The Best Movies on PBS to Watch Right Now

PBS has consistently offered audiences a unique blend of informative, educational, and entertainment-rich content. For movie enthusiasts in the Philippines who enjoy a blend of Western movies with themes that resonate locally, PBS has a rich array to offer.

Here are the top PBS movies, curated specially for the Filipino audience, a populace known for its deep-seated family values and a rich history of storytelling.

Why are these ranked as best movies on PBS?

These movies are the best of the best according to Justwatch, a popular website that helps people find great movies to watch. They are top-ranked because they tell really good stories that people from all over the world, including the Philippines, can relate to.

These movies take us on exciting journeys through different times and places, letting us walk in other people’s shoes and understand their feelings and experiences. They are more than just movies; they are stories full of heart, adventure, and lessons that stay with us long after we’ve watched them. That’s why they are the top picks, offering something special for everyone, no matter what kind of stories they like.

1. Elizabeth is Missing

• Release Date: 2019
• IMDb Rating: 7.4
• Director: Aisling Walsh
• Cast: Glenda Jackson, Maggie Steed, Sophie Rundle

Synopsis: This BAFTA award-winning drama showcases a stellar performance by Glenda Jackson, who portrays an elderly woman grappling with dementia while trying to solve the mystery of her missing friend. The narrative, which beautifully intertwines the realities of aging with a gripping mystery, is bound to resonate with Filipino families who hold deep respect and care for the elderly, showcasing the strong familial bonds that are a cornerstone in Philippine culture.

2. Northanger Abbey

• Release Date: 2007
• IMDb Rating: 7.3
• Director: Jon Jones
• Cast: Felicity Jones, JJ Feild, Carey Mulligan

Synopsis: This adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel transports viewers into a romantic tale filled with youthful adventures and societal expectations. The story, which explores universal themes of love, ambition, and societal pressures, can find a special place in the hearts of Filipinos, a populace that cherishes romantic tales and dramas that mirror the intricacies of society.

3. Anne of Green Gables

• Release Date: 2016
• IMDb Rating: 6.3
• Director: John Kent Harrison
• Cast: Ella Ballentine, Sara Botsford, Martin Sheen

Synopsis: This timeless tale narrates the adventures of Anne Shirley, an imaginative and spirited orphan who finds a home and a family in the village of Avonlea. The story, rich with themes of resilience, hope, and community, echoes the Filipino spirit of bayanihan, showcasing the close-knit communities and the warmth of finding family in unexpected places.

4. The Child in Time

• Release Date: 2017
• IMDb Rating: 6.1
• Director: Julian Farino
• Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Kelly Macdonald, Stephen Campbell Moore

Synopsis: This movie delves deep into the emotional turmoil faced by a couple who experience the loss of their child. The narrative, which is a poignant exploration of grief, loss, and the journey to healing, can touch the hearts of Filipino viewers, offering a story of hope and resilience that resonates deeply in a culture that values family above all.

5. The Queen at War

• Release Date: 2020
• IMDb Rating: 6.8
• Director: Christopher Bruce
• Cast: Ron Batchelor, Jane Dismore, Duke of kent

Synopsis: This documentary offers a riveting glimpse into Queen Elizabeth’s leadership during wartime, showcasing her resilience and strength. The tale of leadership during challenging times can serve as an inspiration to Filipinos, a nation known for its resilience and the undying spirit of community and unity in the face of adversity.

6. The Central Park Five

• Release Date: 2012 (Documentary)
• IMDb Rating: 7.9
• Director: Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, David McMahon
• Cast: Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana, Korey Wise

Synopsis: This documentary sheds light on the wrongful conviction of five teenagers, offering a critical examination of racial prejudices and the failures of the justice system. The powerful narrative can resonate with Filipino viewers, encouraging critical discussions on justice, equality, and societal issues, topics that are deeply relevant in the Philippine context.

7. The Chaperone

• Release Date: 2018
• IMDb Rating: 6.4
• Director: Michael Engler
• Cast: Elizabeth McGovern, Haley Lu Richardson, Miranda Otto

Synopsis: This movie takes viewers on a journey of self-discovery and breaking free from societal norms. Set in the 1920s, it follows the life of a woman from Kansas who chaperones a talented teenager to New York. The themes of freedom and self-discovery can resonate with Filipinos, encouraging viewers to pursue personal growth and individuality.

8. Agatha and the Midnight Murders

• Release Date: 2020
• IMDb Rating: 5.5
• Director: Joe Stephenson
• Cast: Helen Baxendale, Blake Harrison, Jacqueline Boatswain

Synopsis: This movie offers a thrilling narrative set in London during the WWII blitz, where the famous writer Agatha Christie decides to kill off her most famous creation. The gripping mystery and intricate plot twists can offer an enthralling viewing experience for Filipinos, who appreciate a good mystery and the genius of Agatha Christie.

Conclusion

PBS’s movie roster offers a plethora of options catering to diverse tastes. For the Filipino audience, these movies present a delightful mix of universal themes, emotional depths, and cultural resonances.

Whether you’re in the mood for a gripping drama, an enlightening documentary, or a heartwarming tale, PBS has something to offer that can touch the Filipino heart and resonate with the vibrant and diverse cultural tapestry of the Philippines.