This week's television schedule offers a cinematic feast, from gritty organised crime sagas to sun-drenched romantic dramas. We've curated the seven best films airing across various channels and streaming platforms, ensuring your evenings are filled with top-tier entertainment.
Mafia Majesty and Italian Idylls
The headline act this week is a powerful return to the underworld. Barry Levinson directs The Alto Knights, a film scripted by Nicholas Pileggi, the acclaimed writer behind Goodfellas. The story delves into the explosive fallout between two legendary mob figures: the strategic Frank Costello and his volatile former ally, Vito Genovese, in 1950s New York.
Robert De Niro delivers a remarkable dual performance, capturing the calculating nature of Costello and the hair-trigger temper of Genovese. Their bitter rivalry, fuelled by twisted codes of honour and a thirst for power, threatens to dismantle their entire criminal empire. Catch this bloody chapter of mafia history on Sunday 7 December at 2.30pm and 9.45pm on Sky Cinema Premiere.
For a complete change of pace, travel to the picturesque Italian region of Puglia with Under the Stars. After a painful breakup, writer Ian (Alex Pettyfer) escapes to a farmstay, where he meets the owner's daughter, Arianna (Eva De Dominici). While the scenery is idyllic, the film is truly elevated by Toni Collette as Ian's witty, successful novelist aunt.
Collette brings wisdom and vivacity to the screen, sharing sparkling chemistry with Andy Garcia, who plays Arianna's slyly flirtatious father. This charming rom-dram offers a perfect slice of escapism and is available to stream on Sunday 7 December via Prime Video.
Timeless Classics and Cult Favourites
This week also serves up some legendary cinema. Audrey Hepburn shines as Eliza Doolittle in the glorious musical My Fair Lady. In George Cukor's adaptation, Professor Henry Higgins (Rex Harrison) bets he can transform the Cockney flower seller into a society lady. Filled with iconic songs, it's a loverly watch on Sunday 7 December at 4pm on Sky Arts.
For fans of razor-sharp dialogue and kinetic action, True Romance remains a standout. Directed by Tony Scott from a Quentin Tarantino script, it follows Clarence (Christian Slater) and Alabama (Patricia Arquette) as lovers on the run with stolen cocaine. The film boasts an incredible supporting cast, including Gary Oldman, Christopher Walken, and Dennis Hopper. Experience the ride on Monday 8 December at 12.20am on Sky Cinema Greats.
Political Drama and Western Adventures
Delve into a masterpiece of political cynicism with All the King's Men. This compelling 1949 drama charts the corrosive rise of Willie Stark (Broderick Crawford) from humble lawyer to demagogic governor. Broderick Crawford is superb in his Oscar-winning role, portraying a man whose initial earnestness gives way to magnetic, bullying power. It airs on Tuesday 9 December at 4.30pm on Film4.
Western legends Joel McCrea and Randolph Scott team up in Sam Peckinpah's Ride the High Country. They play ageing lawmen hired to transport gold, but their simple mission becomes complicated by hidden motivations and moral choices. This 1962 adventure is a satisfying blend of easy charm and sudden violence. Catch it on Tuesday 9 December at 2.05pm on 5Action.
Finally, soak in the melancholic beauty of Sofia Coppola's Lost in Translation. Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson star as two lost souls who form a profound, fleeting connection in the surreal landscape of Tokyo. A sweet, poignant drama, it's essentially Brief Encounter with karaoke and sushi. Watch it on Wednesday 10 December at 10am on Sky Cinema Greats.
