Few things are better than a stellar film recommendation – a personalised suggestion of something you’ve never heard of, or always meant to catch up on, or is long overdue a rewatch. And who better to make those recommendations than the makers of movies themselves? Empire’s latest issue is the Ultimate Movie Playlist edition, featuring 235 film chosen for you, curated exclusively by some of the very best actors, directors, producers and more – and there’s something inside for everyone.
This month's issue is on sale from Thursday 6 August, and you can take a peek inside it below.
The Ultimate Movie Playlist
Give your to-watch pile a major boost with the Ultimate Movie Playlist, selected by Hollywood's finestWe have Christopher McQuarrie and Simon Kinberg on their favourite heist movies, the legendary costume designer Sandy Powell on her favourite movie costumes, horror expert Mike Flanagan on the best haunted house flicks, Delroy Lindo on the films that moved him, Ethan Hawke picking his top Paul Newman movies, Samantha Morton’s childhood favourites, Nicole Holofcener on the films that make her cry, and much more.
And that’s not all – we also have Joe Dante and John Landis in an extended interview talking the best werewolf movies…
…action maestros Gareth Evans and Edgar Wright on the best Jackie Chan films…
…and Paul Feig and Henry Golding on their favourite Brit-flicks. It’s one hell of a line-up.
The King’s Man
After providing a no-holds-barred twist on the Bond formula with the first two Kingsman movies, Matthew Vaughn is mixing things up with a World War I-set prequel that goes right back to the origins of the Kingsman agency. Empire goes on set to witness the start of his brave new world.
Riz Ahmed
In recent years, Riz Ahmed has continually proven to be one of the most magnetic performers on screen – and he’s entering a whole new era of inspiration and creativity. In a major new interview, he talks Four Lions, Rogue One, The Night Of – and what comes next.
SpongeBob SquarePants
He’s got the starriest celebrity friends, rakes in billions in revenue, and has millions of viewers – and he lives in a pineapple under the sea. Empire delves into the phenomenon that is SpongeBob SquarePants, discovering exactly how a sentient cartoon sea-scrub took over the world.
American Psycho
It’s been 20 years since Patrick Bateman – or, the idea of a Patrick Bateman – swung an axe at the big screen. Empire catches up with American Psycho director Mary Harron, co-writer Guinevere Turner and costume designer Isis Mussenden to break down one of the most fascinating screen characters of recent decades.
Hedy Lamarr
She was a Golden Age Hollywood bombshell who lived an astonishing, multifaceted life both on screen and off it. Empire charts the complex, inspiring legacy of Hedy Lamarr.
Take 20
In this month’s movie moments that matter, we get a brand new look at Ben Wheatley’s fresh take on Rebecca, pay tributes to ten decades of Carl Reiner’s genius, delve into Tom Holland’s dark new thriller The Devil All The Time, catch up with Henry Golding, catch up on Sundance hit Miss Juneteenth, talk complex characters with Elisabeth Moss, meet an AI movie star, venture out into Lovecraft Country, and much, much more.
Re View
In this month’s home entertainment section, we talk with maverick filmmaker Oliver Stone as he releases his memoir Chasing The Light, break down the stunning Episode 5 of Gangs Of London with director Gareth Evans, revisit Stephen Chow’s slapstick masterpiece Kung Fu Hustle, rank the greatest musical themes of the late, great Ennio Morricone, and talk through Rosamund Pike’s standout roles with the woman herself.
On Screen
Reviewed this month are the Eliza Scanlen-starring Babyteeth, Russell Crowe’s revenge thriller Unhinged, Gemma Arterton’s historical comedy-drama Summerland, the return of The Umbrella Academy, and much more.
Spoiler Special
This month, we get the spoiler breakdown on Tom Hanks naval war thriller Greyhound with actor Stephen Graham and director Aaron Schneider, and talk the biggest moments of Broadway (and now Disney+) smash Hamilton – with contributions from director Thomas Kail.
Empire’s Ultimate Movie Playlist issue is on sale Thursday 6 August.