Introducing an exciting lineup of 15 captivating drama movies from the UK, ranked in order of greatness. Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of these incredible films! Take a sneak peek at the thrilling trailers for each movie. We’ve brought together the finest UK drama movies to compete for the title of the ultimate masterpiece. Discover insightful details about the talented directors, release dates, and the brilliant actors in each film. If you believe that the top drama movie should rise higher, make sure to give it a shout-out, so it receives the recognition it truly deserves among this exceptional collection of films. If you’re on the hunt for a specific UK drama flick, simply search and filter the list to find your cinematic gem. Brace yourself for an unforgettable journey with beloved classics like The Shawshank Redemption and Brazil.
Curious about the crème de la crème of UK drama movies? Look no further! This comprehensive list is your go-to resource. Craving some fresh drama movies with a UK: 15 rating? Our list has got you covered. With platforms like Netflix and Hulu, a treasure trove of exceptional UK drama movies awaits your exploration.
Let’s take this list to the next level of interactivity! With the re-rank feature, you can rearrange the movies to your heart’s content. Don’t forget to vote for your favorites and share this list with your friends. It’s an excellent opportunity to engage in lively discussions about these extraordinary films. By the way, did you know that renowned directors Terry Gilliam and Miloš Forman have contributed their incredible talents to the world of UK: 15 drama films? Prepare to be amazed!
1. The Shawshank Redemption
The Shawshank Redemption, directed by Frank Darabont, is a captivating drama that explores the indomitable spirit of humanity. The story takes place within the bleak confines of Shawshank State Penitentiary, where Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), a banker wrongly convicted of murder, finds himself. Through his friendship with long-term inmate Ellis ‘Red’ Redding (Morgan Freeman), Andy confronts despair and corruption head-on. Together, they forge an unwavering bond that surpasses the boundaries of the prison walls. Recognized as a seven-time Oscar nominee, ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ serves as a powerful testament to the enduring strength of friendship and hope in the face of adversity.
Released: 1994
Directed by: Frank Darabont
Actors: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton
2. Brazil
In the dystopian masterpiece Brazil, we meet Sam Lowry (played by Jonathan Pryce), who finds himself trapped in a soul-crushing society filled with excessive bureaucracy. Everything changes when a simple clerical error sets off a chain of events that thrusts him into a world of rebellion and unexpected romance. Jill Layton (played by Kim Greist), a truck driver mistaken for a terrorist, becomes the object of Sam’s obsession.
Directed by the talented Terry Gilliam, this film fearlessly combines elements of fantasy with a harsh reality, providing a sharp and thought-provoking satire on the perils of bureaucracy. It’s an audacious and captivating blend that captivates the audience from start to finish.
Brazil achieved great acclaim, earning two BAFTA Awards. The film was recognized for its outstanding production design and exceptional special visual effects, a testament to the remarkable talent and creativity involved in its creation.
Released: 1985
Directed by: Terry Gilliam
Actors: Jonathan Pryce, Robert De Niro, Katherine Helmond
3. Nineteen Eighty-Four
In this gripping tale inspired by George Orwell’s timeless novel, we witness a man’s struggle to maintain his sense of self within a repressive regime. Meet Winston Smith, brilliantly portrayed by John Hurt, a dedicated government worker. But there’s a twist: his job is to rewrite history, painting his nation’s leaders in a favorable light. Unfortunately, his only solace comes from his forbidden romance with Julia, played by Suzanna Hamilton. However, their connection is frowned upon by the authorities, and in this society under constant surveillance, there seems to be no way to evade the watchful eyes of Big Brother.
Released: 1984
Directed by: Michael Radford
Actors: John Hurt, Richard Burton, Suzanna Hamilton
4. White Men Can’t Jump
In the movie White Men Can’t Jump, we meet Billy Hoyle, played by Woody Harrelson. Billy is a former college basketball player who uses his skills to hustle street games. The twist? He’s white, and people often underestimate him because of it. But little do they know, Billy has tricks up his sleeve.
Enter Sidney Deane, portrayed by Wesley Snipes. Sidney is not only a talented player but also a street-smart hustler. These two unlikely characters form a partnership that takes them on a wild journey through the high-stakes world of street ball games in the asphalt courts of Los Angeles.
Directed by Ron Shelton, this movie expertly combines sports drama and comedy. It’s a unique narrative that explores themes of friendship, rivalry, and the sheer love of the game.
Released: 1992
Directed by: Ron Shelton
Actors: Wesley Snipes, Woody Harrelson, Rosie Perez
5. Hair
When Claude Hooper Bukowski from Oklahoma arrives in New York City for the first time, it’s not for a sightseeing trip or to explore the bustling city. No, he’s here to enlist in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. But before he heads off to fulfill his duty, he unexpectedly crosses paths with a lively group of hippies in Central Park. Led by the energetic George Berger, they embrace their carefree lifestyle to the fullest.
In this chance encounter, Claude finds himself immersed in a world very different from his own. These Central Park hippies are a far cry from the farm life he’s accustomed to. Nevertheless, he’s drawn to their free-spirited nature and decides to spend some time with them. It’s a unique opportunity for him to experience the vibrant diversity of New York City.
Amidst this group, Claude meets Sheila Franklin, a debutante from an upper-middle-class background. The chemistry between the country boy and the city girl is undeniable. Their connection sparks a passionate flame, much to the delight of Berger and his friends. They become determined to keep the young lovers together, despite the challenges they may face.
In this unexpected journey, Claude’s choices are no longer limited to the farm or the army. He finds himself caught between the contrasting worlds of his past and the exhilarating present. The dynamic relationship between Claude, Sheila, and the Central Park hippies creates a captivating story that explores love, friendship, and the pursuit of happiness in a time of social unrest.
Released: 1979
Directed by: Milos Forman
Actors: John Savage, Treat Williams, Beverly D’Angelo
6. The Bandit
The Bandit is a 1996 Turkish film that was written and directed by Yavuz Turgul. It stars Şener Şen and Uğur Yücel, and has gained quite a following in Turkey. According to the director, the film combines elements of a fairy tale with real-life situations in a fictional story.
The movie tells the story of a bandit who comes to Istanbul after spending 35 years in jail. It has resonated with audiences, attracting an impressive 2½ million viewers in Turkey alone. In Germany, it even won a Bogey Award.
The Bandit is often seen as a savior and a turning point for Turkish cinema. The industry had been struggling against the dominance of foreign films since 1980 and was finding it hard to captivate the local audience. This film changed that narrative.
In fact, The Bandit was chosen as Turkey’s official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 69th Academy Awards. This recognition further cemented its importance and impact in the film world.
Released: 1996
Directed by: Yavuz Turgul
Actors: Şener Şen, Yeşim Salkım, Özkan Uğur
7. Snow Cake
While traveling through Canada, ex-con Alex Hughes (played by Alan Rickman) unexpectedly encounters a lively hitchhiker named Vivienne (portrayed by Emily Hampshire). With a destination in mind, Vivienne requests a ride to her hometown. Unfortunately, their journey takes a tragic turn as they find themselves in a devastating car accident, resulting in Vivienne’s untimely death.
Despite this heart-wrenching loss, Alex decides to fulfill his responsibility by proceeding to Vivienne’s home and informing her mother (played by Sigourney Weaver) about the unfortunate incident.
In the midst of his grieving process, Alex finds solace and support in an unexpected source – a neighbor (played by Carrie-Anne Moss). Their connection evolves into an affair, serving as a catalyst for Alex’s healing journey.
Released: 2006
Directed by: Marc Evans
Actors: Alan Rickman, Sigourney Weaver, Carrie-Anne Moss