9 best movies on BBC, ITV and more this Easter, including Benedict Cumberbatch’s “excellent” drama

It’s Easter weekend! If you’re not heading to the cinema to see new films like The Super Mario Bros. Movie and The Drama, or popular choices like Project Hail Mary, there are still lots of great movies available to watch on UK television this weekend.

Okay, so this weekend has a ton of good movie options! I can go for something classy like a period drama with Benedict Cumberbatch and Matthew Goode, or maybe something totally different like a classic action flick with Keanu Reeves. And if I’m in the mood for something heartwarming, there’s even a Pixar movie. Seriously, there’s something for everyone!

Okay, so I did a deep dive into what’s on TV this weekend – BBC One, Two, ITV, and Channel 4 – and found nine awesome movies worth checking out. If movies aren’t really your thing, though, I also found a list of the best TV shows you can totally binge-watch instead!

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

Saturday 4 April, 2.10pm on BBC One

At 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is the best-reviewed movie in the Shrek franchise. While that seems like a bold claim, seeing this wonderfully animated film quickly explains why.

I was so excited to see Puss in Boots back on screen, and this new movie didn’t disappoint! They brought back Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek, which was amazing, but they also added some incredible new faces like Olivia Colman and Florence Pugh. The story is really funny and creative, following Puss as he tries to get his lost lives back – it’s a total blast!

The Outfit

Saturday 4 April, 10.50pm on BBC One

Mark Rylance is a consistently reliable actor, and he delivers again in the 1950s thriller, The Outfit. He plays a skilled tailor who must use his wits to protect his family and get through a dangerous night when he finds himself caught up with a group of mobsters.

This thriller is made with a classic style and skill, the kind that reminds you of older movies. Even though it’s relatively recent, it feels like a timeless film.

Prey

Saturday 4 April, 11pm on Channel 4

We’ve said a lot about the Predator prequel, Prey, since it came out in 2022, and for good reason – it’s a fantastic sci-fi movie that breathed new life into the original series. We’re happy to praise it again!

This action film takes place in 1719 and follows Naru, a skilled young warrior played by Amber Midthunder, as she faces off against a Predator. While it seems like an uneven fight, the film cleverly reveals that the Predator is actually the one who’s unprepared for the challenge.

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

Sunday 5 April, 2.30pm on ITV1

The new movie Wonka was a fun return to Roald Dahl’s imaginative world, and it surprised many with how good it was. But nothing compares to the classic, and with Easter coming up, it’s the perfect time to enjoy it again.

With all that chocolate around, why not watch Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory this Easter? Let the amazing Gene Wilder transport you to a world of pure imagination – it’s a timeless classic!

Toy Story 3

Sunday 5 April, 5.10pm on Channel 4

If you’re looking for a classic, Toy Story 3 is playing Sunday afternoon, but be warned – it’s a bit of an emotional rollercoaster! While it has plenty of funny parts, most people still remember the really intense scene with the furnace.

If you’re a big fan, you can watch all three movies! The first two are already available on Channel 4’s streaming platform, and the third will be added after it airs on Sunday afternoon.

The Imitation Game

Sunday 5 April, 10pm on BBC Two

The excellent historical drama The Imitation Game tells the story of Alan Turing with a fantastic British cast, including Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Rory Kinnear, and Matthew Goode. The film is often as exciting as a suspenseful thriller.

Critics and audiences both love this film, with a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. One IMDb user praised it as “British cinema at its finest,” highlighting its mature and thought-provoking storytelling and proving there’s still a demand for dramas like this.

Hot Fuzz

Sunday 5 April, 10.15pm on ITV1

It’s hardly surprising to see Hot Fuzz on TV again this weekend – it seems like it’s on ITV almost every week! But that’s because it’s a genuinely great film and still enjoyable no matter how many times you’ve seen it.

As a huge fan, I think Hot Fuzz did for action movies what Shaun of the Dead did for horror – it totally nails the feel of those classic action films, but with a really clever and funny twist. It’s a loving tribute, but it’s not afraid to poke a little fun at the genre too, which is brilliant!

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes

Sunday 5 April, 10.30pm on BBC One

Get ready for more Hunger Games! Before the new movie, Sunrise on the Reaping, hits theaters this November, the prequel The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes will have its TV debut this Easter on BBC One. And if you’re in the mood for a marathon, all four original Hunger Games films are currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

This new movie tells the story of a young Coriolanus Snow (Tom Blyth) as he guides District 12’s Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler) through the 10th Hunger Games. It has all the elements you’d expect from a Hunger Games film, and even includes some surprising musical numbers that actually fit the story.

Speed

Sunday 5 April, midnight on Channel 4

If you’re feeling sleepy after a large Easter meal, don’t worry if this is a little delayed! But watching Speed again should definitely give you an energy boost to keep you going late into the night.

Okay, so if staying up super late for a midnight showing of ‘Speed’ with Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock just isn’t going to happen, don’t worry! You can actually watch it right now on Disney+ – total lifesaver!

The latest issue of Living Legends, a vibrant 100-page tribute to Harry Styles, is now available! You can find it at newsstands or purchase it online.

2026-04-04 09:20