Do You Need to Watch 'Peaky Blinders' Before Seeing 'The Immortal Man' Movie in Theatres?

Published 03/06/2026, 8:08 AM EST

The legend of Tommy Shelby is about to reach its cinematic zenith. Still, the transition from the small screen to the silver screen carries a weight that only the initiated can truly understand. Before the smoke clears and the first frames of The Immortal Man appear, one must wonder if a return to the grimy streets of Small Heath is the only way to survive the coming storm.

Does one need to retrace the entire history of the Shelby family to grasp the magnitude of what is coming? Why is a complete marathon essential for any true fan of the series?

The foundation of a criminal empire- Peaky Blinders

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Watching Peaky Blinders in its entirety is necessary because it documents the intricate psychological decay and rebirth of Thomas Shelby. The visual language of the series establishes specific motifs for the movie, The Immortal Man. Understanding these symbols ensures that the film's subtle callbacks do not go unnoticed.    

The power of symbolism: In the series premiere, Tommy rides a black horse through the industrial grime, establishing his role as a dark, mystical force in a dying world.

The complexity of loyalty: The tense standoff between Tommy and Inspector Campbell in the underground garrison illustrates the thin line between the law and the outlaw.

Strategic brilliance: The daring heist of the government arms cache serves as the ultimate example of how the Shelbys outwit international powers.

Emotional depth: Witnessing Grace Burgess sing in the empty pub highlights the rare, vulnerable moments that humanize a man who otherwise feels untouchable.

Political intrigue: The introduction of Oswald Mosley transforms the show from a gangland drama into a high-stakes chess match over the nation's future.

Furthermore, the stylistic evolution of the show serves as a visual bridge to the cinematic experience that The Immortal Man intends to deliver.

Netflix’s ‘Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man’ Full Cast: Barry Keoghan as Next-Gen Shelby, Stephen Graham, and More

If time is a luxury viewers do not possess, the creator has pinpointed the definitive milestones.

The essential trilogy of Thomas Shelby listed by Steven Knight

Series premiere: Steven Knight calls it a must-watch because it establishes the essence of the protagonist without a single word.

"It introduces Tommy Shelby in a way that makes it pretty unequivocal about who this person is", Knight noted to Netflix. This episode provides the baseline for his character.

Season two finale: The second essential viewing is the season two finale, which highlights a moment where Tommy accepts his desire for life while facing an open grave. This sequence is crucial because it reveals the inner turmoil of a man constantly balancing the urge to d-- with the will to persevere.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Season six finale: Finally, the season six finale must be revisited to understand the spiritual shift Tommy undergoes before the movie begins. The creator emphasizes that the transition from a black horse in the pilot to a white horse in this finale symbolizes a potential cure for his tortured soul.

'Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man' Netflix Trailer: Cillian Murphy’s Thomas Shelby Declares War, Gypsy Son Takes Over Empire

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

What do you think about watching Peaky Blinders or at least the three major episodes? Let us know in the comments

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

ADVERTISEMENT

Soma Mitra

1017 articles

Soma is a journalist at Netflix Junkie. With a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication, she brings production experience from documentary films like Chandua: Stories on Fabric. Covering the true crime and docu-drama beat, she turns psychological thrillers into sharp, audience-aware storytelling.

Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

EDITORS' PICK