Weekend Watch list: Top 5 films and shows to watch in UAE cinemas from How to Train Your Dragon to Ronth

Calling all movie buffs! This weekend's watch list is serving up everything from a nostalgic live-action dragon epic and a raw coming-of-age boxing drama to a truly chilling supernatural thriller and a star-studded, chaotic action-comedy. Ditch the boring, because we're diving straight into what's hot on your screens and streaming platforms this weekend.

Fifteen years after the beloved How to Train Your Dragon animated film soared into cinemas, its live-action remake returns with heart, humor, and a whole lot of CGI magic. Directed by Dean DeBlois, the film sticks closely to the original’s three-act structure while subtly updating dialogue and key moments for a fresh emotional punch. Mason Thames shines as Hiccup, joined by Nico Parker as Astrid and Gerard Butler, now in Viking furs, as Stoic. While purists might wonder why a nearly beat-for-beat remake was needed, there’s comfort—and renewed depth—in revisiting these cherished characters through a more grounded, human lens. A few added lines and reimagined scenes ensure this version feels familiar yet emotionally rewarding.

This Malayalam-language film with no major A-listers like Mohanlal or Mammootty is less a sports drama and more a powerful snapshot of friendship, chaos, and coming-of-age in small-town Kerala. The stirring film is set in a coastal town of Alappuzha, where five school-leaving friends take an unexpected detour into the world of boxing. What begins as a desperate attempt to secure college admissions through sports quotas slowly transforms into a journey of grit, growth, and self-discovery. Directed by Khalid Rahman (Thallumaala), the film features rising South Indian star Naslen in a grounded role and well-executed stunts. While it doesn’t chase cinematic highs, its strength lies in its honesty—offering a raw, ringside view into youth and resilience.

If you're in the mood for a chilling and suspenseful supernatural thriller, ‘The Monster Beneath Us’ is a good pit stop. The thrilling film delves into the psychological horror of grief intertwining with a very tangible, malevolent presence. Starring Nicola Wright, Becca Hirani, and Jennifer Lim, the film centers on a grieving woman and her son who, seeking solace and a fresh start, move into her recently deceased ex-husband's seemingly empty house. However, the unsettling discovery that they are not alone within those walls quickly shatters any hope of peace. Expect a slow-burn build of dread, jump scares born from genuine tension, and a pervasive sense of unease as the true nature of the "monster" — be it spectral or something more sinister — is slowly unveiled. Perfect for a late-night watch that will leave you checking over your shoulder.

This isn't your grandma's cozy holiday flick. We're talking Oscar royalty Bill Murray and Ed Harris, the comedic genius that is Jennifer Coolidge, and the delightfully unpredictable Pete Davidson, all getting tangled in a comic action whirlwind. Ed Harris plays Vincent, a guy just trying to have a nice, quiet New Year with his family, bless his heart. But his "sketchy past" apparently has a very loud, very dramatic way of ringing in the new year. Get ready for secrets to spill faster than a dropped glass of bubbly, and a whole lot of laughs (and probably some explosions, let's be real). With Gabrielle Union and Lewis Pullman also along for the chaotic ride, "Riff Raff" will prove just how far you'll go for love – and how much trouble you can get into along the way.

This Malayalam-language film Ronth isn't your average, run-of-the-mill cop drama. This isn't about chasing bad guys with high-octane stunts. This is a powerful rural drama that's going to get under your skin in the best way possible. Imagine two night patrol officers, played by the phenomenal Roshan Mathew and Dileesh Pothan – already a winning combo, right? They're from different worlds, different ranks. But here's the sassy twist: as they navigate the darkness of their patrols, they start to connect. Deep emotions unveil, and an unexpected bond forms. It's about the human element, the raw vulnerability, and those moments where you realise even the toughest exterior hides a whole lot of heart. If you're into character-driven stories that dig deep and deliver real emotional punch, then ‘Ronth’ is your ticket.