After the year we’ve just had, hopes are high that things can improve in 2021 – but for the moment, we’re back in lockdown again, in the coldest and darkest months of the year. The coming weeks look to be a particularly difficult time, and so it’s more important than ever that you look after yourself both physically and mentally. If, like the rest of us, you’re feeling pretty overwhelmed right now, the last few lockdowns showed that keeping yourself comforted and entertained by the movies, TV shows, and games that you love make everything can make it a little bit easier.
Empire is here to help with the Lockdown Survival Kit – it’s full of recommendations chosen to bring you a bit of joy and distraction in the coming days and nights. We have the most bingeable shows streaming right now (there’s never been a better time to delve into The West Wing, or get lost in Schitt’s Creek), feel good films sure to bring a smile to your face (hello, Paddington 2), lockdown-friendly board games to keep you squabbling into the evening, vibrant video games to while away the hours, and much more. And if you’re trying to keep young ones entertained, we have our picks of the best kids movies and Disney+ offerings guaranteed to bring them (and you) some much-needed colourful fun. And, of course, you can order the latest issue of Empire online here – guaranteed to bring hours of film-related fun.
Entering this third lockdown is going to be tough for a lot of people in a lot of ways. Wherever possible, please look after yourself, keep yourself fed with whatever movies make you feel happy (even if you’ve seen them a million times before), and remember that nobody is alone in this. Films are here for you. Empire is here for you. And – all things being well – we’ll see you at the movies later this year.
All the best, TEAM EMPIRE.
TV Shows To Binge In Lockdown
First things first: if you're stuck at home then you're going to need some serious TV to keep you sane and entertained. To that end, here is the very best of bingeable television to keep you distracted for hours on end.
30 Feelgood Movies
Feeling down about it all? Then this is your first port of call – a list of flicks sure to leave you smiling come the end credits. From family adventures, to hope-fuelled dramas, cosy rom-coms to all-singing-all-dancing musicals, we’ve picked pure comfort watches that aren’t completely calorific.
28 Video Games To Play In Lockdown
From all-encompassing single-player odysseys to online multiplayer games that will give you some kind of social-life, game on with our list of the best titles to indulge in the coming weeks.
The Best Boardgames For Lockdown
Need a break from screens? Go analogue with a classic board game, sure to bring plenty of laughter (and maybe a few arguments) to your household. From a brand new Back To The Future game, to the ultimate Blockbuster Video quiz, to movie-themed editions of classics like Monopoly, there are all kinds of dic-rolling delights here.
The 100 Greatest Movies Of All Time
Looking for the best of the best of the best, sir? (Note to self: watch Men In Black again.) Here’s the official Empire list of the greatest movies ever made, as voted for by you. Let’s face it, if now isn’t a good chance to re-watch all nine-plus hours of The Godfather trilogy, when is?
The Empire Lockdown Quiz
Combining all the fun of sitting at home in your living room with the thrill of answering hastily-prepared questions, revisit Empire's four live-streamed quizzes and test your movie knowledge.
The 50 Best Movies On Netflix UK
We know your Netflix watchlist is stacked with stuff you’ve been meaning to watch for ages – now is the time to revise it, add to it, and get working through all those movies that you know you’ve been looking forward to, but haven’t found the right time to watch. This is that time. Read our hand-picked list of movies you can stream right now on Netflix.
The 60 Best TV Shows On Netflix UK
From Netflix Originals to series acquired by the streaming service, here’s our guide to the best shows you can beam right into your living room – everything from gripping true-crime documentaries, to big-budget sci-fi series, to grand puppet shows (yep).
The 100 Greatest TV Shows Of All Time
Always meant to watch The Sopranos and never got round to it? Feel like going back to the Island with Lost? Or just happy for an excuse to rewatch every episode of Friends? Get stuck in to one of these bonafide banging box sets – whatever feels right or helps things feel just that bit more normal.
The 50 Best Kids Movies
It’s one thing keeping yourself entertained in lockdown – and another thing entirely making sure that your kids are amused too. But here are 30 classics that young viewers will love (and that you won't mind watching with them).
25 Things To Watch On Disney+
With its catalogue of animated classics, must-see series like The Mandalorian, favourites from Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel, and a smattering of Fox movies to boot, Disney’s streaming service is full of joyous adventures ready for you to dive right into. Here are the things that should be on your watchlist.
The 25 Best Documentaries On Netflix UK
If you'd rather not think about the world as it is now, yet you still want something factual, then this list of recommended documentaries might just be the balm for your intellectual soul.
The 60 Best Romantic Movies
Isolated with either: a) a loving partner, or b) a freezer full of ice cream? Both are best enjoyed alongside one of these swoon-worthy romantic flicks – from laugh-out-loud romcoms, to heartbreaking weepies.
30 Great Netflix Original Movies
Along with the movies and TV shows it nabs from elsewhere, Netflix has become a source for movies of all sorts. So if you're still stuck indoors looking for something to watch, check out our suggestions from their ranks,
The 50 Greatest Comedies
Laughter: it might not be officially sanctioned by the NHS, but it is often referred to as the best medicine. In which case we prescribe these stellar comedies, with genius iconic performances, all-time-great one-liners, glorious high-concepts, and pratfalls a-plenty. Laugh it up, fuzzballs.
The 30 Best Movie Inspirational Speeches
If the current situation has you feeling a little low, sad or uninspired, let the movies provide a pick-me-up through inspirational speechmaking. We've updated this feature to add in a few extra examples, and if you feel like belting one out of the window to help the neighbourhood... Well, who are we to judge?
The 60 Best Action Movies
We might all be trying to find ways to exercise at home, but this list could provide some motivation – fist fights, gun fights, car chases and more as Empire explores our favourite action flicks.
How To Help Your Local Cinema
This is a tough time for all of us – but it’s also tough for your local cinema, now facing another period of closure. Even if you can’t visit right now, there are plenty of other ways to help them through this – read our tips on how you can contribute.