5 must-see Danny Boyle movies – including a “terrifying” horror and a “charming” British drama

Danny Boyle re-enters the world of the “28 Days Later” series through its newest sequel, titled “28 Years Later,” that has just been released in movie theaters.

Indeed, if you’re interested in revisiting some of his past works, Boyle boasts an impressive collection of films that span from chilling masterpieces to delightful gems.

In honor of the release of “28 Years Later“, Digital Spy has gathered five top picks directed by the same person, which will be aired on television within the next week or can be streamed online.

127 Hours

In 2010, a movie was released that tells the real-life tale of Aron Ralston, an adventurous climber who became trapped in a canyon when a rock fell on his right arm. To stay alive, he resorted to extreme actions, and one particularly gruesome scene is included in the film.

127 Hours, featuring James Franco as Ralston, is director Danny Boyle’s highest-acclaimed film according to Rotten Tomatoes, boasting a 93% fresh rating on the site. The film has been praised as both “gut-wrenching” and “inspirational” by critics.

Airing on Sunday 22 June on Film4 at 11.25pm.

Slumdog Millionaire

The film that earned Danny Boyle the Best Director Oscar, among many other Academy Awards categories, is “Slumdog Millionaire”. This movie is adapted from the novel “Q & A” by Vikas Swarup. It tells the story of teenager Jamal Malik (played by Dev Patel) as he navigates through the Hindi version of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire”.

As I aced each query without breaking a sweat, accusations of cheating began to fly. But when they questioned how I knew it all, I shared my tale – one born in the bustling slums of Mumbai, where life’s lessons were etched into every corner and crevice. Each experience, each struggle, had shaped me into the gamer I am today – a living testament to resilience, grit, and the power of knowledge that comes from real-life struggles.

The film was praised as an “exciting journey,” a “heartwarming story,” and a production with “uncontainable enthusiasm” by The Independent, while the Sydney Morning Herald claimed it showcased Boyle at the peak of his abilities.

Available to buy and rent digitally on Prime Video, Apple TV and Microsoft Store.

Millions

2004’s comedic film tells the story of a young lad named Damian (played by Alex Etel). He discovers a stash of cash hidden in his backyard and, together with his sibling, they embark on a clandestine spending spree, all without informing their father, who is portrayed by James Nesbitt.

Yet, as Damian grapples with questions about his moral compass and what to do with the funds, whispers of the money’s existence ripple through, leaving him in a challenging predicament.

With an impressive 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the general consensus among critics was that this movie was endearing. Meanwhile, Cinema Crazed described it as a heartwarming tale exploring themes of grief, belief, and family.

Available to buy and rent digitally on Prime Video, Apple TV and Microsoft Store.

28 Days Later

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t resist sharing my thoughts on the first movie of the chilling horror series – the one that director Danny Boyle helmed before “28 Days Later.” It was his swan song in this particular series, and it left quite an impression.

In this storyline, we focus on character Cillian Murphy portraying bike messenger Jim who regains consciousness after a coma. To his surprise, London is eerily empty. As he uncovers the truth, he learns that society has crumbled due to a virus causing uncontrollable rage. Along the way, Jim encounters a band of survivors.

The movie was labeled as a “chilling zombie flick” by the collective opinion of critics, while _Empire_ magazine deemed it “an outstanding British horror/sci-fi production from the past few decades,” even going so far as to call it “the premier apocalypse film of the new millennium.

Available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Trainspotting

1996 saw Boyle’s groundbreaking film debut, adapted from Irvine Welsh’s novel “Trainspotting”.

The film primarily revolves around a band of drug addicts in Edinburgh, showcasing numerous memorable sequences such as Ewan McGregor’s “Choose Life” monologue accompanied by Iggy Pop, and his character Mark Renton leaping into a toilet. In addition to McGregor, the film also highlights standout performances by Kelly Macdonald, Jonny Lee Miller, and Robert Carlyle.

The movie “Trainspotting” is now widely recognized as a classic, and Rotten Tomatoes describes it as a “grimly humorous, sometimes chilling depiction of drug addiction.

Airing on Monday 23 June on Film4 at 10.50pm.

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2025-06-20 09:49