The Must-See Movies To Add To Your Watch List

Howling winds, unhinged yearning and so many tears. Emerald Fennell’s long-awaited interpretation of “Wuthering Heights” (quotation marks very much intentional) is nearly upon us. Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi take on Cathy and Heathcliff – one of literature’s most tortured couples – and if the trailer is anything to go by, we can expect all the melodrama of Emily Brontë’s novel with a touch of latex, lace and lacquer, all set to a stunning soundtrack by Charli XCX. In theaters from February 13

Who would have predicted that one of the year’s most buzzed-about films would center on ping-pong? But with Timothée Chalamet in the lead and indie powerhouse A24 masterminding everything behind the scenes, the excitement feels inevitable. Critics are raving about Chalamet’s performance – already crowned with a Golden Globe nomination and sparking Oscar whispers. And if that weren’t enough, Gwyneth Paltrow has stepped out of acting retirement to play his love interest. Consider our curiosity officially ignited. In theaters now

If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that the world cannot get enough of the lives of the rich and dysfunctional played out on screen. This time, Bridesmaids director Paul Feig brings his dark humor to a big-screen adaptation of Freida McFadden’s domestic thriller novel The Housemaid. Sydney Sweeney plays Millie, a troubled housekeeper at the center of a suspiciously polished world, presided over by matriarch Nina Winchester (Amanda Seyfried). Think Gossip Girl meets Gone Girl in this domain of secrets and seduction. In theaters now

Rhinestones at the ready… This musical biopic sees Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman step into the shoes of real-life married duo Mike and Claire Sardina, the couple behind the ’80s Neil Diamond tribute act Lightning & Thunder. The film is tender, warm and unexpectedly funny – even for those who can’t hum Sweet Caroline on cue – but the tragedy that ultimately shaped their love story makes this one a certified tearjerker. In theaters now

Amanda Seyfried delivers a career-defining performance as Ann Lee, the formidable – and often forgotten – female founder of the Shaker movement of the 1780s. This all-singing, all-dancing, fever-dream biopic is brought to life by director Mona Fastvold, half of the visionary duo behind 2024’s The Brutalist. More than just a period piece, the experimental project is an electrifying exploration of faith, feminism and the fine line between revelation and delusion. In theaters now (US) and from February 20 (UK)

Maggie O’Farrell’s masterpiece of a novel has been given the Chloé Zhao treatment. Reimagined through Zhao’s trademark elegiac lens, Hamnet is the devastating fictional backstory of William Shakespeare’s family and the life-altering tragedy that unravels them. Paul Mescal, playing the bard himself, and Jessie Buckley, as his wife Agnes, are spellbinding as parents in the depths of grief – all played out as Shakespeare ascends to prominence on the world stage. In theaters now (US) and from January 9 (UK)

Oz gets a serious (emerald-green) glow-up in the second act of the iconic Wicked saga; it’s back bigger, better and with even more jazz hands than the first installment. As Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) reign over their kingdoms, their friendship is threatened by the arrival of the mysterious Dorothy. Watch the action unfold, to the soundtrack of all the iconic numbers from the original musical, plus mega supporting roles from Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum and Colman Domingo. In theaters now

Leave it to Guillermo del Toro to turn one of the most famous monsters in pop culture into a pin-up. Jacob Elordi’s beautiful, Edward Scissorhands-adjacent “Creature” stalks corridors and howls in anguish, while Oscar Isaac’s Victor Frankenstein is brilliantly unhinged, in this modern take on Mary Shelley’s classic novel. In true del Toro style, the cinematography is dazzling with its towering castles and stormy seas. Enjoy this awards-worthy beast of a movie at your peril. On Netflix now

This is Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos’ fourth collaboration – and arguably their wildest yet. A power-suited Stone steps into the role of a high-flying CEO who is kidnapped by two crazed conspiracy theorists convinced she’s an extraterrestrial plotting to destroy Earth. It’s part panic-room satire and part fever dream, all played out in Lanthimos’ signature absurdist style. Be prepared to roar, squirm and even question your own newsfeed. Available to stream now

Keira Knightley has entered her crime-fighting era. Following a star turn in 2024’s action-packed Black Doves, she returns to the world of intrigue – this time aboard a champagne-fueled super yacht. When she witnesses a passenger being thrown overboard – only to be told it didn’t happen and all passengers are accounted for – everything comes into question. Based on Ruth Ware’s best-selling novel and featuring a star-studded supporting cast including Guy Pearce and Gugu Mbatha-Raw, it’s set to be another viral must-see. On Netflix now

Josh O’Connor is electric in Certain Women director Kelly Reichardt’s heist caper. He plays shady con artist JB Mooney, a small-town dreamer with delusions of grandeur and a knack for failure – much to the blissful ignorance of his girlfriend Tori (played by Alana Haim). With its 1970s setting, razor-sharp script and plenty of awards buzz, The Mastermind feels like a classic in the making. Available to stream now

It’s been four years since Paul Thomas Anderson’s last movie, the sunny ’70s flick Licorice Pizza – and this, his silver-screen comeback, is a whole lot bleaker. Set in the scorched sprawl of post-war California, Leonardo DiCaprio plays a haunted ex-soldier grappling with ambition, addiction and the ghosts of his past – while on a vigilante mission to rescue a girl held hostage. With Benicio del Toro, Teyana Taylor, Sean Penn and Regina Hall also on the bill, it’s set to be an awards front-runner. Available to stream now

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