The movies and series to get you through every lockdown mood

Our definitive guide is just too good not to share


Winter is here, which means Christmas is just around the corner. Since the planes are grounded and the night outs are off, we’re seeking much-needed indoors entertainment. Every day doesn’t have to be work and study, or baking banana bread.

Even though cinemas are currently off-limits and several films and series have been postponed, you’ve come to the right place. More than ever, streaming platforms have been essential for 2020. Whether you have Netflix, Disney + or Amazon Prime Video, The Tab Royal Holloway must-watch list has something for everyone. RHUL cinema society is also another way to enjoy films post-lockdown.

When you’ve dimmed the lights, searched the innards of the cupboard for snacks, cued the hot chocolate and popped in some popcorn in the microwave, there’s only one thing left to do: become a couch potato and have a browse through these options.

Consider this The Tab Royal Holloway-approved lockdown guide.

popcorn 24/ 7

To get in the Christmas spirit watch

Christmas with the Kranks (2014)

Looking for a light-hearted family Christmas comedy? The story follows a couple of modern-day Scrooges, starring Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis, who decide to skip Christmas whilst their daughter is away from home. When she decides to return, it causes chaos in the neighbourhood when they have to celebrate Christmas at the last minute.

Rate: 6/10

Where to watch: Netflix/ Amazon Prime Video

Home Alone (1990-2002)

It’s been three decades since it was released but we still enjoy seeing Kevin McCallister find tricks up his sleeves to slip his way out of a home burglary. No matter how many times I have watched it, I laugh and cry every time. Hopefully, we can all enjoy this great and timeless throwback.

Rate: 9/10

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video/ Disney +

Klaus (2019)

An animation film about a postman called Jesper, who is sent to the North where he befriends and delivers a sleigh of gifts with the toymaker – Santa Klaus. This Christmas holiday movie isn’t just any, the storyline focuses on how Jesper evolves from being selfish to selfless. The ending was amazing but it was an unexpected tear-jerker.

Rate: 8/10

Where to watch: Netflix

101 Dalmatians (1996)

The story centres around Cruella de Vil chancing at using the dalmatian puppies’ skin to make her the perfect new coat. Pongo and Perdy rescue the puppies from this tragedy. Directed by Stephen Herek, 101 Dalmatians is the first live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated comedy film in 1961. Glenn Close’s performance as Cruella De Vil was villainously amazing.

Rate: 7/10

Where to watch: Disney +/ Amazon Prime Video

Outdoor cinema in Founder’s Quad vibes

The musical watch

Mamma Mia!  (2008/2018)

Here we go again! Grab your dynamos and some cocktails! Even though summer is gone, it shouldn’t stop you from watching Mamma Mia. It’s the perfect escape during this lockdown. The sing-a-long film has all the top soundtrack hits. It stars Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and many others. The film is about Sophie, who secretly invites three of her mother’s exes to her wedding in the hope she will meet her father.

Rate: 8/10

Where to watch: Netflix/ Amazon Prime Video

Oliver Twist (1968 or 2005)

Whether you watch the 1968 version directed by Carol Reed or the recent Roman Polanski’s 2005 adaption, it is a must-watch. Many of us would have read or watched this in our childhood. The film is an adaption of Charles Dicken’s novel. Set in Victorian England, the film tells the story of an orphan and his survival. They are trained to steal which puts Oliver in tragic incidents, exposing the true nature of those around him.

Rate: 7/10

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Singin’ In The Rain (1952)

With Gene Kelly’s on-screen presence, this timeless classic is arguably the world’s most-loved musical. Although Singin’ in the rain may seem charmingly dated, it was the introduction to sound films. So it’s fair to say it is filled with memorable songs.

Rate: 9/10

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Chicago (2002)

An Oscar-winning musical black comedy crime film starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renée Zellweger and Richard Gere. The film is about Roxie and Velma awaiting their murder trial. They compete for fame, publicity, and the attention of their lawyer Billy Flynn.

Rate: 8/10

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Image sourced from RHUL Cinema society

Marathons to pass the time

Fast and furious (2001-present)

A series of action films focusing largely on street racing. It began in 2001 starring Paul Walker, Jordana Brewster, Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez and many more. Although the release date of Fast and Furious 9 was postponed to next year, it gives us time to re-watch the first 8. See you in the finishing line.

Rate: 8/10

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Little Fires Everywhere (2020)

The newly released drama series is highly recommended. In the best way possible, there is always a lot going on. It’s engaging and thought-provoking. Little Fires Everywhere follows the lives of the Richardson family and how it changes when a mother and daughter move to the neighbourhood. Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington’s performance are incredible. Godspeed there be a season two.

Rate: 9/10

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Ocean’s Eleven/twelve/ thirteen (2001-2007)

All three films have humour, crime and smart storylines. The story is about a gangster and his group plotting a money heist. For the most part, you’ll be teeth-clenching and jaw-dropping; it keeps you on edge.

Rate: 9/10

Where to watch: Netflix / Amazon Prime Video

Harry Potter (2001-2011)

Just under 20 hours of watching all eight Harry Potter films back to back will keep you occupied for an entire day. And what an eventful day it would be with Harry, Hermoine and Ron.

Rate: 8/10

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Netflix and chill

If you need a good laugh

Wild child (2008)

If you’re a sucker for romcoms, here is another option. A spoiled Malibu girl played by Emma Roberts is sent off to a boarding school in England by her father. She deliberately misbehaves to be expelled and return home.

Rate: 7/10

Where to watch: Netflix / Amazon Prime

The Politician (2019)

Did someone say Payton Hobart is running for president? The comedy-drama series has currently two seasons. Ben Platt’s character Payton Hobart dreams of being the president of the United States. Despite their 90’s wardrobe, The Politician takes place in the present day. However, it’s not all politics – Ben Platt is giving you V-O-C-A-L-S. He has the voice of an angel. We see him play his songs on the piano in both seasons.

Rate: 8/10

Where to watch: Netflix

Legally blonde (2001)

Oops, Reese Witherspoon features again. She plays Elle Woods who decides to follow her ex-boyfriend to Harvard law school after he dumped her for another girl. The film also shows her attempts to overcome the stereotypes against blondes and for wanting to be a lawyer. It’s by far the best feel-good movie for a Sunday afternoon.

Rate: 7/10

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Image sourced from RHUL cinema society

For a good, intense cry

My sister’s keeper (2009)

The film adaptation of Jodi Picoult’s novel starring Abigail Breslin and Cameron Diaz. It tells the story of Anna who’s life is solely dependent on Kate’s health. The pressure of her parents to prolong the life of her sister who’s been diagnosed with leukaemia forces Anna to take legal action.

Rate: 7/10

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

About time (2013)

The film centres on when Tim’s father shares the secret: all the men in the family can time travel. Tim has the ability to repeat any moment in his life to amend things until he gets everything right.

Rate: 8/10

Where to watch: Netflix / Amazon Prime Video

Beautiful boy (2018)

You will want to have the tissues at the ready; the film is based on a true story. It is heart-aching and moving. It centres on a father helping his son with his drug addiction. Timothée Chalamet and Steve Carell’s father and son relationship is amazingly performed.

Rate: 10/10

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Lion (2016)

This true story about a boy who got lost and separated from his family at the age of five before being adopted by a couple in Australia. But 25 years later he locates his biological mother and brother. Filmed between Australia and India, the Australian biographical film is gripping and deeply moving.

Rate: 9/10

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video/ Netflix

The pursuit of happiness (2006)

You can expect the best from Will Smith and Jaden Smith. Will Smith as Chris Gardner and his son as Christopher. It is inspired by a true story about a homeless salesman who loses his life’s earning. He takes custody of his son when his wife leaves them behind.

Rate: 8/10

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Selena (1997)

The biographical film was made in honour of the Mexican-American singer Selena Quintanilla who was born into a musical family. Her father sees her talent and performs with her. When she becomes successful, she also falls in love with her guitarist. Jennifer Lopez was phenomenal in playing the part of Selena.

Rate: 9/10

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Image sourced from RHUL cinema society

 

To truly escape

Life of pi (2012)

A film about an Indian Tamil boy who survives a shipwreck. While stranded on a lifeboat in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, he forms a friendship with the other survivor– a Bengal tiger.

Rate: 8/10

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Killing Eve (2018-present)

Grab a cup of tea and binge the British drama series back to back. Eve is a British intelligence investigator capturing the assassin Villanelle. What accent can’t Jodie Comer do? She’s so damn good at every accent there is. The characters are authentic; even though Villanelle played by Jodie Comer has a track record of killing people, her quirky personality becomes a likeable character.

Rate: 10/10

Where to watch: BBC iPlayer/ Amazon Prime Video

Eat Pray Love (2010)

Julia Roberts plays the lead protagonist Elizabeth who post-divorce decides to go on a soul-searching journey. The film manages to teleport us through its cross-country journey with local and quirky sceneries. It has a spiritual and pedagogical element to it.

Rate: 7/10

Where to watch: Netflix/ Amazon Prime Video

Image sourced from RHUL cinema society