Sense and Sensibility
Saturday 20 December, 2.50pm, BBC Two
Ang Lee’s 1995 version of Sense and Sensibility is regarded as one of the best adaptations of Jane Austen’s work, featuring Kate Winslet and Emma Thompson as sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood. This film encapsulates the themes of marriage markets and family misfortune, showcasing a strong supporting cast including Harriet Walter as the scheming Fanny and a charmingly awkward Hugh Grant. Its status as a British period drama classic remains undisputed, reports BritPanorama.
Oppenheimer
Sunday 21 December, 9pm, BBC Two
The acclaimed film Oppenheimer, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture last year, runs nearly three hours but grips audiences throughout. Cillian Murphy portrays J. Robert Oppenheimer, the scientist behind the Manhattan Project, who confronts the moral dilemmas of developing the first nuclear bomb during World War II while racing against the clock to outpace the Nazis.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Christmas Eve, 2.55pm, BBC One
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse brings an innovative animated style that feels like a comic book come to life. In this sequel, Miles Morales teams up with Gwen Stacy to face a new villain known as The Spot, as their adventure takes them through the Multiverse.
Red One
Christmas Day, 11.10pm, ITV1
Red One presents a unique Christmas narrative, combining action and comedy. The plot follows Santa Claus’s kidnapping by a clandestine military team just before Christmas. Dwayne Johnson stars as Callum Drift, the Head of North Pole Security tasked with rescuing Santa, aided by ethical hacker Jack “The Wolf” O’Malley, played by Chris Pine.
Paddington 2
Boxing Day, 5.20pm, BBC One
Paddington 2, acclaimed as the best film in the franchise, follows the beloved bear as he seeks an antique pop-up book for Aunt Lucy’s birthday but becomes embroiled in a theft. The film features a standout performance by Hugh Grant as flamboyant actor Phoenix Buchanan.
Elvis
Saturday 27 December, 7.45pm, BBC One
Elvis, directed by Baz Luhrmann, presents a vibrant narrative exploring the life of the iconic musician through the eyes of his manager Colonel Tom Parker, played by Tom Hanks. This portrayal reveals the tremendous personal costs behind Elvis’s ascendance to stardom, delving into his turbulent marriage and challenges with addiction.
ET the Extra-Terrestrial
Tuesday 30 December, 2.40pm, ITV1
Steven Spielberg’s ET the Extra-Terrestrial continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. The story of a boy, Elliott, who befriends an alien stranded on Earth, captures timeless themes of friendship and protection against those who cannot understand.
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On
New Year’s Eve, 9.35am, BBC One
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On uses a unique mockumentary style and stop-motion animation to narrate the story of a shell searching for his family after becoming an internet sensation. This sweet film has captivating appeal for viewers of all ages.
West Side Story
New Year’s Eve, 1.10pm, BBC Two
Featuring some of musical theatre’s most iconic numbers, West Side Story portrays the tragic love story of Maria and Tony amidst gang rivalries. The 1961 adaptation balances romance and dance, ensuring emotional engagement through its narrative.
The Great Escape
New Year’s Day, 9pm, BBC Four
The Great Escape, a classic war film from 1963, depicts allied soldiers attempting to escape from a Nazi POW camp. Despite mixed reviews at the time, its legacy continues, most notably for Steve McQueen’s legendary motorcycle jump, which remains a defining cinematic moment.
