Need a weekend watch? Here’s 5 great films on TV this weekend – including a “gripping” British thriller

The weekend is here, and with it are some great movies airing on TV that you should check out.

Moving from a captivating classic thriller featuring Cillian Murphy, you can explore a critically-acclaimed modern Korean mystery on platforms like BBC, ITV, and Channel 4. They boast an impressive collection of shows.

Digital Spy has rounded up five of the best films to catch over the next day or so.

The Magnificent Seven

1960’s timeless western masterpiece often hailed as one of the best ever created, boasts a star-studded lineup that includes legendary actor Steve McQueen.

In a fresh take, the film “The Magnificent Seven” is a modern adaptation of Akira Kurosawa’s timeless masterpiece “Seven Samurai“. Instead of samurais, this story centers around seven skilled gunmen who are contracted to shield a small Mexican village from marauding bandits.

After the initial thrilling film, there were several sequels, a TV show, and even a 2016 reboot featuring Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, and Ethan Hawke. But if you prefer watching the original, it’s airing on TV this coming Saturday afternoon.

Airing on Saturday at 1.55pm on BBC Two. Available after on BBC iPlayer.

Godzilla vs Kong

In this movie, starring Alexander Skarsgård and Millie Bobby Brown, we continue the storyline that began with 2019’s “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” and 2017’s “Kong: Skull Island”. The plot unfolds as the Monarch organization transports Kong from Skull Island to the Hollow Earth, leading these two legendary beasts to clash with each other.

The movie garnered mostly favorable reviews with a rating of 76% on Rotten Tomatoes, and it proved to be a successful box office draw even during the pandemic, ranking as the eighth highest-grossing film of 2021. The sequel titled “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” debuted last year in movie theaters.

Airing on Saturday at 7.30pm on ITV1. Available after on ITVX.

M3GAN

In the past three years, this science fiction horror movie has gained a devoted fanbase and achieved cult status. The story revolves around an intelligent AI doll who gains consciousness, becoming fiercely protective of its owner, leading to tragic outcomes involving violence.

Featuring child actress Violet McGraw from “The Haunting of Hill House” and Allison Williams known for her role in “Girls”, the film “M3GAN” earned an impressive $180 million on a budget of only $12 million. A sequel titled “M3GAN 2.0” is due this month, with a spin-off named “SOULM8TE” set to release next year as well.

Ahead of the follow-up, you can catch the original this weekend on TV.

Airing on Saturday at 9.35pm on Channel 4. Available after on Channel 4.

Decision to Leave

In the neo-noir film by Director Park Chan-wook (“Oldboy”), a detective finds himself developing affection for a woman under investigation for a homicide he’s working on; this woman is actually married to the deceased.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve got to say that Decision to Leave was a game-changer when it dropped, earning rave reviews from critics, and maintaining a staggering 94% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It even managed to snag two BAFTA nominations and the Best Director award at Cannes Film Festival. Tang Wei and Park Hae-il are the main players in this captivating production.

Airing on Sunday at 00.30am on BBC Two. Available after on BBC iPlayer.

28 Days Later

Before the upcoming sequel “28 Years Later” hits the screens, the original movie that sparked it all will be broadcast on BBC One this weekend. Originally released in 2003, this chilling thriller follows Cillian Murphy’s character Jim as he emerges from a coma to discover a society in chaos due to a furious virus.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’d put it like this: “I’m excited to share that the horror classic, 28 Days Later, is coming back with director Danny Boyle (the mastermind behind Trainspotting) and writer Alex Garland (known for Warfare) at the helm. Plus, it stars some heavyweights like Naomie Harris from James Bond’s world, Brendan Gleeson from The Banshees of Inisherin, and even Doctor Who’s own Christopher Eccleston.

Airing on Sunday at 10.30pm on BBC One. Available after on BBC iPlayer.

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2025-06-14 09:49