Tubi has a surprising amount of quality movies and TV shows in its catalogue, some of which I’ve given 5/5. I’ve gathered everything I would recommend, honourable mentions and what I’ve added to my watchlist.
WYALAN star rating explained:
- 5 stars – Highly enjoyed and would highly recommend as a must watch
- 4 stars – Enjoyed and would watch again in the future
- 3 stars – Glad I watched it once, but I’ll probably never watch it again
- 2 stars – Watched to the end, but I wouldn’t watch it again
- 1 star – DNF (did not finish)
Click the three dots on the left hand side to open the table of contents and quickly jump to a series or movie you haven’t seen.
Films on BBC iPlayer | Films on Channel 4 | Films on ITVX | Free Films on Amazon Prime
Bourne Identity
Created by: Doug Liman (Edge of Tomorrow, Fair Game)
Stars: Matt Damon (Good Will Hunting, The Martian), Franka Potente (Run Lola Run, The American)
WYALAN Rating: 5/5
The first film in the Bourne franchise opens with a man, Jason Bourne (Matt Damon), found with amnesia and suffering from gunshot wounds, floating in the Mediterranean Sea. With no recollection of his identity, he embarks on a journey to piece together his past while being relentlessly pursued by mysterious assassins. Bourne uncovers that he has been involved in a covert CIA operation, and his life is now a dangerous game of survival. As he evades deadly forces, he begins to uncover unsettling truths about his own involvement in a world of espionage and intrigue. A thrilling mix of action, mystery, and psychological tension, The Bourne Identity redefines the spy genre, creating a relentless and dynamic ride.
Tim’s Take: One of the best spy thrillers made alongside James Bond and Mission Impossible, the memory loss story line is terrific and makes the trilogy worth watching (the sequels Bourne Supremacy and The Bourne Ultimatum are also on Tubi luckily).
Looper
Created by: Rian Johnson (Knives Out, Star Wars: The Last Jedi)
Stars: Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Inception, 500 Days of Summer), Bruce Willis (Die Hard, The Fifth Element), Emily Blunt (Edge of Tomorrow, A Quiet Place)
WYALAN Rating: 5/5
In Looper, time travel is a reality, but it is strictly illegal. Set in the year 2044, young Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) works as a “looper,” an assassin hired to eliminate individuals sent back from the future. When his future self (Bruce Willis) is sent back for execution, things take an unexpected turn. Older Joe manages to escape, and the two Joes become entangled in a violent game of cat and mouse, with devastating consequences for both their pasts and futures. As the younger Joe tries to close the loop on his older self, he discovers deeper layers of betrayal, moral choices, and complex ramifications involving his future.
Tim’s Take: One of my favourite sci-fi movies, I love the thrilling plot. It’s like a less complicated Inception. Willis and Gordon-Levitt are terrific in their roles.
The Princess Bride
Created by: Rob Reiner (When Harry Met Sally, This Is Spinal Tap)
Stars: Cary Elwes (Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Saw), Robin Wright (House of Cards, Forrest Gump), Mandy Patinkin (Homeland, The Princess Bride)
WYALAN Rating: 5/5
A classic fairy tale brought to life, The Princess Bride tells the story of Princess Buttercup (Robin Wright) and her true love, Westley (Cary Elwes), who must rescue her from an arranged marriage to the evil Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon). Alongside his loyal companions – a giant, an expert swordsman, and a quick-witted thief – Westley faces challenges that range from physical duels to the pursuit of magical artifacts. As Buttercup is swept away by the adventure, they are forced to confront the forces of evil and true love’s power to defy all odds.
Tim’s Take: I enjoyed the book immensely so it was wonderful to see the characters come to life. The film does a wonderful job in bringing the fun and the characters that are on the pages to the screen.
Donnie Darko
Created by: Richard Kelly (Southland Tales, The Box)
Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal (Nightcrawler, Brokeback Mountain), Maggie Gyllenhaal (The Dark Knight, The Honourable Woman)
WYALAN Rating: 5/5
Set in the 1980s, Donnie Darko centers on a troubled teenager, Donnie (Jake Gyllenhaal), who survives a bizarre accident involving a falling jet engine. He begins experiencing strange visions, including one of a man in a creepy rabbit costume named Frank, who tells him that the world will end in 28 days. As Donnie navigates his disturbed reality, he becomes involved in a series of increasingly disturbing events—ranging from his strange behavior to the growing rift between him and his family. The film weaves complex themes of time travel, mental illness, and the question of fate, leaving audiences with a lingering sense of unease.
Tim’s Take: Donnie Darko appeals to the emo side of me. It’s dark and weird so may not be for you, but I definitely think you should watch it at least once.
IT Crowd
Created by: Graham Linehan (Father Ted, Black Books)
Stars: Chris O’Dowd (Bridesmaids, Moone Boy), Richard Ayoade (Submarine, The Double), Katherine Parkinson (Doc Martin, The Boat That Rocked)
WYALAN Rating: 5/5
The IT Crowd is a quirky British sitcom set in the basement of a large corporation where the company’s IT department is located. The team consists of the socially awkward Moss (Richard Ayoade), the slacker Roy (Chris O’Dowd), and their technophobic manager Jen (Katherine Parkinson), who knows nothing about IT but is tasked with managing the department. Throughout the series, the trio navigates a series of absurd challenges, both professional and personal, in their attempts to deal with eccentric office politics, bizarre tech issues, and chaotic situations. The show is known for its rapid-fire humor and memorable catchphrases, becoming a cult classic among fans of British comedy. It won 2 BAFTA TV Awards, including Best Sitcom.
Tim’s Take: The description of an awkward IT department may not scream laughter, but similar to Father Ted in that respect the unlikely absurd situations the characters find themselves in do a lot of the heavy lifting matched with the phenomenal physical comedy of O’Dowd, Ayoade and Parkinson. If you also enjoyed the absurdity of Garth Marenghi’s Dark Place, you’ll probably enjoy The IT Crowd too.
Peep Show
Created by: Sam Bain (Fresh Meat, The Thick of It), Jesse Armstrong (Succession, The Thick of It)
Stars: David Mitchell (That Mitchell and Webb Look, Would I Lie to You?), Robert Webb (Back, The Mitchell and Webb Look), Olivia Colman (The Favourite, Broadchurch)
WYALAN Rating: 5/5
Peep Show follows the lives of two dysfunctional flatmates, Mark (David Mitchell) and Jeremy (Robert Webb), as they navigate their personal and professional struggles in modern London. Told through a unique first-person perspective with voice-over narration, the series offers a hilarious, often cringeworthy look at the characters’ inner thoughts as they cope with relationships, career missteps, and their own personal flaws. The show delves into their awkward and often misguided attempts at adult life, with a particular focus on Mark’s neuroticism and Jeremy’s irresponsible, carefree attitude. Their contrasting personalities and the unusual perspective create a deeply comedic and sometimes uncomfortable viewing experience. The series was critically acclaimed and won several awards, including a British Comedy Award for Best Sitcom, as well as a BAFTA for Best Situation Comedy.
Tim’s Take: It might seem a little odd that Jesse Armstrong created both Succession and Peep Show, but the jokes are very similar. If you enjoyed the jibes from Succession, you’ll probably enjoy Peep Show.
Jerry Maguire
Created by: Cameron Crowe (Almost Famous, Vanilla Sky)
Stars: Tom Cruise (Mission: Impossible, Top Gun), Renée Zellweger (Bridget Jones’s Diary, Chicago), Cuba Gooding Jr. (Men of Honor, A Few Good Men)
WYALAN Rating: 4/5
Jerry Maguire is a sports drama-comedy that follows the story of Jerry Maguire (Tom Cruise), a high-powered sports agent who experiences a crisis of conscience after a moral epiphany. Disillusioned by the greed and corruption in his profession, Jerry writes a mission statement advocating for more personal, ethical approaches to client management. As a result, he is fired from his firm and left with only one client, the temperamental football player Rod Tidwell (Cuba Gooding Jr.), and a loyal assistant, Dorothy (Renée Zellweger). Jerry must now navigate the challenges of rebuilding his career while managing his relationship with Dorothy and guiding Rod to success. With themes of love, ambition, and personal growth, the film balances humor with heartfelt moments. Jerry Maguire won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (Cuba Gooding Jr.) and was nominated for five other Oscars, including Best Picture.
Tim’s Take: What a run of movies Tom Cruise had in the 90’s. I think Jerry Maguire is one of my favourite Tom Cruise movies overall. It has a great mixture of comedy and sincerity which makes this a rewatchable feel good movie. The iconic scenes make watching Jerry Maguire worth your time alone.
Big Fish
Created by: Tim Burton (Edward Scissorhands, Beetlejuice)
Stars: Ewan McGregor (Moulin Rouge!, Trainspotting), Albert Finney (Skyfall, Annie), Helena Bonham Carter (Fight Club, Harry Potter)
WYALAN Rating: 3.5/5
Big Fish tells the story of Edward Bloom (Albert Finney), a charming and eccentric man known for his fantastical tales of adventure. As he nears the end of his life, his estranged son, Will (Billy Crudup), attempts to understand the truth behind his father’s larger-than-life stories. As Will recalls his father’s tall tales, including encounters with a giant, a witch, and a circus performer, he gradually uncovers the deeper emotional truths about his father’s past and the legacy he will leave behind. The film’s surreal storytelling, combined with its emotional depth, highlights the bond between father and son while exploring themes of memory, storytelling, and love. Big Fish was nominated for 2 Academy Awards, including Best Original Score, and received numerous other nominations for its visual storytelling and performances.
Tim’s Take: Big Fish is a visually beautiful fairy tale that’s as weird and wonderful as any of Tim Burton’s other movies. If you like those, you’ll like Big Fish. I think the plot has a lot more substance than Edward Scissorhands, Beetlejuice. Big Fish is a feel good easy watch.
Panic Room
Created by: David Fincher (Se7en, Fight Club)
Stars: Jodie Foster (The Silence of the Lambs, Contact), Forest Whitaker (The Last King of Scotland, Black Panther), Jared Leto (Requiem for a Dream, Dallas Buyers Club)
WYALAN Rating: 3.5/5
In Panic Room, Meg Altman (Jodie Foster) and her daughter Sarah (Kristen Stewart) become trapped inside a high-tech panic room in their new Manhattan home after burglars (Jared Leto, Forest Whitaker) break in looking for a hidden fortune. As the thieves attempt to gain access to the room, Meg and Sarah must outwit them while being locked in a terrifying game of survival. The tension rises as both parties engage in a high-stakes battle of wits, with the burglars growing desperate and the mother and daughter growing more resourceful in their efforts to escape. Directed by David Fincher, the film is a tense, claustrophobic thriller with edge-of-your-seat suspense.
Tim’s Take: Maybe not a David Fincher movie that springs to anyone’s mind straight away, still it has all of the tense drama that you come to expect.
Frances Ha
Created by: Noah Baumbach (Marriage Story, The Meyerowitz Stories)
Stars: Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird, Little Women), Mickey Sumner (The Mistresses of the World, Snowpiercer), Adam Driver (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Marriage Story)
WYALAN Rating: 3/5
Frances Ha follows Frances Halladay (Greta Gerwig), a 27-year-old dancer living in New York City. Struggling to find stability in her career and relationships, Frances navigates the ups and downs of adulthood with a mix of humour and vulnerability. The film explores themes of friendship, self-worth, and the pursuit of dreams, all against the backdrop of the vibrant New York City. Shot in black and white, the film captures Frances’s journey through a series of personal and professional setbacks, showing her determination and resilience in the face of uncertainty.
Tim’s Take: Maybe I came into this with high expectations due to its cult status, which affected my feelings towards the movie. I can definitely see why its highly regarded and it worth watching at least once. I actually prefer Baumbach’s other projects like Marriage Story and The Meyerowitz Stories which have WYALAN ratings of 4/5.
Honourable Mentions
Movies I’ve watched but just missed the list. These have positive reviews elsewhere so maybe you’ll enjoy them too.
Jumper
Created by: Doug Liman (The Bourne Identity, Edge of Tomorrow)
Stars: Hayden Christensen (Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, Shattered Glass), Samuel L. Jackson (Pulp Fiction, The Avengers), Rachel Bilson (The O.C., Hart of Dixie)
Jumper centers around David Rice (Hayden Christensen), a young man who discovers he has the ability to teleport anywhere in the world. After fleeing his troubled past and leaving behind his family, David embarks on a life of luxury and adventure as he jumps from one exotic location to another. However, his newfound abilities draw the attention of a secret society, known as the Paladins, led by Roland (Samuel L. Jackson), whose mission is to hunt down and eliminate jumpers. As David learns more about the consequences of his powers, he faces a battle for survival against the Paladins while also confronting his past.
Boy
Created by: Taika Waititi (What We Do in the Shadows, Jojo Rabbit)
Stars: James Rolleston (The Dark Horse, The Dead Lands), Taika Waititi (Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Thor: Ragnarok), Rachel House (Moana, The Breaker Upperers)
Boy is a coming-of-age comedy-drama set in rural New Zealand in the early 1980s. The film follows 11-year-old Boy (James Rolleston), who idolizes his absent father, Alamein (Taika Waititi), believing him to be a heroic figure. When Alamein returns after a long absence, Boy’s dream of a perfect reunion quickly begins to crumble as he discovers his father is far from the man he imagined. Instead of the strong role model Boy had hoped for, Alamein is irresponsible and somewhat childish. As Boy struggles to come to terms with the reality of his father’s flaws, he must also learn to navigate his relationship with his younger brother, Rocky, and the challenges of growing up in a complex, often difficult world.
Cruel Intentions
Created by: Roger Kumble (The Sweetest Thing, Just Friends)
Stars: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Scooby-Doo), Ryan Phillippe (Crash, I Know What You Did Last Summer), Reese Witherspoon (Legally Blonde, Big Little Lies)
Cruel Intentions is a modern-day adaptation of the classic novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses, set in the privileged world of Manhattan’s elite. The story revolves around two wealthy and manipulative step-siblings, Kathryn (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Sebastian (Ryan Phillippe), who play dangerous games with the emotions of others for their own amusement. Sebastian, a notorious womanizer, accepts a challenge from Kathryn to seduce Annette (Reese Witherspoon), the innocent daughter of the new school headmaster. As the schemes unfold, Sebastian finds himself unexpectedly falling in love with Annette, which complicates his plans and forces him to confront the dark consequences of his actions.
Inside Man
Created by: Spike Lee (Do the Right Thing, Malcolm X)
Stars: Denzel Washington (Training Day, Fences), Clive Owen (Children of Men, The International), Jodie Foster (The Silence of the Lambs, Panic Room)
Inside Man is a heist thriller directed by Spike Lee. The film revolves around a meticulously planned bank robbery in New York City. The robbers, led by Dalton Russell (Clive Owen), take hostages and set up a tense standoff with the police. Detective Keith Frazier (Denzel Washington) is called in to negotiate, but the situation becomes even more complicated when the bank’s owner (Jodie Foster) secretly gets involved, indicating that there’s more at play than just a simple heist. As the investigation deepens, Frazier must navigate the psychological game the robbers are playing, while uncovering a web of secrets and lies that threaten to unravel everything.
The Social Network
Created by: David Fincher (Fight Club, Zodiac)
Stars: Jesse Eisenberg (Zombieland, Now You See Me), Andrew Garfield (Hacksaw Ridge, Spider-Man), Justin Timberlake (Trolls, Alpha Dog)
The Social Network chronicles the rise of Facebook, from its creation in a Harvard dorm room to its transformation into a global social media giant. The film focuses on the legal battles faced by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg), who is accused by his former friends, Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield) and twins Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss (Armie Hammer), of stealing their ideas and betraying their trust. Through flashbacks and deposition scenes, the film explores the cutthroat world of Silicon Valley, the complexities of friendship and betrayal, and the ethical dilemmas of creating a billion-dollar company. The Social Network was a major critical and commercial success, winning three Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay (Aaron Sorkin), and was nominated for seven others, including Best Picture.
Her Smell
Created by: Alex Ross Perry (Listen Up Philip, Queen of Earth)
Stars: Elisabeth Moss (The Handmaid’s Tale, Mad Men), Cara Delevingne (Suicide Squad, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets), Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey, Legion)
Her Smell follows Becky Something (Elisabeth Moss), a punk rock singer whose personal and professional life is spiraling out of control. As the lead singer of the band Something She, Becky is a volatile and self-destructive force who alienates those around her. The film unfolds over five key moments in time, showcasing her unraveling and eventual attempt at redemption. Her relationships with her bandmates, her daughter, and her own psyche are at the center of this intense exploration of fame, addiction, and the price of artistic genius.
Bernie
Created by: Richard Linklater (Boyhood, Dazed and Confused)
Stars: Jack Black (School of Rock, Tropic Thunder), Shirley MacLaine (Terms of Endearment, The Apartment), Matthew McConaughey (Dallas Buyers Club, Interstellar)
Bernie is based on the true story of Bernie Tiede (Jack Black), an effeminate and beloved mortician in a small Texas town who strikes up an unlikely friendship with the wealthy widow Marjorie Nugent (Shirley MacLaine). As their relationship deepens, Bernie becomes increasingly isolated, and eventually, he kills Marjorie. The film is told through interviews with the townspeople and explores how Bernie’s charm and kindness masked a darker side, as well as the complex emotions surrounding his crime.
On my watchlist
And here’s a list of movies on my watchlist which have positive reviews too.
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape
Created by: Lasse Hallström (The Cider House Rules, An Unfinished Life)
Stars: Johnny Depp (Pirates of the Caribbean, Edward Scissorhands), Leonardo DiCaprio (Inception, The Revenant), Juliette Lewis (Natural Born Killers, Cape Fear)
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape follows Gilbert Grape (Johnny Depp), a young man living in a small, quiet town, where he is the primary caregiver for his family. His mother, Bonnie (Darlene Cates), is severely obese, and his younger brother, Arnie (Leonardo DiCaprio), has an intellectual disability. As Gilbert struggles to take care of his family and manage his own desires for a life outside of his responsibilities, he finds solace in a romantic relationship with Becky (Juliette Lewis), a free-spirited traveler passing through town. The film portrays Gilbert’s emotional journey as he grapples with love, loss, and the burden of familial obligations.
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape was critically acclaimed, with Leonardo DiCaprio receiving a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Arnie. It is often regarded as a turning point in DiCaprio’s career and an excellent showcase for Johnny Depp’s nuanced performance.
People Just Do Nothing
Created by: Asim Chaudhry (Horrible Histories: The Movie, The Hustle), Steve Stamp (Top Boy, Dead Pixels)
Stars: Asim Chaudhry (Horrible Histories: The Movie, The Hustle), Allan Mustafa (EastEnders, White Gold), Hugo Chegwin (The Inbetweeners, The British Family)
People Just Do Nothing is a British mockumentary series that follows the antics of Kurupt FM, a pirate radio station based in West London. The show centers on the delusional and often clueless members of the crew, especially MC Grindah (Allan Mustafa) and DJ Beats (Hugo Chegwin), who are convinced that their station will soon be the next big thing in music. The series humorously explores the absurdities of their lives, blending everyday situations with the failed aspirations of its characters. The film version, People Just Do Nothing: Big in Japan, follows the crew as they travel to Japan to make a music video and attempt to gain international success.
The show has gained a loyal following and won multiple British Academy Television Awards for its writing and performances.
Glengarry Glen Ross
Created by: David Mamet (The Spanish Prisoner, Heist)
Stars: Al Pacino (The Godfather, Scent of a Woman), Jack Lemmon (Some Like It Hot, The Odd Couple), Alec Baldwin (30 Rock, The Departed)
Glengarry Glen Ross is a drama based on David Mamet’s play, set in the high-stakes world of real estate sales. The film follows a group of salesmen who are struggling to stay afloat after the company announces a sales competition with a big reward for the winner and severe consequences for the losers. Desperate to secure their jobs, the men resort to deceit and manipulation, revealing their moral compromises as the pressure mounts. The film is particularly known for its sharp dialogue and intense performances, especially from Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, and Alec Baldwin, who delivers one of his most famous monologues as a ruthless corporate trainer.
Glengarry Glen Ross was a critical success and won several awards, including a Tony Award for Best Play. Al Pacino’s performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Johnny Mnemonic
Created by: Robert Longo (Metallica: Through the Never, The Telling)
Stars: Keanu Reeves (The Matrix, John Wick), Dolph Lundgren (Rocky IV, The Expendables), Ice-T (Law & Order: SVU, New Jack City)
Johnny Mnemonic is a cyberpunk thriller set in a dystopian future where information is more valuable than anything else. The film follows Johnny (Keanu Reeves), a “mnemonic courier” who has a data-storage device implanted in his brain. When Johnny is hired to transport sensitive information, he becomes a target for powerful corporations and ruthless criminals who want the data. As he races against time to retrieve the information and stay alive, Johnny discovers that the data he is carrying could have major consequences for society. With the help of allies like the street samurai, J-Bone (Ice-T), Johnny must navigate a dangerous web of betrayal.
Ghostbusters: Answer The Call
Created by: Paul Feig (Bridesmaids, Spy)
Stars: Kristen Wiig (Bridesmaids, Saturday Night Live), Melissa McCarthy (The Heat, Spy), Kate McKinnon (Saturday Night Live, Bombshell)
Ghostbusters: Answer The Call is a reboot of the beloved Ghostbusters franchise, featuring an all-female team of paranormal investigators. The film follows Erin (Kristen Wiig), Abby (Melissa McCarthy), Jillian (Kate McKinnon), and Patty (Leslie Jones) as they team up to fight a ghostly invasion of New York City. When strange occurrences begin happening around the city, the team discovers a portal to the supernatural world and must use their expertise to stop an otherworldly threat from destroying the city.
Dan In Real Life
Created by: Peter Hedges (What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Pieces of April)
Stars: Steve Carell (The Office, 40-Year-Old Virgin), Juliette Binoche (Chocolat, The English Patient), Dane Cook (Employee of the Month, Good Luck Chuck)
Dan In Real Life tells the story of Dan Burns (Steve Carell), a widowed advice columnist and father of three who is struggling to move on after the death of his wife. While on a family vacation, Dan meets Marie (Juliette Binoche), a woman who seems like the perfect match. However, he soon discovers that she is actually dating his brother Mitch (Dane Cook), leading to an emotionally complicated situation. As Dan wrestles with his feelings for Marie, he must also confront his role as a father and figure out how to be happy again.