Matchbox the Movie to Poor Things: Seven Best Films on TV 2026

Matchbox the Movie leads our pick of the seven best films to watch on TV this week, a lineup that spans from high-octane toy adaptations to Oscar-winning surrealism like Poor Things. Whether you're in the mood for a breezy caper or a thought-provoking drama, this week's TV schedule has something for every film lover.

Matchbox the Movie: A Toy Adaptation Done Right

In the wake of Barbie's pink-hued dominance, Mattel is doubling down on toy-based entertainment. Matchbox the Movie gives the classic die-cast cars a dramatic spit and polish under director Sam Hargrave. John Cena stars as CIA covert agent Sean, who returns to his hometown for a funeral and reunites with childhood friends—the Matchbox Gang—including Jessica Biel's paramedic Aimee, his youthful crush. When a nuclear warhead vanishes and Sean becomes the fall guy, his mates are thrust into a globe-trotting world of spies, close-quarter violence, and, of course, shiny fast cars. It's a breezy, amiable caper now streaming on Apple TV+.

Poor Things: Emma Stone's Risk-Taking Performance

Yorgos Lanthimos's Poor Things is a visually stunning and wildly inventive take on the Frankenstein story. Emma Stone delivers a fearless, Oscar-winning performance as Bella Baxter, a woman brought back to life and discovering the world with unbridled curiosity. The film is a surreal, funny, and provocative journey that challenges conventions and showcases Stone's incredible range. It's a must-watch for fans of bold, original cinema.

Other Top Picks This Week

Animals

Ben Affleck's knotty kidnap thriller was delayed in 2024 after clashing with Spike Lee's similarly themed Highest 2 Lowest. Now it's finally here, with Affleck as an attorney running for LA mayor and Kerry Washington as his wife. When their son is kidnapped for ransom, moral and political calculations muddy the waters. Gillian Anderson shines as a cool, collected English fixer. Streaming on Netflix.

The Zone of Interest

Jonathan Glazer's chilling Holocaust drama offers a stark, unflinching look at the banality of evil. It's a difficult but essential watch, available on Max.

American Fiction

This satirical comedy-drama stars Jeffrey Wright as a novelist who writes a stereotypical "Black" book out of frustration, only to see it become a hit. A sharp critique of the publishing industry, now on Prime Video.

The Holdovers

Paul Giamatti reunites with director Alexander Payne for this warm, funny, and poignant tale of a curmudgeonly teacher stuck at a boarding school over Christmas with a troubled student. Available on Peacock.

Past Lives

Celine Song's debut feature is a beautiful, aching meditation on love, destiny, and the choices we make. It's a quiet masterpiece now streaming on Paramount+.

Oppenheimer

Christopher Nolan's epic biopic of J. Robert Oppenheimer is a cinematic tour de force, featuring a stunning performance by Cillian Murphy. Catch it on Peacock.

Comparison Table: This Week's Best Films

Key Takeaways

• Matchbox the Movie offers a fun, action-packed ride with John Cena and Jessica Biel.
• Poor Things showcases Emma Stone's Oscar-winning performance in a surreal masterpiece.
• This week's lineup includes critically acclaimed films like The Holdovers and Past Lives.
• Streaming platforms like Apple TV+, Netflix, and Max have you covered for all your viewing needs.
• From thrillers to comedies, there's a film for every mood this week.

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