In the market for high-caliber entertainment? Don't miss this week's lineup of acclaimed movies showing on the big screen in and around Raleigh.
Read on for the highest rated films to catch, based on critical scores sourced from review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. (Movie descriptions courtesy The Movie Database; showtimes via Fandango.)
'The Favourite'
In 18th century England, the close relationship between Queen Anne and Sarah Churchill is threatened by the arrival of Sarah's cousin, Abigail Hill, resulting in a bitter rivalry between the two cousins to be the Queen's favourite.
With a 94 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 60 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "The Favourite" has garnered plenty of praise since its release on Dec. 14, with a consensus that the film, "sees Yorgos Lanthimos balancing a period setting against rich, timely subtext — and getting roundly stellar performances from his well-chosen stars."
The film garnered five Golden Globe nominations, including for Best Motion Picture (Music or Comedy).
It's screening at Alamo Drafthouse Raleigh (2116 New Bern Ave., Suite D) through Wednesday, Dec. 26. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
'It's a Wonderful Life'
George Bailey has spent his entire life giving to the people of Bedford Falls. All that prevents rich skinflint Mr. Potter from taking over the entire town is George's modest building and loan company. But on Christmas Eve, the business's $8,000 is lost and George's troubles begin.
With a critical approval rating of 93 percent and an audience score of 60 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, this 1946 release has become a favorite, with a consensus that, "The holiday classic to define all holiday classics, 'It's a Wonderful Life' is one of a handful of films worth an annual viewing."
Catch it on the big screen at AMC Classic Raleigh 15 ( 5501 Atlantic Springs Road) through Tuesday, Dec. 25. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
'Gremlins'
When Billy Peltzer is given a strange but adorable pet named Gizmo for Christmas, he inadvertently breaks the three important rules of caring for a Mogwai, and unleashes a horde of mischievous gremlins on a small town.
With a critical approval rating of 84 percent and an audience score of 78 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, this 1980s classic is a good bet. Per the site's critical consensus, "Whether you choose to see it as a statement on consumer culture or simply a special effects-heavy popcorn flick, 'Gremlins' is a minor classic."
Want to see for yourself? It's playing at Alamo Drafthouse Raleigh (2116 New Bern Ave., Suite D) on Sunday, Dec. 23. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
'Elf'
When young Buddy falls into Santa's gift sack on Christmas Eve, he's transported back to the North Pole and raised as a toy-making elf by Santa's helpers. But as he grows into adulthood, he can't shake the nagging feeling that he doesn't belong. Buddy vows to visit Manhattan and find his real dad, a workaholic publisher.
With an 83 percent critical approval rating and an audience score of 78 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Elf" has a strong following. According to critical consensus, "A movie full of Yuletide cheer, 'Elf' is a spirited, good-natured family comedy, and it benefits greatly from Will Ferrell's funny and charming performance as one of Santa's biggest helpers."
It's playing at Regal North Hills Stadium 14 (4150 Main at North Hills St.) on Saturday, Dec. 22. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
'Green Book'
Tony Lip, a bouncer in 1962, is hired to drive pianist Don Shirley on a tour through the Deep South in the days when African-Americans were forced to find alternate accommodations and services due to segregation laws below the Mason-Dixon Line based on a guide called The Negro Motorist Green Book.
With a critical approval rating of 82 percent and an audience score of 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Green Book" has been getting positive attention since its release on Nov. 16. Farrelly is up for Best Director at the Golden Globes based on his work on "Green Book."
The site's critical consensus has it that, "'Green Book' takes audiences on a surprisingly smooth ride through potentially bumpy subject matter, fueled by Peter Farrelly's deft touch and a pair of well-matched leads."
Get a piece of the action at AMC Classic Raleigh 15 (5501 Atlantic Springs Road) through Wednesday, Dec. 26. Click here for showtimes and tickets.
