, they enlist the help of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and the rest of the Looney Tunes gang to set up a high-stakes basketball game against the AI’s champions of the court, the powered-up Goon Squad. Why you’ll love it… Finding a movie the adults will love as much as the children isn’t always easy, but this does the trick with its solid animation, positive message for kids and fun cameos from within the Warner Bros. universe, including The Matrix, Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones and Harry Potter. Rent The Croods 2: A New Age What’s it about? In search of a safer habitat, the world’s first family find themselves the guests of the Bettermans, a family of evolved humans living a supposedly idyllic life behind a protective wall – and it isn’t long before tensions start to rise. Why you’ll love it… Full of heart and humour, The Croods 2: A New Age sees some of Hollywood’s biggest names (Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds) lend their voices, while its poignant message about working together, despite your differences, will keep you smiling long after the credits have rolled. Rent Bigger and better This expertly curated app offers all the TV you could want in one place, featuring critically acclaimed Apple Original shows and movies on Apple TV+, premium channels such as StarzPlay, popular streaming services such as NOW and Amazon Prime Video and thousands of movies you can buy or rent, including the latest blockbusters. Perhaps best of all, you can enjoy watching it any way you want, whether that’s via your Apple devices, streaming sticks, smart TVs, games consoles and more. So, you can wrap yourself up in your favourite movies and shows whenever and wherever you feel like it. Find out more about the Apple TV app
Discover the critically acclaimed TV shows you don’t want to miss
Looking for a new series to lose yourself in? With the Apple TV app, you can tune in to the most talked about shows whenever you feel like it.
It doesn’t get much better than discovering your new favourite TV series. You know the type – you’ll be raving about it incessantly to your family and friends, and counting down the hours until you can dive back into the next episode. And, when it comes to unearthing new shows you’ll love, the Apple TV app has got you covered. From star-studded dramas to feel-good sitcoms, keep reading to discover some of the thrilling shows that are available to watch in the Apple TV app right now. The Morning Show What’s it about? This gripping series explores the cut-throat world of morning news, and the lives of the people who help America wake up every morning. At the heart of it all are two complicated women who we follow as they attempt to navigate the minefield of their high-octane jobs while facing crises in both their personal and professional lives. Why you’ll love it… Starring Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Steve Carell, The Morning Show is an unapologetically candid drama that looks at the power dynamics between women and men – and women and women – in the workplace, while also offering a thrilling look behind the curtain of morning TV. Nominated for eight awards at last year’s Emmy®’s, season two of this unmissable show lands on Apple TV+ on 17th September. Stream on Apple TV+ Ted Lasso What’s it about? Jason Sudeikis is Ted Lasso, an American football coach hired to manage a struggling football team in London—despite having no experience. But what he lacks in knowledge, he makes up for with optimism, underdog determination... and biscuits. Why you’ll love it… Up for an incredible 20 gongs at this year’s Emmy® Awards, Jason Sudeikis’s portrayal of biscuit-proffering coach Ted provides plenty of laughs, while also warming the cockles of your heart. If you’re in need of a feel-good show with kind-hearted and likeable characters, then Ted Lasso is for you – and season two is available to watch now. Stream on Apple TV+ For All Mankind What’s it about? Imagine a world where the global space race never ended. This thrilling “what if” take on history from Ronald D. Moore (Outlander, Battlestar Galactica) spotlights the high-stakes lives of NASA astronauts and their families. Now back with its second series, the story picks up a decade later in 1983, during the height of the Cold War when tensions between the United States and the USSR are at their peak. Why you’ll love it… Space enthusiast or not, this thrilling alternate-history series will have you hooked thanks to its terrific production design, stunning visual effects and stellar performances from its ensemble cast. Watch season one and two on demand now. Stream on Apple TV+ Mare of Easttown What’s it about? This gritty American crime drama follows Mare Sheehan, a police detective in a small Pennsylvania town, as she investigates a brutal murder whilst trying to keep her own fragile life from falling apart. Why you’ll love it… While a whodunnit storyline is nothing new, Mare of Easttown feels wonderfully authentic thanks to Kate Winslet’s effortless portrayal of a tired, grieving detective, and a flawless script that’s just been nominated for an Emmy®. Watch the best TV, films and documentaries, all streaming now with Apple TV+ Buy, or stream on NOW Succession What’s it about? This satirical comedy drama tracks the lives of the Roy family as they contemplate their future once their aging father begins to step back from the global media and entertainment business they control. Why you’ll love it… The brainchild of Peep Show creator Jesse Armstrong, this Emmy® and BAFTA-winning comedy-drama seamlessly blends hilarity with darker themes as it shines a light on the farcical side of power and wealth. Brian Cox also dazzles as brash patriarch Logan Roy. Buy, or stream on NOW Bigger and better The Apple TV app offers all the films and series you could want in one place. You can find critically acclaimed Apple Original shows and movies on Apple TV+, premium channels such as StarzPlay, and popular streaming services such as NOW and Amazon Prime Video, plus thousands of movies to buy or rent, including the latest blockbusters. It offers a whole world of content – and you can watch it any way you want. Whether that’s via your Apple device, a streaming stick, smart TV or even your games console. You could even start on a smart TV and pick up where you left off on your phone. Pretty great, right? Find out more about the <a href="https://apple.sjv.io/c/1236178/435298/7615?itscg=80207&itsct=radiotimes_uk_advertorial_block_edu&mttnagencyid=a5e&mttnsiteid=143238&mttncc=GB&mttn3pid=sizmek&mttnsubad=01286798&subId1=radiotimes-1337385&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apple.com%2Fuk%2Fapple-tv-app%2F%3Fitscg%3D80207%26itsct%3Dradiotimes_uk_advertorial_block_edu%26mttnagencyid%3Da5e%26mttnsiteid%3D143238%26mttncc%3DGB%26mttn3pid%3Dsizmek%26mttnsubad%3D01286798" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Apple TV app
Lose yourself in these powerful indie films
Love independent movies? With the Apple TV app, you can unlock the very best indie cinema time and time again.
Let’s face it, blockbusters can provide some serious thrills, but sometimes only an independent movie will do. Usually driven by artistic vision as opposed to box office success, indie flicks are renowned for digging deep down inside of us and stirring emotions that most big-budget pictures can only dream of. And, with the Apple TV app, you can experience the very best independent cinema whenever and wherever you feel like it. If you’re looking for a little indie inspiration, you’ve come to the right place. From the harrowing to the heart-warming, here are some of the genius films you’ll continue to talk about long after the credits have rolled. CODA What’s it about? As a child of deaf adults, Ruby is the only hearing person in her home. When she discovers a passion for singing, Ruby must choose between family obligations and her dreams. Watch the best TV, films and documentaries, all streaming now with Apple TV+ Why you’ll love it… While coming-of-age stories are nothing new, CODA (which picked up the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award Winner at Sundance Film Festival) breathes fresh life into the genre with its focus on fraught ties between deaf and hearing communities. Stream on Apple TV+ Nomadland What’s it about? After losing everything in the Great Recession, a woman in her sixties leaves behind her life in rural Nevada, packs up her van and embarks on a journey through the American West. Along the way, she forms unbreakable bonds with others embracing the nomadic lifestyle. Why you’ll love it… Frances McDormand delivers a powerful, Oscar®-winning performance in this fascinating celebration of humanity, independence, and adventure. Life on the road has never been captured so beautifully… Buy, Rent, or stream on Disney+ Promising Young Woman What’s it about? Following a traumatic event from her past, a young woman seeks her own form of justice by leading a secret double life: at night, she targets predatory men at local bars and nightclubs and shows them just how quickly the hunter can become the prey. Why you’ll love it… Carrie Mulligan offers an electrifying performance as the troubled Cassie, while the Oscar®-winning script defies audience expectations at every turn. This is one of those movies you’ll want to discuss at length with anyone and everyone who’s seen it. Buy, Rent, or stream on Now First Cow What’s it about? Set in the Pacific Northwest, in the early nineteenth century, two travellers escape a group of savage fur hunters to pursue their dream of making it rich – though their fortune rests up the secret use of a landowner’s prized dairy cow. Why you’ll love it… Winner of the New York Film Critics Circle prize for Best Feature, First Cow is a touching and tender tale that offers a fresh and authentic take on the American Dream narrative – it really will make you feel a whole lot better about humanity. Buy, Rent, or stream on MUBI Shiva Baby What’s it about? While attending a day-long shiva, a Jewish gathering during a time of mourning, a college student must cover her tracks with she unexpectedly runs into her secret sugar daddy – with her parents, family, and ex-girlfriend also in attendance. Why you’ll love it… A triumph for debuting director Emma Seligman, this black comedy is an uncomfortable delight that teeters on the edge of horror as already tense and awkward encounters are heightened by cacophonous Hitchcockian violin sequences and a deeply claustrophobic setting. Buy, Rent, or stream on MUBI Bigger and better The Apple TV app offers all the films and series you could want in one place. You can find critically acclaimed Apple Original shows and movies on Apple TV+, premium channels such as StarzPlay, and popular streaming services such as NOW and Amazon Prime Video, plus thousands of movies to buy or rent, including the latest Hollywood releases and film festival favourites. What’s more, you can watch it any way you want, whether that’s via your Apple devices, streaming sticks, smart TVs, games consoles and more. So, you’re free to dive into your favourite movies and shows at a time and a place that suits you. Find out more about the Apple TV app
Discover these unmissable blockbusters – and how to watch them at home
Make your next big night in one to remember with a little help from the Apple TV app.
Sure, a trip to the cinema is great and all, but sometimes only a night in front of your own TV, on your own sofa, will do. Happily, with the Apple TV app, enjoying the biggest blockbusters in the comfort of your own home couldn’t be easier. From sci-fi smashes to superhero sagas, read on to discover some of the epic movies that are available to stream through the Apple TV app right now. Fast & Furious 9 What’s it about? This action-packed blockbuster sequel sees Vin Diesel once again reprise the role of elite street racer Dom Toretto, who’s forced to confront the demons of his past when his vengeful, estranged brother Jacob (John Cena) fronts a world-shattering plot devised by cyberterrorist Cipher (Charlize Theron). Why you’ll love it… In true Fast & Furious fashion, this high-octane film promises incredible stunts, outlandish road races, one-of-a-kind cars and an all-star cast that includes acting royalty Dame Helen Mirren, as well as beloved usual suspects Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Ludacris, Tyrese Gibson, Sung Kang and Nathalie Emmanuel. Rent now The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It What’s it about? Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren take on one of their most sensational cases yet when a man accused of murder claims demonic possession as his defence. Soon the Warrens are locked into a supernatural inquiry that’s unlike anything they’ve seen before. Why you’ll love it… It may be the third instalment of this much-loved horror franchise, but The Devil Made Me Do It is no less scary than its predecessors and offers the same jumpy, peep-through-your-fingers viewing fans have come to know and love. What’s more, Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson’s convincing performances as husband and wife make it a rare horror with heart. Buy now The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard What’s it about? Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson return as wrong-but-right duo Michael Bryce and Darius Kincaid, as they embark on another life-threatening mission. The only difference is, this time they’re also joined by Kincaid’s international con artist wife (Salma Hayek) as they attempt to take down a crazed billionaire who’s plotting a terror attack on Europe. Watch the best TV, films and documentaries, all streaming now with Apple TV+ Why you’ll love it… If you enjoyed The Hitman’s Bodyguard, then you’ll go wild for this quirky sequel that features more kills, more laughs and more comic-book style action. Hayek also provides plenty of stand-out moments as femme fatale Sonia, while the movie’s European locations provide some much-needed escapism. Rent now The Tomorrow War What’s it about? The world is rocked when a group of time travellers arrive from the year 2051 to deliver an urgent message: thirty years in the future, mankind is losing a global war against a deadly alien species. To help with their plight, soldiers and civilians – including military man-turned-high school teacher Dan Forester (Chris Pratt) – are transported to the future to fight. Why you’ll love it… As perfect for the sci-fi fan as it is for the action enthusiast, The Tomorrow War offers the ultimate at-home cinematic experience. It features frighteningly realistic CGI alien swarms and Chris Pratt at his action hero best, while the touching take on familial relationships, particularly the bond between a father and his child, ensures this blockbuster stands out from the rest. Stream now on Prime Video Mortal Kombat What’s it about? Based on the video game series of the same name, this martial arts fantasy film follows MMA fighter Cole Young as he finds sanctuary at the temple of Lord Raiden, having been hunted by the fearsome warrior Sub-Zero. Here, he trains with some of Earth’s greatest champions before setting out on a high stakes battle for the universe. Why you’ll love it… Those who are fans of the video game will relish the way Mortal Kombat embraces many of its original elements, while non-gamers can still enjoy the exhilarating action sequences, made even more impressive by the fact the cast performed many of their own stunts. Buy or rent now Bigger and better The Apple TV app offers all the films and series you could want in one place. You can find critically acclaimed Apple Original shows and movies on Apple TV+, premium channels such as StarzPlay, and popular streaming services such as NOW and Amazon Prime Video, plus thousands of movies to buy or rent, including the latest blockbusters. It offers a whole world of content – and you can watch it any way you want. Whether that’s via your Apple device, a streaming stick, smart TV or even your games console. So, what are you waiting for? Find out more about the Apple TV app
Feel good Netflix movies and TV shows to make you feel warm inside
Stay inside and binge on these happy Netflix hits guaranteed to make you feel happy
When you've had a rough day, week or even just the whole year, sometimes all you want to do is stick on some comfort TV or a feel-good film and just transport yourself to a fictional world where nothing matters. Thankfully, Netflix is primed with heart-warming TV hugs and we've picked out some of the best for our list below, which is updated with two entries every week, so you can stop the endless scrolling and begin streaming immediately. From classic sitcoms like Friends and Gilmore Girls, to family films like Mamma Mia! and Instant Family, here are the best feel-good flicks and TV that Netflix has to offer. Clueless A classic cult romcom that's inspired countless chequered outfits for '90s-themed parties, Clueless is one of the funniest, and arguably the most fabulous, take on Jane Austen's Emma in movie history. A satirical look at Beverly Hills teen life, this coming-of-age comedy stars Alicia Silverstone as Cher, a popular, wealthy high school student who thinks she's an excellent matchmaker and decides to befriend new girl Tai (Brittany Murphy), make her over and set her up with her classmate Elton (Jeremy Sisto) despite the disapproval of her former step-brother Josh (Paul Rudd). Full of romance, make-over montages and quotable catchphrases ("As if!"), Clueless is a feel-good flick that's just as timeless as Paul Rudd. Watch Clueless on Netflix Brooklyn Nine-Nine If you're in need of a good chuckle, police sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine should be your first port of call. From the writers of The Office, Parks and Recreation and The Good Place, this police comedy stars Andy Samberg as the immature yet high-achieving detective Jake Peralta, whose station – New York City's 99th Precinct – gets a shake-up with the arrival of Captain Raymond Holt (Andre Braugher), the serious, robotic commanding officer taking charge of the team. Fast-paced, silly and stuff with witty jokes, you'll visit Brookly Nine-Nine for the comedy, but stay for the endearingly close friendships between its lovable main characters. Watch Brooklyn Nine-Nine on Netflix La La Land A musical that scooped up many awards, La La Land stars Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling and, despite some sombre moments in the running time, it remains a feel-good watch and one that is endlessly rewatchable - although we still stand by that the opening number is the most joyous out of the whole film. Watch La La Land on Netflix The Good Place Are you in a bad place? Head to The Good Place! Each 20-minute episode is a joy, but the story has real heart too, particularly when season two turns the whole thing upside down. And Kristen Bell is forking marvellous. All four seasons are available to watch now and it is a quick and crowd-pleasing binge. Watch The Good Place on Netflix Emily in Paris Set in the version of Paris that exists in everybody's minds about what Paris is actually like, Emily in Paris is a comedy-drama on Netflix that has won a ton of viewers since it launched. Starring Lily Collins as the titular Emily, the show focuses on her journey as she struggles to succeed in the workplace while searching for love and experiencing a couture clash with her "boring" and mundane Midwestern U.S. upbringing. And if you enjoy season one then you will be pleased to hear that a second run is coming. Watch Emily in Paris on Netflix Friends Love, loss and laughs, all layered up in a life-affirming comedy that will stand the test of time. We may have all seen every episode of Friends multiple times now but it remains the most rewatchable show out there. So join Monica, Chandler, Rachel, Ross, Joey and Phoebe all over again as all 10 seasons are available to watch. Watch Friends on Netflix Queer Eye Relaunched for a new era on Netflix and featuring an all-new Fab Five', Queer Eye has quickly found the mix of sass and soul that made the original such a hit. Now five seasons in, we should probably warn you that if you watch one, you will likely lose the next few days as you blitz through the lot. Watch Queer Eye on Netflix Instant Family This movie stars Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne as a couple who decide to adopt three children and soon learn that becoming a family is not as easy as they thought it would be. A funny film with a great deal of heart, Instant Family is sure to put a smile on anybody's face by the time the credits roll. Watch Instant Family on Netflix Poldark Warm your cockles with Ross Poldark: Aidan Turner and Eleanor Tomlinson are just the stars to curl up with on a cold night. Here is the official synopsis if you want to see whether this will be up your street or not. "In 1783 Captain Ross Vennor Poldark returns from the American War of Independence to his home of Nampara in Cornwall after three years in the army. Upon his return home, he discovers his father Joshua has died, his estate is in ruins and in considerable debt, and his childhood sweetheart Elizabeth is engaged to his cousin Francis." Watch Poldark on Netflix The Truman Show An oldie but a goodie, The Truman Show stars Jim Carrey as a man who thinks he is living the perfect life until he starts to realise that his whole world is nothing more than a TV show with him as the star. This movie remains a classic and has an uplifting ending that never fails to raise a smile - it also remains one of Carrey's best roles to this day. Watch The Truman Show on Netflix Bridgerton Definitely feel good yet definitely not one to sit and watch with the family, Bridgerton is an extremely raunchy look at high society in the competitive world of Regency-era London, The show debuted at Christmas last year and has already gone on to become the most-watched show the streamer has had - so a season 2 has already, unsurprisingly, been confirmed. For the latest news and expert tips on getting the best deals this year, take a look at our Black Friday 2021 and Cyber Monday 2021 guides. Watch Bridgerton on Netflix Black Mirror: San Junipero Many Black Mirror episodes should come with a health warning, but not San Junipero, a beautifully told love story that is all the more surprising given how bleak Charlie Brooker's series can be. Proof that there's light even in the most darkest of places - just make sure you are selecting the right episode or you could end up feeling anything but good. Watch Black Mirror on Netflix Wonder Wonder is, for lack of a better word, wonderful. Telling the story of a young boy with facial differences, Wonder follows his journey as he makes his first steps out of a sheltered life and homeschooling to a public school and all the trials that go along with it. A beautiful story with a great cast, do yourself a favour and watch Wonder if you never have. Watch Wonder on Netflix Gilmore Girls Escape to Stars Hollow for a mega binge of seven seasons of Gilmore Girls and the four feature lengths specials that the streamer made. Gilmore Girls is the ultimate definition of feel good and you get that at the start of every episode with a theme tune that is never not fun to sing along to. Watch Gilmore Girls on Netflix Matilda Dark and delicious in equal measure, Danny DeVito's adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic story features an incredible turn by Pam Ferris as the terrifying Miss Trunchbull. UK viewers might find it weird watching her in the role, having got used to seeing her as the good-natured Sister Evangelina on Call the Midwife (also available on Netflix, by the way). Watch Matilda on Netflix My Next Guest Needs No Introduction Think of this as a fireside chat with two of the most interesting people you know. Sure, David Letterman's guests are successful, but their charm and charisma mean that you're never envious of their success. Barack Obama's legacy is complicated for example, but the instinct to be a good person and to make good calls seems remarkably simple coming from him. And that's just the first in what's proved to be a remarkable line-up of guests. Watch My Next Guest Needs No Introduction on Netflix Mamma Mia! Find some winter sun without leaving your living room. Taking the biggest and best hits from Abba and planting them into a tropical love story, Mamma Mia is a joyous watch from start to finish and, as long as you don't hate Abba, you should find a lot to enjoy here as the cast, including Amanda Seyfried and Meryl Streep are on top form throughout. Watch Mamma Mia on Netflix In the mood for something less frightening? Check out our lists of the best movies and best TV shows on Netflix, or visit our TV Guide to see what else is on.
The 20 best Easter movies to watch and stream - top films for kids
Animated bunnies, religious epics and classic musicals – there's no need to hunt for these eggcellent films
For the second year in a row, we're spending Easter in lockdown, and although restrictions have eased somewhat in England, we're still spending more time indoors than might usually be the case. With that in mind, you might be looking for ways to keep the kids occupied over Easter weekend. Luckily there's a wealth of family films that are readily available to stream, many of which are relevant to Easter. So whether you fancy some animated fun with Wallace and Gromit, or a classic musical starring Judy Garland and Fred Astaire, you can check our list of all the best family movies to watch over Easter below. Many of the best Easter movies for the whole family are, of course, Disney films and you sign up to Disney Plus for just £79.90 a year for a full year’s subscription (or £7.99 a month). You will be able to enjoy various Pixar and Marvel films, and so much more. Watch some of last year’s best movies like Rocketman and Toy Story 4 on NOW TV (ad) Peter Rabbit Every good Easter film needs a rabbit, and few come more famous than Peter Rabbit himself. This 2018 update of Beatrix Potter's classic tale sees James Corden voice the titular bunny (now computer-generated) as he battles Domhnall Gleeson's Mr. McGregor for his vegetable garden. A sequel was originally due out this Easter, but has since been delayed. Watch Peter Rabbit on Amazon Prime Video Read our full Peter Rabbit review Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit For rabbits of the bigger variety, you can't do much better than Aardman's only feature-length film in the popular claymation series. Featuring a cast befitting a big-budget adaptation (including Ralph Fiennes and Helena Bonham Carter) but losing none of the charm of the original shorts, this comedy will have the whole family laughing. Adults will love the clever references too, as the film parodies everything from King Kong to Top Gun. Watch Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit on Amazon Prime Video Read our full Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit review Hop While Russell Brand as the Easter Bunny doesn't sound like the most family-friendly choice, this live-action/CGI comedy is thankfully suitable for all. In perhaps the most Easter-themed film there is, Brand's E.B. – the Easter Bunny's son – heads to Hollywood to become a drummer, and teams up with a human named Fred to stop an evil chick attempting to take over the family business. Look out for Sonic the Hedgehog's James Marsden and The Flight Attendant's Kaley Cuoco too. Rent Hop on Amazon Prime Video Read our full Hop review Rise of the Guardians The Avengers of holiday films, this 3-D computer-animated adventure gives us the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, the Sandman and Jack Frost as you've never seen them before. Reimagined as superhero-esque protectors, the fantasy characters team up to form the Guardians in order to stop the evil spirit Pitch from taking over the world. Some real-life acting legends appropriately take on the roles, with Chris Pine, Alec Baldwin, Hugh Jackman, Isla Fisher and Jude Law all lending their voices. Watch Rise of the Guardians on Netflix Read our full Rise of the Guardians Review The Secret Life of Pets 2 A sequel to one of the biggest animated comedies of the last few years, The Secret Life of Pets 2 sees Max the terrier embark on a worrisome trip to the countryside with his friends. Turns out pets secretly have movie star voices – the film features Patton Oswalt, Kevin Hart, Eric Stonestreet and Harrison Ford (!) in his voice acting debut. At a time when we're constantly with our pets, here's a chance to see what they do when you're not around. Watch The Secret Life of Pets 2 on NOW Read our full The Secret Life of Pets review Chicken Little Disney's first fully computer-animated movie (and one of their first forays into 3D), this often forgotten film from 2005 has an adorable cast of animal characters to keep the kids entertained this Easter. When Zach Braff's Chicken Little becomes convinced that the sky is falling, no-one believes him. Until aliens start invading. Watch Chicken Little on DisneyPlus Read our full Chicken Little review The Prince of Egypt Charlton Heston's live-action Moses features a little further down this list, but this 1998 animated iteration may be a better choice for the kids. The Book of Exodus is retold here, complete with a talented voice cast including Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Michelle Pfeiffer and Sandra Bullock, as well as the mandatory catchy tunes. The pop hit When You Believe – remember that? – by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey came from this movie, and won Best Original Song at the 1999 Academy Awards. Rent The Prince of Egypt on Amazon Prime Video Read our full The Prince of Egypt Review The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe Disney's 2005 blockbuster adaptation of the classic C.S. Lewis book delivered a perfect Lord of the Rings-esque fantasy epic suitable for younger children, with impressive battle scenes for the adults as well. The Christian parallels are easy to see for the older viewer, making Easter the perfect time to reunite with the Pevensie children, Mr. Tumnus and co. The franchise may have struggled afterwards, but this first film still stands as a high point for children's fantasy. Watch The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe on Disney Plus Read our full The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe review Zootropolis (Zootopia) While there are no Easter celebrations here, a tough bunny is the star of one of Disney's biggest hits of the last few years. Zootropolis (better known as Zootopia outside the UK) follows rookie rabbit cop Judy Hopps as she teams up with con artist fox, Nick Wilde to solve a conspiracy. As well as earning over $1billion worldwide, it's also one of the best modern Disney films. We gave it five stars. Watch Zootropolis on Disney Plus Read our full Zootropolis review Jesus Christ Superstar A chance to remind ourselves of the original Easter story – perhaps with a few creative liberties – this 1973 adaptation of the famous Andrew Lloyd Webber musical emphasises the superstar part of the title. If you prefer your Bible stories with jet fighters and disco costumes, then this is the film for you. Watch Jesus Christ Superstar on Amazon Prime Video Read our full Jesus Christ Superstar review The Greatest Story Ever Told This ambitious film features not only the story of the resurrection, but Jesus Christ's entire tumultuous life. Epic in scope – and runtime – this film took inspiration from a 1947 radio series to become one of the great religious biopics. The cast is just as epic, with an ensemble including Charlton Heston, John Wayne and the late Max von Sydow. Rent The Greatest Story Ever Told on Amazon Prime Video Read our full The Greatest Story Ever Told review Easter Parade MGM's classic musical follows a performer who hires a chorus girl as his new dance partner to make his previous one jealous, setting up a G-rated love triangle. Sure, the plot doesn't have that much to do with Easter, but who needs an excuse to see Fred Astaire and Judy Garland sing and dance through some of their biggest hits? To keep just enough Easter spirit, the film culminates with a proposal at, you guessed it, a show-stopping Easter Parade. Rent Easter Parade on Amazon Prime Video Read our full Easter Parade review The Ten Commandments Charlton Heston headlines another religious epic, this time playing Egyptian prince Moses as he discovers his Hebrew roots and becomes a messenger for God. Cecil B. DeMille's remake of his 1923 silent film is one of the most financially successful films of all time, making well over $1billion if you adjust for inflation. The film has aired at Easter on network television in the US every year since 1973, and you can now join our American cousins through the more modern technique of streaming. Rent The Ten Commandments on Amazon Prime Video Read our full The Ten Commandments review Who Framed Roger Rabbit Another film prominently featuring a rabbit, this 1988 classic blends animation and live-action to wonderful effect and remains a firm family favourite. The noir-ish plot follows Roger, a toon rabbit who seeks the help of human detective Eddie Valiant after he becomes convinced his wife, Jessica Rabbit, is having an affair. Things take a turn for the worse when Roger ends up accused of murder... Watch Who Framed Roger Rabbit on Disney Plus Read our full Who Framed Roger Rabbit review Soul OK, so there's not much direct relevance to Easter in this film – beyond the theme of resurrection – but Pixar's latest feature is nonetheless a perfect watch for the whole family over the holiday weekend. With a stellar voice cast, some characteristically sublime animation and an Oscar-nominated score, the film ticks just about every box, telling a life-affirming story about a jazz musician who learns some valuable life lessons after an unfortunate accident. Watch Soul on Disney Plus Read our full Soul review Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Easter weekend is a great time for a family musical – and they don't come much better than Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Based on the book by James Bond writer Ian Fleming and adapted for the screen by Roald Dahl, this story of an eccentric inventor and his flying car includes some superb songs, a memorable turn from Dick Van Dyke and, of course, one of the great film villains of all time – the terrifying Child Catcher. Rent Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on Amazon Prime Video Read our full Chitty Chitty Bang Bang review Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory One of the best things about Easter is the opportunity to eat huge amounts of chocolate, so what could be more fitting than heading to Willy Wonka's famous factory for a whimsical adventure with Charlie Bucket and Grandpa Joe? The original adaptation of Roald Dahl's novel features some catchy tunes and wonderful sets, and Gene Wilder is simply perfect as the eccentric factory owner. Another Willy Wonka film is currently in development – but this one will be hard to top. Watch Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory on Netflix Read our full Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory review Winnie the Pooh This film, released in 2011, was the first original Pooh feature for more than 35 years, and follows the lovable bear as he searches the Hundred Acre Wood for a replacement for Eeyore's missing tail. While on their hunt, Pooh and his friends receive a cryptic message from Christopher Robin that soon takes them on a separate, more daring, adventure. Watch Winnie the Pooh on Disney Plus Read our full Winnie the Pooh review Tangled Disney has adapted many a classic fairytale over the years, and one of the more recent examples is this enjoyable reworking of the classic Brothers Grimm tale Rapunzel. Released in cinemas back in 2010 it featured This is Us star Mandy Moore voicing the long-haired prisoner. As is to be expected from a Disney animation, there are plenty of toe-tapping tunes and some stunning animation to be enjoyed – not to mention a couple of excellent animal sidekicks in chameleon Pascal and horse Maximus. Watch Tangled on Disney Plus Read our full Tangled review Ice Age: The Great Egg-Scapade If you're after something a little bit shorter to keep the kids occupied, you might enjoy this Easter-themed Ice Age short which was released as a TV special back in 2016. Set five years after the events of Ice Age: Continental Drift, the 25-minute film features all the main characters from the franchise, including Sid, Manny, and Diego, as they prepare for the Easter Weekend – including an Easter Egg hunt with a difference. Watch Ice Age: The Great Egg-Scapade on Disney Plus Sign up to Disney Plus for £79.90 a year or £7.99 a month now Find out what other films are showing this Easter with our TV Guide.
11 incredible movies you can buy and keep without a subscription
Launching on 8 March, UNFORGETTABLE ENTERTAINMENT guides you on how to access a vast range of titles, from Paddington 2 to Joker, all available to Download & Keep.
You may have had more than your fair share of nights in over the past year, but that doesn’t mean curling up on the sofa with that film or box set you’ve been desperate to see should be any less special. You can’t beat the ultimate flexibility of having your favourite titles available to watch again and again. That’s where UNFORGETTABLE ENTERTAINMENT can help. A celebration of some of the latest and best film and TV shows, UNFORGETTABLE ENTERTAINMENT can be found on all digital stores including Sky Store, Amazon Prime Video, the Apple TV app, Rakuten TV and more. With an enormous range of film and TV shows to Download & Keep at the push of a button, from golden era classics to the latest Hollywood blockbusters, all available instantly and with no need for a subscription. Take a look at just 11 of the unmissable movies that you can buy, keep and watch again and again on all your different devices, across UNFORGETTABLE ENTERTAINMENT’s library. Click here to find out more 1. Joker This dark origin story of Batman’s ultimate nemesis was one of the biggest film events of 2019, and for good reason. Joaquin Phoenix gives a terrifying Oscar-winning performance as perennial loser and wannabe comedian Arthur Fleck, who embarks on a murderous rampage in the decaying surroundings of 1980s Gotham. Buy now 2. Trolls World Tour Get the kids singing and dancing along to this fantastically fun musical extravaganza. The second instalment sees the characters discover the six musical Troll tribes, which coexist together happily until they’re threatened by the devious plans of Queen Barb of the Rock Tribe. Can the music be revived before her plan succeeds? Buy now 3. Spider-Man: Far from Home Peter Parker returns in Spider-Man™: Far From Home, the next chapter of the Spider-Man™: Homecoming series. Our friendly neighbourhood superhero decides to join his best friends Ned, MJ, and the rest of the gang on a European vacation. However, Peter’s plan to leave super heroics behind for a few weeks are quickly scrapped when he begrudgingly agrees to help Nick Fury uncover the mystery of several elemental creature attacks, creating havoc across the continent. Buy now 4. Once Upon a Time... In Hollywood Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time... In Hollywood visits 1969 Los Angeles, where everything is changing, as TV star Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his longtime stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt) make their way around an industry they hardly recognize anymore. The ninth film from writer-director features a large ensemble cast and multiple storylines in a tribute to the final moments of Hollywood’s golden age. Buy now 5. Mamma Mia! Time to open a bottle of wine, dust off your vocal chords and settle in for a fab Friday night. Follow the story of Donna (Meryl Streep) and her daughter Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) as she attempts to find out the identity of her father on an idyllic Greek island, with plenty of Abba classics to sing along to along the way. Dominic Cooper, Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth also star. Buy now 6. Paddington 2 As a treat before the kids go to bed, why not dive in to this enchanting second helping of the world’s favourite bear. With Paddington framed for theft and locked up in prison, the Browns are desperate to be reunited with him. Can they hatch a plan to defeat the dastardly Phoenix Buchanan, played with entertaining relish by Hugh Grant? Buy now 7. Bombshell Discover the story of the three female Fox News presenters who sought to expose the systematic sexual harassment they suffered by CEO Roger Ailes. Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie star in this intriguing drama that cuts to the very dark heart of modern American media and politics. Buy now 8. 2001: A Space Odyssey If you’re in the mood to open your mind with an epic, this 1968 Stanley Kubrick masterpiece is your best bet. This grand exploration into space is full of awe-inspiring, expansive cinematography, and is a prescient commentary on man’s relationship with technology, the cycle of life and all that drives our civilisation. Buy now 9. Knives Out This playful crime caper features an all-star cast and is the perfect centrepiece for a fun Saturday night in front of the telly. When wealthy novelist Harlan (Christopher Plummer) is found dead, the search is on to find who did it, and which family member will gain the most from it. Daniel Craig, Chris Evans and Jamie Lee Curtis also star. Buy now 10. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them This magical adventure from the world of J. K. Rowling takes us to New York in 1926. Awkward but brilliant British wizard (Eddie Redmayne) is on a stopover visit, but all hell breaks loose when the creatures in his suitcase escape across the city, putting him, his friends and themselves in danger. Buy now 11. Unhinged Academy Award winner Russell Crowe stars in Unhinged, a timely psychological thriller that explores the fragile balance of a society pushed to the edge, taking something we’ve all experienced - road rage - to an unpredictable and terrifying conclusion. Buy now
What’s new on Netflix UK in December 2020 – all the shows and movies coming up
The final month of 2020 sees new period drama Bridgerton, potential Oscars contenders Mank and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom and a whole lot more festive fare.
We're reaching the end of 2020, a year in which all film and TV fans have been thanking our lucky stars for Netflix. The streaming platform has done a lot to make this strange year more bearable, with a vast array of new content regularly added to its extensive library, and there's one with one last batch of new films and TV shows on the way in December to round off the year in style. We've already seen a lot of festive content added to the streamer in November, and there's more where that came from as we move into advent, with all sorts of specials arriving during the month. And away from Christmas it's a bumper month for new films – with one or two new releases which could well be awards contenders when next year's delayed Oscars roll round. The highlights are Mank - David Fincher's long-awaited new film about the creation of Orson Welles' iconic Golden Age film Citizen Kane, and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, the final performance from the late Chadwick Boseman, whose tragic passing in August came as a devastating shock. There's also the small matter of a new sci-fi blockbuster directed by George Clooney, The Midnight Sky, and yet another new project from the ever prolific Ryan Murphy, this time a film musical titled The Prom, adapted from the hit Broadway play of the same name. As far as TV is concerned, the biggest new show comes in the shape of Bridgerton, a new period drama produced by Shonda Rhimes, which is set in Regency-era England and based on a series of romance novels by Julia Quinn – it looks like Netflix could have another period show to match The Crown's success. Read on for our pick of the December list – and if you’re after November’s Netflix releases, we have that covered, too. Tuesday 1st December 2020 Angela’s Christmas Wish Animated film about a girl who hopes to bring her family together for Christmas – a follow up to 2017's Angela's Christmas The Holiday Movies That Made Us volume 1 A special festive edition of the documentary programme telling of how classic films are made, featuring The Nightmare Before Christmas and Elf Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool Documentary film about the legendary jazz musician Super Wings season 2 More episodes of the animated Korean show for children about a fun-loving plane and his adventures Thomas and Friends season 23 The famous blue-tank engine and his friends return for another batch of episodes Plus older films arriving on, or returning to, the platform: 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016) Cats & Dogs (2001) Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo (2005) Falling Down (1993) Galaxy Quest (1999) Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (2012) The Last of the Mohicans (1992) The Prestige (2006) Sucker Punch (2011) The Sweeney (2012) Taking Lives (2004) Where the Wild Things Are (2009) Wild Wild West (1999) Wednesday 2nd December Ari Eldjarn: Pardon My Icelandic Stand-up special from the Icelandic comedian, touching Holywood's take on Thor, the whims of toddlers and the popularity of Scandinavian crime drama shows Hazel Brugger: Tropical The Swiss-American comedian tackles topics such as German bank loans, chatty gynecologists and unruly geese in this stand-up special Fierce Polish musical film about a gifted singer who hopes to win the love of her father – the member of a judging panel at a talent show Thursday 3rd December Chico Bon Bon and the Very Berry Holiday season 1 Christmas special for the animated children's show about a monkey with a toolbelt Just Another Christmas Groundhog Day-style film about a man who hates Christmas and is stuck in a time-loop until he learns valuable lessons about the festive season The Whistlers Romanian crime thriller about a police officer who is a whistleblower for the mafia. Friday 4th December Big Mouth season 4 The long-awaited return of the hit animated series about going through puberty Captain Underpants: Mega Blissmass season 1 Christmas special in which George and Harold realise they must help Santa remember the true meaning of Christmas before it's gone forever Christmas Crossfire Film about a man who foils an attempted murder and is then forced to flee the would-be killers Kings of Jo’Burg season 1 South African series about brothers who rule Johannesburg's criminal underworld Leyla Everlasting Turkish film about a resilient housewife, her husband, and their marriage therapist – who become mired in a toxic love triangle Mank New film from acclaimed director David Fincher about Herman J. Mankiewicz, the man who wrote the script for the iconic film Citizen Kane View oEmbed on the source website Rick and Morty season 4 part 2 The hit animated series returns for the second part of its fourth series Selena: The Series part 1 Biographical drama series about the life story of Selena Quintanilla, the Queen of Tejano music and an iconic Mexican-American pop star – read more about the Selena true story Saturday 5th December Detention: The Series season 1 Chinese language series based on a Taiwanese adventure game of the same name, about the suffocating political situation during the White Terror period (1949-1987) Mighty Express: A Mighty Christmas season 1 A Christmas special for the kids series set in Tracksville – a town where children run the train stations Sunday 6th December The 2nd Action film about a Secret Service agent who must save his son and the daughter of a Supreme Court justice from armed terrorists The Front Runner (2018) 2019 film about Gary Hart, a US senator who decides to run for President, only for the paparazzi to shed light on his extramarital affair with Donna Rice Monday 7th December 100 Days My Prince season 1 Hugely successful Korean drama about a Crown Prince who suddenly disappears only to return to the palace one hundred days later. Ava Action thriller film starring Jessica Chastain and John Malkovich, about an assassin who becomes marked for death by her own black ops organisation The Claus Family Dutch film about a young boy who hates Christmas until he realises his grandfather is Santa Claus Endless Beginnings (2019) Romantic drama film starring Shailene Woodley, Jamie Dornan, and Sebastian Stan Room 2806: the Accusation Docuseries following the 2011 sexual assault case involving French politician Dominique Strauss-Kahn Stage Mother Film about a Texas church choir director who inherits her late son's drag queen club in San Francisco Tuesday 8th December Emicida: AmarElo – It’s All For Yesterday Documentary film about Brazilian rapper Emicida celebrating the richness of Black Brazilian culture Mr Iglesias part 3 Another run of the comedy series about a good-natured high school history teacher who tries to help gifted misfits Super Monsters: Santa’s Super Monster Helpers season 1 Christmas special for the animated kid's show about the children of famous monsters Wednesday 9th December Ashley Garcia: Genius In Love: Christmas Christmas special for the sitcom about a teenage robotics engineer who moves across the country to work for NASA and live with her uncle The Big Show Show: Christmas The sitcom about former WWE wrestler the Big Show's attempts to raise his three daughters with his wife in Florida gets a festive episode How to Get Away with Murder season 6 The final series of the American crime drama Rose Island Italian comedy film telling the true story of a tiny nation founded in 1968 off the Rimini coast, by Italian engineer Giorgio Rosa The Surgeon's Cut Four-part BBC documentary series following four ground-breaking surgeons from around the world Thursday 10th December Alice in Borderland season 1 Live-action series based on the Japanese manga about a gamer who finds himself in a strange version of Japan where he and his two best friends are forced to take part in dangerous games to survive Friday 11th December A Trash Truck Christmas season 1 When Santa crash-lands in the junkyard on Christmas Eve, Hank, Trash Truck and their animal friends all have a hand in rescuing the holiday for everyone Canvas Kids animated short about a grandfather who attempts to rediscover his passion for painting after a devastating loss El desorden que dejas season 1 Spanish-language series about a teacher who starts her job at a high school but is haunted by a suspicious death that occurred there weeks earlier Giving Voice Documentary film about students from across the United States auditioning for a spot in the August Wilson Monologue Competition The Mess You Leave Behind Spanish language thriller about a teacher who is haunted by a suspicious death at her new high school The Prom Film adaptation of the Broadway musical about a group of self-obsessed theatre stars who go to a small conservative Indiana town to support a high school girl who wants to bring her girlfriend to the prom View oEmbed on the source website Sunday 13th December Bumblebee (2018) Transformers prequel film about a teenager who is gifted a yellow Volkswagen Beetle, which turns out to be the battle-scarred Autobot Bumblebee Welcome to Marwen (2018) Robert Zemeckis film starring Steve Carrell as Mark Hogancamp who is attacked by white supremacists and loses most of his memory Monday 14th December A California Christmas Film about a wealthy charmer who poses as a ranch hand to get a hardworking farmer to sell her family's land Black Water: Abyss (2020) Horror film about a fight for survival against a group of hungry crocodiles Hilda season 2 Second series of the Canadian animated show about a fearless blue-haired girl who travels from a wilderness full of elves and giants to a bustling city packed with new friends and mysterious creatures Tiny Pretty Things season 1 Drama series based on the novel of the same name, set in the world of an elite ballet academy Tuesday 15th December Song Exploder volume 2 Second batch of episodes for the series which sees music stars dig deep into their songwriting process – this time featuring Dua Lipa, Trent Reznor and The Killers Wednesday 16th December Anitta: Made In Honório season 1 Docuseries about mega-successful Brazilian singer Anitta How to Ruin Christmas season 1 South African drama series following a woman who tries to make things right after completely ruining what should have been her sister's picture-perfect Christmas wedding The Ripper True crime docuseries about The Yorkshire Ripper including interviews with investigators, journalists, survivors and family members of Peter Sutcliffe's victims Friday 18th December Home for Christmas season 2 Second run of the Norwegian festive rom-com series about a single woman looking for a boyfriend to take home for Christmas Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom Film adaptation of August Wilson's play about trailblazing blues singer Ma Rainey and her band gathering at a recording studio in Chicago in 1927 – featuring Chadwick Boseman's final film performance https://twitter.com/streaming/netflix/status/1311440690203652096?lang=en Sweet Home season 1 South Korean drama series about a loner who finds that his new apartment is disturbed by a series of strange incidents Sunday 20th December Mary Queen of Scots (2018) Saorise Ronan stars in this biographical costume drama about the Scottish monarch Ocean's 8 (2018) Following in the footsteps of brother Danny, light-fingered Debbie Ocean plans to steal the Toussaint, a $150million necklace from Vogue's Met Gala, with the `help' of a famous actress Monday 21st December The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018) Drama film about a writer who joins a book club in post-war Gurnsey, uncovering some secrets in the process Tuesday 22nd December Shaun the Sheep season 5 More adventures for Aardman's beloved stop-motion sheep Wednesday 23rd December The Midnight Sky George Clooney directs this sci-fi film about a lone scientist in the Arctic who races to contact a crew of astronauts returning home to a mysterious global catastrophe Your Name Engraved Herein Taiwanese LGBTQ drama about two men who fall in love following the end of martial law in 1987 Friday 25th December Bridgerton season 1 First season of the new period drama series about eight close-knit siblings of the powerful Bridgerton family attempting to find love in Regency-era England View oEmbed on the source website Wednesday 30th December Best Leftovers Ever! Food series about chefs who attempt to make the tastiest meals out of leftover food Pride and Prejudice (2005) Adaptation of the iconic Jane Austen novel, starring Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen and Judi Dench Se7en (1995) David Fincher's serial killer thriller about an old-school detective and his headstrong new partner who discover a connection between two unusually horrific murders Thursday 31st December Bridget Jones's Diary (2001) A single woman begins a new year with resolutions to find love, quit her bad habits and take a step up the career ladder Casper (1995) Live action film starring the legendary friendly ghost in which things start to go awry when three smelly spooks and two dastardly crooks try to chase new residents away Chilling Adventures of Sabrina part 4 Fourth and final series of the drama about the eponymous teenage witch Shaun of the Dead (2004) Edgar Wright's beloved comedy horror about a Zombie apocalypse in London, starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost Step Up (2006) Dance film about an aspiring ballerina finds her life turned upside down when she encounters a troubled street-smart teenager from the wrong side of town Check out our lists of the best series on Netflix and the best movies on Netflix, or see what else is on with our TV Guide.
Best horror movies on Amazon Prime Video
Scare yourself silly this Halloween with these unforgettable horror picks.
Halloween is fast approaching and with it comes the obligatory scary movie night, with a vast number of options at your fingertips via the magic of streaming services. Of course, the horror genre is infamously inconsistent and for every exceptional offering there seems to be a dozen uninspired Hollywood projects or questionable indie flicks. Fortunately, RadioTimes.com has combed through Amazon Prime Video's library to find ten of the best spooky flicks on the platform, to ensure your Halloween gets off to a fittingly terrifying start. Read on for our spookiest picks. The Cabin in the Woods (2012) Drew Goddard (Cloverfield) and Joss Whedon (The Avengers) put their sharp wit and boundless horror knowledge to masterful use for this unique take on a slasher movie. Five young friends decide to spend a weekend in a remote cabin, only to find themselves terrorised by forces beyond their understanding. That may sound like a cliché premise, but rest assured there is far more to The Cabin in the Woods than meets the eye. Serving as both a love letter to the genre and a creepy flick in its own right, it's a must watch for movie buffs with a killer cast including Chris Hemsworth and Kristen Connolly. Watch on Amazon Prime Video Read our full The Cabin in the Woods review. Midsommar (2019) Hereditary director Ari Aster returned to terrify multiplexes last summer with his sophomore feature Midsommar, which takes inspiration from cult classics like The Wicker Man. After experiencing a terrible family tragedy, Dani Ardor (Florence Pugh) accompanies her uncaring boyfriend and his college pals to a remote commune in Sweden to see their midsummer celebration. Cut off from society, the tension gradually builds as the festivities become increasingly disturbing in this slow-paced but rewarding offering. Pugh gives a phenomenal performance. Watch on Amazon Prime Video Read our full Midsommar review. The Shining (1980) While Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of Stephen King's The Shining may not be completely faithful to the book, that hasn't stopped it from being hailed as one of the greatest horror movies of all time. Jack Nicholson stars as writer Jack Torrance, who fills the role of caretaker at the remote Overlook Hotel during its quiet winter season. Built on the site of a Native American burial ground (never a good idea), unexplainable incidents quickly start piling up while Torrance's sanity starts to deteriorate - much to the horror of his wife and son, portrayed by Shelley Duvall and Danny Lloyd. Watch on Amazon Prime Video Read our full The Shining review Paranormal Activity (2007) A more modern take on the Blair Witch formula, Paranormal Activity swaps the distant forest setting to a family home, as a young couple chronicle the supernatural incidents occurring throughout their house. While this series would eventually get a bad after several subpar sequels, this original film was generally viewed as an inventive spin on the found-footage flick. Famously, its first ever audiences were recorded for a now-famous ad campaign and their looks of sheer terror speak for themselves. You may well find yourself glued to the screen too. Watch on Amazon Prime Video Read our full Paranormal Activity review Evil Dead (2013) Sam Raimi's classic gorefest Evil Dead gets a modern lick of paint courtesy of director Fede Alvarez, which stands out as a cut above your standard horror remake. Jane Levy (Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist) gives a haunting performance in the lead role as Mia Allen, a drug addict attempting to go cold turkey in a remote cabin, with four friends to look out for her. But after reading from an old book discovered in the cellar, malevolent forces awake in the woods around them, unleashing unspeakable horrors on the group. Visceral and disturbing, it's a worthy successor to Raimi's original vision. Watch on Amazon Prime Video Read our full Evil Dead review Final Destination (2000) It's the cult classic flick where the villain is mortality itself. When high school student Alex Browning has a premonition that the plane he and his friends are boarding is doomed to crash, they make a last-minute change of plans and avoid a terrible fate. For now. What they don't realise is that death is not so easily cheated and panic sets in as the group is picked off in a series of freak accidents. Fans of the slasher genre will easily get along with this high concept take, which stars Devon Sawa (Nikita) and Ali Larter (Heroes). Watch on Amazon Prime Video Read our full Final Destination review Insidious (2011) Horror legend James Wan is behind this supernatural thriller, which follows a couple as they desperately attempt to save their son from the entities taking over his body. Not only does it deliver some perfectly executed scares, it also introduces some genuinely compelling characters, which is no small feat for the horror genre. Patrick Wilson and Rose Byrne are excellent as concerned parents Josh and Renai, while Lin Shaye steals scenes as their psychic consultant, Elise. While the sequels don't hit quite as high a note, they're well worth checking out too. Watch on Amazon Prime Video Read our full Insidious review The Blair Witch Project (1999) This found-footage flick single-handedly launched an entire sub-genre and is widely regarded as one of the most influential horror films ever made. The film sees three documentary filmmakers venture into the woods one fateful night in search of a mythical monster, but suffice to say, they get a whole lot more than they bargained for. So many years later, The Blair Witch Project may not seem as revolutionary as it once did, but it remains an iconic chapter in horror movie history. Watch on Amazon Prime Video Read our full The Blair Witch Project review The Woman in Black (2012) Based on the famous horror novel by Susan Hill, The Woman in Black tells a classic ghost story from the perspective of solicitor Arthur Kipps, played by Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe. Called to the remote and eerie Eel Marsh House to settle the estate of a recently deceased woman, Kipps soon encounters a vengeful spirit haunting the sleepy English town of Crythin Gifford. This film adaptation does justice to both the book and stage play that have made this story so legendary, with its moody setting, subtle performances and intense scares throughout. Watch on Amazon Prime Video Read our full The Woman in Black review Cube (1998) This unique thriller sees a handful of strangers wake up trapped in a 14ft by 14ft cube, unaware of how or why they have been imprisoned there. Over the course of the film, each is tasked with evading lethal traps in a desperate bid for freedom, vividly brought to life by director Vincenzo Natali. Cube will easily reel you in with its intense and intriguing mystery, all the while ramping up the claustrophobic, gory scares. Watch on Amazon Prime Video Read our full Cube review Check out what else is on with our TV Guide, or take a look at our new TV shows 2020 page to find out what's airing this autumn and beyond.
Here's the best children's films for all the family to enjoy on Amazon Prime Video.
With schoolchildren having been away from the classroom since the coronavirus pandemic began, there's a chance that many kids will have exhausted their usual list of favourite movies. And even though a return to school looks set to be on the cards soon (and has already happened in Scotland) families will still be looking for some new films to watch - and so we've found some of the best kids' movies on Amazon Prime Video - including both Paddington flicks and iconic Spielberg favourite ET. And it's not just the kids who will enjoy this selection - every movie we've included works for both parents and children alike, so either leave the kids to it or join in with them. You can set yourself or your family the challenge of watching all the best kids' films of all time - check how many you've already seen with the top 100 kids' movies scratch poster. Watch Amazon Prime Video for free with a 30-day free Prime trial Check out our list of the best kids movies on Amazon Prime Video below. Shaun the Sheep: Farmageddon The latest film from Aardman Animations sees the beloved sheep make a new friend after an alien possessing strange powers crash-lands near Mossy Bottom Farm. The pair of them are forced to run - with a villainous organisation hoping to catch Shaun's new pal. Watch on Amazon Prime Video Paddington 1 & 2 Two delightful, beautifully crafted tales of a kind young Peruvian bear who finds his way to London. Look out for Hugh Grant's brilliant performance as the baddie in the sequel. Watch on Amazon Prime Video The Gruffalo First made by the BBC for Christmas, this animated adaptation of Julia Donaldson children's book works any time of the year. Watch on Amazon Prime Video Alvin and The Chipmunks Three mischievous and irritatingly squeaky-voiced chipmunks invade the home of a struggling songwriter. While they at first reach the dizzying heights of superstardom, they soon fall foul of of a fierce record label boss. Some of their numbers are surprisingly catchy, in spite of the helium-inspired vocals. Watch on Amazon Prime Video Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory Tim Burton might have tried to top this film in the '00s but the 1971 original starring Gene Wilder remains the best adaptation of Roald Dahl's seminal children's book. With some superbly catchy tunes and excellent practical effects, this really is a joy for all the family. Watch on Amazon Prime Video Hugo Martin Scorsese might not be known primarily as a filmmaker for kids, but he proved he was more than capable of making movies aimed at a family audience with this delightful film released in 2011, which follows the eponymous orphan (Asa Butterfield) as he attempts to track down a key that will get his father's automaton working. Watch on Amazon Prime Video Song of the Sea This beautiful Irish animation tells of a young boy who finds that his sister is a selkie - a mythical creature from Irish folklore - who is tasked with finding her voice in order to free supernatural creatures from the spell of a Celtic goddess. With an impressive voice cast including Brendan Gleeson. Watch on Amazon Prime Video The BFG One of many Roald Dahl adaptations on this list and also the most recent - the BFG was released in the summer of 2016 with Mark Rylance playing the titular friendly giant who befriends ten-year-old Sophie and takes her to Giant Country. Watch on Amazon Prime Video Tom's Midnight Garden An adaptation of Philippa Pierce's novel of the same name, Tom's Midnight Garden follows a teenage boy who is sent to live with an uncle and aunt and discovers that their clock always strikes thirteen at midnight and that the alleyways outside become a garden paradise. Watch on Amazon Prime Video The Road to El Dorado Kevin Kline and Kenneth Branagh lend their voices to this animated adventure about two swindlers whose plans to get to the fabled city of gold, El Dorado, is hampered by a number of misfortunes that see them lost at sea. Watch on Amazon Prime Video Fantastic Mr. Fox George Clooney is quite literally fantastic as Mr. Fox, who decides that his chicken-stealing ways are over and that he must grow up for the sake of his wife and kids. But when three local farmers set out to try and catch him, Mr. Fox resorts to his wily ways... Watch on Amazon Prime Video Rango Johnny Depp is a strange chameleon in this animated western comedy. Watch on Amazon Prime Video Early Man British studio Aardman Animations (best known for Wallace and Gromit) are back with this comedy set at the dawn of time, featuring the voices of Eddie Redmayne, Tom Hiddleston and Timothy Spall. Watch on Amazon Prime Video For the latest news and expert tips on getting the best deals this year, take a look at our Black Friday 2021 and Cyber Monday 2021 Mirror Mirror The re-imagining of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves sees Julia Roberts as the vindictive queen seeking out Lily Collins' Snow White. It's bright and sometimes gaudy, but it's a fairly solid take of a story we all know and love. Watch on Amazon Prime Video Check out our full list of the best movies to watch on Amazon Prime Video and the best TV shows to watch on Amazon Prime Video, or see what else is on with our TV Guide
Best movies on to watch on NOW (August 2020)
Your guide to the best critically acclaimed comedies, romance movies and sci-fi adventure films available right now on NOW.
When it comes to choosing a film to watch, sometimes the choice can overwhelming - there are so many different great films in a variety of genres readily available on a range of streaming platforms. To help make that choice a little bit easier for you, we've put together a list of some of the best movies available on NOW (formerly known as NOW TV), featuring classics and modern releases in just about every possible genre. And if you still can't find what you're looking for, we have a guide to the best Amazon movies, best Amazon series, the best Netflix movies, best Netflix series, and your guide to Disney+, which recently launched in the UK. You can sign up for a monthly Sky Cinema pass on NOW TV for £11.99 a month - with a seven day free trial also available if you want to try it out first. Last updated 2nd June 2020 Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (2019) Quentin Tarantino tends to be a "love him or loathe him" type of filmmaker, and his latest effort was no exception, proving predictably divisive when it was released in the summer of 2019. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio as ageing actor Rick Dalton and Brad Pitt as his friend and stunt double Cliff Booth, the film chronicles one day in Hollywood in the February of 1969 and then, crucially, one evening six months later. Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood does a tremendous job of creating a fully realised period setting, and also stars an excellent performance from Margot Robbie as real life actress Sharon Tate - it's not for everyone, but if you love Tarantino, and you love Hollywood - then this is sure to go down a treat. Watch on NOW TV Read our full review Rocketman (2019) Throughout the years, many famous musicians have been handed the biopic treatment - so many, in fact, that the entire genre was mercilessly parodied in the 2007 film Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story. Rocketman differs to many of these biopics in its approach, however, in that it is a bonafide all-singing, all-dancing musical - with Taron Egerton giving an electrifying performance in the lead role as Elton John. The film charts the Your Song singer's rise to fame and his collaboration with Bernie Taupin, but also doesn't shy away from more serious topics - focusing on the star as he battles drug and alcohol addictions and comes to terms with his sexuality. Watch on NOW TV Read our full review View Riddle on the source website The Favourite (2018) A period drama like no other, Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos' latest film saw Olivia Colman bag an Oscar for her turn as Queen Anne - and that performance is just one of many things that are great about this off-kilter comedy. The film largely centres on a battle for the affections of Queen Anne between her right-hand woman Lady Sarah Churchill (Rachel Weisz) and newcomer to the estate -and Sarah’s cousin - Abigail (Emma Stone). As the Queen's health rapidly deteriorates, the rivalry over who serves her becomes increasingly volatile - with very interesting consequences. Watch on NOW TV Read our full review Avengers: Endgame (2019) A whole host of the Avengers films are available on NOW TV, but it's this climatic triumph which is the pick of the bunch. Endgame quickly became the highest grossing film of all time following it's release last year - and nearly all of the millions who flocked to see it were left satisfied about how it wrapped up an arc which had been gestating for over a decade. Including the final outings of some of the franchise's biggest stars in addition to some excellent performances from cast members who are only just getting started, the film is an ambitious, action-packed spectacle - and when, it comes down to it, it packs a huge emotional punch as well. Watch on NOW T V Read our full review Can You Ever Forgive Me? (2018) Marielle Heller has developed a reputation for packing her films with a great degree of warmth, and that is certainly the case in this retelling of the true story of celebrity biographer, Lee Israel (Melissa McCarthy). Based on Israel's 2008 confessional memoir of the same name, the films follows the writer as she aims to get her career back on track by forging letters from dead writers with the help of her eccentric friend Jack (Richard E Grant). Amongst its many virtues, the film features exceptional acting - with both McCarthy and Grant having been Oscar nominated for their performances. Watch on NOW TV Us (2019) When it came to following up his monumental 2017 hit Get Out, the pressure was always going to be on for Jordan Peele - but he more than delivered with this chilling doppelgänger horror movie. It focuses on a family who, while enjoying what they intended to be a relaxing vacation, find that they are being haunted by creepy figures who bear a striking resemblance to them - and who soon begin violently attacking them. As with Peele's first feature, this film serves as a socio-political allegory, while it also features an incredible dual performance - one of the best in recent memory - from Lupita Nyong'o. Watch on NOW TV Read our full review Eighth Grade (2019) It's hard to believe that this coming-of-age drama was comedian Bo Burnham's directorial debut - it's an incredibly assured film and one which looks like it could have been made by a filmmaking veteran. Elsie Fisher stars as Kayla Day, an introverted teenager who struggles with social anxiety and frequently posts videos she's made online. As every good coming-of-age film does, Eight Grade charts Kayla's journey to self-acceptance and the discover of who she really is, while also focusing on her relationship with her kind single father - culminating in one tear-jerking scene in their back garden. Watch on NOW TV Read our full review Unforgiven (1992) This epic revisionist Western is often regarded as one of Clint Eastwood's finest moments - both as director and star. The films focuses on ageing outlaw William Munny, who returns for one last job - years after he seemed to have left his career as a vicious gunfighter behind. The movies frequently appears on lists of the finest films ever made and picked up four Oscars - including Best Picture and Best Director. The supporting cast also features a wealth of acting talent, including Morgan Freeman, Gene Hackman and Richard Harris. Watch on NOW TV Read our full review Rambo: First Blood (1982) There are now five films in the Rambo franchise - most of which you can find on NOW TV - but the original remains the best of the bunch. Starring Sylvester Stallone in the now iconic role, the film focuses on struggling Vietnam war veteran John Rambo who is wrongfully arrested following an incident in a small town and escapes into the mountains, with the town's cruel sheriff and his cronies hot on his tail. The film is one of many that were released in the '70s and '80s centring on traumatised Vietnam vets - and it remains one of the best known and most revered. Watch on NOW TV Read our full review Notting Hill (1999) Richard Curtis' much loved rom-com stars Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts at the very top of their game, and remains one of the most popular films in the genre - having briefly become the highest-grossing British film of all time following its 1999 release. Grant stars as bookseller William, whose life is changed when high profile American actress Anna Scott (Roberts) walks into his shop. The two quickly fall in love, but, this being a rom-com, it's not all smooth sailing, and their different social statuses cause on or two problems. Watch on NOW TV Read our full review Groundhog Day (1990) Bill Murray has played many iconic roles during his career and his turn as grumpy weatherman Phil Connors in Harold Ramis classic 1990 comedy is amongst the best of them. The film centres on Phil's trip to cover a small town's annual festival, which quickly goes wrong when he discovers that he has somehow ended up in a time loop that forces him to repeatedly live the same day. His only way out? Discovering the error of his ways and fixing his obnoxious, cynical attitude. Watch on NOW TV Read our full review The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) Wes Anderson films are extremely distinctive, and this 2001 comedy remains one of the best examples of his trademark style. Following a family of once high achievers who have fallen on harder times, having failed to deliver on their promise as child geniuses. When the family's patriarch, Royal (Gene Hackman) discovers that his ex-wife has plans to remarry, he makes one last ditch attempt to bring them all together again - by pretending that he has a terminal illness. The films features an impressive ensemble cast, including Hackman, Ben Stiller, Gwyneth Paltrow, Owen Wilson, Luke Wilson, Danny Glover, Anjelica Huston and Bill Murray. Watch on NOW TV Read our full review Wallace and Gromit in The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005) Aardman Animations have developed a stellar reputation for barely ever putting a foot wrong, and the first (and so far only) feature length Wallace and Gromit feature film is about as close to perfect as a family movie can be. The inventor and his trusty dog companion have started up a pest-control service, and are soon called on to solve a rabbit problem at the home of wealthy aristocrat Lady Campanula Tottington in time for the village's Giant Vegetable Competition. Things get slightly more complicated though, when a giant rabbit appears on the scene... Watch on NOW TV Read our full review Labyrinth (1986) Due largely to David Bowie's typically larger than life performance as the Goblin King, this film has been afforded cult status - with a huge and devoted fanbase. It tells the story of a teenager who wishes that her annoying baby brother would disappear - only for that wish to unexpectedly come true. The girl sets out to rescue her brother from the goblins who have taken him - but it's not going to be easy, as there are several strange creatures to be encountered along the way - and things aren't helped by the fact that she is racing against the clock. Watch on NOW TV Read our full review Chinatown (1974) Regarded as one of the best American films ever made, this neo-noir mystery stars Jack Nicholson as private detective J.J. "Jake" Gittes, in what remains one of the legendary actor's most well-known roles. While investigating the husband of a wealthy socialite, Gittes comes across a shocking secret - and as he looks further into it he slowly gets drawn into a web of lies and corruption. Alongside Nicholson, Faye Dunaway and John Huston also give tremendous performances in what is correctly considered a masterpiece. Watch on NOW TV Read our full review Psycho (1960) You'll find an array of Hitchcock classics on NOW TV - also including Vertigo and Rear Window - and this classic of the horror genre is up there with the very best of them. Starring Anthony Perkins as cinemas most famous psychopath Norman Bates, the film shows exactly why Hitchcock was known as the Master of Suspense - and features the famous shower scene, which remains one of the most iconic sequences ever captured on film. It centres Bates' Motel, where a young woman on the run arrives to stay the night - only to be alarmed by the owner's curious relationship with his domineering mother. Watch on NOW TV Read our full review Shutter Island (2010) Martin Scorsese's 1950s set psychodrama might not be one of his most iconic works, but its tremendous fun nonetheless, featuring an excellent lead performance from Leonardo DiCaprio, in what was his fourth collaboration with the director. It follows a US marshal, traumatised by his past, who heads to a hospital for the criminally insane on a remote island to investigate the disappearance of a woman who murdered her children - only for his suspicions to grow as he makes some alarming discoveries. Mark Ruffalo and Ben Kingsley star alongside DiCaprio. Watch on NOW TV Read our full review Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) One of the most iconic Westerns of all time - Paul Newman and Robert Redford star in this tale of two notorious outlaws who are forced to abandon their spate of bank and train robberies when a gang is formed to bring them to justice. Instead, the pair make plans to escape to a new life in Bolivia, but there are numerous obstacle along the way. The film was a massive box office success upon it 1969 release, and won a quarter of Oscars - for best screenplay, best cinematography, best original song and best original score - while it was also nominated for Best Picture, losing out to Midnight Cowboy. Watch on NOW TV Read our full review The Godfather (1972) When it comes to lists of the greatest films ever made, The Godfather always tends to feature prominently - and with good reason. Alongside it's equally excellent sequel, Francis Ford Coppola's masterpiece revolutionised the gangster genre - while also helping to make Al Pacino a household name. After the patriarch of the Corleone crime family is hospitalised, he entrusts control of his business to his three sons - the unpredictable Sonny, weak-willed Fredo, and Michael - the youngest brother, who reluctantly takes the reins but proves to be the most ruthless of them all. Watch on NOW TV Read our full review Sunset Boulevard (1950) A classic of Hollywood's Golden Age from legendary director Billy Wilder, this film explores the darker side of Hollywood, telling the story of former star Norma Desmond - who is desperate to relive her glory days at any cost. She persuades a struggling screenwriter to pen the script that she is sure will bring about her return to fame - only for him to deceive her, taking her for his lover and ensuring that the arrangement ends in a terrible tragedy. Gloria Swanson is exceptional in the lead role as Norma Desmond, while William Holden also gives a strong performance as writer Joe Gillis. Watch on NOW TV Read our full review Taxi Driver (1976) The combination of Martin Scorsese's exquisite direction, Paul Schrader's excellent script and Robert De Niro's outstanding lead performance result in one of the finest and most powerful films ever made. The film follows Vietnam veteran Travis Bickle, who searches for redemption by attempting to save the soul of a New York child prostitute played by Jodie Foster. As Bickle becomes more and more disillusioned by the corruption and violence around him, as he descends further and further into depravity - culminating in an act which remains shocking to this day. Watch on NOW TV Read our full review Halloween (1978) The legendary slasher film from John Carpenter has spawned loads of sequels, remakes and reboots - but none of them come close to recapturing the terror of the original. The films follows homicidal masked madman Michael Myers who goes on a killing spree in his home town shortly after he is released from a 15 year prison sentence. Although a psychiatrist is quickly on his trail in a bid to stop the loss of more lives, a shy teenage girl played by Jamie Lee Curtis is unaware of the grisly fate in store for her. Watch on NOW TV Read our full review Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) One of the highlights in Steven Spielberg's unrivalled filmography, Close Encounters finds its star Richard Dreyfuss on tremendous form in a sci-fi tale for the ages. It follows a man who sees a fleet of UFOs and develops an increasing fascination - driving his wife to despair. Meanwhile, another woman has a similar fixation after her son mysteriously vanishes, and a team of scientists investigates a series of strange events around the world. Eventually, they are all drawn to a mountain where aliens are about to make contact... Watch on NOW TV Read our full review Singin’ In The Rain (1952) Few films can bring about pure joy quite to the extent of Singin' In The Rain - not just one of the best movie musicals of all time but one of the best films full stop. The film tells of a silent-movie star's attempt to win the heart of an aspiring actress playing his romantic interest in a film- although she does not initially take kindly to this real-life romance. Gene Kelly is a delight as ever in the lead role, while co-stars Debbie Reynolds, Donald O'Connor, Jean Hagen and Millard Mitchell are equally deserving of praise. Watch on NOW TV Read our full review Fancy a TV show recommendation? See the best shows on NOW TV, or check out our TV Guide for more to watch. Slow streaming? Browse the best broadband deals to upgrade your set-up.
Enjoy time at home with the children with our pick of family films available to watch on Netflix
It's not easy to find a film that will tick boxes for every member of the family – so we've done the hard work for you. From 1990s classics like Matilda to modern efforts like Peter Rabbit, we've compiled the definitive list of the best all-ages films on Netflix. Each of these has just enough to keep the wee ones and grown-ups entertained. If you're making your way through the best children's films you can see how many you've already watched with the top 100 kids' movies scratch poster. Check out our list of the best family films on Netflix below. Labyrinth (1986) Parents of a certain age will have very fond memories of this Jim Henson fantasy adventure starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly. The Muppet team go into "Alice in Wonderland" territory as babysitter Connelly wishes her younger brother into the Goblin King's (Bowie) clutches and has only hours to rescue him from a castle maze. Full of strange creatures and catchy tunes, this is one you'll want your kids to love as much as you did... Watch on Netflix Read our full Labyrinth review Peter Rabbit (2017) Beatrix Potter's big-eared woodland hero bounds into the 21st century with a paw-thumping adventure owing as much to the knockabout cartoon mayhem of Tom and Jerry or Looney Tunes as it does the original stories written more than 100 years ago. James Corden lends his voice to the titular bunny. Watch on Netflix Read our full Peter Rabbit review Peter Rabbit 2 delayed until August due to coronavirus Mousehunt (1997) This 1997 slice of family entertainment is hard to beat (but perhaps not one for viewers with a fear of rodents!). Nathan Lane and Lee Evans play hapless brothers who inherit a valuable old house but find it is already occupied by a pesky rodent. There's plenty of slapstick, as the pair wreak havoc in their bid to rid themselves of the furry fiend, though adults may prefer Christopher Walken's hilarious turn as an exterminator. Watch on Netflix Read our full Mousehunt review My Neighbour Totoro - and more Studio Ghibli films If you’re stuck at home and looking for something to watch with the kids, then Netflix's range of Studio Ghibli movies are just the ticket. Arguably more pleasing to adults than some of the Disney offerings (yes, it’s possible sometimes), there are some many great stories to pick from. My Neighbour Totoro follows two girls and spirits in the forest near their home. If you’re looking for your next Studio Ghibli film there’s Spirited Away, which is probably more well known, Castle in the Sky, Kiki’s Delivery Service and Only Yesterday. Watch on Netflix Space Jam (1997) Aliens arrive on Earth to abduct the Looney Tunes gang as a new attraction at their failing intergalactic theme park. To keep their freedom, Bugs Bunny and friends challenge the invaders to a high-stakes basketball game, calling on Michael Jordan to save the day and send the extraterrestrials back where they came from... Watch on Netflix Read our full Space Jam review The BFG (2016) Roald Dahl's beloved book was brought to life once more in 2016, this time by directorial master Steven Spielberg. You'll already be familiar with the story: a little orphan (Ruby Barnhill) meets up with a kind giant (Mark Ruffalo) who's supposed to eat her but instead protects her from some truly horrible giants who terrorise them both. A wonderful fantasy adventure for the whole family. Watch on Netflix Read our full The BFG review Minions (2015) Love them or love them, Despicable Me's lovable yellow sidekicks get their own movie in this prequel that sends a trio of intrepid Minions to Sixties London in search of a truly evil leader. It's an enjoyable experience, especially for younger fans, aided in no small part by a killer classic rock soundtrack. Sandra Bullock, Pierre Coffin, Jon Hamm and Michael Keaton to the mayhem. Watch on Netflix Read our full Minions review Matilda (1996) Fans of Roald Dahl will likely cherish this Danny DeVito-directed story of the clever little girl who takes on her parents and a headmistress. Mara Wilson plays Matilda, packed off by her selfish parents to the prison-like Crunchem Hall School, where she meets her nemesis in the form of the vicious Miss Trunchball, played by Pam Ferris. Classic entertainment for children. Watch on Netflix Read our full Matilda review Free Willy (1993) This entertaining children's film about a boy and his whale knows exactly what strings to pull and when. Australian director Simon Wincer combines animatronic models with shots of Keiko, the real-life killer whale that plays Willy, with great skill. Watch on Netflix Read our full Free Willy review The Rugrats Movie (1998) Characters from Nickelodeon's popular TV series Rugrats get their own movie in this fun feature-length animated adventure. Whoopi Goldberg, Tim Curry and David Spade are among the celebrities lending their voices, as cute toddler Tommy Pickles persuades his pals to help him return his new-born brother, Dil, to the hospital so that he can have his parents all to himself again... Watch on Netflix Read our full the Rugrats Movie review Klaus (2019) A festive classic great at any time of the year. Jason Schwartzman, Rashida Jones (Parks and Recreation) and Oscar-winner JK Simmons provide the voices for this charming Christmas animation about Jesper, a spoilt young postman stationed above the Arctic circle. When Jesper meets a kindly old toy-maker, he starts to discover his seasonal cheer in this Netflix Original movie – one of the streaming service’s first forays into feature-length animation. Watch on Netflix Find out more about Klaus These 10 children’s colouring and activity sheets including popular children’s brands are free to print and colour
Delve into this impressive catalogue of Irish films – just in time for St Patrick's Day...
It's St Patrick's Day, and what better way to celebrate than by enjoying some of the best Irish films on Netflix. The streaming service has a lot to offer film fans from the archive, so we have collected together some of our favourites for your viewing pleasure... Sing Street (2016) In 1980s Dublin, Conor Lawler’s family is falling apart. He’s transferred to a tough new school where he forms a rock band to try and fit in, and win the heart of the mysterious Raphina. Watch on Netflix In Bruges (2008) Hit men Ray and Ken are sent to Belgium to hide out after a particularly difficult job. But the plan to lie low fails when they have some surreal and possibly life-changing experiences. Watch on Netflix The Secret Scripture (2016) Jim Sheridan’s film follows an elderly woman, who recalls how she ended up in a mental institution. Rooney Mara plays the young Roseanne, who was involved in a love triangle with a pilot and a priest. Watch on Netflix The Young Offenders (2016) Bicycle thieves Conor and Jock go on a mission to find drugs that have washed up on a beach. Their adventure is so hilarious that it has already inspired a spin-off TV series of the same name. Watch on Netflix Meet the cast of BBC comedy The Young Offenders Handsome Devil (2017) Ned Roche takes pride in being the outsider at his rugby-obsessed boarding school, but when newcomer and star rugby player Conor arrives, the pair strike up an unlikely friendship. Watch on Netflix The Siege of Jadotville (2016) This film is based on a true story about a group of Irish soldiers on a UN peacekeeping mission. The soldiers are besieged by overwhelming enemy forces while serving in the Congo. Watch on Netflix Evelyn (2002) Evelyn Doyle and her brothers are taken into care when their mother abandons the family. Her father fights the Irish courts for the right to raise his children as a single parent. Watch on Netflix The Magdalene Sisters (2002) This harrowing tale of three pregnant teenagers who are sent to a home for "fallen women" offers a heartbreaking glimpse at life in Ireland's Magdalene laundries in the 1960s. Watch on Netflix Hunger (2008) Michael Fassbender plays Republican hunger striker Bobby Sands in this real-life prison tale. Set in 1980s Northern Ireland, it tells one of the most famous stories of the Troubles. Watch on Netflix Gold (2014) Ray gets a nasty shock when he returns home after ten years to find his ex-wife and daughter are living with his former PE teacher, who he really didn't get along with at all. Watch on Netflix Ondine (2009) A fisherman’s life is changed forever when he catches a mysterious woman in his nets. His daughter genuinely believes the woman is a magical creature but is there more to the tale? Watch on Netflix Calvary (2014) Brendan Gleeson stars as a priest who receives a death threat from one of his parishioners. He must attempt to go about his daily life while trying to figure out who wants to kill him. Watch on Netflix
The top British movies available on the streaming service from the BBC and ITV
Although BritBox prides itself on its British TV boxsets, be it Broadchurch, Doctor Who or Happy Valley, the streaming service also gifts users a selection of British-made films. Although the current selection mainly consists of classic home-grown movies, BritBox’s film library is soon set to expand with some modern classics. That’s because in Spring 2020, Channel 4 will join forces with Britbox, making plenty of Film4 titles available to watch on the service. But until then, here are the best films you can currently watch on BritBox… Educating Rita In an Oscar-nominated performance, Julie Walters plays 26-year-old scouser Susan 'Rita' White, a hairdresser looking to break free of her monotonous routine. It’s this that leads her to take an Open University course and alcoholic Professor Bryant (Michael Caine). A critically acclaimed comedy-drama, it won both Caine and Walters BAFTAs for their roles. Carry On collection From Carry On Matron, to Carry On Camping and Carry On Up the Khyber, BritBox hosts the best instalments from the fantastically double-entendre-packed Carry On franchise. Watch a crass comedy masterclass from stars Sid James, Kenneth Williams, Barbara Windsor, Charles Hawtrey, Joan Sims and more. Porridge: the film When it first hit screens in 1979, this big-screen follow-up to the Ronnie Barker comedy was a big box office success. Set a year before the final episode of the TV sitcom, it follows prisoner Fletcher (Barker) as he organises a celebrity football match in HM Slade Prison – only to find out it’s merely a diversion for a huge prison escape. Oliver Twist Although the Charles Dickens tale has been adapted plenty of times through the decades, no other version comes with Alec Guinness' perfectly off-kilter Fagin. Shot in haunting black and white, this 1948 classic perfectly captures the grimy beauty of Charles Dickens' Victorian England. Without a Clue This British 1988 comedy pairs up Michael Caine and Ben Kingsley as Sherlock Holmes and Dr John Watson. But not as we know them. In this version, it’s Watson that’s the genius, hiring an actor (played by Caine) to double as the super sleuth.