Apple TV + has lifted the paywall and is offering everyone free access to its premium content for this weekend only.
Starting on Saturday, January 4th, anyone with access to the Apple TV + app can watch premium shows and movies without needing a monthly subscription. While you have heard about their flagship shows like Ted Lasso and Severance, there is a host of other incredible shows, movies, and documentaries that are worth checking out that you can easily binge in one weekend.
So while the temperature is scorching hot in Australia, stay indoors, crank that air conditioning and check out Alaisdair’s top picks for some of the best Apple TV + content you probably haven’t heard of.
Movies
Blitz – the latest movie to hit the streaming service, this Steve McQueen war drama epic did the rounds at film festivals in late 2024 and after a limited cinematic release found its audience on streaming. An incredible cast led by Saoirse Ronan make this a story worth watching.
Wolfs – Starring Brad Pitt and George Clooney, this riff on a spy thriller is big on action and big on laughs as it gives Hollywood’s two leading men room to do what they do best. You can read what I thought in my full review here
Fancy Dance – Lily Gladstone set the world on fire in Killers of the Flower Moon, and is back to deliver another unforgettable performance here playing Jax, a woman set on finding her sister with local authorities who have no interest in doing so. it’s an incredible story about community and not giving up on the ones you love.
Napoleon – Ok, ok, I know, most critics loathed this one, but it did an impressive turn at the box office and audiences enjoyed it a lot more than we did. If you are up for some Ridley Scott big budget, big noise nonsense, then this could be right up your alley.
The Instigators – Matt Damon, Casey Affleck and Hong Chau star in a heist team-up film directed by Doug Lima. It is a 90-minute in-and-out affair that dads everywhere will adore.
Documentaries
The Last of the Sea Women – Set in South Korea, a group of women dive to provide their communities with seafood. It’s a fascinating watch directed by Sue Kim.
Still : A Michael J Fox Movie – the heart-wrenching story of an actor who became a heartthrob in the 80’s and 90s whose life was altered by a diagnosis that would alter the course of his career and life.
TV Shows
Schmigadoon – if you are in the mood for a musical with a twist, this is the show for you. Directed by Lorne Michaels (Saturday Night Live) this series transports a couple who are working on their marriage to a land where everything is a musical. The two must find their spark or be stuck in Schmigadoon forever. The series has some fantastic music and performances by Kristen Chenowith, Jane Krakowski, Titus Burgess and Alan Cumming.
Shrinking – this comedy from Bill Lawrence (Scrubs, Cougar Town) stars Harrison Ford, Jason Segel and Christa Miller in one of the best comedy/dramas ever made. It is undoubtedly Ford’s best performance and goes hard on the laughs (and the tears!) do not sleep on this show.
Disclaimer – directed by Alfonso Cuaron and starring Cate Blanchett, this seven-part series will have you hooked from the very first frame.
Foundation – this big-budget adaptation of the classic books stars Lee Pace, if you loved Dune and old school Star Wars, there are two seasons waiting for you.
Hijack – As if you didn’t need more reasons to be scared of flying in 2025, Idris Elba stars in this series about a plane being hijacked. It’s smart and well-written, with edge of your seat nail-biting tension that will keep you guessing till the very end.
Monarch : Legacy of Monsters – if you are a fan of the Godzilla and King Kong monster-verse in cinemas, this TV adaptation follows the government group Monarch and their attempt to track down and secure the monsters hiding around the world and attempt to control them. It has great special effects and a stacked cast including Kurt and Wyatt Russell playing the older/younger versions of their characters.
For the Kids
Fraggle Rock : Back to the Rock – the Fraggles are back on this new take on our childhood friends. If you are looking for more Fraggle run, there is also Fraggle Rock Rock On! and the original series all here.
The Boy, The Mole, The Fox & The Horse – winner of the 2023 Oscar for best animated short film, this beautifully animated feature follows the story of four unlikely friends who help each other to find their way home.
Frog and Toad – the story of two opposites who become friends, this animated adventure series based on the books by Arnold Lobel will delight the entire family.
Wolfwalkers – another Oscar nominated movie follows the story of a young hunter who journeys to Ireland with her father to wipe out the last wolf pack. Great for the whole family.
There are so many other great series, shows and movies on Apple TV +. You can download the Apple TV + service via your local app store or watch online here
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