The Best Movies Made About Britain Ranked

Not many countries have made movies earning appreciation of Britain. 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 a strong relationship with a father that admired a great king with grim speech impediments causing damage. Fascinated with British history, he would always speak fondly about a big king that had 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 Britain. 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 Britain 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. 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. Britain 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.

3. The Personal History of David Copperfield

Charles Dickens is a legendary English author whose literature impressed my mother. I remember a mother that adored the author’s literature. She had great expectations from an author she grew up to appreciate. Britain has always played a crucial role as the backdrop in books published by the legendary author.  In 2019, Armando Iannucci honoured the author whose stories have appealed in his movie “The Personal History of David Copperfield”. Iannucci used captivating montages capturing hardships that an orphan growing up in poverty is facing. For instance, the scene in which David Copperfield has a tense argument with Uriah causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance from Dev Patel, who portrayed an orphan that’s successful. Ultimately, what makes “The Personal History of David Copperfield” a classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most Charles Dickens adaptations, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of Charles Dickens’ literature to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about importance of finding one’s identity which would resonate with everyone. As strong as David Copperfield’s desire to become an author, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated genre that has made movies which audiences commonly treasure.

4. The English Patient

Historical movies are a genre of film that my uncle has always loved dearly. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with an uncle that loved movies about historical events. Fascinated by WWII, he enjoyed watching hardships that soldiers went through. One of my uncle’s favourite historical films that gave him excitement was “The English Patient”. Released in 1996, Anthony Minghella’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about Britain. Minghella used captivating voice-over narration to capture the lives of English soldiers engaging in doomed romantic relationships facing destruction. For instance, the scene in which Almasy first meets Katharine on his voyage setting the stage for their romance causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Ralph Fiennes, who portrayed an English soldier facing declines. Ultimately, what makes “The English Patient” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a profound message about war resonating with everyone. 30 years following the publication of a book about about English soldiers in a doomed affair, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated genre that has manufactured movies about which audiences commonly care.

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 profound message about terminal illness 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 commonly cherish.

6. 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.

7. The Remains of the Day

When it comes to the most beloved books in Britain today, it’s worth discussing The Remains of the Day. Since its publication in 1989, Kazuo Ishiguro’s book has earned recognition for its depiction of Britain. In 1993, James Ivory honoured the iconic book in his movie “The Remains of the Day”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Remains of the Day” stand out is its depiction of social class. Ivory uses captivating production to capture the life of a British butler facing social class discrimination. Assisted by Anthony Hopkins who is exceptional in the lead role, Ivory created a captivating period piece about Britain. A brilliant adaptation of a celebrated book about committed butlers recalling the remains of the day, it’s a brilliant reminder of a genre that has produced movies about England that deserve to be celebrated today.

8. Gosford Park

Social class has often been a common tradition in Britain. Britain 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.

9. Darkest Hour

Winston Churchill is a commemorated prime minister that guided Britain. During WWII, Churchill became a prime minister that citizens of Britain would value. In 2017, Joe Wright honoured the iconic political leader facing his darkest hour in his movie “Darkest Hour”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Darkest Hour” stand out is depiction of politicians. Wright uses captivating makeup to recreate a president that guided his country in ways that are inspiring. Assisted by Gary Oldman who is extraordinary in the lead role, Wright honoured Winston Churchill’s legacy. Nearly 90 years after Winston Churchill became a minister changing history forever, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a celebrated genre that manufactured unforgettable films about a legendary country that have never lost their abilities to constantly thrill.

10. Chariots of Fire

Few movies ever made about athletes in Britain that people admire are as beloved “Chariots of Fire”. Released in 1981, Hugh Hudson’s movie honoured marathon runners in Britain. Hudson used captivating montages capturing runners training for competitions in Britain that are frightening. Assisted by Ben Cross who is amazing in the lead role, Hudson created a strong sports drama. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s fictionalized depiction of commemorated runners in Britain that isn’t true to history has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Harold’s love for running, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has captivating movies celebrating the long-lasting legacy of Britain which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love for filmmaking.