My Favourite Films About England of All-Time

Not many countries have made movies earning appreciation of England. Since the 1970’s, stories of British people have made for memorable movies. Whether it’s prejudiced lovers, leaders or troubled soldiers, the country has created several strong characters. Given the sheer number of movies made in the country, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite British films that deserve to be celebrated.

1. The King’s Speech

King George VI is a legendary figure of the royal family that impressed my father. At an early age, I formed strong relationships with a father that admired a king with grim speech impediments causing damage. Fascinated with British history, he would always speak fondly about a big king that shaped his identity. My father was always inspired by how the king overcame a dark debilitating speech disability to guide Britain towards victory. Few films I’ve ever seen have honoured the legendary British king that overcame a speech disability as powerfully as “The King’s Speech”. Ever since its release in 2010, Tom Hooper’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about England. With the greatest film of his career, Hooper used innovative cinematic techniques to capture a king with speech impediments facing despair. Hooper used captivating montages capturing hardships a king with frightening speech disabilities is facing. For instance, the scene in which King George VI has a dark breakdown questioning whether he will be ever able to prepare a big speech causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Colin Firth, who embodied the personality of a legendary British king in history. Ultimately, what makes “The King’s Speech” my favourite film about England of all-time is its bold appeal. Unlike most movies about the royal family that are targeted to a small audience, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. Nearly 20 years after the release of a classic film about a majestic king seeking to fight a speech disability that’s tragic, it’s a fantastic reminder of a genre manufacturing movies about a commemorated country that’s iconic.

2. The Remains of the Day

Housekeepers are powerful figures impacting families. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a housekeeper that delivered an inspiring message. A housekeeper dedicated towards performing every single chore, he was a person my family came to adore. As someone reminiscing memories of a housekeeper that affected my family in a positive way, I adored “The Remains of the Day”. Released in 1993, James Ivory’s movie celebrated a beloved book about housekeepers that shape families’ destinies. Ivory used captivating montages capturing hardships that British butlers in households are facing. For instance, the scene in which Stevens seeks to prepare his staff for a big dinner causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Anthony Hopkins, who portrayed a British butler facing tension. Ultimately, what makes “The Remains of the Day” a masterpiece is its commemorated appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the legendary book to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about social class which would resonate with everyone. A brilliant adaptation of a celebrated book about committed butlers recalling the remains of the day, it’s a brilliant reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced movies about England that deserve to be celebrated today.

3. Pride & Prejudice

Jane Austen is a legendary author whose literature always impressed my mother. I remember bonding with a mother that appreciated the author in English literature. She was drawn towards the sense and sensibility of an author that shaped her identity. England has always served as the main setting of Austen’s books and it is most evident in “Pride & Prejudice”. Released in 2005, Joe Wright’s movie honoured Jane Austen’s most romantic book. Wright has an aptitude for adapting classic English literature into compelling movies, and “Pride & Prejudice” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Elizabeth confronts Mr. Darcy in the rain about destroying her sister’s marriage causing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a bold performance by Kiera Knightley, who embodied a commemorated heroine. Ultimately, what makes “Pride and Prejudice” a commemorated adaptation is its message. The film delivers a bold message about social class which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of Jane Austen’s literature to appreciate it. Centuries after the publication of a classic book about prejudiced women developing romantic bonds with pride, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a memorable genre that hasn’t lost its abilities to leave audiences commonly satisfied.

4. Darkest Hour

Winston Churchill is a great historical figure that inspired my grandfather. At an early age, I bonded with a grandfather had knowledge about a historical figure with courage. Fascinated with WWII, he grew up to value a historic figure making his dreams come true. In 2017, Joe Wright honoured the iconic prime minister during his darkest hour in his movie “Darkest Hour”. Wright used captivating montages capturing a prime minister that sought to rescue England from wars that are frightening. For instance, the scene in which Winston Churchill delivers a speech to encourage followers facing a dilemma during the WWII era is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Gary Oldman, who embodied a legendary British prime minister seeking recognition. Ultimately, what makes “Darkest Hour” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most historical biopics, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with WWII history to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about leadership which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 90 years after Winston Churchill became a prime minister changing history forever, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has manufactured movies capturing the beauty of a memorable country audiences treasure.

5. Bright Star

Writing is a passion that I’ve always enjoyed pursuing. As far back as I remember, I have always wanted to become a famous writer. At an early age, I was drawn towards the art of words written on the page. During childhood, I developed lifelong passions for writing about the art of filmmaking. Despite facing cyberbullying, nothing has stopped me from pursuing my passion for writing. As someone that has sought to become a writer reaching a high bar, I adored “Bright Star”. Released in 2009, Jane Campion’s movie captured the life of a legendary poet in British history. Campion successfully used montages capturing the struggles of a British poet with a lifelong love for writing. For instance, the scene in which John Keats first meets Fanny beginning their lifelong romantic affair in a bygone era is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Ben Whishaw, who played a British poet inspiring awe. Ultimately, what makes “Bright Star” a timeless classic is its universal appeal. Unlike commemorated movies about poets, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about the writing process which would resonate with everyone. A portrait of a British poet that had timeless stories to publish, it’s a powerful reminder of a genre made great movies audiences cherish.

6. The Queen

Queen Elizabeth is a legendary figure of the royal family that I have always loved dearly. With her commanding presence, charismatic personality and strong nature, Elizabeth guided England. An inspiring political leader, Elizabeth built a legacy that’s enduring. In 2006, Stephen Frears honoured the iconic queen in his movie “The Queen”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Queen” stand out is its depiction of politics in England. Frears uses captivating montages capturing hardships that a Queen seeking to guide her nation was facing. Assisted by Helen Mirren who is amazing in the lead role, Frears created a captivating movie about the royal family. A breathtaking tribute towards a beloved British queen, it’s a brilliant reminder of a genre making commemorated movies that deserve to be seen on the cinematic big-screen.

7. Skyfall

James Bond is a legendary English spy that has built a lasting legacy. Since his creation in the 1950’s, Ian Fleming’s spy has earned a huge audience. With his charming personality, stylish gadgetry and commanding presence, Bond has earned a huge following. In 2012, Sam Mendes honoured the spy with abilities to enthral in his movie “Skyfall”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Skyfall” stand out is its depiction of British spies. Mendes uses captivating action sequences capturing hardships that a British spy on a dangerous mission is facing. Assisted by Daniel Craig who is extraordinary in the lead role, Mendes created a compelling espionage movie. A spectacular tribute towards a commemorated British spy, it’s a sensational reminder of a genre manufacturing great movies that have never lost abilities to tremendously satisfy.

8. The Personal History of David Copperfield

Charles Dickens is a legendary English author that penned timeless literature. During the 1800’s, Dickens was a legendary poet that penned timeless stories. In 2019, Armando Iannucci honoured the legendary poet in his movie “The Personal History of David Copperfield”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Personal History of David Copperfield” stand out is its satire. Iannucci effectively uses satire to honour a legendary poet that created stories readers admire. Assisted by Dev Patel who is phenomenal in the lead role, Iannucci honoured Charles Dickens’ legendary legacy.  A spectacular tribute towards a legendary English author that penned timeless literature, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies about a celebrated country that audiences treasure.

9. Gosford Park

Social class has often been a common tradition in England. England has built an image of being a country that follows a social divide between rich and poor members of society. Social inequality often determines destinies of housekeepers in the country. The crucial role the social class plays in Britain leaving a lasting mark is beautifully depicted in the movie “Gosford Park”. Released in 2001, Robert Altman’s movie captured social inequality in Britain. Altman used captivating production-design to capture social inequality in a family facing a decline. Assisted by Michael Gambon who is extraordinary in the lead role, Altman created a captivating British social class drama. As precious as the estate of Gosford Park, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has manufactured memorable movies about a legendary country leaving lasting mark.

10. Chariots of Fire

Few movies ever made about athletes in England that people admire are as beloved “Chariots of Fire”. Released in 1981, Hugh Hudson’s movie honoured marathon runners in England. Hudson used captivating montages capturing British runners training for competitions that are frightening. Assisted by Ben Cross who is amazing in the lead role, Hudson created a compelling sports drama. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of runners in England that isn’t true to history has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Harold’s desire to achieve Olympics victory, it’s a rousing reminder of a genre that has manufactured memorable movies honouring a country which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into reality.