Britain knows how to create exceptional art; it is probably my favourite thing about this country. From classic novels to iconic albums, the UK has produced an intangible level of artistic media – and film is no exception.
There are a number of iconic British directors, including Alfred Hitchcock, David Lean and Ridley Scott, but here we will focus on the works of the past 25 years. Directors such as Christopher Nolan, Danny Boyle and Richard Curtis spring to mind. I had a hard time selecting my top 11 films, as there are so many moving pictures out there, so here goes.
11. Dunkirk
Dunkirk is historical war film produced, written, and directed by Christopher Nolan, and released in 2007. It depicts the Dunkirk evacuation of World War II from the perspectives of people on the land, sea, and air and it has a very starry casting, with names inclduing Fionn Whitehead, Tom Glynn-Carney, Jack Lowden, Harry Styles in his feature film debut, Aneurin Barnard, James D’Arcy, Barry Keoghan, Kenneth Branagh, Cillian Murphy, Mark Rylance, and Tom Hardy. It is hands down my favourite British war film. The storyline following Murphy and Keoghan particularly stands out for me and their performances shone.
10. Scrapper
Scrapper was released in 2023 and is a comedy drama film written and directed by Charlotte Regan in her feature debut. It stars Lola Campbell, Alin Uzun and Harris Dickinson, who has recently released his directorial debut. The film’s storyline reads: “Living alone in her London flat, 12-year-old Georgie must confront reality when her estranged father, Jason, shows up out of nowhere. Uninterested in a sudden new parental figure, she remains stubbornly resistant to his efforts. As they both adjust to their new circumstances, Georgie and Jason soon find that they still have a lot of growing up to do.” Scrapper I think this picture that wasn’t spoken about enough. It is the experience of too many Brits and told in such a gentle yet poignant way. This was Dickinson’s breakout role for me.
9. In Bruges
A co-production between Britain and America, In Bruges was released in 2008. Written and directed by Martin McDonagh, the film stars Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, who have become quite the filmstar duo, alongside Ralph Fiennes. The plot follows: “Ray and Ken, two hitmen, who get stuck in Bruges, Belgium, after an unsuccessful mission. The situation becomes even more complicated when their boss asks Ken to kill Ray.” This film has a very moody, grey atmosphere that serves the plot perfectly. Farrell is both charming and vulnerable while Gleeson is stoic and kind. If you haven’t seen it already, In Bruges is a must-watch.
8. One Day
This could be a controversial opinion… as people either love it or hate it. But One Day (2011), based on the book written by David Nicholls, is one of the best love stories of all time. The film stars Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess and they exude chemistry. The film is a classic will they, won’t they, but has a twist in that it is set on the same day each year, St Swithen’s Day to be exact, and we see how the couple’s lives and relationship have progressed on a yearly basis. It’s a beautiful concept and translates so well onto to screen.
7. Stardust
Stardust is a 2007 romantic fantasy adventure film directed by Matthew Vaughn and co-written by Vaughn and Jane Goldman, it is based on Neil Gaiman’s 1999 novel, and features an ensemble cast led by Claire Danes, Charlie Cox, Sienna Miller, Ricky Gervais, Jason Flemyng, Rupert Everett, Peter O’Toole, Michelle Pfeiffer and Robert De Niro, with narration by Ian McKellen. The plot reads: “Tristan promises Victoria to get a star from the magical kingdom of Stormhold that exists beyond the Wall. Trying to keep his promise, Tristan ends up having an adventure that changes his life.” Stardust is a gem of British film, and it doesn’t get the love it deserves. In terms of fantasy, plot and performances, the film outshines many other British classics. It is a great watch for this time of year, too.
6. Love Actually
It’s become a tradition of mine to watch Love Actually on Christmas Eve, and I look forward to it every year. The 2003 film encapsulates that specific British culture of sarcasm, humour and politeness perfectly. Richard Curtis’ cast is full of notable faces, including Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth and Keira Knightley, to name a few. Curtis excels in writing various storylines that all interconnect, and the cast does well to bring out all the emotion while keeping it as light-hearted as possible.
5. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
It wouldn’t be right to have a list of the best of British without including a Harry Potter movie. I remember attending the midnight screening of the last two parts, Deathly Hallows, which marked a peak of my early teenage years. 2004 saw the release of the third Harry Potter film, with the return of the iconic trio, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson. It is this film from the franchise that I love most of all; it features my favourite director from the franchise, Cuarón. He gave the movie its moody and mysterious feel. It also features some of the best scenes in the franchise, with the standout being the night bus scene at the beginning, as well as the time-travel element, which is executed surprisingly well.
4. Aftersun
This 2022 film deserves all the critical acclaim. Starring Paul Mescal and Frankie Corio, it’s set in the late 1990s and follows a father and daughter from Scotland on their holiday. Mescal plays Calum, a loving but troubled father struggling to cope with weight of life but trying to hide it from his young daughter. It was a perfect role for Mescal and young actor Corio handles the part so impressively; the pair deserved more love for this during award season.
3. Banshees of Inisherin
The unstoppable trio of Brendan Gleeson, Colin Farrell and Martin McDonagh returned for another outing in 2022. The film’s synopsis reads: “Set on a remote island off the west coast of Ireland, THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN follows lifelong friends Pádraic and Colm, who find themselves at an impasse when Colm unexpectedly puts an end to their friendship. A stunned Pádraic, aided by his sister Siobhán and troubled young islander Dominic, endeavours to repair the relationship, refusing to take no for an answer. But Pádraic’s repeated efforts only strengthen his former friend’s resolve, and when Colm delivers a desperate ultimatum, events swiftly escalate, with shocking consequences.” This is such a special film. It touches on friendship and mortality most powerfully. I don’t need to say too much – just watch it.
2. How to Have Sex
Cannes Film Festival Winner for Prix Un Certain Regard Award in 2023, How to Have Sex is a coming-of-age drama film written and directed by Molly Manning Walker in her directorial debut. It stars Mia McKenna-Bruce, Lara Peake and Enva Lewis. The film’s synopsis states: “Three British teenage girls go on a rites-of-passage holiday – drinking, clubbing and hooking up, in what should be the best summer of their lives.” This picture is an honest and important watch, which everyone needs to see. It is a sobering and uncomfortable look into the harsh realities of adolescence that will resonate with many.
1. Slumdog Millionaire
Dev Patel stars in this moving drama film that is a loose adaptation of the novel Q & A (2005) by Indian author Vikas Swarup. Directed by Danny Boyle, the film was released in 2008, and it won eight Academy Awards. The film’s plot is as follows: “As 18-year-old Jamal Malik (Patel) answers questions on the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, flashbacks show how he got there. Part of a stable of young thieves after their mother dies, Jamal and his brother, Salim, survive on the streets of Mumbai. Salim finds the life of crime agreeable, but Jamal scrapes by with small jobs until landing a spot on the game show.” I absolutely adore this film; it is an in-depth look at India, which shows the extreme situation for many. I don’t think I have ever rooted for a character so much before – just excellent.