Top 20 Best British Movies and TV Series: A Journey Through Time and Cinema
The United Kingdom has an impressive legacy in the film industry. From timeless classics to contemporary masterpieces, British films have consistently delivered extraordinary cinematic experiences. Whether you're browsing British movies on Netflix or exploring best British films on Amazon Prime, there's something for everyone. If you're a fan of historical dramas, psychological thrillers, or quirky comedies, you can find some of the best British movies in every genre. Here, we explore the top British movies and TV series that showcase the rich and diverse world of UK cinema.
1. The 39 Steps (1935)
Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps is a cornerstone of the British movie genre, blending suspense, thriller, and mystery with Hitchcock’s signature style. The plot follows Richard Hannay (played by Robert Donat), a man who becomes entangled in an international conspiracy after a woman is murdered in his apartment. Hitchcock’s direction made this film one of the most influential early thrillers, setting the stage for the genre’s evolution.
Fun Fact: This film was a major influence on later Hitchcock thrillers, particularly his use of mistaken identity and innocent people caught up in espionage.
Where it was filmed: London, particularly Charing Cross Station and the British Museum, are iconic locations that appear throughout the film.
2. Brief Encounter (1946)
A classic British film directed by David Lean, Brief Encounter tells the tragic tale of a married woman (played by Celia Johnson) who falls in love with a doctor (played by Trevor Howard) in the midst of World War II. The story is simple, yet the emotional depth and subtle performances elevate it to the status of one of the greatest romantic dramas of all time.
Awards: Nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay.
British Films like this one often show a deeper emotional intelligence that resonates universally, and it continues to inspire audiences even decades later.
3. The Red Shoes (1948)
A visually stunning and emotionally powerful film directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, The Red Shoes follows a young ballerina named Vicky Page (played by Moira Shearer) who faces a choice between her love for dance and her relationship with a composer. Known for its groundbreaking use of color and surreal ballet sequences, the film is a hallmark of British cinema.
Where it was filmed: Filming took place primarily in London, with interiors shot at Shepperton Studios. The Royal Opera House is another prominent location, tying into the ballet theme.
Fun Fact: The Red Shoes was so influential that it inspired a whole generation of filmmakers, and its visual style has been cited as an influence on directors like Martin Scorsese.
4. Repulsion (1965)
In Roman Polanski’s psychological thriller Repulsion, Catherine Deneuve delivers an unforgettable performance as a young woman, Carol, who descends into madness while staying alone in her apartment. The film is known for its surrealistic visual techniques and the claustrophobic atmosphere that enhances its unsettling nature.
Where it was filmed: Shot entirely in London, Repulsion makes excellent use of the urban landscape, amplifying the isolation and psychological tension of the protagonist.
British Movies of this era often pushed boundaries, and Repulsion remains one of the best British films for its chilling narrative and innovative cinematography.
5. Doctor Zhivago (1965)
Though technically a British-American co-production, Doctor Zhivago directed by David Lean is quintessentially British in its style and scope. Starring Omar Sharif and Julie Christie, the film tells the story of Yuri Zhivago, a doctor caught in the turmoil of the Russian Revolution. It’s a breathtaking epic that explores love, war, and human resilience.
Awards: It won five Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Score.
Where it was filmed: Despite being set in Russia, the majority of the film was shot in Spain and Finland, though some key interiors were filmed at Pinewood Studios in the UK.
6. My Fair Lady (1964)
A charming and beloved British musical directed by George Cukor, My Fair Lady stars Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison. Based on George Bernard Shaw’s play Pygmalion, the film tells the story of a Cockney flower girl who is taught to speak with an upper-class accent, transforming her life.
Where it was filmed: The film was largely shot at Pinewood Studios, with some of its exterior scenes filmed in London, including iconic locations like Covent Garden.
7. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
David Lean’s Lawrence of Arabia is a British masterpiece, known for its stunning cinematography, sweeping desert landscapes, and powerful performances. The film tells the story of T.E. Lawrence (played by Peter O’Toole), a British officer who became a key figure in the Arab Revolt during World War I. The epic film is a visual and emotional spectacle.
Awards: The film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Picture.
8. Peeping Tom (1960)
Another British film directed by Michael Powell, Peeping Tom is a deeply disturbing psychological thriller about a cameraman (played by Karlheinz Böhm) who films his murders. Despite its initial backlash, it is now recognized as one of the best British films ever made and a pivotal work in the slasher genre.
Fun Fact: The film was severely criticized upon release for its disturbing content, but has since been re-evaluated as a precursor to modern psychological thrillers.
Where it was filmed: Primarily filmed in London, the film uses the city’s darker, more gritty side to reflect the protagonist’s disturbed psyche.
9. The Wicker Man (1973)
A psychological horror film directed by Robin Hardy, The Wicker Man is a cult classic about a police officer (played by Edward Malin) investigating a disappearance on a mysterious Scottish island. The film is an unsettling blend of horror, mystery, and folk traditions.
Where it was filmed: Filming took place in Scotland, with locations like Doune Castle becoming forever linked to the film.
Fun Fact: Despite its initial box-office failure, The Wicker Man has grown into one of the most famous British movies in the horror genre, regularly appearing on lists of the greatest horror films ever made.
10. Don’t Look Now (1973)
Directed by Nicolas Roeg, Don’t Look Now is a chilling British psychological horror film that explores grief, loss, and the supernatural. Starring Julie Christie and Donald Sutherland, the film follows a couple who travel to Venice after the death of their daughter, only to experience disturbing visions and eerie occurrences.
Awards: It won Best Actress for Julie Christie at the Cannes Film Festival.
Where it was filmed: Set and filmed in Venice, it takes full advantage of the city’s labyrinthine streets and mysterious atmosphere.
11. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
One of the most iconic British movies ever made, Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a brilliant parody of the Arthurian legend. Directed by Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones, the film features John Cleese, Eric Idle, and the rest of the Monty Python team in a series of absurd and hilarious episodes.
Fun Fact: Despite a small budget, the film became a massive success and is now a beloved cult classic.
Where it was filmed: The movie was filmed in Scotland and Wales, with Doune Castle in Scotland becoming an iconic location for Monty Python fans.
12. Barry Lyndon (1975)
Directed by Stanley Kubrick, Barry Lyndon is a visually stunning period drama about an Irishman who rises to power in 18th-century British society. Known for its meticulous detail, the film is one of the most visually striking British films of all time.
Awards: Barry Lyndon won four Academy Awards, including Best Cinematography.
Where it was filmed: Filming took place in England, including Castle Howard in Yorkshire.
13. Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979)
A satirical and brilliant comedy from the Monty Python team, Life of Brian tells the story of a man named Brian, born on the same day as Jesus Christ, who is mistaken for the Messiah. The film blends sharp humor with biting social commentary.
Fun Fact: Life of Brian was banned in several countries for its controversial themes but became a huge hit worldwide.
Where it was filmed: Tunisia provided the backdrop for many of the film's scenes, though some were also filmed in Pinewood Studios in the UK.
14. Gandhi (1982)
Directed by Richard Attenborough, Gandhi is a powerful biographical film about Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the Indian independence movement. The film stars Ben Kingsley in the title role.
Awards: It won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.
Where it was filmed: While the story is set in India, much of the film was shot in the United Kingdom.
15. Brazil (1985)
Terry Gilliam’s Brazil is a dystopian satire about a man named Sam Lowry (played by Jonathan Pryce) who tries to escape his monotonous existence in a bureaucratic, totalitarian society. The film blends dark humor with an absurd look at governmental systems.
Fun Fact: Brazil had a notoriously troubled production, but it has since gained a devoted fanbase and critical acclaim.
Where it was filmed: Much of the film was shot in Pinewood Studios in the UK, with sets that captured the claustrophobic and Orwellian feel of the world.
16. Shakespeare in Love (1998)
This delightful romantic comedy, directed by John Madden, imagines the life of William Shakespeare (played by Joseph Fiennes) and his inspiration for writing Romeo and Juliet. It stars Gwyneth Paltrow as the woman who captures Shakespeare’s heart.
Awards: Shakespeare in Love won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Where it was filmed: London and Pinewood Studios were the primary locations.
17. Following (1998)
Christopher Nolan’s debut film, Following, is a gritty, low-budget thriller about a man who becomes obsessed with following strangers. Shot in black-and-white, the film foreshadows many of the themes that would define Nolan’s career.
Where it was filmed: Entirely shot on location in London, showcasing the city’s urban landscape as the backdrop for its sinister narrative.
18. Sense and Sensibility (1995)
Directed by Ang Lee, Sense and Sensibility is an adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel. It stars Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet as sisters navigating love and hardship in the rigid social structure of 19th-century England.
Awards: Won two Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay.
Where it was filmed: Many of the scenes were filmed in the English countryside, with Somerset and Oxfordshire providing the backdrop for this historical drama.
The next movies in the list are equally noteworthy, with deep dives into the history, stories, and locations that have defined British cinema for generations. Whether you're watching on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or BBC iPlayer, these films will give you a solid foundation in the art of British filmmaking. Stay tuned to learn more about other essential films like In the Name of the Father, Naked, and The Theory of Everything.