Disney Plus is best-known for its most obvious franchises and brands, from Disney animation to Pixar, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe to Star Wars.
In truth, while it is absolutely the go-to destination to stream those films, the platform also includes some unique one-off films, and some series you may associate less with the house of the mouse - including the Planet of the Apes and Alien franchises.
With Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes currently doing good numbers at the box office, and Alien: Romulus on the way, now could be the perfect opportunity for a binge watch of those films.
Meanwhile, fans of The Beatles will be delighted to know that they can now catch a restored version of the 1970 documentary film Let It Be, just over two years after Peter Jackson released his own acclaimed three-part docuseries Get Back using footage originally shot for that film.
Other one-off, acclaimed films which are available include multi-Oscar-winner Poor Things, as well as All of Us Strangers, the acclaimed drama starring Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal.
Other original films to have been added to the library in recent months include The Creator, the final Indiana Jones movie, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Poirot mystery A Haunting in Venice, and even smaller films like Rye Lane.
Hayden Christensen in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones.
Fortunately, you don’t need to fly to a galaxy far, far away to see the Star Wars saga. Well, the majority of it, anyway.
Here’s what’s on offer:
Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope
Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Star Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens
Star Wars: Episode VIII: The Last Jedi
Star Wars: Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Solo: A Star Wars Story
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Empire of Dreams: The Story of The Star Wars Trilogy
If you're wondering what order to watch them in - because let's face it, it can be controversial - we have a guide to how to watch Star Wars in order.
Pixar movies on Disney Plus UK
Turning Red. Pixar
Yes, Disney also owns Pixar, the folks behind the likes of Toy Story and Inside Out. So if you need a laugh, go for Ratatouille; if you need a cry, go for Toy Story 3 (we're not over that heartbreaking burner scene yet); and if you need a romance, WALL-E is your go-to. Here are the Pixar options on Disney Plus UK.
Sci-fi horror thriller starring Sigourney Weaver. On its way back to Earth at the end of a routine voyage, the spacecraft Nostromo picks up signals from a nearby planet. When three of the crew go to investigate, one of them is attacked by a mysterious creature that emerges from a repository of eggs.
Why watch Alien?:
The Alien franchise has been a somewhat bumpy one, with some fantastic instalments mixed in with substantially lesser ones. However, with a new film, Alien: Romulus, on the way, now could be the perfect time to return to Ridley Scott’s original horror/sci-fi masterpiece.
A textbook example of how effective slow-build horror can be, the film introduces us to the crew of the claustrophobic Nostromo before focusing in on Sigourney Weaver’s iconic protagonist Ripley. Featuring one of the most influential alien designs, and one of the most influential sequences in the horror genre in the chest-burster, it’s a clear example of a horror movie which has remained truly frightening over time, and a sci-fi which stands up in spite of technological advancements.
The full list of Alien movies available to stream now includes:
Available for the first time in over 50 years, 'Let It Be' is Director Michael Lindsay-Hogg's original 1970 film about The Beatles. First released in May 1970 amidst the swirl of The Beatles' breakup, 'Let It Be' now takes its rightful place in the band's history. Once viewed through a darker lens, the film is now brought to light through its restoration and the context of revelations brought forth in Peter Jackson's multiple Emmy Award®-winning docuseries, The Beatles: Get Back
Why watch Let It Be?:
Disney Plus has become something of a home for The Beatles in recent years – thanks in large part to the release of Peter Jackson’s superb three-part documentary Get Back at the tail end of 2021. Well, now there’s more cause for fans of the Fab Four to celebrate, thanks to a newly restored version of the 1970 film from which the footage for that aforementioned docuseries was drawn.
Let It Be follows the band as they rehearse and record tracks for the titular album, which would become their last. Meanwhile, it also includes footage of the legendary rooftop concert and offers more fascinating insights into the creative process of Paul, John, George and Ringo as they reached the end of their collaboration – and sometimes the end of their patience with each other. Originally directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg, Jackson was instrumental in restoring the footage and ensuring that it can now be seen by a wide audience. – Patrick Cremona
Sci-fi adventure starring Gary Oldman, Jason Clarke and Andy Serkis. With most of the human population wiped out, the world is now ruled by super-intelligent apes. But their chimp leader Caesar finds his loyalties divided when a small band of human survivors strike back.
Why watch Dawn of the Planet of the Apes?:
With the Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes now playing in UK cinema, Disney Plus has the full collection of previous Planet of the Apes movies available to stream – and for our money Dawn is the cream of the crop. Directed by The Batman’s Matt Reeves and co-starring Jason Clarke and Gary Oldman, this middle chapter in the recent prequel trilogy features a storming motion-capture performance from Andy Serkis, whose Caesar solidifies himself as one of the most complex and well-drawn blockbuster heroes of the 2010s.
The story is a succinct yet impactful tale of revenge and tribalism, which is excellently followed up on in sequel War for the Planet of the Apes. As per usual the apes are the stars of the show, and the CGI in this one is truly breathtaking – you can watch every emotions cross the apes faces in a matter of seconds. It’s startling achievement which makes the film a visual treat.
Plus it has chimps on horseback with guns – what more could you ask for?
The full list of Apes movies available to stream now includes:
Fortysomething screenwriter Adam wrestles with a creative block as he attempts to channel childhood memories into words on his laptop screen. Out of curiosity, he visits his childhood home in Sanderstead and discovers the ghosts of his parents linger at the property. Drama with Andrew Scott, Paul Mescal, Jamie Bell and Claire Foy
Why watch All of Us Strangers?:
A major contender at the 2024 BAFTAs and notably snubbed at the Oscars, All of Us Strangers entranced both critics and viewers alike when it first debuted. Ultimately a meditation on grief and loneliness, don’t be going into it without expecting to shed a tear of two (or, you know, a bucket).
Paul Mescal, Claire Foy and Jamie Bell all give outstanding supporting performances, but really this is a showcase for Andrew Scott, and he does not disappoint. The film follows his character Adam as he begins a new romance with a man he meets in his apartment block, Harry, while he also delves into a project writing about his parents that he lost at a young age. When he revisits his old family home, he finds them both there waiting for him, as he is repeatedly able to communicate with them just as they were, filling them in on his life thus far.
It’s a heady concept and one which might not completely come together for everyone – a final twist may be a step too far for some. However, as a moving and poetic visual experience, there are few others that have come close to matching it in recent times.
Oscar-nominated drama telling the odd tale of Emma Stone's Bella Baxter, a woman brought back to life by crazed scientist Willem Dafoe
Why watch Poor Things?:
Yorgos Lanthimos’s superb adaptation of Alasdair Gray’s novel was one of the most successful films at the 2024 Academy Awards, with Emma Stone’s second Best Actress win one of four Oscars the film picked up on the night – behind only the dominant Oppenheimer.
The surreal film sees Stone take on the role of a lifetime as Bella Baxter, a woman brought back from the dead in an experiment by eccentric Scottish scientist Godwin Baxter. As she learns to make use of her new brain, she embarks on an unconventional voyage of self-discovery that brings her into contact with a number of odious men, including Mark Ruffalo’s caddish lawyer Duncan Wedderburn.
There are laughs aplenty to be had in Bella’s madcap adventure, but despite its offbeat and often uproarious tone the film also engages with serious themes. Plus the exceptional, Oscar-winning production design and costuming ensures watching the film is a whimsical and delightful experience.
In gentrified 1950s New York, tensions between feuding gangs are inflamed when Jets co-founder Tony, recently released from prison after almost beating a boy to death, defies best friend Riff and falls head over heels in love with Maria, baby sister of Sharks leader Bernardo. Romance blossoms as Riff and Bernardo convene their tribes for a rumble to decide whether Americans or Puerto Ricans rule the roost.
Why watch West Side Story?:
Remaking a classic is always a slightly risky task, but if there’s one person you’d trust to do it, it would probably be Steven Spielberg. And even if his Oscar-nominated reimagining of the iconic musical West Side Story doesn’t quite top the original, it certainly gets very close – a stunningly entertaining spectacle complete with some of the best choreography of the 21st century.
As ever, the film tells the Romeo & Juliet-inspired tale of Tony and Maria – star-crossed lovers with links to rival New York gangs – and it’s a testament to the movie’s strength that you feel every bit of the tragedy even if you know exactly what’s coming. Rachel Zegler makes for an excellent Maria, but it’s arguably two of the film’s supporting cast members who most excel: Mike Faist as Riff and Ariana DeBose as Anita, with the latter’s performance in the standout musical number America particularly noteworthy.
After their powers become entangled, Carol Danvers, Monica Rambeau and Kamala Khan work together to save the universe. Comic-book adventure, with Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, Iman Vellani and Zawe Ashton
Why watch The Marvels?:
Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris and Iman Vellani return as their respective characters from the MCU in this team-up film, which first released in cinemas last year.
Also featuring Samuel L Jackson, back as Nick Fury, and Zawe Ashton as a brand-new villain, it’s a terrific cast that has been assembled here, and Nia DaCosta’s film is at its best in their dynamics, when they are playing off one another.
It may not have been the film to bring Marvel back into favour, or a slam dunk with fans, but if you’re looking for a quick burst of action, sci-fi adventure, with some fun MCU references to boot, then it’s worth checking out.
Grief-stricken ex-Special Forces operative Joshua hopes to end the war between humans and a rogue artificial intelligence by locating and destroying the architect of the enemy machines. Dystopian sci-fi action thriller starring John David Washington
Why watch The Creator?:
Last year’s The Creator, an original sci-fi film from Rogue One director Gareth Edwards, proved somewhat divisive critically and with audiences, but there’s one thing which seemed to unite most viewers – it was a staggering visual achievement on the budget it was assigned.
Costing reportedly just $80 million dollars, it put plenty of films with budgets three times the size to shame, while also featuring some strong performances from leads John David Washington, Gemma Chan and Ken Watanabe.
It also saw an incredible breakout performance from young star Madeleine Yuna Voyles, and examined some timely themes around the development of artificial intelligence, the brutality of war and military overreach. It may not be your favourite film of the year, but it’s well worth your time, if only to champion original mid-budget filmmaking.
Archaeologist Indiana Jones races against time to retrieve a legendary dial that can change the course of history. Accompanied by his goddaughter, he soon finds himself squaring off against Jürgen Voller, a former Nazi who works for NASA. Action adventure, starring Harrison Ford, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Antonio Banderas and Mads Mikkelsen
Why watch Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny?:
The most recent and final Indiana Jones film may not have been met with the same acclaim as the original trilogy – in fact, some fans didn’t take to it at all.
However, for most, it was seen as an improvement on the previous outing, Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, and a fitting post-script and farewell to Harrison Ford’s adventurer. The film features some thrilling flashbacks to Indy’s younger days, while also featuring a strong supporting cast including Mads Mikkelsen, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Boyd Holbrook.
In reality though, it’s truly all about Ford, and the weight the film affords the character in his advanced age, with Indy emotionally coming to terms with his ageing body and life-regrets. Meanwhile, The rest of the Indiana Jones film series is also available on Disney Plus.
A game show-obsessed woman's path to enlightenment demands answers to simple questions in a rollicking comedy written by Jen D'Angelo and directed by Jessica Yu. Mild-mannered accounting services worker Anne Yum (Awkwafina) receives unsettling news that her mother has disappeared from her care home. Moreover, the missing matriarch has spent 80,000 dollars feeding a gambling habit and an angry creditor is holding Anne's beloved dog hostage as collateral until the arrears are settled. Anne's extrovert sister Jenny (Sandra Oh) conceives a perfect plan to raise the cash: playing for the jackpot on her favourite TV show, Can't Beat The Quiz hosted by the ebullient Terry McTeer (Will Ferrell). The siblings embark on a madcap cross-country odyssey to transform shrinking violet Anne into a gameshow contender and defeat slippery reigning champion Ron Heacock (Jason Schwartzman)
Why watch Quiz Lady?:
Awkwafina and Sandra Oh prove a match made in comedy heaven in this sweet romp from director Jessica Yu. Anxious accountant Anne (Awkwafina) is reunited with her scatty older sister Jenny (Oh) after their gambling addict mother absconds from a nursing home. When Jenny sneakily films Anne excelling at answering questions that come up on her favourite TV quiz show, the video goes viral and Anne is offered the chance to appear on the show alongside her quiz-master idol (a genial Will Ferrell).
The film is sharply scripted by Jen D’Angelo, who deftly balances the heart and humour of the story, and fleshes out the sisters’ relationship well.
Hercule Poirot attends a seance in post-Second World War Venice and he investigates the murder of one of the guests. Agatha Christie mystery directed by and starring Kenneth Branagh
Why watch A Haunting in Venice?:
Kenneth Branagh has now directed three Poirot films, all with himself in the central role, and this third is perhaps the best of the bunch. By straying far from the original source material, Agatha Christie’s novel Hallowe’en Party, Branagh creates something which is daring, surprising and tonally different from anything which has come before.
Taking on elements of the horror genre, the film sees Poirot investigating a murder at a seance in Venice, with many of the guests believing the death to have been caused by the supernatural. Once again, Branagh has assembled an impressive cast, with Tina Fey, Michelle Yeoh and Jamie Dornan all bringing their A game.
Headstrong mermaid Ariel is obsessed with humankind and secretly collects discarded "thingamabobs" in direct violation of orders from her father King Triton. During a violent storm, a ship commanded by Prince Eric runs aground and Ariel rescues him from a watery grave. Live-action adaptation of 1989 animated classic, with Halle Bailey
Why watch The Little Mermaid?:
Making a big splash in Disney’s centenary year, The Little Mermaid is one of the studio’s more successful live-action makeovers of their animated back catalogue. Adapted from Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, it’s the story of mermaid Ariel (Halle Bailey), who makes a pact with sea witch Ursula (Melissa McCarthy) become human so she can win the heart of Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King).
The film is surprisingly faithful to the original 1989 classic, and the musical routines to Under the Sea and Kiss the Girl are eye-poppingly staged. Bailey radiates charisma in the lead and Daveed Diggs and Awkwafina provide comedy gold as the voices of crabby crustacean Sebastian and dimwitted gannet Scuttle.
Still reeling from the loss of Gamora, Peter Quill rallies his team to defend the universe and one of their own - a mission that could mean the end of the Guardians if not successful. Sci-fi comedy, starring Chris Pratt
Why watch Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3?:
Marvel’s quirky space-rangers get a last hurrah in this enjoyable intergalactic adventure. After suffering an attack from the gold-skinned Adam Warlock (Will Poulter), Star-Lord (Chris Pratt) seeks help for a stricken crew member, bringing the team into the orbit of a mad scientist. Director James Gunn doesn’t miss a beat when it comes to filling the screen with weird aliens or the soundtrack with rock classics, but he also over-eggs the sentiment with animals and kids in peril. Nonetheless, this is unabashed fun, and wraps up the Guardians’ saga with a satisfying flourish.
Mickey and Pete go head to head in a variety of sporting events (running, rowing, vaulting and a wild bicycle race finale), as the entire barnyard (including Minnie and Horace Horsecollar) turns out to cheer them on. Pete resorts to cheating but Mickey wins in the end.
Why watch Disney Classic Shorts?:
To mark the centenary of the Walt Disney Animation Studios, Disney Plus continues to restore classic shorts. They include some genuine landmarks: Barnyard Olympics is an inventive tie-in with the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics, as Mickey takes on all comers in all sports. Meanwhile, Donald’s Nephews, from 1938, features the first appearance of Huey, Dewey and Louie, who became Disney mainstays through to Duck Tales and beyond. One year later came Goofy and Wilbur, the former’s first solo film as he goes fishing with his pet grasshopper.
Look out, too, for The Flying Jalopy, Donald’s Cousin Gus and Mickey’s Steam Roller.
"Avatar: The Way of Water" reaches new heights and explores undiscovered depths as James Cameron returns to the world of Pandora in this emotionally-packed action adventure. Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, "Avatar: The Way of Water" launches the story of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri, and their kids), the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure. All of this takes place against the backdrop of the breathtaking seascapes of Pandora, where audiences are introduced to new Na'vi cultures and a range of exotic sea creatures. Nominated for numerous Academy Awards® including Best Picture, the James Cameron-directed film became the third highest-grossing box office film of all-time and set a new benchmark for visual effects. Produced by Cameron and his longtime partner Jon Landau, the Lightstorm Entertainment production stars Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Cliff Curtis and Kate Winslet. Joining the illustrious adult cast are talented newcomers Britain Dalton, Jamie Flatters, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, Bailey Bass and Jack Champion. Some flashing lights sequences or patterns may affect photosensitive viewers.
Why watch Avatar: the Way of Water?:
Those clamouring for a return to the moon world of Pandora are well served by James Cameron’s visually stunning sequel to his own 2009 sci-fi blockbuster. Set years after the events of Avatar, the film picks up with chieftain Jake (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña) as they raise their young family. When humans return, determined to claim the moon for mankind, Jake and his clan flee to the sanctuary of an ocean tribe, where they prepare for all-out war.
The film is a non-stop feast for the eyes, and while the story occasionally meanders, the world of Pandora remains a treat.
Eva Longoria makes her feature film directorial debut with an inspirational drama based on disputed claims about the creation of one of America's most popular snacks. In the mid-1970s. Richard Montanez (Jesse Garcia) works as a cleaner in California for Frito Lay, the snack giant responsible for popular brands including Cheetos and Doritos. Drawing on his Mexican American heritage, Montanez suggests a spicy twist to one of the company's most popular lines, giving birth to Flamin' Hot Cheetos. The incendiary new flavour becomes a pop culture phenomenon around the world
Why watch Flamin' Hot?:
The story of how a janitor brought spice to the snack world is recounted in this film from actor-turned-director Eva Longoria (Desperate Housewives). Jesse Garcia plays Richard Montañez, the Mexican-American businessman who claims to have invented Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Encouraged by his wife Judy (Annie Gonzalez), Montañez leaves behind a criminal life when he secures a bottom-rung job at Frito-Lay in California. After impressing one of the factory’s engineers with his aptitude and ambition, he reaches out to the company’s CEO (Tony Shalhoub) with his revolutionary idea.
Garcia gives a heartfelt performance, and Longoria paints a passionate picture of cultural pride that features plenty of Latino flavour.
Scott Lang and Hope Van Dyne aka Ant-Man and Wasp are sucked into the Quantum Realm by a "sub-atomic Hubble telescope" designed by Scott's spunky 18-year-old daughter Cassie. The teenager and Hope's parents Hank and Janet are also wrenched from our reality into a fantastical hidden universe where Kang the Conqueror patiently awaits the return of a duplicitous old friend. Action adventure comedy, starring Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly
Why watch Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania?:
Paul Rudd returns as the Avengers’ insect-sized superhero in his third — and best — solo outing. Rudd’s Scott Lang is pinged into the subatomic “Quantum Realm” along with his techie daughter (Kathryn Newton), his crime-fighting partner the Wasp (Evangeline Lilly), and her scientist parents (Michael Douglas and Michelle Pfeiffer). What follows is a rollicking Star Wars-inspired adventure with all manner of freaky aliens and psychedelic visuals. This is tremendous fun, and a great way to kick off the next phase of Marvel’s ever-more-epic cinematic saga.
Dom is devastated when his long-term partner Gia breaks up with him. By chance, he connects with dauntless free spirit Yas, who is also facing relationship woes connected to her ex-boyfriend Jules. During a serendipitous day, Dom and Yas share their feelings and gain a fresh perspective
Why watch Rye Lane?:
This sparky British comedy follows two 20-something strangers as they spend a day together on the streets of south London. Yas (Vivian Oparah) is a garrulous, wannabe costumer designer, while Dom (David Jonsson) is an awkward accountant who’s still not over his ex. After they randomly meet in a unisex toilet, the pair bond over their respective romantic disasters, and Yas comes to Dom’s rescue when she accompanies him to a meet-up with his ex-girlfriend (Karene Peter) and her new partner (Benjamin Sarpong-Broni).
What follows is a rollercoaster of confession and emotion, interspersed with mischievous high-jinks, and lovable, star-making turns from Oparah and Jonsson.
David Lowery directs a live-action reimagining of JM Barrie's novel and the 1953 Disney animation from his own script co-written by Toby Halbrooks. Spirited teenager Wendy Darling (Ever Anderson) confides to her mother (Molly Parker) that she never wants to grow up. Tinker Bell (Yara Shahidi) sprinkles Wendy with pixie dust and the girl takes flight with brothers John (Joshua Pickering) and Michael (Jacobi Jupe) on a magical adventure to Neverland in the company of Peter Pan (Alexander Molony). Together they cross swords with evil pirate Captain Hook (Jude Law).
Why watch Peter Pan & Wendy?:
Writer/director David Lowery previously helmed the terrific Pete’s Dragon remake in 2016, and here he reimagines another Disney film, with charming results. The familiar story follows Wendy Darling (Ever Anderson) and her brothers as Peter Pan (Alexander Molony) leads them on a swashbuckling escapade to Neverland, where they battle formidable baddie Captain Hook (Jude Law).
Although not as consistently enchanting as Lowery’s best work, the film sees him injecting a real sense of wonder into the adventure, something that’s sorely lacking in some of Disney’s more mechanical live-action remakes.
December 1980, and in a Margate cinema, troubled duty manager Hilary Small is shaken out of her rut by a new black member of staff called Stephen. He introduces her to two-tone music and shares his passion for architecture, but racist thugs soon threaten their happiness. Writer/director Sam Mendes's drama, starring Olivia Colman, Micheal Ward, Colin Firth, Toby Jones and Tom Brooke
Why watch Empire of Light?:
Sam Mendes’s ambitious first film as solo writer and director is informed by memories of his mother’s mental illness. Taking a personal rather than an autobiographical approach, he tells the story of Hilary (Olivia Colman), the duty manager of a fictional seaside cinema in the early 1980s. Numbed by the lithium she has been prescribed as part of her recovery from a breakdown, Hilary leads an isolated but otherwise stable life. However, when romance with a younger black colleague (played with warmth and sensitivity by Micheal Ward) opens up her world, she secretly comes off her medication.
Mendes waxes lyrical about the importance of cinema, and Empire of Light feels like it comes straight from the film-maker’s heart, direct to ours. Which, for a film about human connection, is perfect.
Still mourning the loss of their king T'Challa, the nation of Wakanda is pitted against intervening world powers as they are introduced to a new threat who goes by the name Namor. Marvel Studios' superhero sequel, starring Letitia Wright, Tenoch Huerta, Angela Bassett and Danai Gurira
Why watch Black Panther: Wakanda Forever?:
There’s no doubt that last year’s Black Panther sequel was the talk of the town, not least because it so beautifully paid tribute to former leading star Chadwick Boseman.
While this movie is certainly a tear-jerker, it also thoughtfully moves the story on and introduces new characters like Namor (played by Tenoch Huerta) and sees other characters, like Letitia Wright’s Shuri, take on a more pivotal role in the movie franchise.
The sequel bagged five nominations for the 95th Academy Awards, including Costume Design, Visual Effects, Best Song, and Makeup and Hairstyling, so now is the time to watch it on Disney Plus if you missed the film during its time in the cinemas.
Chief Benja and his "dragon nerd" daughter Raya proudly protect a luminescent stone, which protects humanity from a plague borne of discord called the Druun. One poor judgment allows the darkness to return and Raya embarks on a perilous quest to restore peace.
Why watch Raya and the Last Dragon?:
Like Moana and Frozen with added “butt-kickery”, Disney’s 59th animated feature is an energetic meld of myth and martial arts with a determined young woman’s learning curve at its heart. Impeccably voiced by Kelly Marie Tran (Star Wars Episode VIII: the Last Jedi), Raya is a would-be warrior and “dragon nerd” from Kumandra, a once-great dragon-worshipping kingdom racked by conflict. To restore its glory, Raya and comedy critter sidekick Tuk Tuk (Alan Tudyk) set out to resurrect lost water dragon Sisu (Awkwafina in peak comic form), repair a shattered magical gem and unify a splintered nation.
With a winning heroine, dazzling backdrops and rousing scoring from James Newton Howard, the spirited result fuses classic and modern Disney with vigour, verve and the coolest screen blade since Kill Bill’s katana.
Period comedy drama starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson. In a small Irish community, shepherd Pádraic lives a peaceful life, until one day his best pal Colm abruptly breaks off their long-standing friendship. Hurt and confused, Pádraic can't let the issue go, and the situation soon escalates to an extreme degree.
Why watch The Banshees of Insiherin?:
This latest film from writer/director Martin McDonagh (In Bruges, Three Billboard Outside Ebbing, Missouri) is a tragicomedy starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson as two friends living on an island of the coast of Ireland. When Gleeson’s Colm announces one day that he no longer wants to be friends with Farrell’s Pádraic it sets off a spiralling series of events. It’s a film which wonderfully balances its contrasting tones, with a powerful central message about kindness in an uncaring world and big thoughts about art, legacy and mortality. It features stunning performances from the whole cast including Farrell, Gleeson, Kerry Condon and a never better Barry Keoghan.
Superstar chef Julian Slowik is a rock star of molecular gastronomy. Up to 12 patrons per sitting each pay $1,250 for an immersive, theatrical experience. Following an artful amuse bouche, Slowik tenderises his customers' preconceptions and the aroma of violence hangs in the air. Comedy drama, starring Ralph Fiennes, Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicholas Hoult, Hong Chau and Janet McTeer
Why watch The Menu?:
In a black comedy that takes aim at the one per cent, twelve privileged guests arrive on a private island for an evening at a gourmet restaurant run by Ralph Fiennes’s celebrity chef. Anya Taylor-Joy attends as a plus-one, but the rest comprise high-society stereotypes such as Nicholas Hoult’s pretentious foodie and Janet McTeer’s snooty critic. As the tasting begins, Fiennes raises the stakes with each course. But is this increasingly bizarre theatre part of the experience or something more sinister? The satire may not be subtle, but The Menu is never less than entertaining.
