Cillian Murphy’s “astonishing” thriller and 6 other huge movies airing on the BBC this Christmas

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This Christmas, the BBC and iPlayer are offering a great escape from endless scrolling with seven big films, including Cillian Murphy’s Oscar-winning Oppenheimer. Sometimes, a bit of dramatic viewing is exactly what the festive season needs – so why not let the TV guide decide what to watch this December?

Okay, so I just saw Oppenheimer, and wow. It’s directed by Christopher Nolan, and Cillian Murphy absolutely nails the role of J. Robert Oppenheimer – the guy who basically created the atomic bomb back in the 1940s. The whole movie is set during World War II, and it really shows how that one weapon changed everything, and not in a good way. It’s heavy stuff, and the consequences are still felt today.

The 2023 film was a critical success, earning a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 513 reviews. It also swept the Academy Awards, winning seven Oscars, including top prizes for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor (awarded to Murphy).

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Digital Spy gave Oppenheimer a four-star review, calling it a remarkable technical achievement and a uniquely captivating movie. They noted that a three-hour film about the creator of the atomic bomb could easily have been dull, but this one wasn’t.

But with Nolan directing, the film becomes more than just a biography – it’s a thrilling story about a critical moment in history that could have led to global disaster, with consequences we still feel today.

This Christmas, you can watch Elvis, the 2022 film starring Austin Butler as the legendary Elvis Presley. The movie tells the story of his life, and also features Tom Hanks as his manager, Colonel Tom Parker. While Elvis and Parker reach incredible heights of success, the film shows how fame can come with a significant price.

Baz Luhrmann directed, wrote, and produced the film. Critics generally liked it, giving it a 77% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 400 reviews, and many praised Butler’s captivating performance as the lead.

As a huge Amy Winehouse fan, I’m so excited to hear about another movie about her life! This December, Marisa Abela is going to play Amy in a new biopic called Back to Black, and from what I’ve heard, it’s going to be a really emotional look at her journey – from becoming famous to dealing with tough relationships and, sadly, her struggles with addiction. It sounds like it’ll cover everything, right up to her tragic passing.

I was really looking forward to Back to Black, especially with Jack O’Connell, Eddie Marsan, and Lesley Manville in the cast, but honestly, it’s not getting great reviews. Right now, it’s sitting at only 35% on Rotten Tomatoes after 184 reviews, which is a bit of a letdown.

I’m so excited about Puss in Boots: The Last Wish! It’s an animated movie that both kids and adults can enjoy. It’s great to see Puss, Shrek’s hilarious friend, get another chance to be the star in his own adventure!

Antonio Banderas is back as the voice of Puss in Boots, a daring cat on a mission to get back eight of his nine lives. While searching for a magical Wishing Star, Puss learns what’s really important in life.

The new Puss in Boots: The Last Wish film shows that people are still very interested in the Shrek series, which has been popular since 2001. The film has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, earning a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes from 195 critics. Empire Magazine praised its stylish animation, clever humor, and surprisingly meaningful story.

Coming soon to BBC is the animated sequel Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, featuring the voices of Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Brian Tyree Henry, Lauren Vélez, Jake Johnson, and Daniel Kaluuya.

The 2023 film features Spider-Man teaming up with Spider-People from across the multiverse to protect their homes.

The original Spider-Man movie still has the highest rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but its sequel is a close second with a 95% score based on 397 critic reviews. Now is a great time to watch or re-watch these films before the next installment, Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, comes out in theaters.

This Christmas, you can also watch the World War II film Operation Mincemeat. The movie, which is based on a true story, follows two British intelligence officers, Ewen Montagu (played by Colin Firth) and Charles Cholmondeley (Matthew Macfadyen), as they come up with a clever scheme to mislead the Nazis with false information.

The film Operation Mincemeat, based on Ben Macintyre’s book, has received positive reviews, earning an 83% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 115 reviews. The Hollywood Reporter praised it as a well-made film with a strong cast, blending suspense with emotional depth.

No Christmas season is complete without a little friendly rivalry, and the 2024 film Challengers delivers just that. The movie centers on Tashi Duncan (Zendaya), a once-promising tennis player who attempts to help her husband, Art (Mike Faist), regain his competitive edge.

Tensions rise when Art comes up against Patrick (Josh O’Connor), his old best friend and Tashi’s ex.

Critics generally loved the movie, giving it an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 380 reviews. Digital Spy called it a thrilling and intense film that examines the connections between power, sex, desire, and ruthless ambition.

The latest issue of Living Legends is now available! You can purchase Ariana & Witches at all good newsagents or online for only £8.99.

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2025-11-29 03:20