There was an entirely different type of comic-book movie in Joker, an absorbing drama examining the psychology of the characters we think of as villains, with a mesmerising turn from Joaquin Phoenix. The Fast & Furious series offered more earthbound thrills, while Pennywise the dancing clown returned to sow more terror in It: Chapter 2.

And while young audiences were enjoying fabulous sequels, like Frozen 2, that equalled or even topped the originals, grown-up moviegoers were treated to some grown-up movies, including a thought-provoking musical biopic and a revisionist tribute to Sixties Hollywood. So head for the Virgin Media Store to find these wonderful highlights of a terrific year in cinema…

Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Endgame

Available to buy on the Virgin Media Store and rent on Virgin Movies. Cert 12

A decade of marvellous Marvel movies culminates in this three-hour epic, which sees Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and co fighting back from Thanos’ devastation… and discovering the power of time travel. Get more Avengers action here. 

The Lion King

Available to buy on the Virgin Media Store and rent on Virgin Movies. Cert PG

Nants ingonyama bagithi Baba! Get ready to sing, laugh, cry and boggle at Jon Favreau’s visually phenomenal retelling of the story of Simba, Mufasa and Nala (not forgetting Timon and Pumbaa!). Find out more about the circle of life here.

Toy Story 4

Available to buy on the Virgin Media Store and rent on Virgin Movies. Cert U

Nine years after the original trilogy ended, adults and children alike got all emotional, all over again, as Woody, Buzz and the gang returned with a winningly vulnerable new toy called Forky.

Spider-Man: Far From Home

Available to buy on the Virgin Media Store and rent on Virgin Movies. Cert 12

All Peter Parker wants is a holiday in Europe, maybe a little romance with MJ, and definitely no Spidey antics. But there’s always some megalomaniac baddie around to spoil things… Websling your way here to read more.

Rocketman

Available to buy on the Virgin Media Store and rent on Virgin Movies. Cert 15

The fascinating story of how an ordinary suburban boy named Reg Dwight became international superstar Elton John, with Taron Egerton brilliant as the flamboyant and sometimes troubled singer.

Once Upon A Time In… Hollywood

Available to buy on the Virgin Media Store and rent on Virgin Movies. Cert 18

Leonardo DiCaprio returns to the screen after a four-year absence to star alongside Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie in this languid yet insightful take on a pivotal time in movie history, from celebrated writer/director Quentin Tarantino. Get the lowdown on the film here. 

Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw

Available to buy on the Virgin Media Store and rent on Virgin Movies. Cert 12

The latest instalment of a series that’s made a flabbergasting $5.8 billion at the box office sees Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham punch, kick, steer and wisecrack their way around the globe as they try to prevent the release of a supervirus. Muscle in on the action here.

It: Chapter 2

Available to pre-order on the Virgin Media Store, and available to buy from Monday 30 December. Cert 15

James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain and friends return to the small town they thought they’d left behind to face the terror that drove them away 27 years earlier.

Frozen II

In cinemas now. Available to pre-order on the Virgin Media Store. Cert U

Anna (Kristen Bell) and Elsa (Idina  Menzel) journey north from Arendelle in this marvellous sequel.

Joker

In cinemas now. Available to pre-order on the Virgin Media Store. Cert 15

Is he a villain? Is he a victim? Todd Phillips’ gripping character study takes an uncompromising look at those who are marginalised from society, while Joaquin Phoenix turns in an astonishing performance as the failed comedian who feels forced into extreme acts.

Not heard about the Virgin Media Store?

It’s the place where you can buy the latest and greatest movies and TV Box Sets, yours to watch again and again, at home or on the go. Sign up now at virginmediastore.com, choose from hundreds of films and TV Box Sets and start watching instantly. 

Enjoy your purchases on your Virgin TV Box (TiVo^®/V6). Go to On Demand > Movies. Or you can access online and on your registered iOS and Android devices with the Virgin Media Store app.

Show me the latest releases on the Virgin Media Store.

You can also rent the latest films on Virgin Movies

Go to On Demand > Movies. Search for a title, or browse by categories such as Out This Week, Top Rentals or Box Office Hits. Once you’ve found the movie you want to rent, select Watch now to start watching instantly. Then, sit back and enjoy! You’ll have up to 48 hours to finish watching your film.