Paddington 2

A familiar face, phrase or image earns its place when recognising it helps a scene do new dramatic work. These are cases for particular moments, rather than a ranking of entire franchises. Each...

A good sequel finds a better question to ask, gives a supporting character room to breathe or finally discovers its own rhythm. These are arguments for follow-ups that offer more than a larger...

A hero has a job to finish. An antagonist can make the job, and the whole film around it, feel suddenly more interesting. These are argued preferences for commanding villains, through theatrical...

For evenings when your brain has had enough, these films offer good company: generous comedies, warm animation and people finding their feet again. The selection leans towards modern comfort...

A considered ranking across the year's horror, comedy, animation, intimate drama and large-scale filmmaking. The order favours distinctive direction, performances and a complete film's staying...

For a shared film, adult enjoyment should come from the story, craft or emotional detail, rather than waiting for a reference aimed over children's heads. This selection mixes recent adventures...