Continuously known for being filmmaking pioneers, the British have constantly developed and innovated critical areas of art direction, screenwriting, and cinematography the films have rivaled Hollywood. Often considered wrongfully underrated, the British continue to envelop iconic films that are characteristic to the nation and undoubtedly proud. As most people have switched to services that stream movies for free, incorporating British films has never been easier. The next time you’re looking for a high-quality movie, consider these underrated British movies of the last twenty years.
Sweet Sixteen (2002)
This lesser-known piece by Ken Loach was the winner of the Cannes Film Festival. Nominated for 17 awards, it brought home ten awards, including best non-American film, best British Independent Film, and best actor. It’s a crime-based drama that focuses on Liam, a young teen struggling to realize his dream. Waiting for his mother’s release from prison, he is determined to rescue his mother from a life of crime. Her boyfriend, Stan, is an obnoxious drug pusher that partnered with Liam’s grandfather. Liam struggles to build the cash for a safe haven for them both, but the struggle to create that sanctuary isn’t as easy as it seems.
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
Released in 2004, this horror-comedy was directed by Edgar Wright. It featured many British comic actors, sitcom stars, and comedians while including multiple cameos. The story follows Shaun (played by Simon Pegg), who has had a particularly terrible day and finally decides to turn his life around. Unfortunately, his timing is awful as he lands himself right in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. Shaun decides to use this opportunity to show everyone how useful he is by saving them all from impending doom. It seems all he must do is survive and get his ex back in the process.
This Is England (2006)
This British film was the winner of fourteen awards and sixteen overall nominations. Winning BAFTA award for Best British Film, British Independent Film Award, and CinEuphoria, it’s a must-see crime drama. It’s placed in the summer of 1983, during a time when Skinheads, Mods, and New Romantics were prominent sub-culture with youth. Shaun is left alone, aimlessly wandering around during school holidays. He happens upon Woody and a seemingly fun and friendly Skinhead pack. His newly found family is pushed to the absolute limits as Shaun finds himself among racist, psychotic, and dangerous lives he never intended.
Hunger (2008)
Director Steve McQueen brings this historical drama, following Bobby Sands (a convict) and other inmates throughout a North Ireland Prison. This interpretation of the 1981 IRA Hunger Strike is highly expressive, with an incredible eye for detail. It holds a compelling portrayal of life in the maze prison, with an unchartered view of what happens to the mind and body when it’s pushed to the limits. This film is based on the actual events of the Irish Republic Army protestor Bobby Sands, fighting the removed policies for terrorists. Sands took on a hunger strike to win special status for republicans, dying after a 66-day hunger strike.
Wild Bill (2011)
This 2011 film is a drama directed by Dexter Fletcher. It follows a previously incarcerated Bill Hayward who returns home to find his two boys abandoned by their mother. Dean (the 15-year-old boy) has found a job and tries to be a suitable father to younger Jimmy but forces his father to step up into a father role. Bill reluctantly agrees to stay a week with the children (to fool social services into believing he’s involved) but quickly begins to realize all he’s missed. It’s a must-see film for anyone wanting a drama that hits home.
For Those in Peril (2013)
Despite only working on short films prior to this explosive release, Paul Wright sculpted this beautiful masterpiece. This drama follows Aaron, a relatively young misfit living in a Scottish fishing community. He is the lone survivor of a bizarre fishing accident that claimed the lives of his older brother and four other men. The village blames Aaron for this accident, pushing him as an outcast. Aaron refuses to believe the men passed at sea and sets out to recover them on his own.
High-Rise (2015)
As an underrated sci-fi directed by Benjamin Taylor and Ben Wheatley, this movie pushes the boundaries of societal expectations. Placed in 1975, Dr. Robert Laing moves into a new apartment building hoping for total anonymity. As it becomes clear to him that the tenants have no intentions of leaving him alone, his good manners force him to become neighborly with the local tenants. As the building quickly descends into disarray, so too do the residents who inhabit the building. Power cuts begin to surge through the building as time goes by, throwing virtually everyone into complete madness.