Even though Netflix is predominantly scattered with movies and TV series based on America, you probably don’t have to struggle too much to find some of the absolutely brilliant UK-based movies. The UK film industry has produced some of the most intense, gripping and amazingly hilarious comedy movies over the years, not to mention some of the most classic period dramas and amazingly well-thought romantic films too.
Given below are 15 of the best movies the UK has to offer on Netflix.
1. The Queen
Source: New York Times
Can’t get any more British than this one; the Queen, as suggested by the title itself, follows the life of Queen Elizabeth 2 right after the death of Princess Diana. Starring the legendary Helen Mirren and an amazing supporting cast, The Queen racked up awards for its breathtaking realism.
2. The Theory of Everything
Source: Variety cover
One of the most amazing romantic movies of Time, The Theory of Everything, follows the relationship of the genius Stephen Hawking and his wife. Starring Eddy Redmayne as Stephen Hawking, the role that earned Eddy another Oscar. This film is more than about just science, and it’s an experience.
3. Monty Python & The Holy Grail
Source: One Room with A View
The grandmaster of comedy movies from the British cinema, Monty Python & The Holy Grail, has garnered legendary status in the world’s eyes. The movie, which kick-started the trend of spoofing real-life characters, Monty Python, is a story of King Arthur and his army who embark on a hilarious journey filled with hilariously silly obstacles searching for the Holy Grail.
4. Black Mirror: Bandersnatch
Source: Tech Crunch
Words cannot describe how intensely bizarre and surreal this movie is. Black Mirror: Bandersnatch is a Netflix original movie, where the viewer has choices to pick storylines and even take some decisions, upon which decides the ending of the movie. It is one of the only audience-interactive movies ever produced and is absolutely mind-bogglingly thrilling.
5. Johnny English
Source: BBC America
The mind behind the iconic Mr. Bean, Rowan Atkinson, brought the hilarious Johnny English back in 2003. It follows the story of Britain’s most talented and hilarious MI5 agent, Mr. Johnny English. The movie’s whole idea is based on spoofing classic Bond movies and other spy/espionage movies and is done very well.
6. Apostle
Source: IMDB
Another Netflix original on this list, this Time, is the bone-chilling horror period drama set in 1905, which follows the story of a dangerous drifter who sets out to find his kidnapped sister and comes face-to-face with a very dangerous cult located on an isolated island. This one is for cult lovers.
7. About Time
Source: Roger Ebert
A quirky and not so clichéd romantic comedy, About Time follows the story of a guy who uses time travel in order to find a girlfriend to make the world a better place. The film isn’t as straightforward as it seems to be and is filled with hilarious scenes and a genuine romance portrayal.
8. Kajaki
Source: Stephen Lidell
Kajaki or Kilo Two Bravo is a harrowing biography of a company of British soldiers stuck in the Afghanistan war where they come across a dried-up river bed that is probably rigged up with lethal explosive mines. This one is thoroughly intense.
9. The King
Source: Roger Ebert
Starring the charming and super talented TimotheeChalamet, The King is an action-packed biographical period drama based on the life of young Prince Hal, who is heir to the throne of England. It was filled with amazing set pieces and intense politics of the kingdom, giving it almost a similar tone to Game of Thrones.
10. The King’s Speech
Source: Youtube
This one is specifically for artistic cinema lovers; the King’s Speech is one of the greatest and most interesting biographies ever made. Follows the incredible story of King George 6th and his rise to the throne of the British monarchy way back in 1936.
11. Calibre
Source: Variety
Yet another one of the gems from Netflix originals, Calibre is an absolute thrill. The fast-paced thriller follows the story of 2 friends who go to the Scottish highlands for a hunting trip, and the trip takes the turn for the worst when they accidentally kill two people.
12. The Duchess
Source: Pinterest
Yet another one of the ‘Royal’ films on this list is The Duchess. Set in the 18th century, the movie follows the life of the exquisite Duchess Georgiana, who becomes one of the most polarizing figures of that Time due to her political and personal life.
13. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Source: The Guardian
A rather more realistic take on the British MI6, as opposed to the glamour-filled action-packed Bond movies, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy takes place in the cold war’s chilly days a veteran spy is given the daunting task to investigate the Soviet agent currently involved in the MI-6.
14. The Ritual
Source: Indiewire
Another of the gems from Netflix UK originals, The Ritual, is a bone-chilling horror movie about a group of friends who go for a hike in Eastern Europe, filled with edge-of-the-seat thrills and some terrifying visuals. The Ritual is one of the best UK has to offer.
15. Legend
Source: Movie Nation
A modern take on the classic mob flick genre, Legend is one hell of a ride if you love gangster movies and Tom Hardy. Tom Hardy stars in the double role of two brothers Ronald and Reginald, both of whom back in the 1960s terrorized London with their fear.
The UK cinema has been paramount in filmmaking for a long time now; some of the greatest movies ever produced have come from their elite brand of the art of movie-making. Netflix is slowly but gradually updating many UK-based movies filled with excitement, emotions, love and laughter. Given above are 15 of those movies, which are perfectly filled with the right amount of balance of cinema’s magic for you to enjoy.
