  We propose a novel approach to the numerical simulation of thin film flows,
based on the lattice Boltzmann method. We outline the basic features of the
method, show in which limits the expected thin film equations are recovered and
perform validation tests. The numerical scheme is applied to the viscous
Rayleigh-Taylor instability of a thin film and to the spreading of a sessile
drop towards its equilibrium contact angle configuration. We show that the
Cox-Voinov law is satisfied, and that the effect of a tunable slip length on
the substrate is correctly captured. We address, then, the problem of a droplet
sliding on an inclined plane, finding that the Capillary number scales linearly
with the Bond number, in agreement with experimental results. At last, we
demonstrate the ability of the method to handle heterogenous and complex
systems by showcasing the controlled dewetting of a thin film on a chemically
structured substrate.
