Ten New Things You Need to Watch on Netflix UK This Month

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Director: Anthony Woke

Stars: Cristiano Ronaldo, Florentino Pére, Dolores Aveiro, Hugo Aveiro, Rio Ferdinand, Lionel Messi, Jorge Mendes

By now, everyone knows the story about the greatest footballer in the world (or one of the greatest—if you happen to be a Barcelona fan, or Argentinean). Directed by Anthony Woke, this all-access documentary on Cristiano Ronaldo is the closet anyone will get with one of sports most celebrated icons. What Woke does brilliantly is that he strips away all the medals, his achievements, abilities and endorsement deals. Instead he presents to us, the viewer, a portrait of a dedicated father and son. Don’t get us wrong, the football aspect is front and center but at its core we learn that Ronaldo is as human and flawed as any of us mortal beings.

Streaming from April 9.

Director: Bennet Miller

Stars: Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Robin Wright, Chris Pratt

Being that we are British, our first hand knowledge (and interest) in baseball is limited to say the least. We assume it's a more fun-filled version of cricket—another sport we have trouble understanding. However, what we do know is that when you have a cast consisting of Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Chris Pratt and the late-great Philip Seymour Hoffman then it maybe worth your time. Based on the true story of a General Manager’s ambition to win the MLB World Series (Baseball’s equivalent of the EPL title or FA Cup) through statistical data analysis we’re fully aware that this does not scream 'gripping sports drama', but if you give it a chance we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Streaming from April 20.

Episodes: Seasons 1-2

Stars:Omari Hardwick, Naturi Naughton, Joseph Sikora, Lela Loren, Sinqua Walls, Katherine Narducci, Leslie Lopez, Andy Bean, Adam Huss, Luis Antonio Ramos, Shane Johnson, 50 Cent

If you tire of the karaoke elements of Empire and pine for something on a much more serious scale, you can’t go wrong with the 50 Cent produced Power. The series follows James ‘Ghost’ St. Patrick (played by Omari Chadwick) an owner of one of New York’s most popular nightclubs, catering for the social elite. However behind the glitz and glamour he’s a major figure in The Rotten Apple’s drug game. You’ll be hooked from episode one as we watch Ghost balance both lives as a legitimate business owner and a major player in the narcotics trade.

Streaming now.

Director: Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee

Stars: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad, Santino Fortana, Alan Tudyck, Ciará Hinds, Chris Williams, Stephen J. Anderson, Maia Wilson

Blatantly for those of you who intend to ‘Netflix and chill’—or if you have babysitting duties and you need the little ones to clam TF-down. Our actual knowledge on this film is limited, all we know is that when it came out in cinemas it was a big deal. Admittedly, if you want to score brownie points with your S.O you can’t go wrong, although you will have to endure a weeks worth of her singing 'Let it go'.

You have been warned.

Streaming now.

Director: Ricky Gervais

​Stars: Eric Bana, Ricky Gervais, Vera Farmiga, Kelly Macdonald, Kevin Pollak, America Ferrera, Benjamin Bratt

This Netflix Original tells the story of two incompetent radio journalists who fake their own kidnappings during a rebel uprising in South America— from the safety of their  hideout in New York. Under his writing and direction this comedy feature bares all the classic hallmarks of a Ricky Gervais film. Furthermore, the choice of having Eric Bana as his co-star is certainly bold and guaranteed to get laughs.

Streaming from April 29.

Episodes: Seasons 1-2

Stars: Cilian Murphy, Sam Neill, Helen McCroy, Paul Anderson, Iddo Goldberg, Annabelle Wallis, Sophie Rundle, Tom Hardy, Joe Cole

Set against the backdrop of 1919’s Birmingham, Tommy Shelby (Cilian Murphy) is a crime boss who leads a notorious gang with the intent to move up the criminal food chain, no matter the cost. As Tommy Shelby, Murphy is at his most terrifyingly best. He carries that same villainous charm that makes all the best bad guys so endearing to watch and, occasionally, route for. Originally airing on BBC One and garnering critical acclaim, Peaky Blinders has gone down a storm with the Netflix army who will be in for treat for Season 2, which adds Tom Hardy to its all-star cast, as Shelby and his nefarious gang continue to run Birmingham's underworld.

Streaming now.

Director: Zatella Beatty

Stars: Allen Iverson, Tom Brokaw, Larry Brown, Dwayne Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Pat Croce, Scoop Jackson, Chris Rock, Stephen A. Smith

Allen Iverson has always cut an interesting figure in the NBA and this documentary offers a hard and honest look into the career of one the most gifted and charismatic athletes to grace the hardwood. Director Zatella Beatty really delivered on the raw and unfiltered authenticity in Iverson as the documentary pulls no punches, everything from The Answer's various achievements to his off-court controversies is up for discussion in this tell-all documentary. Whether you're a fan of the sport or not, this documentary on the recent NBA hall-of-fame inductee is essential viewing.

Streaming now.

Episodes: Season 1-2

Stars: Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, Michael McKean, Phea Seehom, Patrick, Michael Mando

Better Call Saul has been perfect in filling the void that Breaking Bad left in our hearts, and new episodes continue to be added every week. There was a danger that this spin-off show could have gone disastrously wrong but Vince Gilligan, Peter Gould and Bob Odenkirk have barely put a foot wrong. After a successful first season it only makes sense that season two continues to follow the ever-growing mishaps and shenanigans of Jimmy McGill and his eventual transformation into ‘criminal’ lawyer, Saul Goodman.

New episodes streaming every week.

Episodes: Season 1

Stars: Mamoru Miyano, Yoshimasa Hosoya, Hochu Otsuka

If you’re familiar with the work of director Hiroyuki Seshita (Knights of Sidonia) then you know you’re in for a prefect blend of animation and gripping story. Ajin tells the story about a student named Kei Nagai who, after a road accident, discovers he’s now an immortal being with strange powers. As always, Japanese animes of this ilk like to push your imagination to the extreme and this is no different. Expect to have your mind boggled and your heartstrings pulled for this one.

Streaming from April 12.

Directors: Chris Bell, Josh Alexander, Greg Young

Stars: Jeff Hatch

Filmmaker Chris Bell (Bigger Stronger Faster) returns with another hard hitting documentary, this time he takes a thorough look at America’s major pharmaceutical companies. If you’ve ever been hesitant to take those prescription drugs prescribed by your local GP then this documentary will only reaffirm those apprehensions. From talking to those effected by government approved pills and tablets to the members of congress who approve their distribution, Prescription Thugs pulls no punches in identifying a growing problem in the United States.

Streaming from April 15.