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Finding the perfect film to watch on TV can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially with so many channels and streaming services at your fingertips. To make your choice easier, we’ve curated a selection of seven standout films to watch this week. Spanning different genres, these films promise to entertain, provoke thought, and, in some cases, tug at your heartstrings. Whether you’re in the mood for a stirring drama, a thought-provoking thriller, or a tender love story, here are the seven best films to watch on TV this week, including the powerful By the Grace of God and the evocative 45 Years.
1. By the Grace of God (2019)
One of the most compelling films to watch this week is François Ozon’s By the Grace of God. This French drama tackles a deeply sensitive and urgent topic: the cover-up of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. Based on true events, the film follows three men—Alexandre, François, and Emmanuel—who are survivors of abuse at the hands of a priest during their childhood. Years later, they come together to expose the church’s ongoing protection of the priest and to seek justice.
Ozon’s film doesn’t sensationalize its subject matter. Instead, it presents the emotional and legal struggles of the victims with great sensitivity. The focus is on the trauma that lingers and the impact it has on these men and their families, as well as the courage it takes to confront a powerful institution. By the Grace of God is a harrowing yet necessary film, making it one of the most important watches on TV this week.
2. 45 Years (2015)
If you’re in the mood for an intimate, character-driven story, 45 Years is an extraordinary choice. Directed by Andrew Haigh, this British drama centers around Kate and Geoff Mercer, a couple preparing to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary. However, their seemingly stable relationship is thrown into disarray when Geoff receives news that the body of his first love, who died in a tragic accident decades earlier, has been discovered preserved in a glacier.
The film explores how this revelation unravels long-buried emotions and secrets, forcing Kate to question the foundation of their marriage. Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay deliver stunning performances, with Rampling receiving an Academy Award nomination for her nuanced portrayal of a woman grappling with feelings of insecurity and betrayal. 45 Years is a quietly devastating film that lingers long after the credits roll, making it a must-watch for fans of thoughtful, mature cinema.
3. A Ghost Story (2017)
For those who appreciate films that challenge conventional storytelling, A Ghost Story is an atmospheric and meditative exploration of time, loss, and memory. Directed by David Lowery, the film follows a recently deceased man (played by Casey Affleck) who returns as a ghost, represented by the classic image of a figure draped in a white sheet. As he silently observes his wife (Rooney Mara) and the passage of time in their home, the ghost is trapped in a cycle of longing and isolation.
While A Ghost Story may not appeal to everyone due to its slow pace and unconventional narrative, it offers a deeply philosophical reflection on life’s fleeting nature. Its haunting visuals and evocative use of music create a dreamlike experience, making it a profound and visually striking film to watch this week.
4. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel is a delightful and visually enchanting film that brings a whimsical yet poignant story to life. Set in the fictional European republic of Zubrowka, the film follows the adventures of Gustave H. (Ralph Fiennes), a charismatic and meticulous concierge at the titular hotel, and his loyal protégé, Zero Moustafa (Tony Revolori). Together, they become embroiled in a plot involving the theft of a valuable painting and a family inheritance.
The film’s charm lies in Anderson’s signature style—its meticulous production design, symmetrical framing, and quirky characters create a unique cinematic world. The Grand Budapest Hotel offers both humor and heart, with Fiennes giving one of his most memorable performances. It’s a perfect watch for those seeking a lighthearted yet sophisticated film this week.
5. Prisoners (2013)
For fans of intense psychological thrillers, Denis Villeneuve’s Prisoners is an edge-of-your-seat experience that will keep you hooked from start to finish. The film stars Hugh Jackman as Keller Dover, a father whose young daughter and her friend go missing. When the police fail to find sufficient evidence to arrest the prime suspect (played by Paul Dano), Keller takes matters into his own hands, leading to a gripping moral dilemma about justice and revenge.
Jake Gyllenhaal co-stars as the detective assigned to the case, and the interplay between Jackman and Gyllenhaal’s characters creates a tense dynamic that drives the film. With its atmospheric cinematography and slow-burning suspense, Prisoners is a masterclass in tension, offering one of the most engrossing viewing experiences of the week.
6. Little Women (2019)
Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Little Women breathes new life into Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel. This coming-of-age story follows the lives of the four March sisters—Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth—during and after the American Civil War, as they navigate the challenges of growing up, finding love, and pursuing their dreams.
Gerwig’s version of Little Women stands out for its non-linear storytelling and its focus on the themes of ambition, art, and independence. The stellar cast, including Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Emma Watson, and Timothée Chalamet, brings depth and nuance to the characters, while the beautiful cinematography and score enhance the emotional impact of the story. Whether you’re revisiting the story or experiencing it for the first time, Little Women is a heartwarming and timeless film to enjoy this week.
7. The Lighthouse (2019)
Rounding out this list is Robert Eggers’ The Lighthouse, a psychological horror film that offers an unsettling and visually striking viewing experience. Set on a remote New England island in the 1890s, the film follows two lighthouse keepers (Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson) as they descend into madness while tending to the isolated lighthouse.
Shot in stark black and white, The Lighthouse is a claustrophobic and nightmarish film that delves into themes of isolation, power, and madness. Dafoe and Pattinson deliver intense and captivating performances, making this a must-watch for fans of horror and psychological drama. While it’s not for the faint of heart, The Lighthouse is an unforgettable cinematic experience that will leave viewers thinking long after the film ends.
