Backrooms to The Monkey: Seven Best Films to Watch on TV This Week 2026

The seven best films to watch on TV this week include a genre-redefining horror, a classic Ingmar Bergman masterpiece, and a provocative romantic comedy. From the eerie liminal spaces of Backrooms to the existential chess match of The Seventh Seal, there's something for every taste. Here's our pick of the week's TV highlights, with air dates and channels so you don't miss a moment.

Backrooms: A New Horror Classic

Director Kane Parsons was just 20 when he shot Backrooms, a film based on the "creepypasta" YouTube series he'd been developing since his mid-teens. The movie stars Chiwetel Ejiofor as Clark, a failed architect who discovers an apparently endless liminal space behind the strip mall store where he works and, depressingly, also lives. Renate Reinsve plays Clark's therapist, Mary, who follows him into these backrooms to attempt a rescue despite her own traumas around enclosed spaces.

The wallpaper may be monotonously yellow, but there are scares of every shade here. Underlying it all is the heart-pounding thrill of pure originality. Don't miss this one—it's a masterclass in modern horror.

The Seventh Seal: Bergman's Timeless Masterpiece

The scene where the knight (Max von Sydow) plays chess with Death (Bengt Ekerot) is among the most recognisable in cinema history, and endlessly parodied by the likes of Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey and The Muppets. But that shouldn't eclipse the rest of Ingmar Bergman's 1957 classic, worth seeing in full for its allegorical depiction of plague-ravaged medieval Europe, the austere black and white cinematography of Gunnar Fischer, and a climatic rendering of the Danse Macabre.

This film is a must-watch for any serious cinephile. It's a profound meditation on life, death, and faith that remains as powerful today as ever.

Cat Person: Romantic Comedy or Something Darker?

Cat Person defies easy categorization. Is it a romantic comedy? Or is it a chilling psychological thriller? Based on the viral New Yorker short story, the film explores the awkward and often unsettling world of modern dating. With a sharp script and compelling performances, it's a film that will keep you guessing until the very end.

This one is perfect for viewers who enjoy films that blend humor with uncomfortable truths. It's a thought-provoking watch that will spark conversations. The longer history behind the story is traced in Paul Walker's Family on AI Return in Fast & Furious: Meadow Decides.

This Week's Film Highlights at a Glance

To help you plan your viewing, here's a quick rundown of the key films and their details. Whether you're in the mood for horror, classic cinema, or a modern relationship drama, there's plenty to choose from. The background to this story is set out in Celebrity: latest articles. A related thread runs through US Customs Seized 9kg of Spanish Sausage at Seattle Airport. Earlier coverage in Starlink Access for Ukraine Limited as Trump Claims Service Restored shows how the argument developed.

Why These Films Matter

These films represent the best of what television has to offer this week. Backrooms showcases the raw talent of a young director and the enduring appeal of internet-born horror. The Seventh Seal reminds us of the power of classic cinema to tackle universal themes. And Cat Person brings a modern, nuanced perspective on relationships and gender dynamics. A closer look at the same subject appears in Emergency Stockpiling: Are You Prepared for a 72-Hour Crisis. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Wilcox Eyes Howe as Man Utd Manager If Carrick Is Sacked. The same theme surfaces in UK Government Advises 72-Hour Emergency Stockpile for Disasters, which takes a different angle.

Watching these films isn't just entertainment; it's an opportunity to engage with stories that challenge, provoke, and inspire. So set your reminders and enjoy the ride. Context on how this played out before sits in Heretic to Love Me: Seven Best Films to Watch on TV This Week. A companion piece, Seven Best Films to Watch on TV This Week: Toy Story 5 and Hamlet Lead, approaches the same subject from another angle.

Key Takeaways for Your Weekly Watchlist

• Backrooms offers a fresh take on horror with its liminal space concept and strong performances.
• The Seventh Seal is a timeless classic that every film lover should experience.
• Cat Person is a genre-blending film that explores modern dating with wit and tension.
• Check local listings for exact times and availability, as schedules may vary.
• These films are perfect for sparking discussions and expanding your cinematic horizons.

FAQ

What is Backrooms about?

Backrooms follows Clark, a failed architect who discovers an endless liminal space behind his workplace. His therapist Mary attempts to rescue him from this eerie dimension. It's a horror film based on a popular YouTube series.

ADVERTISEMENT

When is The Seventh Seal airing?

The Seventh Seal airs on Saturday 24 October at 9.30pm on BBC Four. It's a classic film by Ingmar Bergman, famous for its iconic chess scene with Death.

Is Cat Person a romantic comedy?

Cat Person blends elements of romantic comedy and psychological thriller. It's based on a viral short story and explores the complexities of modern dating.

Where can I watch Backrooms?

Backrooms is available on HBO Max from Monday 26 October. Check your local listings for exact times.