Need a weekend watch? Here’s 5 great movies on TV – including an “explosively tense” British thriller
Over the weekend, I can’t wait to catch some fantastic films gracing our screens on television!
Over the coming days, BBC, ITV, and Channel 4 are offering a wealth of choices, ranging from a gripping, tension-filled British thriller featuring Benedict Cumberbatch to a highly praised modern adaptation of a timeless novel.
Here are five of the best to watch out for.
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Little Women (2019)
In 2019, I was captivated by Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women,” starring the phenomenal Saoirse Ronan and Florence Pugh. Their Oscar-nominated performances truly made this film a standout!
The film boasts an almost flawless 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics collectively agreeing that it demonstrates certain tales have an enduring quality.
In the heart of the 19th century, I find myself immersed in a tale that traces the journey of four sisters navigating life’s twists and turns, teetering on the brink of womanhood. Star-studded cast includes Emma Watson, Timothée Chalamet, Laura Dern, Bob Odenkirk, and none other than the legendary Meryl Streep.
Airing on Saturday at 3pm on Channel 4. Available on Channel 4 afterwards.
A Man Called Otto
In 2022, I found myself immersed in a heartwarming adaptation of the Swedish film “A Man Called Ove,” starring none other than the legendary Tom Hanks. As a gamer, I often find solace in fictional worlds, but this story hit closer to home – it told the tale of a man, once brimming with life, now reduced to a grumpy shell following the loss of his beloved wife.
But fate has a funny way of intervening, and things began to shift when a fresh-faced neighbor moved in next door. This unexpected friendship, along with an unforeseen feline companion that snuck its way into his heart, slowly but surely breathed new life into our grumpy protagonist.
In addition, Hanks’s real-life son portrays Otto’s younger self in the movie “A Man Called Otto.” This film received a mixed response from critics upon its cinema release, but ABC News recommended that audiences prepare for an emotional experience, as they might be moved traditionally – so grab your tissues.
Airing on Saturday at 9pm on Channel 4. Available on Channel 4 afterwards.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
In this timeless Western, Paul Newman and Robert Redford play the main characters, the notorious outlaws whose names grace the title. Their lives take an unexpected turn when a botched train heist forces them to go into hiding.
1969 marked the release of a film that won four Oscars, with its screenplay being among the honored categories. Over the years, it’s been recognized as one of the greatest movies ever made, and it even lends its name to the Sundance Film Festival – an event where Robert Redford has significantly contributed behind the scenes.
If you want to catch this fun adventure this Sunday, it is the perfect afternoon treat.
Airing on Sunday at 3.10pm on BBC Two. Available on BBC iPlayer afterwards.
The Courier
In this movie, Benedict Cumberbatch portrays the true-life character Greville Wynne, who was enlisted by British intelligence to function as a messenger between a Russian spy and their agency during the peak of the Cold War in the 1960s.
This 2020 film features actors such as Superman’s Rachel Brosnahan and Women Talking’s Jessie Buckley in its cast. The Spectator magazine described it as an exceptionally engaging, intensely thrilling tale that revolves around the bond formed between two individuals from opposing factions. On Rotten Tomatoes, it currently boasts a remarkable 85% fresh rating.
One to definitely catch when it airs on Sunday evening.
Airing on Sunday at 10pm on BBC Two. Available on BBC iPlayer afterwards.
Jaws
Reminders of John Williams’ haunting melodies are hard to ignore. If you’d like to experience the spine-tingling suspense of the iconic shark film once more, you’ve got a chance this coming Sunday night.
The movie titled “Jaws” is renowned for initiating the concept of the summer blockbuster and propelling Steven Spielberg into stardom. It narrates an intriguing story about a police chief, a marine biologist, and a shark hunter who join forces to eliminate a menacing great white shark that poses a threat to swimmers on a New England coastline.
The movie featured actors like Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, and Richard Dreyfuss. This film gave birth to an entire series, but unfortunately, none of the subsequent films could match the brilliance of the 1975 original.
Airing on Sunday at 10.45pm on ITV1. Available on ITVX afterwards.
The latest print issue from Digital Spy, featuring the Oasis – Live in ’25’ special, is available for purchase! Grab a copy at your local newsstand or buy it online, currently selling for only £8.99.
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2025-07-12 09:49