From Wolf of Wall Street to Creed III: Top 7 Must-Watch Films on TV This Week
This week's television lineup offers a thrilling mix of cinematic masterpieces, from Martin Scorsese's financial crime drama to Michael B Jordan's directorial debut in the Rocky spin-off series. With seven standout films airing across various channels, there's something for every movie enthusiast to enjoy from the comfort of their living room.
The Wolf of Wall Street
Perhaps the greatest collaboration between Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio in their six-film partnership, this financial crime caper is based on the memoir of extravagant New York City stockbroker Jordan Belfort, portrayed by DiCaprio. The film traces Belfort's dramatic rise and fall through the Black Monday crash and the 1990s boiler room boom, featuring memorable performances from Matthew McConaughey as his charismatic mentor and Margot Robbie in her breakthrough role as the seductive second wife. Notably, this film holds the Guinness World Record for the most swear words in a mainstream Hollywood movie, making it a provocative and unforgettable viewing experience. Friday 3 April, 10pm, BBC Two.
Barbarian
Writer-director Zach Cregger, now celebrated for his Oscar-winning film Weapons, first gained attention with this horror gem initially recognized only by true genre connoisseurs. Georgina Campbell stars as Tess, a woman who arrives at her Airbnb rental in a questionable Detroit neighborhood only to find it already occupied by the seemingly harmless Keith, played by Bill Skarsgård. Their reluctant decision to share the space leads to increasingly strange and unpredictable twists that will surprise even the most seasoned horror fans. Saturday 28 March, 12.45am, Channel 4.
Creed III
Michael B Jordan, this year's best actor Oscar winner, delivers an excellent performance as Adonis "Donny" Creed in this third installment of the Rocky spin-off series. Jordan also takes on directing duties, crafting scenes that honor both Sylvester Stallone's legacy and Ryan Coogler's influence. The plot follows Donny as he confronts a formidable opponent from his challenging past, portrayed by Jonathan Majors, whose challenge brings up unresolved personal issues. This film proves that franchise fatigue can be overcome with compelling storytelling and dynamic action. Sunday 29 March, 10.20pm, ITV1.
Jason and the Argonauts
Don Chaffey's 1963 adventure film represents family entertainment at its finest, perfect for Easter holiday viewing. Based on the ancient Greek epic The Argonautica, it may serve as a warm-up for Christopher Nolan's upcoming adaptation of The Odyssey. The film's legendary creatures, brought to life through Ray Harryhausen's iconic stop-motion animation, including the seven skeleton warriors and the many-headed Hydra, remain unmatched by modern A-list actors. Tuesday 31 March, 2.50pm, Film4.
The More the Merrier
George Stevens's wartime romantic comedy shares a basic premise with the horror film Barbarian—a single young woman forced to co-habit due to a housing shortage—but takes it in a completely different direction. Jean Arthur, renowned for her charming speaking voice, stars as a woman whose plans for a loveless marriage are disrupted by the arrival of a dashing GI, played by Joel McCrea. This classic film offers a lighthearted and heartwarming alternative to modern thrillers. Tuesday 31 March, 6.35am, Talking Pictures TV.
Hard Target
Director John Woo's first attempt to translate the stylistic elements of Hong Kong action cinema to American audiences results in a mixed but fascinating cult classic. Jean-Claude Van Damme stars as an out-of-work, homeless Cajun merchant seaman and ex-Marine, with a script based on Richard Connell's frequently adapted 1924 short story The Most Dangerous Game. While the dialogue and Van Damme's delivery may be weak, Woo compensates with slow-motion shoot-outs and explosively loud car scenes that make this film a curious and entertaining watch. Wednesday 1 April, 9pm, Great! Action.
Dumb Money
This film dramatizes the GameStop short squeeze of January 2021, when so-called "dumb money"—inexperienced investors—suddenly outsmarted Wall Street professionals. With a Big Short-esque approach to explanatory visual analogies and a quirky fondness for cat memes, Paul Dano leads a large ensemble cast as the real-life Reddit user who sparked the movement, while Seth Rogen plays against type as a ruthless hedge fund manager determined to thwart him. Friday 3 April, Paramount+.
This diverse selection of films ensures that viewers can enjoy everything from intense dramas and horror thrillers to family adventures and cult classics, all available on television this week. Whether you're a fan of Leonardo DiCaprio's captivating performances or Michael B Jordan's athletic prowess, there's a film to suit every taste and schedule.
