Looking for the best films to watch on TV this week? From the high peaks of Everest to the gritty streets of New York, our curated list of seven standout movies has something for every mood. Whether you crave adventure, drama, or a classic crime saga, these picks promise unforgettable viewing.
Tenzing: A New Perspective on Everest
Director Jennifer Peedom’s Tenzing offers a fresh take on the 1953 Everest expedition. While Edmund Hillary (Tom Hiddleston) and Col John Hunt (Willem Dafoe) saw the mountain as a conquest, Tenzing Norgay (Genden Phuntsok) revered it as Chomolungma, “holy mother.” This biopic explores ambition, colonialism, and class through a Sherpa lens. Streaming now on Apple TV+, it’s a must-watch for adventure enthusiasts. The background to this story is set out in 25 Must-Watch Films Before You Turn 25: A Curated List. A related thread runs through 25 Must-Watch Films Before You Turn 25: Curated by Experts. Earlier coverage in Heretic to Love Me: Seven Best Films to Watch on TV This Week shows how the argument developed.
Why It Stands Out
- Unique cultural perspective on a historic event
- Stellar performances from Hiddleston and Dafoe
- Stunning cinematography of the Himalayas
Cléo from 5 to 7: French New Wave Gem
Agnès Varda’s 1962 classic follows singer Cléo Victoire (Corinne Marchand) as she awaits cancer test results. Wandering Paris, she encounters friends, strangers, and tarot readers, oscillating between despair and ecstasy. The film’s life-affirming energy and innovative style make it a timeless piece of the French New Wave. Catch it on BBC Four, Saturday 17 October, 9:45pm. A closer look at the same subject appears in Oasis Documentary and Kill: Seven Best Films to Watch on TV This Week. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma: Seven Best Films to Watch on TV. The same theme surfaces in Heretic to Love Me: Seven Best Films on TV This Week, which takes a different angle.
Goodfellas: The Ultimate Mafia Epic
Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas remains the gold standard of gangster cinema. With iconic performances from Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, and Joe Pesci, it chronicles Henry Hill’s rise and fall in the mob. Its influence spans from The Sopranos to countless films. Airings this week on major networks—don’t miss it. Context on how this played out before sits in Best Films to Watch on TV This Week: The Beast, The Batman. A companion piece, The Mandalorian and Grogu to Mayday: Best Films to Watch This Week, approaches the same subject from another angle.
Comparison of This Week’s Top Films
| Film | Genre | Where to Watch | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tenzing | Adventure Biopic | Apple TV+ | PG-13 |
| Cléo from 5 to 7 | Drama | BBC Four | Not Rated |
| Goodfellas | Crime | Various | R |
Key Takeaways
- Diverse genres: From adventure to crime, there’s a film for everyone.
- Cultural significance: Tenzing offers a unique perspective on Everest.
- Classic appeal: Cléo from 5 to 7 and Goodfellas are timeless masterpieces.
- Easy access: Most films are available on popular streaming platforms or TV channels.
FAQ
What are the best films to watch on TV this week?
Our top picks include Tenzing, Cléo from 5 to 7, and Goodfellas, along with four other critically acclaimed films airing this week.

Where can I watch Tenzing?
Tenzing is available for streaming on Apple TV+.
When is Cléo from 5 to 7 airing?
It airs on BBC Four on Saturday, 17 October at 9:45pm.
Why is Goodfellas considered a classic?
Goodfellas is praised for its direction, performances, and influence on the gangster genre, making it a timeless masterpiece.