'Paddington in Peru' and more new films in cinemas this November

Spooky season is officialy over and November is here, typically a time where we start to see some of the biggest, boldest and most high-profile films of the year begin their stint in cinemas around the country. One thing to keep an eye on, however, is the sheer amount of British filmmaking talent who are returning to the big screen with a new story to tell. Steve McQueen constructs a powerful British war drama; Ridley Scott returns to the gladitorial arena for a long-awaited sequel; and Andrea Arnold delivers her specific brand of British realism with a fantastical twist, plus there's the return of British icon Paddington Bear as he jets off back to his homeland of Peru. Add to all this a Lego® documentary, a huge stage-musical adaptation and an animated sequel to one of Pixar's biggest hits and you have a November to remember.

Blitz (12A) - in cinemas 1 November 2024

Fresh from its world premiere at this year's BFI London Film Festival, Steve McQueen's wartime drama is set across a day in September 1940 when Britain's cities were being bombed. It tells the story of a young boy, George, who is reluctantly evacuated from London and sent to live in the countryside by his mother after a frightening incident in the city. Despite her desire for him to be safe, George refuses to obey the orders he's been given and sets off on an adventure to find his way back home. This fresh perspective on Britain's communities adapting to wartime life offers greater representation of society and its attitudes compared to previous films on the subject.

Paddington in Peru (PG) - in cinemas 8 November 2024

After the enormous success of Paddington and its sequel Paddington 2 (both available to stream on Into Film+), the marmalade-loving bear is back, and this time he is on a quest to track down his beloved Aunt Lucy, who has disappeared from the Home for Retired Bears. Accompanied by his adoptive London family, the Browns, Paddington sets off to Peru in South America in search for clues. They are launched on an exhilarating adventure to solve the mystery, journeying through the Amazon rainforest and up the tallest mountains, becoming mixed up in an ancient treasure hunt.

Discover our free cross-curricular resource inspired by Paddington in Peru, designed to engage young explorers aged 6-12: download Adventures with Paddington here.

Bird (15) - in cinemas 8 November 2024

Revisiting similar themes to her breakthrough film Fish Tank (available to stream on Into Film+), acclaimed British director Andrea Arnold's new empathetic drama centres around Bailey, a twelve-year-old girl living in a squat in Kent with her dad, who is about to get re-married. Between reaching with puberty and dealing with her troublesome brother, she is having to grow up quickly. One day, Bailey meets an enigmatic and kind man named Bird in the countryside, and sets out to help him find his lost family, igniting a renewed sense of adventure and maturity that could quickly spiral out of her control.

Into Film is delighted to host a special screening of Bird with a Q&A with filmmaker Andrea Arnold as part of the Into Film Festival 2024, free and exclusively for school groups. 

Piece by Piece (PG) - in cinemas 8 November 2024

Ten years after The LEGO® Movie brought to life a world of fantastical stories with simple building blocks, the toy-inspired animation style flips the script yet again by portraying a real person's story in this remarkable documentary. Eclectic and highly creative, the musician Pharrell Williams has been a rollercoaster journey to become one of the most successful and genre-defying figures in today's music industry. His youthful beginnings in the hip-hop scene and collaborations with famous musicians over the years are retold through a colourful and imaginative LEGO® spectrum, as he shares his thoughts on pursuing your dreams while keeping your integrity.

Gladiator II (certificate TBC) - in cinemas 22 November 2024

Upon release in 2000, Ridley Scott's historical epic Gladiator was a huge sucess, critically, culturally and at the box office. Almost a quarter of a century later, he returns to this world with a new tale of strength, honour, revenge and glory in the heart of Rome. Taking place decades later with Maximus from the first film long-dead, we now follow his nephew Lucius, who witnessed his uncle's demise at the hand of the leaders of Rome. With revenge on his mind and rage in his heart, he must forge an alliance with the devilish emperor Macrinus in his quest to regain his city and complete his vengeful mission. Potentially the cinema event of the autumn season, Gladiator 2 promises thrills and epic storytelling for older audiences.

Wicked (certificate TBC) - in cinemas 22 November 2024

The hit stage musical about The Wizard of Oz's Wicked Witch of the West has made it to the big screen in the form of a two-part movie epic, with the first instalment now in cinemas. A young Elphaba starts university and is made to feel different because of her unusual green skin. After an awkward start, she becomes friends with popular girl Glinda. Elphaba's extraordinary magical powers catch the attention of her professors, and she is sent to meet the almighty Wizard of Oz. This spectacle of a film is rich with inspiration for performing arts and design, and explores topics including justice, democracy and rights.

Moana 2 (certificate TBC) - in cinemas 22 November 2024

The adventures across far-away kingdoms continue with this Disney sequel. Set three years after the events of Moana (available to stream on Into Film+), the Polynesian teenage seafarer and friend of the ocean, is about to honoured with the title of ‘Tautaui', or leader of land and sea. But in the middle of the ceremony, Moana receives an unexpected message from her ancestors, with a mission to reconnect all the people and communities of Oceania. With themes of bravery, travel and exploration, this musical animation is also relevant for learning about indigenous people and aquatic life.

Find out where these films are playing near you with tickets.co.uk