The best new films coming soon
From book adaptations to action films, there are plenty of cinematic treats in store this season. The Oscar-nominated biographical drama, Bombshell, inspired by real-life sexual harassment allegations brought against Fox News boss, Roger Ailes, will both grip and astound. And while we might have to wait a little longer for it, the big screen reimagining of the Jane Austen classic, Emma, is also on its way - and it won't disappoint.
For a treat for the whole family, don't miss Dolittle, based on the beloved 1920s children’s book by Hugh Lofting and starring Antonio Banderas and Dame Emma Thompson, among others. Or, for something a little more emotional (take tissues!), Tom Hanks leads the cast of A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood, based on the true story of beloved American kids’ TV personality Fred Rogers; it's both a heartwarming and life-affirming tale. Whatever your film tastes, here’s our pick of the best movies coming to a screen near you…
Bombshell
A strong Oscar contender, Charlize Theron makes a near-identical transformation into news anchor Megyn Kelly, who helped take down Fox News boss Roger Ailes (John Lithgow) following accusations of sexual harassment. Based on real-life allegations made against him, the glittering cast also includes Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie. An engrossing and empowering film. Out now
The Personal History of David Copperfield
This fresh and hilarious take on the classic Charles Dickens novel chronicles the life of David Copperfield, played by Dev Patel. Comedy king Armando Ianucci (The Thick Of It, Veep) has adapted the Victorian classic, and assembled a stellar cast in the shape of Tilda Swinton, Ben Wishaw, Hugh Laurie, Peter Capaldi, Gwendoline Christie and Daisy May Cooper. Sharp, witty and hugely enjoyable. Out 24 January
Emma
The lace parasols and lavish silk gowns are coming out for what might just be the most stylish Jane Austen adaptation yet. This opulent reimagining sees Anya Taylor-Joy wow as the titular heroine who thinks of herself as a romantic matchmaker, while Bill Nighy and Miranda Hart are brilliantly cast as Emma’s father, Mr Woodhouse, and Miss Bates. Utterly charming from beginning to end. Out 14 February
Dolittle
Based on the beloved 1920s children’s book by Hugh Lofting, Robert Downey Jr. leads this star-studded adaptation as the eccentric doctor with the uncanny ability to communicate with animals. Part live-action, part animation, Antonio Banderas, Jim Broadbent and Michael Sheen make up the ‘live’ roles, while Dame Emma Thompson and Ralph Fiennes lead the spectacular voice cast. Packed with weird and wonderful moments. Out 7 February
Mr Jones
Having conquered the small screen with roles in Happy Valley and Grantchester, James Norton is taking on his first lead role in a feature film. This fascinating biographical drama tells the story of Welsh investigative journalist Gareth Jones (Norton), who travelled to the Soviet Union in 1933, and uncovered corruption in Stalin's regime. It’s a powerful film that will thoroughly move you. Out 7 February
A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood
This life-affirming tale of the transformative power of kindness is sure to make you weep. It’s based on the true story of beloved American kids’ TV personality Fred Rogers (known as Mr Rogers to his millions of fans over the years). Tom Hanks plays the iconic Rogers, who changes the life of a cynical journalist who’s sent to profile him for a magazine. Out 31 January
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
The Skywalker saga concludes with an epic final instalment. Mark Hamill, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley and John Boyega all return as the Resistance faces the First Order once more. While further plot details have been kept firmly under wraps, director J. J. Abrams said the film will be more “daring” than those before it - and he's not wrong. “I let myself be, at least in the way I was approaching the thing, freer,” he revealed. Out now
1917
James Bond director Sam Mendes is behind this World War I epic, based on a story his grandfather told him when he was just a boy. The plot follows two British soldiers tasked with crossing enemy territory to deliver a message that will stop their own men walking into a deadly trap. Reuniting Sherlock stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Andrew Scott, with Bodyguard’s Richard Madden and Colin Firth alongside, the special effects are as impressive as the cast. Out now
Little Women
The stars are out in force for actor and director Greta Gerwig’s (Lady Bird) big screen adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved coming-of-age story. Expect standout performances from Saoirse Ronan as heroine Jo March and Emma Watson as sister Meg, while Meryl Streep and Laura Dern are utterly brilliant as the sisters’ wealthy aunt Josephine and Marmee respectively. Many classic scenes remain, but the feminist volume has been turned up a notch. Out now
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