Seven Best Films to Watch on TV This Week

Whether you’re in the mood for unsettling ghost stories, sharp British comedy, or emotionally rich drama, this week’s TV schedules offer an unusually strong selection of films. From quiet, introspective cinema to energetic crowd-pleasers, there’s something for every kind of viewer.

Here are seven of the best films airing on UK television this week, carefully chosen for quality, originality, and lasting impact.

1. The Eternal Daughter

Joanna Hogg’s haunting, deeply personal film is one of the most quietly powerful releases of recent years. Set largely within a near-empty hotel, The Eternal Daughter blurs memory, grief, and the supernatural into something profoundly unsettling.

Rather than relying on overt scares, the film builds tension through atmosphere and repetition, gradually revealing emotional truths beneath its ghostly surface. It’s slow, introspective, and rewarding — ideal viewing for those who appreciate cinema that lingers long after it ends.

2. Polite Society

Energetic, funny, and refreshingly original, Polite Society delivers a genre-blending mix of comedy, action, and sisterhood. What begins as a coming-of-age story quickly transforms into something far more playful and inventive.

Its sharp dialogue, joyful fight sequences, and affectionate satire make it one of the most entertaining British films of the past few years. If you’re looking for something upbeat without sacrificing intelligence, this is the week’s most accessible pick.

3. TÁR

A demanding but deeply compelling character study, TÁR explores power, art, and moral ambiguity with surgical precision. The film’s deliberate pacing and long scenes invite viewers to sit with discomfort rather than escape it.

It’s not an easy watch, but it’s a richly rewarding one — the kind of film that sparks discussion long after the credits roll. Best enjoyed without distractions, it’s a standout choice for serious film fans.

4. The Banshees of Inisherin

Both darkly funny and quietly devastating, The Banshees of Inisherin is a deceptively simple story about friendship, pride, and emotional stubbornness. Set against a bleakly beautiful backdrop, the film balances humour with an ever-deepening sense of sadness.

What begins as a disagreement escalates into something more tragic, making this a film that’s as emotionally sharp as it is visually striking. It’s a reminder of how small conflicts can spiral into irreversible consequences.

5. Aftersun

One of the most emotionally affecting films of the decade, Aftersun captures memory not as narrative, but as feeling. Told through fragments and glances, the film builds a devastating emotional payoff without ever spelling itself out.

Its quiet realism and aching restraint make it ideal late-night viewing. This is cinema that trusts its audience — and rewards that trust with something deeply human.

6. Knives Out

For viewers craving something lighter but still smart, Knives Out remains one of the most satisfying modern whodunnits. With its sharp script and playful subversion of genre tropes, the film is endlessly rewatchable.

It balances mystery with comedy, offering clever twists without sacrificing character or momentum. Perfect weekend viewing when you want entertainment that doesn’t talk down to you.

7. The Father

Closing the week is one of the most emotionally devastating dramas in recent cinema. The Father places viewers directly inside the experience of memory loss, using structure and perspective to create profound empathy.

It’s a challenging watch, but an essential one — made all the more powerful by its refusal to sentimentalise its subject. Best approached when you’re ready for something heavy, honest, and unforgettable.

A Week of Exceptional TV Cinema

From the eerie stillness of The Eternal Daughter to the joyful chaos of Polite Society, this week’s TV line-up proves that great films don’t need a cinema screen to make an impact.

Whether you’re seeking comfort, challenge, or something in between, these seven picks offer some of the finest storytelling available on television right now.

Source - https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/jan/16/the-eternal-daughter-to-polite-society-the-seven-best-films-to-watch-on-tv-this-week

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