1. Quartet

Dustin Hoffman’s directorial debut is a note-perfect comedy drama about a home for retired classical musicians. When residents Billy Connolly, Pauline Collins, Michael Gambon and Tom Courtenay host their annual concert to celebrate composer Giuseppe Verdi, the surprise arrival of Maggie Smith’s diva singer causes a stir.

2. Viceroy’s House

Directed by Gurinder Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham), this lavish historical drama follows Lord Mountbatten (Huge Bonneville) as he attempts to oversee India’s transition from British rule to independence in 1947. But as negotiations progress, rising conflict within the country suggests Mountbatten’s dream of a peaceful handover won’t be realised.

3. Olympic Dreams Of Russian Gold – Over The Limit

This unflinching documentary film lifts the lid on how Russia’s gymnasts are pushed to their mental and physical limits as they train for the Olympics. Not always an easy watch, the makers were granted unprecedented access to show viewers what goes into the nation’s relentless pursuit of sporting excellence.
 

4. Shankly: Nature’s Fire

Liverpool’s legendary former manager is profiled in this riveting documentary film about his life and career. From his working-class Scottish roots, to transforming the Reds from mediocrity into English football’s dominant force, discover why “Shanks” is regarded as such a sporting icon on these shores.

5. Woodstock – Three Days That Defined A Generation

When 500,000 people descended on a small New York dairy farm for a music festival in 1969, few could have predicted its cultural impact would still be resonating like an electric guitar 50 years later. This documentary film tells the story of how it all came to be.

6. Porridge

Based on the hugely popular 1970s sitcom about life inside HMP Slade, this big-screen spin-off sees long-time prisoner Fletcher (Ronnie Barker) roped into organising a football match between inmates and celebrities. The problem is, the match is just a front for a jailbreak…

Get to know your Virgin TV apps

From BBC iPlayer and the ITV Hub to hayu and the Virgin Media Store, there are loads of awesome apps waiting to be explored on Virgin TV. Want to know more? Get the lowdown on some of the unmissable entertainment at your fingertips with our handy guide. ’Appy days!