In a hurry?

Here are our top five:

1. The Shawshank Redemption (1995)
2. Back to the Future (1985)
3. Blade Runner (1982)
4. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings (2001)
5. Dune: Part Two (2024)

The best films on Now TV

1. The Shawshank Redemption (1995), thriller/crime

A cinematic adaptation of Stephen King’s novella, Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption.

Despite its initial failure at the box office, The Shawshank Redemption went on to gain cult status – thanks largely to standout performances from Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, and the rest of the cast. Word of mouth eventually gave it the recognition it deserved.

The gripping story follows a banker sentenced to two life terms for the murder of his wife and her lover – a crime he insists he didn’t commit. What unfolds is a powerful exploration of prison life and the justice system, filled with twists and emotional depth. It’s a compelling watch and a worthy choice for the top spot.

2. Back to the Future (1985), family/sci-fi

A film built around the paradoxes of time travel, albeit with a happy twist. Back to the Future follows an unsuspecting teenager who accidentally becomes the first human to travel through time on 5th November 1985.

Teenager Marty McFly (played by Michael J. Fox) befriends eccentric scientist Dr Emmett Brown (Christopher Lloyd), who invents a time machine using a DeLorean sports car. During a test run involving Doc’s dog, Einstein, things take a turn, and McFly is suddenly transported back to 1955, with no clear way of returning to his own time.

3. Blade Runner (1982), sci-fi/action

The year is 2019. Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a Blade Runner living in a dystopian Los Angeles, is forced out of retirement to track down six bioengineered Nexus-6 replicants. Rutger Hauer’s portrayal of Roy Batty adds depth to a tense game of cat and mouse, in a cleverly constructed story that raises as many questions as it answers.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest dystopian films of all time, it’s a visual, auditory, and intellectual experience, brought to life through Ridley Scott’s direction and a screenplay by Hampton Fancher and David Peoples.

4. The Lord of the Rings – The Fellowship of the Rings (2001), fantasy/adventure

As fantasy worlds go, J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings is in a league of its own, and it’s clear that Peter Jackson was captivated by it from a young age, having imagined much of what we now see on screen long before bringing it to life.

In this magical world, a wizard, an elf, a dwarf, and a group of men join Frodo – the ring-bearer and a hobbit – alongside three of his hobbit companions on a quest to save Middle-earth from the Dark Lord, Sauron. Their journey begins in the peaceful Shire, as The Fellowship of the Ring sets the epic tale in motion.

5. Dune: Part Two (2024), sci-fi/adventure

As a film to test your home cinema setup, this is a big one. Dune: Part Two, the second instalment in this science fiction trilogy based on Frank Herbert’s novels, delivers enough low-end impact to shake your foundations.

Director Denis Villeneuve’s vision of Dune Messiah plunges you into a story of revenge, with Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) stepping into a prophetic role as a messianic figure in the desert. Alongside the Fremen people of Arrakis, he rises to challenge the dominance of House Harkonnen.

6. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002), fantasy/adventure

The second Lord of the Rings film to make our list, The Two Towers is another masterpiece, with the epic journey now in full motion.

Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) and Samwise Gamgee (Sean Astin) break away from the rest of the group, who head towards Helm’s Deep. Along the way, Frodo and Sam encounter one of the trilogy’s most compelling characters – Gollum, portrayed brilliantly by Andy Serkis – whose unpredictability adds real tension to their quest.

7. The Wolf of Wall Street (2014), comedy/thriller

The only film on this list based on real-life events, The Wolf of Wall Street is a black comedy directed by Martin Scorsese, charting the rise and fall of stockbroker Jordan Belfort (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) during the 1980s, including the events surrounding Black Monday.

Belfort’s life takes a sharp turn as he discovers a highly profitable niche, exploiting the “pump and dump” scheme. With his morals pushed aside, greed takes centre stage in his relentless pursuit of wealth.

8. The Lord of the Rings – The Return of the King (2003), fantasy/adventure

Bringing the prequel journey to its conclusion, The Return of the King sees Frodo and Sam complete their perilous quest to Mordor in an action-packed finale, featuring battles on a scale rarely seen in fantasy cinema.

It marks the end of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings saga and stands as a testament to Peter Jackson and his team, delivering what many consider to be one of the greatest trilogies ever made, rivalled only by the Man with No Name trilogy starring Clint Eastwood.

9. Interstellar (2014), sci-fi/adventure

Set on a dying Earth in a future dystopia plagued by dust storms and widespread crop failure, Interstellar follows former NASA pilot turned farmer Joseph “Cooper” (Matthew McConaughey) and his daughter Murphy as they begin to notice strange, coded messages appearing in her bedroom.

Following a hunch, the Coopers set off on a journey that changes their lives forever, one that leads Cooper into space in search of humanity’s survival, and toward the mystery of who, or what, was sending those messages.

10. The Wild Robot (2024), family/sci-fi

Based on the Peter Brown book series, this 2024 animated film follows ROZZUM unit 7134, also known as ROZ, who finds herself in an environment she wasn’t designed for: a remote island teeming with wildlife. Initially causing chaos, she gradually learns to live, adapt, and earn the trust of the island’s animal inhabitants, becoming something more than the sum of her parts.

All the while, her creators at Universal Dynamics are determined to bring her back. What unfolds is a moving and imaginative story, brought to life by director Chris Sanders and nurtured to an unforgettable ending.

11. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987), comedy/drama

Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a classic comedy starring John Candy and Steve Martin as two people from completely different worlds who are thrown together on one of the most chaotic and memorable road trips ever put to film.

Directed by John Hughes, the film follows the misadventures of Neal Page (Steve Martin), a marketing executive, and Del Griffith (John Candy), a travelling salesman. As unlikely companions, they face a string of unfortunate events while trying to get home in time for Thanksgiving – with plenty of heart and humour along the way.

12. It: Chapter One (2017), horror/mystery

If you’re not a fan of clowns, It might not be the film for you – Bill Skarsgård’s chilling portrayal of Pennywise is the stuff of nightmares. This supernatural horror follows a group of children, including Bill (Jaeden Martell), as they search for his missing brother. What begins as a desperate quest quickly spirals into a terrifying ordeal, as they encounter far more than they ever expected.

Director Andrés Muschietti delivers a gripping adaptation of the first half of Stephen King’s novel, setting the stage for Chapter Two.

13. The Godfather (1972), crime

Set in the years following World War II, The Godfather follows Michael Corleone (Al Pacino), a war hero who is reluctantly drawn into the family business after an attempt on his father’s life. Over the course of a decade, Michael’s world is shaped by marriage, death, drugs, and betrayal, as he rises through the ranks of the Corleone crime family.

Arguably one of the most iconic films on this list, it’s a masterful adaptation of Mario Puzo’s novel, brought to the screen under the direction of Francis Ford Coppola.

14. Inception (2010), sci-fi/action

Written by Christopher Nolan in his youth, this mind-bending thriller follows Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio), a skilled “dream thief” who infiltrates people’s subconscious to extract secrets.

With striking cinematography and an ambitious concept, Inception has earned a lasting cultural impact, even being parodied by The Simpsons in an episode that cleverly mirrors the film’s premise. As Cobb and his team attempt an impossible heist within the layers of dreams, viewers are drawn into a surreal, unforgettable journey. It’s a must-watch.

15. School of Rock (2003), comedy/drama

School of Rock follows wannabe guitar rockstar Dewey Finn (Jack Black), who, after being kicked out of his band and desperate for money, poses as his roommate to take a substitute teaching job at a prestigious private elementary school.

Letting music guide his unconventional lessons, Dewey discovers the school’s hidden musical talent and sets his sights on the “Battle of the Bands” contest, hoping to win the $20,000 prize. What follows is a comedic showdown filled with charm and energy, leaving us wondering whether Dewey’s conscience will catch up with him, or if he’ll make off with the winnings.

16. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), adventure/action

Set during the Second World War, Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark follows the daring adventures of archaeologist Professor Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford), who is assigned a perilous mission: to locate the Ark of the Covenant and the Staff of Ra before the Nazis can get their hands on them.

Directed by Steven Spielberg, this action-packed quest for biblical artefacts features a memorable antagonist in Gestapo agent Toht (Ronald Lacey), who will stop at nothing to thwart Indy’s progress.

17. Jaws (1975), thriller/adventure

Another Steven Spielberg classic, this film sparked fear worldwide with its chilling portrayal of a man-eating shark. Set in the fictional New England resort town of Amity Island, Jaws remains just as harrowing nearly 50 years after its original 1975 release.

When a shark attack shocks the community, Police Chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) is put on high alert – despite pushback from the town’s mayor. Will the shark strike again? You’ll have to watch to find out.

18. Saving Private Ryan (1998), war/action

It seems we can’t get enough of Steven Spielberg, and with Saving Private Ryan, it’s easy to see why. This epic war film offers a fictionalised yet harrowingly realistic depiction of the D-Day Normandy landings, following a star-studded cast on a mission to rescue Private Ryan (Matt Damon) – the last surviving son of the Ryan family.

Captain Miller (Tom Hanks) leads his squad through the chaos of war, grappling with moral dilemmas and the weight of humanity along the way. It remains one of the most powerful and authentic portrayals of the Second World War ever put to screen.

19. Dumb and Dumber (1995), comedy

One of the standout comedies of 1995, Dumb and Dumber follows two dim-witted friends on a cross-country road trip to return a briefcase belonging to Mary (Lauren Holly). Along the way, we dive into the minds of Lloyd Christmas (Jim Carrey) and Harry Dunne (Jeff Daniels), whose absurd logic and ridiculous antics drive the humour throughout.

As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear there’s more to the briefcase and Mary than initially meets the eye. But do they succeed in their mission? That’s all part of the hilariously unpredictable ride.

20. Men In Black (1997), sci-fi/action

Putting a comedic spin on the Area 51 conspiracy, this film introduces a secretive government agency that officially doesn’t exist. Tommy Lee Jones stars as Agent K, who partners with Will Smith’s character, Officer James Edwards, after a bizarre encounter involving a suspect who blinks with two sets of eyelids.

With Agent K’s former partner having just retired, Edwards is invited to join the agency – on one unusual condition. What follows is a life-altering decision as Edwards is thrust into a hidden world of aliens and cover-ups. Will he embrace this strange new reality or walk away from it all?

21. Zombieland (2009), horror/comedy

Set during a zombie apocalypse, comedy-horror Zombieland follows four unlikely survivors in what many consider one of the silliest zombie films since Shaun of the Dead.

Even Bill Murray makes a memorable cameo as himself, with rather unfortunate consequences, adding to the film’s offbeat charm. As the group travels across America in search of sanctuary, they discover bizarre but often hilarious ways to stay alive while the undead close in at every turn.

22. Shrek (2001), comedy/fantasy/animation

Based on the children’s book by William Steig, Shrek – written by Ted Elliott, Terry Rossio, Roger Schulman, and Joe Stillman – brings to life the story of an ogre named Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers), who finds himself banished from the kingdom after an outburst.

Determined to reclaim his beloved swamp, Shrek strikes a deal with the scheming Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow), who sends him on a quest to rescue the beautiful Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz). Joined by his unexpected companion, Donkey (Eddie Murphy), Shrek sets off on an adventure that leads to an ending even he couldn’t have predicted.

23. Despicable Me (2010), comedy/fantasy/animation

Supervillain Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) is in need of funding to carry out his lifelong dream: stealing the Moon in what would be the world’s biggest heist. But with rival villain Vector threatening to beat him to it, Gru must act fast to protect both his plan and his title as the World’s Greatest Supervillain.

To pull it off, Gru devises a scheme involving three orphaned girls, a Shrink Ray, his clumsy Minions, Dr Nefario (Russell Brand), and Bob (Pierre Coffin). What follows is a journey full of unexpected consequences, both for Gru’s villainy and his heart.

24. Beverly Hills Cop (1985), comedy/action

In Beverly Hills Cop, fast-talking Detroit cop Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) is shaken when his childhood friend Mikey pays him a visit – with tragic consequences. Forced to take a leave of absence, Axel heads to California, where his street-smart, rule-breaking style quickly catches the attention of Sergeant John Taggart (John Ashton) and Detective Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold).

This comedy classic follows the unlikely partnership that develops between Axel and the straight-laced Hollywood Police duo. As Axel digs deeper into Mikey’s past, his unorthodox methods begin to rub off on them, leading to a sharp and often hilarious investigation.

25. How to Train Your Dragon (2010), family/fantasy/animation

Set during the Viking Age in the village of Berk, where dragons are feared and hunted, the story follows Hiccup (voiced by Jay Baruchel), a misfit teenager and son of the village chief. During dragon training, he secretly befriends a wounded dragon – an unlikely alliance that gives him an edge over his peers.

His unconventional approach and growing bond with the creature gradually transform him from a disappointment in his father’s eyes to an unexpected hero. But when his secret is revealed, it changes not only Hiccup’s fate, but the future of the entire Viking tribe.

26. Wayne’s World (1992), comedy/musical

Wayne Campbell (Mike Myers) and Garth Algar (Dana Carvey) are two heavy metal fans who run a public-access TV show from the basement of Wayne’s parents’ house  -until a slick TV executive swoops in and turns their world upside down. Can they win their show back?

Only time will tell, as this cult classic breaks the fourth wall and delivers a string of memorable antics. Along the way, there’s a cameo from Meat Loaf and one of the most iconic music scenes ever filmed, set inside the legendary Mirthmobile.

27. Bad Boys (1995), action/comedy

After a record-breaking drugs bust goes missing from their police precinct, Miami narcotics detectives Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) are forced to team up in an uneasy partnership, with just three days to crack the case.

When terrified witness Julie (Téa Leoni) contacts the police, having seen firsthand how far the drug lord will go to recover the stolen merchandise, Mike and Marcus find themselves in a race against time to protect her and bring the criminals to justice.

28. Galaxy Quest (1999), comedy/sci-fi

As parody films go, Galaxy Quest is a favourite among both Star Trek and Star Wars fans, though its humour and setup clearly lean more towards Star Trek. The story centres on a fictional 1980s sci-fi TV series that was cancelled years ago, with its ageing cast now making appearances at fan conventions.

In an unexpected twist, an innocent alien race known as the Thermians mistakes the show for historical fact and approaches egotistical lead actor Jason Nesmith (Tim Allen) for help. Believing it’s just another publicity stunt, Nesmith plays along until reality kicks in. Can this washed-up cast of actors save the Thermians for real?

29. The Blues Brothers (1980), comedy/musical

On a mission from God, orphaned brothers Jake Blues (John Belushi), a recently paroled convict, and Elwood (Dan Aykroyd) are summoned by Sister Mary Stigmata (Kathleen Freeman) and tasked with raising $5,000 to save the orphanage from imminent foreclosure due to unpaid taxes.

Travelling in Elwood’s battered Bluesmobile, the pair race against time to raise the money, reuniting their old band, causing chaos, and making plenty of enemies along the way. The Blues Brothers has earned legendary cult status, with a finale that holds record-breaking credentials in cinematic mayhem.

30. Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992), horror/romantic

Expanding on the backstory of Dracula, the film explores the origins of Vlad Dracula (Gary Oldman), a Romanian knight from 1462 who lives in Transylvania with his beloved wife. After a tragic turn of events and the belief that her soul is damned, Vlad, consumed by grief and rage, denounces God, setting his transformation into motion.

Centuries later, in 1897, solicitor Jonathan Harker (Keanu Reeves) travels to Transylvania to finalise a land deal with Count Dracula. But what begins as a routine business trip soon takes a dark and unexpected turn. What could possibly go wrong?

31. The Neverending Story (1984), family/fantasy

Bastian Balthazar (Barret Oliver) is a shy, introverted boy who struggles with school bullies and lives with his widowed father. One day, he escapes to the school attic and begins reading a mysterious book titled The NeverEnding Story – only to discover it holds more than just words on a page.

As he turns each page, he’s drawn into the magical world of Fantasia, which is being consumed by a dark force known as “The Nothing.” As the lines between his reality and the story begin to blur, Bastian starts to wonder: can he help save Fantasia before it disappears forever?

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FAQs

Is there anything worth watching on Now TV?

Looking at the line-up above, there’s something on Now TV for every mood, whether you’re after action, comedy, fantasy, or something a little nostalgic. Why not try something you haven’t seen before, like Galaxy Quest, especially with its long-awaited sequel just around the corner?

What are the top 10 films?

Four films from the IMDb Top 250 make it onto our list – fittingly, The Shawshank Redemption takes the top spot. If you’re curious to see which others made our team’s top 10, scroll back up to take a look.

What films are on Now TV?

From a list of 75 titles, we’ve picked out enough standout films to keep anyone entertained for the month. In our view, there’s not a weak entry here – these are the best films currently streaming on Now TV.

Final thoughts

I’ve watched every single one of these films our team chose, and they truly deserve to be on this list.

The best part? You don’t need to own any of them – they’re all available to stream on Now TV. And from the 75 films currently showing, these 31 are, without doubt, the very best on offer.