Ratchet & Clank

Right now you can watch Ratchet & Clank in Australia on Stan, and in the UK on Amazon Prime Video and ITVX Premium — and the writing holds up regardless of the format's reputation. It says what it needs to say in one sitting, no filler. Its 6/10 TMDB score, built from 674 ratings, reflects a title that consistently delivers. The visual style is immediately recognisable, but the writing is what keeps you watching. Start it on Stan whenever you need something guaranteed to land.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Ratchet & Clank is worth clearing space for. Ratchet & Clank treats animation as a medium, not a limitation. When the galaxy comes under the threat of a nefarious space captain, a mechanic and his newfound robot ally join an elite squad of combatants to save the universe. James Arnold Taylor and David Kaye lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2016. The animation style is distinctive enough to be immediately recognisable, but it is the writing underneath that keeps viewers coming back for more. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

If you have been sleeping on Ratchet & Clank because of the format, the format is not the issue here. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch from start to finish. James Arnold Taylor's voice work is a big part of what makes it distinctive. If you have been sleeping on it because of the format, the format is not the thing here.