The best British movies of 2024 you should watch now

As a movie enthusiast with a knack for spotting hidden gems and a keen interest in diverse storytelling, I’m thrilled to delve into the upcoming cinematic offerings of 2023.

Among BAFTA and Oscar-winning productions, as well as hidden treasures that merit your focus, here are some outstanding British films from the year 2024.

This year, we’re showcasing a selection of essential British films, including Jonathan Glazer’s critically praised Holocaust drama, “The Zone of Interest“, Andrew Haigh’s heart-wrenching drama “All of Us Strangers“, and others.

Discussing films that are purely British can sometimes present a challenge, as it’s not uncommon for the United Kingdom to be one of several countries contributing to a film’s production. So, you might come across movies like Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things, which was co-produced by the UK, in such discussions.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve come across some unique scenarios, such as the captivating Irish movie “Kneecap”, which we chose not to categorize as a “British film” because it didn’t sit well with that label. The main characters in this movie would likely concur with our decision.

Over the span of a whole year as a dedicated gamer, I’m treated to a diverse array of movies hailing from various corners of the globe. That includes highly-anticipated Hollywood productions such as “Dune: Part Two” and the action-packed duo of “Deadpool & Wolverine”. However, it’s primarily British cinema that dominates my screen, offering me a unique cinematic experience.

After having more than eight months worth of film releases behind us, let me present our selection of the standout British films from 2024.

Not every film produced in the UK is included on this list, but this year has still been exceptionally rich with excellent British cinema offerings.

Catherine Parr’s period drama Firebrand, Kate Winslet’s Lee Miller biopic Lee, Anthony Hopkins’ emotional true-story drama One Life, Sky’s sweet family adventure Robin and the Hoods, Amy Winehouse’s controversial portrayal Back to Black, all-star comedy Seize them! and Netflix’s Scoop are among them.

The Zone of Interest is the most devastating movie of the year, and one of the best too.

The film by Jonathan Glazer, as depicted in Martin Amis’ novel, primarily revolves around Rudolf Höss (portrayed by Christian Friedel), a historical Nazi official, notorious for his role in the systematic murder of over a million prisoners during World War II. Interestingly, his wife Hedwig, played by Sandra Hüller, who starred in ‘Anatomy of a Fall’, is deeply fixated on constructing an idyllic home, which she built remarkably close to Auschwitz.

In each scene, the haunting noise of a concentration camp underscores the narrative, culminating in an emotionally powerful conclusion that will not be easily forgotten.

At this year’s Academy Awards, “The Zone of Interest” was the UK’s entry, taking home Oscars for Best International Film and Best Sound. The film also claimed victory in the BAFTA category for Outstanding British Film, as well as awards for Best Sound and Best Non-English Language Film.

Read our review of The Zone of Interest.

Watch now: Prime Video | iTunes | Microsoft Store

Among this year’s movies, the stunning yet poignant film titled “All of Us Strangers” is set to earn the status of a timeless British masterpiece.

In this reinterpretation of Taichi Yamada’s novel titled “Strangers,” director Andrew Haigh presents a story centered around Adam, a solitary TV scriptwriter, skillfully played by Andrew Scott. Adam finds himself embarking on a romantic journey with his alluring neighbor Harry, portrayed by Paul Mescal. Concurrently, Adam delves into the painful memories of his past as he reconnects with the spirits of his deceased parents – his mother and father, depicted by Claire Foy and Jamie Bell respectively, who tragically passed away in a car accident when Adam was just 12 years old.

In the awe-inspiring sex scenes of the film, Scott and Mescal’s on-screen chemistry soars to extraordinary heights. The exceptional acting from the entire cast leaves viewers profoundly moved (in an exceptionally positive sense, naturally).

As a gamer, I can tell you that after watching this movie, hearing the Pet Shop Boys’ version of ‘Always on My Mind’ will take on a whole new meaning for me. It’ll be like revisiting an old memory with fresh eyes, or discovering a hidden layer in a favorite video game.

Read our review of All of Us Strangers.

Watch now: Disney+ | Amazon | iTunes

In the film “Poor Things,” Emma Stone delivers a captivating performance, contributing to yet another visually impressive and delightfully dark fairy tale directed by Yorgos Lanthimos.

According to Alasdair Gray’s novel published in 1993, the film centers around Bella Baxter, a woman who has an insatiable curiosity about life and happens to be eternally horny. She is reanimated by Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe), and her desire to explore the world leads her. Eventually, she finds herself embarking on adventures with the dissolute lawyer Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo). Initially a Frankenstein-like creation, she transforms into a liberated individual.

In a distinct world characterized by skewed perspectives, wide-angle views, and exaggerated attire, the novel “Poor Things” delves into a playful examination of sexuality and liberty.

Stone claimed her second Academy Award and BAFTA for Best Actress, with the film also earning a total of four BAFTAs, making it one of the most decorated films at the 2024 Oscars.

Read our review of Poor Things.

Watch now: Disney+ | Amazon | iTunes

In simple terms, the documentary “Occupied City” by Steve McQueen is one of the best British films of the year. Despite its lengthy running time of nearly five hours, many consider each minute to be well spent.

The film draws parallels between two distinct time periods, as depicted in Bianca Stigter’s book Atlas of an Occupied City, Amsterdam 1940-1945. These periods are the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam during the 1940s and the current era marked by a pandemic and social unrest.

I’m a gamer, but when it comes to cinematic masterpieces, McQueen is unbeatable. He’s a British filmmaker who’s made an indelible impact with films like Shame and the Oscar-winning 12 Years a Slave, as well as the critically acclaimed TV series Small Axe.

In this film, he connects the past with the present, delving into the idea of memory and pondering about the events that are to come in the not-too-distant future.

Watch now: Amazon | iTunes | Microsoft Store

Jodie Comer is exceptional in The End We Start From, a disaster drama following the journey of a first-time mother.

The narrative, derived from Megan Hunter’s titled novel, revolves around an unnamed woman who delivers her first baby coincidentally on a day when London experiences intense flooding. Alongside her husband, portrayed by Joel Fry, they are compelled to depart the city due to scarcity of resources and mounting tensions. Navigating through this adversity, finding a secure refuge proves challenging.

As the film unfolds, it transitions into an emotionally moving journey across the open road as the main character encounters another mother, portrayed by Katherine Waterston. They navigate this evolving world side by side.

As a passionate gamer, I recently dived into Mahalia Belo’s debut feature – a breath of fresh air in the apocalyptic genre. This time around, motherhood transformed into an epic journey that had me on the edge of my seat. The movie concludes with a ray of hope, making it a refreshing twist for disaster movies, offering a much-needed positive shift in the genre.

Read our review of The End We Start From.

Watch now: Netflix | Amazon | iTunes

Luna Carmoon’s directorial debut Hoard is a hidden gem among this year’s best British movies.

After debuting at the Venice International Film Festival the previous year, the film garnered widespread acclaim, with critics commending its poignant portrayal of childhood hardship and sorrow.

Based on personal life events, Carmoon initiates the film in London during the year 1984. Here, we meet seven-year-old Maria, portrayed by Lily Beau-Leach, and her mother Cynthia, played by Hayley Squire. They discover enchantment in everyday life as they rummage through waste bins, gathering intriguing scraps.

Ten years have passed since a significant incident caused a rift, and the story in “Hoard” then unfolds around Maria (portrayed by Saura Lightfoot Leon), who is now an adult. She resides with her foster mother Michelle (Samantha Spiro) and develops a profound connection with 30-year-old Michael (Joseph Quinn).

Quinn, who plays a significant role in the movie, has been making waves in Hollywood. The talented actor from ‘Stranger Things’ is rapidly rising as one of the industry’s brightest young stars due to his roles in ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’, ‘Gladiator II’, and the upcoming ‘Fantastic Four’ project within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Watch now: MUBI | Amazon | iTunes

In “Wicked Little Letters”, Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley engage in a side-splitting battle, and their arsenals consist of the most outrageous, unbelievable profanities you can think of.

In a humorous twist by Thea Sharrock, she explores the amusement in miscommunications, malicious letters, and an abundance of strong language, as characters are depicted variously as a “melancholic, smelly hag” and “an old, fox-like prostitute,” while also being accused of having an odor reminiscent of ordinary filth.

Drawing inspiration from actual events, the captivating tale Wicked Little Letters transports audiences to the quaint coastal town of Littlehampton, West Sussex, where the character Edith Swan (played by Colman) finds herself the recipient of anonymous letters containing harsh criticisms.

The authoritarian father Edward (Timothy Spall) along with the in-charge police officers believe that the neighbor Rose Gooding (Buckley) is at fault. Rose, an Irish single mother who frequently uses profanities and frequents bars, appears to be a prime suspect. However, newly assigned officer Gladys Moss (Anjana Vasan from ‘Black Mirror’) is persistently seeking the real truth.

Colman and Buckley’s chemistry makes the movie shine brighter.

Read our review of Wicked Little Letters.

Watch now: Netflix | Amazon | iTunes

Silver Haze is one of those great British movies that might have escaped your radar.

The narrative, both written and directed by Sacha Polak, unfolds around the character of 23-year-old Franky, portrayed by Vicky Knight. A resident nurse in an East London district, Franky dwells with her family and grapples with a deep-rooted desire for vengeance, stemming from a heartbreaking incident that transpired 15 years prior. However, Franky’s life takes an unexpected turn as she encounters one of her patients, Florence, played by Esmé Creed-Miles, who offers both hope and affection to the tormented protagonist.

The duo embarks on a journey to the seashore to meet Florence’s relatives, allowing Franky to gradually recover from her injuries. Polak’s storytelling exudes rawness, sincerity, and profound emotion, while Knight and Creed-Miles deliver captivating portrayals.

The film had its debut at the Berlin International Film Festival back in 2023, and it hit the screens in the United Kingdom this past March.

Watch now: Amazon | iTunes

Bill Nighy stars in Netflix’s movie The Beautiful Game, a classic underdog sports movie.

The narrative might be based on the Homeless World Cup, but it’s important to note that its characters and plotlines are works of fiction, not a direct representation of any specific tournament. However, they draw inspiration from numerous real-life stories linked to this initiative, which was established in 2003 and has positively impacted over 1.2 million individuals globally.

The captivating game, titled thus due to its enchanting nature, revolves around the England squad. For the first time in a long while, they have an opportunity to triumph in the tournament, bolstered by the arrival of the gifted forward Vinny (Micheal Ward) and the inspiring guidance of coach Mal (Nighy).

It’s an entertaining and uplifting story, with endearing characters and an important message.

Read our review of The Beautiful Game.

Watch now: Netflix

In the roster of outstanding British films from 2024, Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos have earned another spot with their collaboration, which is truly merited.

After the acclaimed release of “Poor Things“, “Kinds of Kindness” presents a unique and daring perspective, echoing the spirit of Lanthimos’ early works in Greece. This thought-provoking film delves into the complexities of cruelty, sacrifice, love, and the human desire for validation in a startlingly brilliant manner.

Over the course of 165 minutes, this film presents three distinct narratives: one about a man seeking self-mastery, another involving a cop harboring suspicions about his spouse’s real identity, and yet another following a woman on the hunt for an extraordinary person.

In the movie, Stone features an ensemble cast consisting of Willem Dafoe, Jesse Plemons, Joe Alwyn, Hong Chau, Mamoudou Athie, and Margaret Qualley, each portraying distinct roles.

Read our review of Kinds of Kindness.

Watch now: Disney+ | Amazon | iTunes

2024 offers ample opportunity yet for uncovering more treasures from Britain, such as Saoirse Ronan’s upcoming drama, “The Outrun,” and the eagerly awaited film featuring everyone’s favorite bear, “Paddington in Peru.

Following our rundown of top-notch British films from 2024, let me share with you a few highly anticipated British releases in 2024.

Saoirse Ronan plays a recovering alcoholic in The Outrun, her new film.

The film is inspired by Amy Liptrot’s acclaimed memoir, and it tells the story of Rona (Ronan), a woman who’s 29 years old. After spending a decade away from home, she returns to the tranquil Orkney Islands. Her aim is to find solace and recover after battling alcoholism and self-destructive tendencies in London.

Over time, the charm and tales of the landscape seep into Rona’s inner self, and bit by bit, she discovers resilience and hope within herself amidst the powerful storms and chilly ocean waters. This is the essence of the storyline.

This movie is helmed by Nora Fingscheidt, featuring in the cast are Paapa Essiedu from “I May Destroy You,” Stephen Dillane known for his role in “Game of Thrones,” and Saskia Reeves recognized from “Slow Horses.

Seven years on from my critically-adored debut, “Prevenge”, I’m thrilled to be back with another mind-bending creation – the extraordinary “Timestalker”. As a gamer immersed in the world of time-traveling adventures, this one promises an unforgettable journey.

The film begins in 1688, set in the western region of Scotland, introducing us to Agnes (Alice Lowe). She finds herself deeply smitten with questionable preacher Alex (Aneurin Barnard), at a time when his execution is imminent.

In the movie, we encounter more than one incarnation of Agnes. The film spans across different periods, such as 1790s rural England and 1980s Manhattan, and throughout these eras, Agnes is repeatedly attracted to Alex from that particular era, along with various depictions of her friend Meg (Tanya Reynolds) and George, who seems to be a potential stalker (Nick Frost).

Timestalker is unique among British movies this year, and it will soon be out in cinemas.

Read our review of Timestalker.

Just a few short months following the release of my all-time favorite documentary, “Occupied City,” none other than Steve McQueen has returned to captivate us once more. This time, he’s delivering a gripping historical drama titled “Blitz.” I can hardly wait!

Featuring Saoirse Ronan, Harris Dickinson, and newcomer Elliot Heffernan, the movie is set to make its global debut during the London Film Festival in October.

The story follows “a defiant young boy [who] goes on an adventure in London during World War II only to find himself in immense peril, while a distraught Rita searches for her missing son.”

Following its cinema release, the movie will be available to stream on Apple TV+ from November 22.

The UK’s favourite marmalade-obsessed bear is back this year!

Approximately seven years following the release of the critically acclaimed film “Paddington 2“, the adventure resumes with “Paddington in Peru“. This new chapter finds the Brown family embarking on a journey – where do you think they’re going? That’s right, to Peru!

Paddington is thrilled to see Aunt Lucy at the Retirement Home for Bears, but upon arrival, she’s nowhere to be found. The kind Reverend Mother (portrayed by Olivia Colman) shares that Aunt Lucy has gone on an adventure of some sort. Consequently, they embark on a journey into the forest with swashbuckler Hunter Cabot (played by Antonio Banderas), in search of Aunt Lucy.

In the third installment, Ben Whishaw once again plays Paddington, with Hugh Bonneville, Julie Walters, Madeleine Harris, and Samuel Joslin reprising their roles as the Brown family. Notably, Emily Mortimer steps into the shoes of Mrs. Brown, replacing Sally Hawkins for this film.

This year, Andrea Arnold’s upcoming film titled “Bird” will be gracing the big screens as well. The film features Barry Keoghan, Franz Rogowski, Nykiya Adams, James Nelson-Joyce, and Jason Buda in prominent roles.

The narrative unfolds around Bailey (Adams), a 12-year-old girl residing in a fractured household. A significant shift occurs in her life upon encountering the careless, aspiring drug peddler named Bug (Keoghan).

As a fervent cinema enthusiast, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement upon learning that the groundbreaking film, “Bird“, received a flawless 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes after its debut at Cannes Film Festival. This extraordinary achievement positions it as one of the most eagerly awaited British films of the year in my eyes.

This year will see the release of James Norton’s latest Netflix film, titled “Joy“, which is inspired by a real-life account – that of the world’s first ‘lab-grown baby’.

Additionally featuring Bill Nighy and Thomasin McKenzie, this movie narrates the tale of Louise Brown, the pioneer born through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), spanning over a decade as they navigated the path leading up to that groundbreaking moment.

The narrative revolves around embryologist Jean Purdy, joining forces with scientists Robert Edwards and Patrick Steptoe, as they persistently overcome various technological and practical hurdles in the process of realizing In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). They also encounter significant resistance from those who disapprove of their work.

The film is directed by Ben Taylor, with a screenplay by Jack Thorne.

Amrou Al-Kadhi’s directorial debut Layla is coming out later this year.

The film narrates the tale of a hard-pressed Arabic drag performer, who embarks on a captivating love affair with a corporate marketing professional. This relationship gradually challenges Layla’s perception of self.

The main cast includes Bilal Hasna, Louis Greatorex, Safiyya Ingar, Terique Jarrett, Darkwah, and Sarah Agha. Rebecca Lucy Taylor (popularly known as Self Esteem) and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK contestant Baby take on supporting roles in this production.

After debuting earlier this year at the BFI Flare event in London, the film titled Layla will be shown next at the London Film Festival.