British cinema has enjoyed a special place in the hearts of cinephiles dating back to the very beginnings of the movie industry. Over the decades, the United Kingdom has produced some of the greatest films of all time — and quite a few films that may not be “great” but are still bloody entertaining! Netflix, to its credit, has a large collection of British movies from both categories, including global hits and more overlooked gems. But with such a big library, it can be tough to identify the best titles that fit your mood, which is why we’ve done the work for you. Read on to discover our curated list of the top British movies on Netflix right now.
For more recommendations, be sure to check out our lists of the greatest British series on Netflix, the best British detective shows on Netflix, and the best movies and shows on Netflix in general.
Editor note: This article was revised January 2025 to add 1917.
Disclaimer: These titles are accessible on US Netflix.
‘1917’ (2019)
This pioneering British movie, directed by Sam Mendes, is set on the date of April 6, 1917, and follows the heartstopping race to deliver a crucial message to an infantry battalion on the brink of self-destruction. A remarkable work of cinema, 1917 is one of the most spectacular visual experiences of the previous several years. Supported by outstanding performances from a selection of Britain’s greatest, 1917 blazed its way to an amazing trifecta of Academy Awards, including the prize for greatest Cinematography. – Jake Hodges
‘Scoop’ (2024)
Directed by Philip Martin, Scoop is a true story that recounts the story of the infamous 2019 Newsnight Prince Andrew interview, which focused on allegations of the Duke of York’s sexual assault of a minor and the royal’s relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Written by Peter Moffat and Geoff Bussetil, the film is based on Newsnight editor Sam McAlister’s 2022 book, Scoops. The movie stars Gillian Anderson, Keeley Hawes, Billie Piper, and Rufus Sewell.
Scoop premiered in April 2024 to a positive critical reception, with praise for its thoroughly enthralling dramatic narrative. The film is a dramatised documentation of one of the most significant (and scandalous) television moments in recent British history, essentially following the backstage narrative of the women who bargained with Buckingham Palace to secure the interview. The sole significant critique of Scoop is that, despite its brilliant production and gripping performances, it is still not as graphic as the actual interview it is based on.
‘Wicked Little Letters’ (2023)
Wicked Little Letters is a black comedic mystery film directed by Thea Sharrock and written by Jonny Sweet. It is based on a real-life 1920s libel case. The movie, which is set in the southern English beach town of Littlehampton, follows the women of the community as they attempt to identify the writer of a string of derogatory anonymous letters. Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley, Anjana Vasan, Joanna Scanlan, Gemma Jones, Malachi Kirby, Lolly Adefope, Eileen Atkins, and Timothy Spall are among the film’s actors.
When Wicked Little Letters debuted at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, critics gave it positive reviews. The film’s compelling acting and endearing humour carry it even though its mystery isn’t particularly compelling. Special recognition was given to Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley for their roles in the movie. Wicked Little Letters is an underappreciated comedy with a cunning sense of humour. While it may not be the best work of all the actors, it is certainly a lot of fun to see.
“The Wonder” (2022)
A period psychological drama, The Wonder was directed by Sebastián Lelio, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Emma Donoghue and Alice Birch. Based on Donoghue’s eponymous 2016 novel, the film stars Florence Pugh as an English nurse dispatched to a small Irish hamlet in 1862 to investigate the reported miracle of a little girl who seems to be able to exist without eating. The film’s ensemble cast also features Tom Burke, Niamh Algar, Elaine Cassidy, Ciarán Hinds, Toby Jones, and more.
The Wonder premiered at the 2022 Telluride Film Festival, earning mainly excellent reviews from reviewers. The film has been hailed for its performances and superb production design. An creepy and atmospheric movie with a captivating premise, the movie is further heightened by Pugh’s outstanding lead performance. As befitted, The Wonder went on to win other awards, including ten nominations for the British Independent Film Awards, and the National Board of Review named it one of the Top 10 Independent Films of 2022.
“Judy” (2019)
Judy, a biographical drama directed by Rupert Goold, chronicles the life of the renowned performer Judy Garland. The film, which is based on Peter Quilter’s West End and Broadway play End of the Rainbow, stars Renée Zellweger as the legendary American singer and actress. Garland lives and works in England during the last year of her life, and the film explores her past through flashbacks. In addition to Zellweger, the ensemble cast of the movie also features Michael Gambon, Rufus Sewell, Finn Wittrock, and Jessie Buckley.
The 2019 Telluride Film Festival included the global debut of Judy, a hugely popular movie that received praise from both critics and viewers. The movie went on to win multiple awards and make over $40 million globally. Zellweger’s outstanding performance, which won her the Academy Award, Golden Globe, SAG Award, BAFTA Award, and Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Actress, serves as the foundation for Judy, a lovely, melancholic film about one of the most enduring celebrities in cinema.
‘Darkest Hour’ (2017)
Gary Oldman plays Winston Churchill in the biographical war drama Darkest Hour, which was written by Anthony McCarten and directed by Joe Wright. The movie, which is set in the Second World War, follows Churchill as he makes the difficult decision to sign a peace treaty with Hitler or to keep fighting the Nazi threat in his early days as prime minister. In addition to Oldman in the title role, Kristin Scott Thomas, Lily James, Stephen Dillane, Ronald Pickup, Ben Mendelsohn, and others are in the ensemble cast.
Critics gave Darkest Hour overwhelmingly good reviews when it debuted at the 2017 Telluride Film Festival. The movie made over $150 million globally, making it a commercial success as well. Even though the story has its problems, Oldman’s outstanding performance is what keeps the movie going through its most difficult parts. Oldman won the Academy Award, BAFTA, Golden Globe, and SAG Award for Best Actor for his performance in Darkest Hour, which many have praised as the best of his career.
‘I Used to Be Famous’ (2022)
I Used to Be Famous is a musical comedy-drama that follows a former pop singer who is anxious to make a return. It was directed by Eddie Sternberg in his first feature film. When he meets a young autistic drummer at a jam session, it’s the beginning of an unlikely friendship and viral stardom. The movie stars Ed Skrein as the pop singer, Vince, and Leo Long as the drummer, Stevie, with Eleanor Matsuura as Stevie’s mother.
After its September 2022 Netflix debut, I Used to Be Famous nearly immediately climbed to the number two spot on the streaming service’s UK Top 10 list. The movie went on to rank in the top 10 in 62 countries and was well-reviewed by reviewers. I Used to Be Famous deviates from the genre of comparable music dramas by offering a charming but ultimately realistic story, despite the fact that its plot is essentially conventional and predictable. Leo Long, who was nominated for a British Independent Film Award for Breakthrough Performance, and the rest of the brilliant cast give outstanding performances in the film.
‘The Gentlemen’ (2019)
Matthew McConaughey plays Mickey Pearson, the prosperous American leader of an English cannabis business in Guy Ritchie’s action crime-comedy, The Gentlemen. As rivals vie for control of his company, Mickey’s decision to leave the criminal world starts a catastrophic series of events. In addition to McConaughey, the picture features Hugh Grant, Charlie Hunnam, Henry Golding, Michelle Dockery, Jeremy Strong, Eddie Marsan, and Colin Farrell.
After receiving mostly favourable reviews upon its December 2019 premiere, The Gentlemen became a box office hit, grossing over $115 million worldwide. Due to its popularity, a Netflix spin-off series bearing the same name was eventually produced; however, it is only a loose adaptation of the film and has nothing to do with its plot. The Gentlemen, released in 2019, is a fast-paced, exciting, and darkly humorous gangster film with a large cast of eccentric characters, stylish cinematography, and snappy dialogue, even though it might not be Ritchie’s best work. In summary, it is a comprehensive entertainment piece that is ideal for those who appreciate Ritchie’s distinct filmmaking style.
‘Vera Drake’ (2004)
Mike Leigh is the writer and director of the period drama Vera Drake, which takes place in London in the 1950s. A working-class woman who performs covert (and unlawful) abortions is the subject of the film. In addition to Phil Davis, Daniel Mays, Sally Hawkins, Eddie Marsan, and others, Imelda Staunton plays the lead role of Vera. Vera Drake, one of the most critically acclaimed films of 2004, was nominated for three Academy Awards and won three BAFTAs. It is a well-written, well-directed film with powerful acting that addresses challenging subjects with compassion and care.
At its 2004 Venice Film Festival premiere, the movie won the Golden Lion prize. For her role in the movie, Staunton also took home the festival’s Volpi Cup for Best Actress. Vera Drake has come under fire for demonstrating a risky abortion technique that women might copy, but to be fair, that’s really the only issue with an otherwise flawless production.
