THE SECRET GARDEN

It may not be as good as Agnieszka Holland’s 1993 adaptation, but it’s still a great movie to watch under the covers while you pass the dreary weeks of winter and dream of warmer springtime days. Colin Firth and Julie Walters (who play Mr Craven and Mrs Medlock respectively) are reason enough to watch this 2020 version, but the timelessness and nostalgic quality of the story itself should convince you even more. It certainly has its charms, and the kids need a break from the mind-numbing cartoon shows anyway. Release date: 23 October

THE GOOD LORD BIRD

If it comes from the producers of such masterpieces as Get Out and BlacKkKlansman, you can pretty much count on it being incredible. And, that’s exactly what The Good Lord Bird is – a fine piece of TV showmaking. This excellent new limited series from Showtime set in the Antebellum South was only launched in the US in early October, and already it’s getting rave reviews. Whether that’s because of its impishly loose portrayal of historical events, unabashed unwokeness or stunning cinematography, you decide. Release date: 18 November

THE INVISIBLE MAN

This thriller starring the dazzling Elisabeth Moss is brilliant to the end, and an incredible retelling of HG Wells’ 1897 classic. Joining the growing list of inventive horror movies seeped in social commentaries, this movie combines terrific minimalist visuals and a neutral colour palette with a touch of sci- fi and lots of tasteful jump scares. In the age of the #MeToo movement, this has certainly come at the perfect time – but it also keeps all the teachable moments tangible yet unpreachy so audiences can still check out from reality if they choose to. Release date: 30 October

THE PHOTOGRAPH

Romantic drama fans won’t have to wait until the next Valentine’s day to enjoy a good love story. With The Photograph coming to Now TV, you now have a valid reason to be a temporary shut in. Starring the charismatic Issa Rae, this movie follows an assistant curator as she deals with her estranged mother’s passing, delves into her early life and discovers a father she’s never known, falling in love along the way. If this movie doesn’t convince you to squeeze in some quality cuddling this winter, we don’t know what will.

Release date: 21 November

JOJO RABBIT

Taika Waititi can do no wrong. With the release of Jojo Rabbit, we’re pretty sure of it. This delightful coming- of-age movie – that’s set in the Third Reich era and kind of reminds you of Wes Anderson’s best works – is funny yet sad, cheerful yet tear jerking. Complete with vibrant visuals, a brilliant storyline and an unlikely friendship, this war comedy is a treasure. There’s quite a talented cast as well, with Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Waititi himself and brilliant newcomer Roman Griffin Davis playing such charismatic characters. Release date: 13 November

LAST CHRISTMAS

You could probably see the plot twist in Last Christmas from a mile away, but that doesn’t stop this holiday movie from being enjoyable if you give it a chance. The chemistry between Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding is endearing, as are Clarke’s adorable outfits. Best of all, this isn’t your typical sappy Christmas romantic comedy, as it focuses on loving and accepting oneself as well as finding community in unlikely places. Even if you’re not into all that, Henry Golding’s enchanting smile should be enough reason to watch it.

Release date: 27 November