Weekend watch list: Top 8 Hollywood and Bollywood movies, series to see like Tovino Thomas' 'Identity'

Looking for the perfect weekend watch? We've got you covered with a lineup that promises thrills, chills, and a dash of everything in between. Dive into Identity, the gripping thriller starring Tovino Thomas and Trisha, where twists come as fast as the action. If you're craving something darker, immerse yourself in the haunting world of Nosferatu, a reimagining of the vampire classic that’s as eerie as it is visually stunning. So, grab your popcorn and settle in, armed with our weekend watch list in hand ...

Nosferatu (UAE cinemas):

Directed by Robert Eggers, 'Nosferatu' reimagines the 1922 classic with a gripping tale of obsession and darkness. The story follows a young woman entangled with a vampire whose infatuation brings devastating consequences. With Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Nicholas Hoult, Lily Rose Depp, Willem Dafoe, and Bill Skarsgård leading the cast, the film explores themes of desire, fear, and power. Eggers, known for his atmospheric storytelling in The Witch and The Lighthouse, crafts a compelling narrative that balances tension and emotion. This is a good modern take on a timeless legend.

Identity (UAE cinemas):

In this Malayalam crime thriller, a sketch artist and a determined cop team up to solve a chilling murder case. With only an eyewitness’s memory to guide them, they piece together the face of a mysterious and elusive killer. Starring Madonna Sebastian, Trisha, Aju Varghese, Tovino Thomas, and Vinay Rai, this 165-minute film delves into the complexities of memory and justice.

Singham Again (Amazon Prime Video)

Singham Again is the latest film in Rohit Shetty’s cop universe. Inspired by the Indian ancient mythology 'Ramayana', the story follows Bajirao Singham (Ajay Devgn) as he sets out to rescue his wife from a mysterious figure named Danger Lanka. The film features a cast that includes Kareena Kapoor Khan, Deepika Padukone, Tiger Shroff, and Arjun Kapoor. Blending action with a classic tale of good versus evil, the movie high on stunts and over-the-top drama continues the saga of Shetty’s popular cop franchise.

Better Man (UAE cinemas):

Better Man, directed by Michael Gracey, is a bold and unfiltered look at the life of Robbie Williams. In a wildly creative move, Williams is portrayed by a CGI monkey in a human cast—a choice that feels strange at first but quickly grows on you. Narrated by Williams himself, the film takes us through his childhood in Stoke-on-Trent, his struggles with addiction, and his turbulent personal life. What could have been a standard rock biopic becomes something far more entertaining and heartfelt. With humor, mischief, and raw emotion, this is a Robbie Williams story like you’ve never seen before.

Missing You (Netflix):

Adapted from Harlan Coben's 2014 novel Missing You, this limited series tells the story of Detective Kat Donovan. Her world takes a dramatic turn when she unexpectedly crosses paths with her ex-fiancé Josh after more than a decade. As she navigates the emotional fallout, Kat finds herself drawn into a dangerous web of deception and violence, including revisiting her father’s unsolved murder. Featuring a cast led by Rosalind Eleazar, Ashley Walters, Richard Armitage, and Lenny Henry, it's a compelling watch.

Squid Game Season 2 (Netflix)

Squid Game returns for a second season, bringing back the tension and danger that captivated audiences worldwide. Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), the sole survivor from Season 1, finds himself back on the deadly island three years later. This time, he’s not just playing to survive—he’s determined to take down the system. As Gi-hun navigates familiar games and new dangers, the season delves deeper into the mysteries of the tournament and its shadowy operators.

Gladiator II (Amazon Prime Video):

Director Ridley Scott brings us back to ancient Rome with Gladiator II, the sequel to his 2000 blockbuster. The story picks up with Maximus, who has lost everything after his home is destroyed and is forced into slavery. When he uncovers a life-changing secret about his past, he enters the deadly Colosseum arena, driven by the need to avenge his wife’s death and face his powerful enemies. Featuring a stellar cast including Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and Denzel Washington, this sequel combines intense action with a deeply personal story. Be warned, while it captures the spirit of the original, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessor.