Need a weekend watch? Here’s 5 great movies on TV – including “thrilling ride” British action film

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If you’re searching for an excellent show or movie to stream this weekend, rest assured that traditional broadcast channels have got you sorted.

These channels – the BBC, ITV, and Channel 4 – offer a wide range of entertainment, including exhilarating British action movies, intellectually stimulating dystopian dramas, and epic stories that delve into history.

Here, Digital Spy has rounded up five of the best to keep an eye out for.

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Ambulance

In 2022, the action-packed heist movie directed by Michael Bay features Jake Gyllenhaal, previously seen in Road House, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II from Aquaman. Their characters are brothers who have grown up together, and after a botched bank robbery, they seize an ambulance with two individuals inside held captive.

The ambulance film garnered a generally positive response, earning a 67% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, although it was particularly well-liked by audiences with an 87% score. The Times commented that, while it may not be comparable to “Citizen Kane,” it represents the classic action style of Michael Bay, promising a thrilling experience for viewers.

In addition to the lead actors, this film showcases acting by Eiza González from “The Three-Body Problem” and Jackson White of “Tell Me Lies.

Airing Saturday on Channel 4 at 10.10pm. Available on Channel 4 afterwards.

Back to the Future Part II

In the sequel to the renowned sci-fi movie, Marty McFly (portrayed by Michael J. Fox) and Dr. Emmett Brown (Christopher Lloyd) journey through time from the 1980s era to the year 2015.

Yet, if villain Biff Tannen (Thomas F Wilson) manages to seize the DeLorean and manipulate history into a bleak future where he thrives, the pair are compelled to journey back to 1955 to set things straight again.

Initially, it wasn’t the highest-rated film in the series according to Rotten Tomatoes (with a rating of 64%), but its standing has grown more favorable with passing time.

Airing Saturday on BBC One at 3.45pm. Available on BBC iPlayer afterwards.

Spectre

In his fourth portrayal of James Bond, Daniel Craig encounters the long-standing adversary face-to-face, as he delves into the enigmatic and malevolent group known as SPECTRE during an investigation.

In addition to Oscar-winning actor Christoph Waltz, Léa Seydoux from the film Blue is the Warmest Colour, and Marvel’s Dave Bautista, Spectre was praised as an exhilarating journey by Solzy at the Movies. New York Magazine anticipates that it will leave viewers feeling more shaken than stirred.

The follow-up didn’t receive as much positive criticism as its previous installment, Skyfall (which boasts a 92% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes compared to Spectre’s 63%), but Craig’s second-to-last outing as James Bond is still worth watching.

Airing Saturday on ITV1 at 8.30pm. Available on ITVX afterwards.

Gladiator

Known as a contemporary masterpiece, this 2000 film by Ridley Scott, titled “Gladiator,” stars Russell Crowe as Maximus Decimus Meridius, a former Roman general. After being tricked into slavery, he rises through the ranks to become a gladiator. His ultimate goal is to avenge the betrayal and murder of his own father, carried out by Commodus, the son of the deceased Emperor.

Besides becoming famous for memorable phrases like: “I am Maximus Decimus Meridius…”, Gladiator also proved to be a blockbuster success at the box office, winning five Oscars including Best Actor for Crowe. It was hailed as an “outstanding visual spectacle and top-notch entertainment” by Cinegarage.

Last year saw the release of a follow-up film featuring Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington. However, unlike its predecessor that boasted an impressive 80% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this new installment received a slightly lower score of 70%.

Airing Saturday on BBC One at 10.20pm. Available on BBC iPlayer afterwards.

Children of Men

2006’s dystopian film, titled thusly, depicts a future United Kingdom where widespread infertility has caused societal breakdown. A government official named Theo Faron (portrayed by Clive Owen) assists a refugee called Kee (played by Clare-Hope Ashitey), who carries a significant secret.

According to the 1992 novel “The Children of Men” by PD James, the Alfonso Cuarón movie is now widely considered a contemporary masterpiece. It boasts a remarkable 92% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Additionally, it boasts a broad ensemble featuring the likes of Julianne Moore, Michael Caine, Pam Ferris, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Charlie Hunnam.

Airing Sunday on BBC Two at 10pm. Available on BBC iPlayer afterwards.

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2025-08-02 09:49