Are you a movie buff looking for some great flicks to watch? Then you’re in luck because the United Kingdom has produced some of the most iconic and unforgettable movies of all time. From historical dramas to romantic comedies, the UK film industry has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll take a look at the best movies set in the United Kingdom that you don’t want to miss.
Fun fact… did you know that typically British actors are paid less than American actors typically, which is why you might see more British actors playing Americans!
Historical Movies
The United Kingdom has a rich history, and many filmmakers have taken advantage of this to create some unforgettable historical movies. Here are some of the best:
Elizabeth (1998)
This movie, directed by Shekhar Kapur, tells the story of Queen Elizabeth I’s early years as queen. Cate Blanchett gives a stunning performance in the lead role, and the movie also features Geoffrey Rush and Joseph Fiennes.
The King’s Speech (2010)
This movie, directed by Tom Hooper, tells the story of King George VI’s struggle with a stutter and his relationship with his speech therapist, Lionel Logue. Colin Firth won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of King George VI, and the movie also features Helena Bonham Carter and Geoffrey Rush.
Dunkirk (2017)
This movie, directed by Christopher Nolan, tells the story of the Dunkirk evacuation during World War II. The movie features an all-star cast, including Tom Hardy, Mark Rylance, Kenneth Branagh, and Cillian Murphy, and is a must-see for any history buff.
Comedies
The United Kingdom is also known for its romantic comedies and comedies in general that have that special British charm. They often feature charming British humor and lovable characters. Here are some of the best:
Notting Hill (1999)
This movie, directed by Roger Michell, tells the story of a London bookseller who falls in love with a Hollywood movie star who enters his shop one day. The movie stars Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts and is a charming and funny portrayal of modern love in the big city.
Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
This movie, directed by Sharon Maguire, tells the story of Bridget Jones, a single woman in her 30s who is trying to get her life together. The movie stars Renée Zellweger, Hugh Grant, and Colin Firth, and is a classic romantic comedy that will make you laugh and cry.
Did you know… this movie is based on Pride and Prejudice?
Love Actually (2003)
This movie, directed by Richard Curtis, tells the story of several different love stories that intersect around Christmas time in London. The movie features an all-star cast, including Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, and Alan Rickman, and is a feel-good movie that will warm your heart.
I think of this as a Christmas movie and watch it every year!
Hot Fuzz (2007)
This movie, directed by Edgar Wright, tells the story of a London police officer who is transferred to a quiet village where things are not what they seem. The movie stars Simon Pegg and Nick Frost and is a hilarious and action-packed parody of the buddy cop genre.
The World’s End (2013)
Another Simon Pegg movie. It’s weird, but I love it. “The World’s End” is a 2013 British science fiction comedy movie directed by Edgar Wright. The movie follows a group of friends who reunite in their hometown to attempt the “Golden Mile” pub crawl, which consists of drinking at 12 pubs in one night, with the final stop being the famous World’s End Pub. However, they soon discover that the town has been taken over by robots posing as residents, and they must fight for their survival while trying to complete the pub crawl. The movie stars Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Martin Freeman, and Rosamund Pike, among others, and is known for its blend of humor, action, and science fiction elements. The World’s End Pub serves as a memorable location in the movie, with its unique aesthetic and pivotal role in the plot.
Trainspotting
This movie, directed by Danny Boyle, tells the story of a group of heroin addicts living in Edinburgh. The movie stars Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, and Jonny Lee Miller and is a raw and unflinching portrayal of addiction and its effects on a group of friends. This movie is more of a dark comedy and a look at their take on life.
4 Weddings and A Funeral
There’s this adorable Englishman named Charles, played by the dashing Hugh Grant, and he’s got a tight-knit crew of friends who just can’t seem to catch a break when it comes to love. But when Charles meets the lovely American gal, Carrie, portrayed by the stunning Andie MacDowell, at a wedding, he starts to feel like maybe his luck is finally turning around.
They share one magical night, but unfortunately, Carrie has to head back to the States the very next day, crushing Charles’ hopes and dreams. But as fate would have it, their paths keep crossing at various weddings and even a funeral, and Charles can’t help but feel like they’re meant to be together, even if the timing never seems to be on their side.
Will they ever get their act together and make things work? That’s the question we’ll be rooting for throughout the movie. Fingers crossed for these two lovebirds!
Crime Thrillers
The United Kingdom has produced some of the most gripping crime thrillers of all time. Here are some of the best:
Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
This movie, directed by Guy Ritchie, tells the story of a group of friends who get caught up in the criminal underworld of London. The movie features Jason Statham in one of his early roles, and is a classic crime thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The Departed (2006)
This movie, directed by Martin Scorsese, tells the story of an undercover cop who infiltrates a crime organization in Boston. The movie features an all-star cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Jack Nicholson, and is a must-see for any crime thriller fan.
Fantasy and Science Fiction Movies
The United Kingdom has also produced some of the most imaginative and thought-provoking fantasy and science fiction movies. Here are some of the best:
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
This movie, directed by Chris Columbus, tells the story of a young boy who discovers he is a wizard and attends a magical school. The movie is based on the bestselling book series by J.K. Rowling and stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint.
And… all the other Harry Potter movies.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
This movie, directed by Peter Jackson, tells the story of a hobbit who embarks on a dangerous journey to destroy a powerful ring. The movie is based on the bestselling book by J.R.R. Tolkien and stars Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, and Viggo Mortensen.
Ex Machina (2014)
This movie, directed by Alex Garland, tells the story of a young programmer who is invited to participate in an experiment involving a humanoid robot with artificial intelligence. The movie stars Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac, and Alicia Vikander, and is a must-see for any science fiction fan.
Drama Movies
The United Kingdom is also known for its powerful drama movies that tackle complex themes and emotions. Here are some of the best:
Pride and Prejudice (2005)
This movie, directed by Joe Wright, is an adaptation of the classic novel by Jane Austen. The movie stars Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen and is a romantic and beautifully shot portrayal of 19th-century England. And, it happens to be one of my favorite movies of all time!
Atonement (2007)
This movie, directed by Joe Wright, tells the story of a young girl who accuses her sister’s lover of a crime he did not commit. The movie is based on the bestselling book by Ian McEwan and stars Keira Knightley and James McAvoy.
The Theory of Everything (2014)
This movie, directed by James Marsh, tells the story of physicist Stephen Hawking and his relationship with his wife, Jane. The movie stars Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones and is a moving and inspiring portrayal of love and perseverance.
Musicals
The United Kingdom has produced some of the most iconic musicals of all time, with unforgettable songs and dance numbers. Here are some of the best:
Les Misérables (2012)
This movie, directed by Tom Hooper, tells the story of an ex-convict who seeks redemption during the French Revolution. The movie stars Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, and Russell Crowe and features memorable songs like “I Dreamed a Dream” and “On My Own.”
Action and Adventure Movies
The United Kingdom has also produced some of the most thrilling and exciting action and adventure movies. Here are some of the best:
Skyfall (2012)
This movie, directed by Sam Mendes, tells the story of James Bond as he faces off against a villain who threatens MI6. The movie stars Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, and Judi Dench and features stunning action sequences and a memorable theme song.
War Movies
The United Kingdom has a rich history of war, and many filmmakers have created powerful movies that capture the horrors and heroism of war. Here are some of the best:
Dunkirk (2017)
As mentioned earlier, this movie tells the story of the Dunkirk evacuation during World War II and features an all-star cast.
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
This movie, directed by Steven Spielberg, tells the story of a group of soldiers who set out to find a missing paratrooper during World War II. The movie stars Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, and Tom Sizemore and is known for its realistic and intense portrayal of war.
Biopics
The United Kingdom has also produced some incredible biopics that tell the stories of real-life individuals who have made an impact on the world. Here are some of the best:
The Imitation Game (2014)
This movie, directed by Morten Tyldum, tells the story of mathematician Alan Turing and his role in breaking the German Enigma code during World War II. The movie stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley and is a must-see for anyone interested in history and technology.
Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
This movie, directed by Bryan Singer, tells the story of the rock band Queen and their charismatic frontman Freddie Mercury. The movie stars Rami Malek as Mercury and features classic Queen songs like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We Will Rock You.”
Horror Movies
The United Kingdom has also produced some spine-chilling horror movies that will keep you up at night. Here are some of the best:
The Wicker Man (1973)
This movie, directed by Robin Hardy, tells the story of a police sergeant who travels to a remote Scottish island to investigate a disappearance. The movie stars Edward Woodward and Christopher Lee and is known for its eerie and unsettling atmosphere.
28 Days Later (2002)
This movie, directed by Danny Boyle, tells the story of a man who wakes up from a coma to find that a virus has turned most of the population into zombies. The movie stars Cillian Murphy and Naomie Harris and is a modern classic of the zombie genre.
Children’s Movies
The United Kingdom has also produced some beloved children’s movies that have stood the test of time. Here are some of the best:
Mary Poppins (1964)
This movie, directed by Robert Stevenson, tells the story of a magical nanny who brings joy and wonder to a family in Edwardian London. The movie stars Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke and features classic songs like “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and “Chim Chim Cher-ee.”
Paddington (2014)
This movie, directed by Paul King, tells the story of a young bear from Peru who travels to London in search of a new home. The movie stars Ben Whishaw as the voice of Paddington and features a heartwarming story and lovable characters.
Sports Movies
The United Kingdom has a rich tradition of sports, and many filmmakers have created inspiring movies that celebrate the power of sports to bring people together. Here are some of the best:
Bend It Like Beckham (2002)
This movie, directed by Gurinder Chadha, tells the story of a young girl who dreams of becoming a soccer star. The movie stars Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightley and is a celebration of friendship, family, and following your dreams.
Chariots of Fire (1981)
This movie, directed by Hugh Hudson, tells the story of two runners who compete in the 1924 Olympics. The movie features an iconic score by Vangelis and is a timeless classic of sports cinema.
The United Kingdom has produced some of the most memorable and iconic movies of all time, from historical dramas to romantic comedies, and everything in between. Whether you’re in the mood for a heartwarming story or an adrenaline-fueled action movie, there is something for everyone in the UK film industry. So, grab some popcorn and settle in for a cinematic journey through the best movies set in the United Kingdom.
FAQs
- What is the most popular movie set in the United Kingdom?
- The most popular movie set in the United Kingdom is arguably “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” which kicked off the hugely successful Harry Potter franchise.
- Are there any classic movies set in the United Kingdom?
- Yes, there are many classic movies set in the United Kingdom, including “The Sound of Music,” “A Clockwork Orange,” and “Lawrence of Arabia.”
- Are there any United Kingdom movies that have won Academy Awards?
- Yes, there are many United Kingdom movies that have won Academy Awards, including “The King’s Speech,” “Slumdog Millionaire,” and “Chariots of Fire.”
- What is the most iconic scene in a United Kingdom movie?
- One of the most iconic scenes in a United Kingdom movie is the opening scene of “The Sound of Music,” where Julie Andrews sings “The hills are alive with the sound of music” on a mountaintop in Austria.
- What is the highest-grossing United Kingdom movie of all time?
- The highest-grossing United Kingdom movie of all time is “Skyfall,” which earned over $1.1 billion at the box office worldwide.
Fun Facts about British movies:
- The James Bond franchise, one of the most iconic British movie series, has grossed over $7 billion worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing film franchises in history.
- The Harry Potter film series, based on the books by British author J.K. Rowling, was entirely filmed in the United Kingdom, with many iconic British landmarks such as King’s Cross Station, the Glenfinnan Viaduct, and Alnwick Castle featured prominently in the movies.
- The British movie industry has produced some of the most influential and groundbreaking films of all time, including classics like Lawrence of Arabia, The Third Man, and A Clockwork Orange.
- British actors have a long history of success in Hollywood, with many of the biggest stars in the industry hailing from the UK. Some of the most famous British actors include Sir Laurence Olivier, Dame Judi Dench, Emma Thompson, and Daniel Day-Lewis.
- The British movie industry is known for its quirky, offbeat sense of humor, with many cult comedies and satirical films gaining a loyal following both in the UK and abroad. Some of the most beloved British comedies include Monty Python and the Holy Grail, The Full Monty, and Shaun of the Dead.
- Many British films have been adapted into successful stage productions, including Billy Elliot, Matilda, and The Lion King.
- The British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs), which are the UK’s equivalent of the Oscars, have been held annually since 1947 and are widely considered to be one of the most prestigious film awards ceremonies in the world.
These are just a few fun facts about British movies – there are many more fascinating tidbits and interesting stories to discover in the world of British cinema!
