The iconic British film first released in 2014 that spawned a beloved film franchise will be airing later this afternoon
Lucas Hill-Paul Content Editor
13:19, 24 Dec 2025
‘Masterpiece’ family film called ‘British brilliance’ is streaming for free(Image: STUDIOCANAL)
This Christmas Eve (Wednesday, 24th December), families seeking top-quality festive entertainment for the night before the big day will find BBC One offering what could be the perfect choice. A treasured British film from 2014 that launched a much-loved franchise will be broadcast this afternoon at 5:30pm.
Should it coincide with your Christmas Eve meal preparations, there’s no need to worry – the film will also be available to stream free of charge on iPlayer, allowing you to enjoy this touching contemporary classic at your convenience. Featuring Downton Abbey’s Hugh Bonneville, alongside Sally Hawkins and Nicole Kidman, Paddington is essential viewing for children and adults alike during the festive period.
Ben Whishaw provides the voice for the endearing Peruvian bear who arrives in London, urgently seeking a new home, reports the Express. Fortunately, the compassionate Brown family welcomes him into their household, though chaos follows when ruthless taxidermist Millicent Clyde (portrayed by Kidman) discovers his presence and becomes intent on adding Paddington to her collection at the Natural History Museum.
‘Masterpiece’ family movie with Downton Abbey star is free to watch(Image: STUDIOCANAL)
One 10/10 review on IMDb has hailed Paddington a “small masterpiece”, stating: “A masterpiece needs to excel above normal expectations, Paddington does that in masses. The cast was perfect, everyone melded together at their best. You never once feel that Paddington is not ‘there’ the way the actors genuinely interact with him.
“Great writing, minimal, but creative CGI uses, timed perfectly to give it just ‘that much’ magical element.” Another admirer enthused: “From start to finish a wonderful piece of work, scripted, acted, voiced and set to perfection as a warming, family film for all ages to enjoy.
The first two Paddington movies are available for free on BBC iPlayer(Image: STUDIOCANAL)
“The sets and costumes are quirky and excellently designed to compliment the great feel of this feel-good film, and the detail of everything is wonderfully considered, from the colouring to the scoring of the perfectly judged live street band. British brilliance.”
Meanwhile, a Reddit user described it as “as perfect a family film can get”, adding: “The tone of the film is spot on – you truly feel for Paddington, and you truly feel the threat from Nicole Kidman’s character, even though every single second of the film is very family friendly, but it doesn’t treat its audience like idiots.
Fans say these films are ‘masterpieces’(Image: STUDIOCANAL)
“From a filmmaking standpoint, it’s absolutely top notch. The production design is beautiful, the cinematography really helps bring you into the world, the score is amazing, as well as the script being so wonderfully written, the performances are really well pitched and handled (for the first time Nicole Kidman doesn’t feel light, it’s a role she handles with aplomb).”
Finally, one Letterboxd reviewer declared: “An all round bona-fide British classic. Heart-warmingly funny with a top notch cast and tremendous effects. Could become a Christmas favourite for all the family.”
If you’re a fan of the charming British bear’s adventures, the second Paddington film, often considered superior to the first, is also accessible on iPlayer.
Paddington will be broadcast on Wednesday, 24th December at 5:30pm on BBC One and can be streamed on BBC iPlayer.
