10 movies to watch this weekend: Streaming and cinema releases

Dubai: Whether you're planning a cosy night in or heading to the cinema, there's no shortage of options this week. From courtroom comedies and psychological thrillers on streaming platforms to high-octane action and heartfelt family dramas in cinemas, here's your guide to the best films on your screens now.

The Four Horsemen return with a whole new generation of illusionists in this globe-trotting heist spectacle that takes the franchise to new heights. With minds sharper than ever, they plot to steal the legendary Heart Diamond while facing off against dangerous criminals and new rivals who are just as cunning. You can expect jaw-dropping magic tricks, high-stakes twists, glamorous locations spanning multiple continents, and an adrenaline rush wrapped up in dazzling showmanship. It's the kind of crowd-pleasing entertainment that keeps you guessing whilst delivering spectacular visual effects and clever misdirection throughout. The film balances humour with tension, making it perfect for anyone who enjoys smart heist films with a magical twist and doesn't mind suspending disbelief for pure entertainment.

A former K9 officer returns to his troubled neighbourhood and becomes entangled in a dangerous feud between crime factions that's tearing the community apart. Reuniting with his loyal dog companion, he's drawn into a world that blurs justice, revenge, and redemption. The film blends atmospheric streetscapes with heartfelt moments as the duo fights to protect innocent lives caught in the crossfire. It delivers emotional depth alongside gripping action, creating a grounded crime drama that feels familiar yet fresh – perfect for fans of character-driven thrillers with genuine heart. The bond between man and dog adds an emotional layer that elevates the story beyond typical crime fare, making you genuinely invested in their survival and the fate of the neighbourhood they're trying to save.

A wall-to-wall cinematic action event and sequel to the original sleeper hit that takes everything up several notches. "The man who refuses to die" returns to the house where his family was brutally murdered during the war, dismantles it piece by piece, loads it on a truck, and sets out to rebuild it somewhere safe in their honour. When the Red Army commander who killed his family comes back hellbent on finishing the job, a relentless, eye-popping cross-country chase ensues – a fight to the death full of clever, unbelievable action set pieces that push boundaries. It's pure adrenaline from start to finish, with inventive action sequences that'll have you on the edge of your seat and creative kills that are as entertaining as they are outrageous.

This Malayalam drama adapts Indugopan's novel about the intense conflict between Bhaskaran Master, a dignified retired school teacher, and his former student Double Mohanan, who's now become a notorious sandalwood smuggler. The story revolves around their long-standing rivalry and an increasingly bitter battle for ownership of a valuable sandalwood tree that Bhaskaran Master has carefully grown and nurtured in his backyard over many years. It's a tale of pride, principle, and the complicated relationships between teachers and students that explores themes of morality, greed, and how time changes people in rural India. The film asks whether education and values can truly overcome the lure of easy money and power in a changing world.

A touching family drama about a mother who loves watching Korean dramas and refuses medical treatment after losing hope of recovery from her illness. Her only dream before dying is to meet her ultimate Korean idol who's visiting the country for a highly anticipated fan meeting. Her four adult children, despite their own differences and complicated relationships with each other, agree to work together to make this happen, with one condition: once their mother meets her idol, she must agree to get the treatment before her time runs out. It's a heartfelt story about family bonds, unfulfilled dreams, and second chances that explores how far children will go to make their parent happy, even when facing impossible situations. Expect tears, laughter, and genuine emotional moments throughout.

Two rival lawyers named Jolly – Arshad Warsi's streetwise Jolly Tyagi and Akshay Kumar's slick Jolly Mishra – must set aside their differences when a grieving farmer's land is seized by a ruthless real estate baron. Their banter, courtroom mishaps, and moral dilemmas bring both levity and heart to this modern legal battle. It's a sharp courtroom comedy-drama that balances wit with genuine emotion, making for an entertaining watch that doesn't shy away from tackling real issues. The chemistry between the two leads drives the narrative forward, whilst the supporting cast adds depth to this story about justice, corruption, and doing what's right even when it's difficult. Expect clever dialogue and satisfying courtroom victories.

Set in quirky small-town India, this darkly comic thriller follows Mamta, a seemingly naive woman who's actually razor-sharp and struggling to survive. When she stumbles upon a corrupt tycoon's phone, she seizes the opportunity and embarks on a dangerous blackmail plot, risking everything for a chance at a better life. What follows is a series of unpredictable twists and darkly comic turns that test her wits at every step as she attempts to outsmart everyone around her. The film cleverly subverts expectations, presenting a protagonist who's both sympathetic and morally ambiguous, making for a refreshingly complex character study wrapped in thriller packaging. It's ambitious, cunning, and keeps you guessing until the very end.

A grieving mother becomes fixated on her enigmatic neighbour after sensing he may be hiding a dark truth. What begins as quiet curiosity slowly twists into obsession, creating an unsettling psychological atmosphere. The film explores grief, loneliness, and the disturbing ways people mask their real selves behind social niceties. With moody cinematography and measured pacing, it builds constant unease without relying on jump scares. Subtle yet powerful performances make this haunting character-led thriller feel intimate and disturbingly believable. It's the kind of slow-burn psychological drama that stays with you long after the credits roll, raising questions about how well we really know the people around us and what secrets they might be hiding.

This cosy seasonal comedy follows a divorced woman determined to host one final perfect Christmas in her family home before selling it. Her peaceful plan falls apart when her ex-husband unexpectedly arrives with his glamorous new partner, turning what should have been a simple holiday gathering into absolute chaos. What follows is a warm, funny, and delightfully chaotic holiday story filled with emotional slip-ups, awkward reunions, and heartfelt moments that anyone who's dealt with complicated family dynamics will recognise. With twinkling lights, nostalgic music, and relatable humour about family, love, and fresh starts, it's the ideal comfort watch for December weekends when you need something light and uplifting that doesn't demand too much from you.

Set in mid-century New York, this sweeping crime drama follows two mob leaders whose lifelong friendship fractures as power, ambition, and loyalty collide. The story blends smoky jazz bars, political influence, and ruthless backroom dealings to create a textured, atmospheric portrait of the criminal underworld. Robert De Niro brings gravitas to both leading roles, capturing the complex relationships that shape the characters' rise and fall. With stylish period details, gripping tension, and slow-burning narrative, it's a rich watch for classic mob storytelling fans. The film takes its time building the world and relationships, rewarding patient viewers with a layered exploration of friendship, betrayal, and the price of power in organised crime. Expect impeccable production design and nuanced performances throughout.