The British have been fortunate and, to a large extent, have also been fortunate for others. It is very appropriate to draw comparisons between British and American films, which have always been seen as direct competitors.
Benedict Cumberbatch, who gained widespread attention for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in the film Sherlock, Tom Hardy, Robert Pattinson, Tom Hiddleston, and Cillian Murphy—the crime leader Tommy Shelby—are some of the most well-known actors who have made significant strides after leaving modest roles in a variety of UK projects.
Sean Bean, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Nicholas Hoult, Anthony Hopkins, Andrew Garfield, Henry Cavill, and Daniel Radcliffe all had the opportunity to stand in their own unique ways as the pinnacle of British cinema.
Let’s have a look at a few of the best British films that you shouldn’t miss.
Skyfall (James Bond Series)
71
In the 2014 film 71, which Yann Demange directed, Jack O’Connell, Sean Harris, and David Wilmot played the main characters. As the film’s title suggests, it centres on a soldier who becomes separated from his squad during a riot in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1971. Charlie Murphy, Richard Dormer, Amy Molloy, Valene Kane, Harry Verity, Corey McKinley, Babou Ceesay, and a number of other actors played supporting roles in the film, which was produced by Angus Lamont and Robin Gutch.
71 received positive reviews for both its action scenes and overall tone. The movie was nominated for numerous awards and has a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. 71 can be ordered or rented from Amazon Prime Video.
28 Days Later
Danny Boyle directed the film 28 Days Later, which was published in 2002. In the movie, Cillian Murphy, a well-known sigma male, played a patient in a coma who mysteriously awakens and learns that he might be the next victim of a virus that transforms people into man-hunting creatures.
Along with a number of other actors, the movie also included Naomie Harris, Christopher Eccleston, Brendan Gleeson, and Megan Burns in supporting parts. In addition to the concept and overall direction of the movie, the cast’s performances received high accolades from critics.
With barely a $8 million production budget, 28 Days Later was a huge success at the box office, grossing more than $85 million. A sequel to the movie, named “28 Weeks Later,” was also made and released in 2007. The movie has a lot of dramatic moments and is an excellent option for anyone looking for post-apocalyptic trauma. It is accessible on Amazon Prime Video in many locations.
Amy
Asif Kapadia’s film Amy Amy follows the life and times of Amy Winehouse, a well-known singer-songwriter who battled heroin addiction through both her highs and lows. Consistent drug usage caused the celebrity’s death, which shocked the entire globe. When the documentary-style film first came out, both critics and viewers praised it.
The movie also includes a number of significant members of Amy’s family, such as her mother, father, and her crew. The movie Amy, which has a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, accurately depicts the singer’s life’s path. The film, which you can see on Apple TV, demonstrates how not everything that appears to be real is actually accurate.
Archipelago
The family in the Joanna Hogg-directed film Archipelago travels to an island to enjoy their vacation, but their preparations are derailed when their personal problems ruin their getaway trip.
Tom Hiddleston, Lydia Leonard, Kate Fahy, and Christopher Baker played the movie’s main characters. Along with a number of others, Amy Lloyd and Alan Mark Hewitt make up the cast’s supporting cast.
Since its premiere in 2010, Archipelago has grown to be a fan favourite and has a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Amazon Prime Video has the movie for viewing.
Attack the Block
In the 2011 film Attack the Block, John Boyega, Nick Frost, and Jodie Whittaker played the main characters. Along with many others in supporting parts, the movie also stars Alex Esmail, Franz Drameh, Luke Treadaway, Paige Meade, Sammy Williams, Michael Ajao, Danielle Vitalis, Jumayn Hunter, Leeon Jones, and Simon Howard.
The film centres on a group of youngsters who, after a horde of aliens threatens them in London, must defend themselves and survive to tell the tale. Both the action scenes and the narrative of the film received high reviews.
Attack the Block is suggested for horror fans who also enjoy a little amount of comedy because it has a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Disobedience
Disobedience centres on the narrative of a young woman who, following the passing of her father, returns to the neighbourhood that previously pointed out the escape. Leading actors in the film were Rachel Weisz, Rachel McAdams, and Alessandro Nivola.
Disobedience, a 2017 film directed by Sebastian Lelio, received positive reviews for its narrative, directing, and acting. Nicholas Woodeson, Alexis Zegerman, Caroline Gruber, Liza Sadovy, Allan Corduner, and countless other actors make up the supporting ensemble.
For those seeking a drama film, Disobedience is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
Ex Machina
Alex Garland was the director of the 2014 film Ex Machina. Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac, Sonoya Mizuno, and Alicia Vikander played the key characters in the film.
The movie centres on a quick programmer who receives a once-in-a-lifetime chance to work on a significant project. He quickly learns, though, that the task is not simple, and he must put in his best effort to meet the CEO’s demands.
Along with a number of others, the supporting cast members are Alicia Vikander, Tiffany Pisani, Lina Alminas, Symara Templeman, Corey Johnson, Sonoya Mizuno, and Gana Bayarsaikhan.
The narrative, visual effects, and performances of the several actors that appeared in Ex Machina all got high accolades from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie has a 92% approval rating. In addition to countless other honours, the movie received two Academy Awards, including the one for Best Visual Effects. Amazon Prime Video offers viewers the chance to watch Ex Machina.
God’s Own Country
In the 2017 film God’s Own Country, Josh O’Connor and Alec Secareanu played the main characters. Francis Lee served as the film’s director, and Manon Ardisson and Jack Tarling served as its producers.
The story centres on a young farmer who is dissatisfied with his lot in life. But the farmer soon strikes up a friendship with a migrant worker from Romania. The migrant gives him a fresh perspective on life, and the farmer changes his life and becomes a better version of himself.
The movie received positive reviews from critics for the performances given by the different actors, as well as for the plot. Additionally, the movie has a 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and featured supporting actors Ian Hart and Gemma Jones.
Amazon Prime Video has God’s Own Country accessible for viewing.
Harry Potter
Who hasn’t heard of this storied film series? J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter book series served as the inspiration for the film adaptations, which have subsequently gained widespread popularity. It would be an understatement to call the eight films in the series a smash.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was the first instalment in the series, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows: Part 2 was the last.
In the series, Harry Potter and his companions Ron and Hermione take on the enormous challenge posed by the evil wizard Voldemort in order to vanquish him.
Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson played Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger, respectively, and were the stars of the ensemble cast. Apart from them, Robbie Coltrane, Ralph Fiennes, Tom Felton, Alan Rickman, Michael Gambo, Richard Harris, and Dame Maggie Smith all played significant roles in the film.
The following is a list of the franchise’s films:
the book Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
The Secrets in the Chamber of Harry Potter (2002)
The Prisoner of Azkaban, by Harry Potter (2004)
The Goblet of Fire by Harry Potter (2005)
Order of the Phoenix: Harry Potter (2007)
Half-Blood Prince, a Harry Potter novel (2009)
Part 1 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2010)
Part two of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2011)
The series was a MASSIVE smash over its ten-year run, both critically and financially; just looking at the figures, the movie series brought in more than $7 billion, which seems absurd, doesn’t it? The number of accolades that the series received during its campaign and for which it was nominated would be too long to discuss, but to give you a general impression, the series is among the best of all time.
The “Fantastic Beasts” spinoff of the Harry Potter novel acts as the prelude to the movie series. Three films from the prequel series have already been released, and they are all delightful to watch. The Wizarding World franchise includes the blockbuster films Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts, both of which ought to be on everyone’s bucket list.
The franchise is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.
His House
Remi Weekes directed His House, which was published in 2020. The film portrays a refugee couple who flee from Sudan as war rages in their nation and features Wunmi Mosaku, Sope Dirisu, and Matt Smith in the key characters.
The pair struggles to fit in as they adjust to life in an English town and encounter a number of obstacles. To make matters worse, there is a mystical force lurking in the shadows in the new town where they relocate.
The film’s gloomy undertone and the performers’ performances both received praise from critics. The movie was also adored for its exciting scenes in addition to this.
The supporting cast of His House, which also includes Javiet Botet, Cornell John, Malaika Abigaba, and Emily Taaffe, has a pristine 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Viewers may see the acclaimed horror movie on Netflix.
I, Daniel Blake
I, Daniel Blake, am a carpenter who becomes powerless after suffering a heart attack that prevents him from earning a living. However, the authorities pressure Daniel to go back to his physically demanding employment, forcing him to sue them and fight for his rights.
The movie, which was helmed by Ken Loach, came out in 2016. Dave Johns played the title role of Daniel Blake in the film I, Daniel Blake, which also starred Hayley Squires in the lead. Briana Shann, Dylan McKiernan, Kate Rutter, Kema Sikazwe, Gavin Webster, Mick Laffey, Steven Richens, and Sharon Percy make up the supporting cast.
When it was released, the film was well-received by both audiences and reviewers, earning a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Anyone looking for a classic one-versus-all scenario should watch the movie, which also received several significant prizes.
You can watch I, Daniel Blake on Amazon Prime Video.
Kingsman
With the 2014 release of Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons’ Kingsman: The Secret Service, the Kingsman film series officially began.
The movie series is about a suit-making business that turns out to be a covert organisation created to combat challenges to the world that could potentially damage people. The agency is full with elegant and cutting-edge technology that is camouflaged so that it cannot be seen by the untrained eye, such as an umbrella that can be used as a barrier against bullets or a pair of glasses that may be the best invention ever.
Eggsy from Kingsman: The Secret Service, played by Kingsman Taron Eagerton
Three films from the series have already been released, and they are
The King’s Man chronicled the history of the agency as a prequel to the series, whereas Kingsman: The Golden Circle was a straight continuation of the previous movie. The film series is well-liked by both reviewers and spectators because it approaches spy movies in an original and humorous way.
The “Kingsman: The Blue Blood” instalment of the film series, which is currently streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, is scheduled for release at some point in 2023.
Lynn + Lucy
Lynn and Lucy Lynn and Lucy are two childhood best friends who encounter a number of challenges when Lucy becomes a mother. The film was directed by Fyzal Boulifa and starred Roxanne Scrimshaw and Nichola Burley as Lynn and Lucy.
In supporting parts, the film also included Tia Nelson, Shaq B. Grant, Smason Cox-Vinell, Jennifer Lee Moon, Molly Phipps, Kacey Ainsworth, and Jack Shalloo. The 2019 film Lynn + Lucy received positive reviews for its dramatic sequences.
Additionally, the movie has a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and comes highly recommended to fans of drama movies.
Matangi/Maya/M.I.A.
The Steve Loveridge-directed film Matangi/Maya/M.I.A. follows rapper M.I.A. as she develops from a young Sri Lankan musician to a major figure in the English rap scene.
The movie, which follows a documentary-based origin, was released in 2018 and starring M.I.A. Steve Loveridge, along with Lori Cheatle, Paul Mezey, and Andrew Goldman, produced the movie.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie has a 90% approval rating and has received accolades for both its inventiveness and overall direction. At the 2018 Sundance Film Festival, Matangi/Maya/M.I.A. also took home the World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award.
On Amazon Prime Video, Matangi/Maya/M.I.A. is an item that can be purchased or rented.
McQueen
The film McQueen, which was directed by Ian Bonhote, chronicled the life of renowned British fashion designer Alexander McQueen. The film’s creators, Andee Ryder, Nick Taussig, Ian Bonhote, and Paul Van Carter, published it in 2018.
Along with Tom Ford, Isabella Blow, Janet McQueen, Kate Moss, and Alexander McQueen himself, a number of other celebrities appeared in the movie. The film, which was adored for its method, used a documentary style to depict the life of the fashion designer.
McQueen received plaudits for its inventiveness and accurate portrayal of Alexander McQueen, earning a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Hulu offers users the chance to stream McQueen.
Paddington
Paul King was the director of the 2014 film Paddington. Hugh Bonneville, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Peter Capaldi, Sally Hawkins, and Nicole Kidman also had prominent roles in the film, which featured Ben Whishaw as the title character.
The story of the movie centres on Paddington, a bear that leaves the forests of Peru and travels to London where he is adopted by a family. However, the bear encounters a terrible obstacle when a hunter wants to take Paddington and add him to her trophy collection.
Madeleine Harris, Samuel Joslin, Lottie Steer, Michael Gambon, Tim Drownie, Matt King, Steve Edge, Alice Lowe, Kavyan Novak, and a number of other well-known actors and actresses provided voices for the animated picture.
Paddington won praise from critics for its humour, visual effects, plot, and vocal performances by the many performers. The film was nominated for multiple awards and did exceptionally well at the box office, earning well over $280 million. Additionally, the film has a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
In 2017, Paddington 2 was also made available. The comedy buffs will adore this movie, which holds its own against other live-action comedies that came out at the same period.
Amazon Prime Video offers Paddington for viewers to enjoy.
Shaun Of the Dead
Edgar Wright’s zombie comedy Shaun of the Dead stars Simon Pegg, Kate Ashfield, Penelope Wilton, Bill Nighy, Lucy Davis, Nick Frost, and Dylan Moran as the primary characters. Penelope Wilton and Bill Nighy are two additional cast members of note.
The plot of the movie centres on salesman Shaun, played by Simon Pegg, and his pal Ed, played by Nick Frost, who are attempting to escape a zombie apocalypse and live to tell the tale.
In general, viewers gave the movie positive reviews after its 2004 premiere. The London-based zombie apocalypse movie has a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie was well-received by critics and audiences alike, and it was nominated for two British Academy Film Awards.
The entire screenplay of the movie is pretty funny and delivers a good dose of entertainment. In some areas, viewers can access Shaun of the Dead on Amazon Prime Video.
Sherlock Holmes
Guy Ritchie directed Sherlock Holmes, which was made available in 2009. The popular “consulting detective,” Sherlock Holmes, is the main subject of the movie, as suggested by the title.
Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law played the smart observer and Dr. John Watson, respectively, in the movie. The two investigated a peculiar case when an old friend threatened to takeover the government and take control using supernatural means.
Mark Strong, Rachel McAdams, William Houston, Robert Maillet, Geraldine James, Eddie Marsan, Hans Matheson, Kelly Reilly, and James Fox are just a few of the supporting actors in the film.
The movie had a spectacular box office success, earning more than $500 million on a production budget of just $90 million. The movie was well-received by critics, who commended its humour and narrative.
Robert Downey Jr. was nominated for multiple Academy Awards and won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy for the movie. In 2011, the blockbuster Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows sequel was also made available.
Netflix and Amazon Prime Video both offer Sherlock Holmes for streaming.
Small Axe
The first instalment of Steve McQueen’s Small Axe film series debuted on November 15, 2020. The film series centres on immigrants from the West Indies who travel to London and encounter a number of hardships and horrific situations.
The Small Axe series consists of 5 movies, including
Red, White, and Blue Mangrove Lovers Rock
Alex Wheatle Learning
The Small Axe franchise is merely a movie series, despite being well known for stirring up debates about whether it counts as a show or a movie series. The movie Small Axe has a stellar Rotten Tomatoes score of 95% and has received praise for its concept and overall screenplay.
The movie series has also enjoyed the luxury of winning a number of the major prizes for which it was nominated. In some areas, Small Axe is accessible through Amazon Prime Video, and it comes highly recommended to everyone.
Shame
In the 2011 film Shame Shame, Brandon, a man who is obsessed with having sex, was portrayed. When his sister decides to remain at his home and comes, the man must control himself.
The principal actors in the Steve McQueen-produced film were Michael Fassbender and Carey Mulligan as Brandon and his sister Sissy. James Badge Dale, Alex Manette, Elizabeth Masucci, Amy Hargreaves, Robert Montani, Hannah Ware, and a few others are among the cast’s supporting actors.
The portrayal of sexual addiction in the film received accolades, and Carey Mulligan’s performance in particular received attention. The film is a wonderful option for those seeking an erotic movie with a flair for drama as well.
The Death of Stalin
Steve Buscemi, Simon Russell Beale, Michael Palin, Andrea Riseborough, Paddy Considine, Jeffrey Tambor, Olga Kurylenko, and Paul Whitehouse were the main actors in The Death of Stalin, which was released in 2017.
The film centres on the passing of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, which sparks a struggle for control of the government and the future leader among Stalin’s various ministers.
Along with several other actors who played minor roles, the film also stars Jason Isaacs, Jonny Phillips, Nick Sidi, Sylvestra Le Touzel, Cara Horgan, Dave Wong, Luke D’Silva, Gerald Lepowski, Daniel Feam, and Paul Chahidi.
Despite delighting viewers in the UK, Russia and Kyrgyzstan outlawed the movie because they found its humour offensive and mocking. The Death of Stalin, nevertheless, received high appreciation for its subject matter, dark humour, and the performances of its cast, particularly Simon Russell Beale, who later won the Best Supporting Actor prize at the British Independent Film Awards.
The Death of Stalin, which is accessible on Amazon Prime Video and has a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, is suggested for those looking for dark humour.
The Favourite
Yorgos Lanthimos directed The Favourite, which was published in 2018. Produced by Ceci Dempsey, Lee Magiday, Ed Guiney, and Yorgos Lanthimos, the movie featured starring ladies Rachel Weisz, Emma Stone, and Olivia Colman.
In the film, Sarah Churchill and Abigail Masham battle to win the Queen’s favour and gain a fortune by providing the greatest care possible for her in times of illness.
The supporting cast of The Favourite included Joe Alwyn, Mark Gatiss, Jenny Rainsford, Lilly-Rose Stevens, Nicholas Hoult, James Smith, and Jennifer White.
The cast’s performances in the movie received high accolades from critics, and the overall direction of the picture also received recognition. The favourite received nominations for various awards, including the BAFTA Awards, British Independent Film Awards, and ten Academy Awards. The film was a huge box office success as well as receiving its fair share of accolades.
The movie is hilarious throughout and has a stellar 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The entire screenplay of the comedy, which can be viewed on Disney+ Hotstar, keeps the audience chuckling.
The movie is also available on Amazon Prime Video for rent or purchase.
The Imitation Game
The film, which features Benedict Cumberbatch in the title role, follows Alan Turing, the one significant advantage Britain had during World War II. The man uses a device that he and his team construct to decode the German espionage transmissions.
The film also included Keira Knightley, Rory Kinnear, and Matthew Goode in the lead roles in addition to Benedict Cumberbatch. The Imitation Game received multiple nominations for prestigious honours, including as the Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and many others.
Along with other supporting actors, The Imitation Game included Allen Leech, Charles Dance, Mark Strong, Tom Goodman-Hill, Jack Tarlton, Tuppence Middleton, Andrew Havill, Ilan Goodman, and Victoria Wicks. The film is also accessible on Amazon Prime Video and has a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The name’s Bond, James Bond
Skyfall, the 23rd film in the James Bond series, was directed by Sam Mendes. The movie, which was released in 2012, followed 007 as he uncovered hints of many data leaks in Raoul Silva’s MI6 organisation.
Daniel Craig played the title character in the film, the renowned investigator James Bond, while Javier Bardem played Raoul Silva. In addition to them, key roles are played by Judi Dench, Albert Finney, Naomie Harris, Ralph Fiennes, and Berenice Marlohe.
Ben Whishaw, Rory Kinnear, Ola Rapace, Helem McCrory, and a host of additional actors make up the movie’s supporting ensemble. Five Academy Award nominations, including two wins, were among the many honours for which Skyfall was nominated. The action scenes, photography, and performances of the cast members received high appreciation from critics, who also gave the film plaudits.
Skyfall was a commercial success as well, grossing well over $1 billion on a $150 million production budget. All 27 James Bond films, not just Skyfall, have been box office successes because they were consistently too fantastic.
On Amazon Prime Video, customers may rent or purchase Skyfall.
The Souvenir
Honor Swinton Byrne, Tilda Swinton, and Tom Burke played the main characters in Joanna Hogg’s 2019 film The Souvenir, which also served as the film’s director. Julie, the main character of the film, falls in love with a man who on paper appears to be the ideal match. But Julie quickly learns that the man is a drug addict and has a high demand for affection.
In supporting parts, the movie included Richard Ayoade, Jack McMullen, Frankie Wilson, Tosin Cole, Ariane Albed, Ajmes Dodds, Barbara Peirson, and Hannah Ashby. The Souvenir received positive reviews for its narrative and has an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Drama lovers should watch the film since it is a classic illustration of a testament in a lover’s life. Hulu has The Souvenir for viewing.
Village of the Damned
The villagers of Midwich are the focus of John Carpenter’s film Village of the Damned, whose mystery event leaves them traumatised. Multiple women giving birth to new babies is the event in question; this sounds quite typical, right?
The mothers all give birth to infants at the same time, though, so there is a catch. Later, as viewers learn that the youngsters possess extraordinarily potent superpowers that are alien to this world, viewers become aware of these enigmatic children.
So, in an effort to protect themselves, the villagers band together and work together to defeat the overbearing alien children with the help of a federal officer.
The Midwich Cuckoos, a 1957 novel by John Wyndham, served as the basis for Village of the Damned. Christopher Reeve, Kirstie Alley, Meredith Salenger, Linda Kozlowski, Karen Kahn, Pippa Pearthree, Thomas Dekker, Danielle Keaton, Adam Robbins, John Falk, Mark Hamill, Peter Jason, Michael Pare, Lindsey Haun, and numerous other celebrities appeared in the 1995 film.
You may buy or rent Village of the Damned from Amazon Prime Video.
We Need to Talk About Kevin
The 2011 film We Need to Talk About Kevin was directed by Lynne Ramsay. The film was based on a script written by Lionel Shriver with the same title.
The movie’s plot centres on a mother who is having a hard time raising her son, and things only get messier as time goes on. Tilda Swinton, Ezra Miller, and John C. Reilly played the main characters in the film.
The movie received high marks for both its plot and its actors’ performances, particularly Tilda Swinton, who won the Golden Globe Award for her portrayal of Kevin’s mother among other honours. For excitement seekers, We Need to Talk About Kevin is suggested on Amazon Prime Video.
