Film & TV12 of the best alternative festive filmsFancy a change from The Muppet Christmas Carol? BBC journalists pick the films that get them in the holiday mood.See moreLatest headlinesHunger Games fans thrilled by return of Jennifer LawrenceFarewell (again) to Neighbours, Australia's longest running soap operaIceland becomes fifth country to boycott EurovisionRussell Crowe says Gladiator II creators misunderstood what made original 'special'Taliban warn Afghans who wore 'un-Islamic' Peaky Blinders outfitsThe Watch List10 of the greatest murder mysteries everAs the new Knives Out film, Wake Up Dead Man, is released on streaming, here are more ingenious – and confounding – whodunnits to watch and read.The 25 best TV shows of 2025From the Breaking Bad creator's smart new sci-fi to the Alien franchise's first small-screen outing and the new season of Severance, we pick the year's greatest programmes to stream.More from our Culture editorsThe 25 best films of 2025BBC film critics Caryn James and Nicholas Barber pick their cinema highlights of the year – from a "whip-fast" action thriller to a moving family drama and warm-hearted comedy.Marty Supreme is 'fresh, funny and exhilarating' ★★★★☆Timothée Chalamet is "captivating", alongside an "impeccable" Gwyneth Paltrow, in this "madcap" film about a young man who scams and steals his way to becoming a table-tennis champion.12 of the best films to watch this DecemberFrom the third instalment of the Avatar phenomenon to a Timothée Chalamet-starring awards contender – these are the films to watch at the cinema and stream at home this month.Oscar-tipped Hamnet is moving but 'manipulative' ★★☆☆☆The Shakespeare drama starring Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley has a stellar cast but is "exploitative" and lacks subtlety.Stranger Things' final series is 'thrilling' ★★★★☆ The Netflix sci-fi is back after a three-year wait, with its young stars now in their 20s – and the first four episodes of this final season suggest an "all-time ending" is in store.The film exploring myths about being left-handedLeft-handedness is often seen as being "wrong" – and also as a sign of "genius". Left-Handed Girl draws on the prejudice director Shih-Ching Tsou faced growing up in Taiwan.WatchJacinda Ardern once auditioned to be a HobbitThe former New Zealand PM says she auditioned for Lord of the Rings but fell short on a specific requirement.Film & TVAlexander Skarsgård's encounter with Miriam MargolyesThe actor reveals that he once almost rented a room in Miriam Margolyes’ condo in Santa Monica.Film & TVWhen Hugh Jackman did karaoke with Neil DiamondThe actor reveals which songs he sang with the music legend when they ended up at his house in Colorado.Film & TVRosamund Pike hadn't seen a Bond film before her auditionThe actress reveals that she turned up to her audition in the wrong attire for a Bond girl.Film & TVHow Kim Kardashian ended up walking Madonna's dogThe reality TV star sparks laughter when she reveals her quirky bracelet payment for a childhood gig.Film & TVWhat Jennifer Lawrence fed Robert Pattinson for dinnerThe actress reveals she dug through her rubbish bin when her co-star came over hungry one night.Film & TVBruce Springsteen watched Jeremy Allen White play him on setThe music icon reveals that he feels guilty he was on the set of Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere.Film & TVThree films Aimee Lou Wood says will change your lifeThe actress shares the films she insists everyone should see - and why they can completely shift your outlook.Film & TVJulia Roberts got a little too excited at WimbledonThe actress explains why Benedict Cumberbatch had to calm her down during a match.Film & TVThe secret to finding perfect film locations in NYCDiscover insider tips from a veteran location manager who reveals how filmmakers choose iconic backdrops.Film & TVTaylor Swift shows off engagement ringThe pop star describes the proposal from Travis Kelce that broke the internet.Film & TVLeonardo DiCaprio reveals the films he can't stop watchingFrom Goodfellas to Bicycle Thieves, the actor shares the timeless titles he’s watched across decades.Film & TVWhen Matthew McConaughey said 'no' to a $14.5m offerThe actor talks about his challenging transition from rom-coms to more serious roles.Film & TVOlivia Colman reveals her dinner party trickThe actress surprises fellow The Roses cast member Benedict Cumberbatch with her physical stunt.Film & TVPedro Pascal joins Marvel after lemonade stand ambushThe actor explains how his Fantastic Four fate was sealed by a bold kid with citrus and connections.Film & TVSuperman's least glamorous momentsActor David Corenswet tells us about the moments on set he would rather forget about.Film & TVGerard Butler: 'Get me out of this costume!'The Scottish actor talks about filming for How to train your dragon.Film & TVTom Cruise explains how he managed his epic stuntFor his latest Mission: Impossible film, the actor prepared for a daunting stunt by resting on a plane wing.Film & TVCannes like you've never seen it beforeTom Brook gives an insider guide to the film festival and takes us behind the scenes and beyond the red carpet.Film & TVCoogler's Warren Buffet quip cracks up Michael B JordanSinners director Ryan Coogler jokes about his 'early investment' in his long-time actor friend.Film & TVMore film and TV21 hrs agoThese weird British phrases are confusing Elizabeth OlsenElizabeth Olsen and Miles Teller join Ali Plumb in the Radio 1 studio.21 hrs ago24 hrs agoNetflix and Paramount are battling for Warner Bros. 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