There are some great movies to watch on BBC iPlayer, but it can be hard to know where to start. We’ve put together a list of some of the best ones to watch! So whether you’re in the mood for a comedy, a drama, or something else entirely, we’ve got something for everyone.
Some of our favorites include The Theory of Everything, Shaun of the Dead, and The Imitation Game. We’re sure you’ll find something to enjoy on this list!
The Third Man (1949)
The Third Man is a black and white British film noir starring Joseph Cotten, Orson Welles, and Alida Valli. This movie is also widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, directed by Carol Reed.
Set in post-World War II Vienna, the film tells the story of Holly Martins. He’s an American who arrives in the city to find his friend Harry Lime, who died in a car accident.
But later, Martins meets Lime’s friend and colleague, Anna Schmidt, and begins to suspect that Lime’s death was not an accident.
Ivanhoe (1953)
Ivanhoe is a historical novel by Walter Scott, first published in 1820. It is also set in the 12th century and tells the story of Ivanhoe. He’s an intrepid knight who joins the struggle against the Norman overlords after they disinherit his father.
Hence, the story is full of exciting adventure and romance, making it perfect for adaptation to film. The BBC released a new TV adaptation of the novel, which can be watched online on the BBC iPlayer.
Shakespeare in Love (1998)
If you are looking for something to watch this weekend on BBC iPlayer, look no further than the Shakespeare in Love movie. This 90’s film tells the story of how William Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes) falls in love with Viola de Lesseps (Gwyneth Paltrow).
Moreover, it also revolves around how they created one of his most famous plays, Romeo and Juliet. Although the movie is a little over two hours long, it is definitely worth watching – not only is it an enjoyable film, but it is also educational about Shakespeare’s life.
Man on the Moon (1999)
The Man on the Moon is a biographical drama about American comedian and actor Andy Kaufman (Jim Carrey). The film follows Kaufman from his early years as a struggling performer in New York City to his time on the Taxi TV show and his eventual battle with cancer.
The film is still a masterpiece since 1999 and has received mixed reviews from critics. Yet, Carrey’s performance was praised and nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor. Interestingly, it also features clips and footage of Kauffman’s with his family and friends.
Wonder Boys (2000)
The Wonder Boys is an American comedy-drama film by Curtis Hanson and Steve Kloves. The film is also based on the novel of the same name by Michael Chabon. Hence, the movie tells the story of Grady Tripp (Michael Douglas).
He is a creative writing professor at a Pittsburgh university, unable to publish a novel for years. But it also focuses on a young group of four students trying to figure out their career in Journalism.
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)
If you’re a fan of the Tomb Raider movie, you’ll be happy to know that it’s now available to watch on BBC iPlayer. The movie is also a classic reboot of the popular video game franchise.
More importantly, it tells the story of Lara Croft, who must travel to exotic locations and solve puzzles to find her father. Alicia Vikander also stars in the lead role, and the movie has been met with mixed reviews.
The movie instantly became a cult classic and possessed a strong cast, including Angelina Jolie. Moreover, this action-thriller was also a major box office success after its release.
Masked and Anonymous (2004)
If you’re looking for a thought-provoking and entertaining film, Masked and Anonymous are definitely worth watching. Interestingly, the movie is set in a world where the rich rule over the poor. The film also has an all-star cast, including Bob Dylan, John Goodman, Penelope Cruz, and Val Kilmer.
Hence, the film is a well-made movie that will keep you engaged from beginning to end. But, more importantly, the storyline is fascinating, and the acting is superb. So if you’re looking for a film that will make you think, Masked and Anonymous are definitely worth watching!
Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Pride and Prejudice is a British drama film based on the Jane Austen novel. Joe Wright directs it; it stars Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen in the lead roles.
Hence, it tells the story of Mr. Bennet’s five daughters, of whom the eldest, Elizabeth, is considered the most headstrong. A wealthy young gentleman, Mr. Bingley, moves into the neighborhood and takes an interest in Elizabeth.
Let the Right One In (2008)
If you’re looking for a dark and twisted love story to keep you entertained, the Swedish vampire movie is perfect. Let The Right One In is based on the novel of the same name by John Ajvide Lindqvist. At the same time, it tells the story of a young boy who falls in love with a vampire.
Although it’s a horror movie, Let the Right One In is also a beautiful love story with a heart-wrenching ending. Thus, filled with challenges and twists-n-turns, this film’s a masterpiece at keeping you absorbed throughout.
The Babadook (2014)
The Babadook is an Australian psychological horror film by Jennifer Kent. The film also stars Essie Davis, Noah Wiseman, Hayley McElhinney, Daniel Henshall, and Barbara West in the leads.
Hence, the story follows Amelia, a single mother, struggling to raise her son Samuel alone following the death of her husband. Samuel is a problematic child and constantly torments his mother with stories of a monster he calls the Babadook.
Yet one night, Amelia finds a pop-up book about the Babadook in her son’s room and soon realizes that the monster is real
Effie Gray (2014)
Effie Gray is a British biographical and historical drama film by Richard Laxton and written by Emma Thompson. The film also stars Dakota Johnson, Sam Claflin, Matt Smith, Tom Sturridge, Claudia Jessie, and Elizabeth Olsen.
It is a love story about the marriage of Effie Gray and John Ruskin. Yet, the interesting thing about the movie is that it is not historically accurate. It’s also based on a book by John Ruskin’s great-granddaughter, which makes the whole story a bit more fictional.
The Leveling (2016)
The Leveling is a British drama film exclusively by Michael Apted. It also stars famous actors like Ellie Kendrick, David Tennant, and Freya Mavor. Hence, the film had its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival on October 6th 2016.
The film tells the story of a mother and daughter reunited after she goes missing for four years. So the mother, unable to cope with her daughter’s disappearance, turns to alcohol and is eventually arrested.
The Young Offenders (2016)
The Young Offenders is an Irish comedy film by Peter Foott. It is also based on the true story of two young Irishmen, Conor and Jock. Their story follows them embarking on a 160-mile bicycle journey across Ireland to find a bale of cocaine worth €7 million stolen from a drug dealer.
The film premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, acquired by BBC Films for the UK market. It was also released in Ireland on September 8th 2017, and in the United Kingdom on November 3rd 2017.
The Lost City of Z (2017)
The Lost City of Z is a biographical adventure movie about Percy Fawcett, a British explorer who went into the Amazon jungle searching for a lost city. The film has also been getting great reviews, and it’s available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
The film is a great plotline to watch if you’re interested in history, adventure, or exploration during the 1920s. It’s also an excellent opportunity to learn more about the Amazon jungle and the challenges of exploring it.
Phantom Thread (2017)
Phantom Thread sets in the 1950s were made in high fashion. Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day-Lewis) is a renowned dressmaker whose fastidious life is disrupted—only by a young, strong-willed woman, Alma (Vicky Krieps), becoming his muse and lover.
The movie’s been critically acclaimed, with Vicky Krieps receiving particular praise for her performance as Alma. It was also nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, and Best Costume Design.
A Simple Favor (2018)
A Simple Favor is an American mystery thriller film by Paul Feig, with a screenplay by Jessica Sharzer. The film also stars Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, and Linda Cardellini in the lead roles.
Hence, the story follows Stephanie, a single mother who befriends Emily, a glamorous and mysterious woman who seems to have it all. Emily asks Stephanie to do her a small favor, but she discovers that Emily has disappeared when she tries to back out.
Stan and Ollie (2018)
The Stan and Ollie movie is now available to watch on BBC iPlayer. The biographical film tells the story of the legendary comedy double act Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. And their final tour together in the early 1960s.
The movie is also receiving positive reviews from critics, with many praising the performances of Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly as Laurel and Hardy.
The pair’s final tour together made a heartfelt performance as the legendary comedy duo, attempting to revive their flagging careers.
A Star is Born (2018)
A heartfelt romance film, A Star is Born, tells the story of a singer, Ally (Lady Gaga), who falls in love with a seasoned musician, Jackson, Maine (Bradley Cooper).
Hence, the story revolves around how Ally struggles to make a name for herself in the music industry. But Jackson helps her find her voice, and they both achieve fame. Yet, their relationship is not without its problems.
Jackson is an alcoholic, and his addiction starts to take its toll on their relationship. But at the same time, Ally also has to deal with the fact that she is now in public.
Colette (2019)
The drama film Colette is available to watch on BBC iPlayer. Hence, it tells the story of the French author Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette. She was an early feminist and also fought for women’s rights in the early 20th century.
The movie also received positive reviews from critics, praised for its strong performances from the cast, and its accurate depiction of the period. So if you’re just looking for a good movie to watch, check out Colette on BBC iPlayer.
Rory’s Way (2019)
Rory’s Way is a heartwarming and emotional drama following the life of Rory, a young boy with Down Syndrome. The movie was produced by BBC and aired on BBC iPlayer on May 8th, 2019.
Hence, the story follows Rory’s life from birth to age 18 and portrays the ups and downs of living with Down Syndrome.
It is also a beautiful story that undoubtedly leaves you feeling emotional. The cast does an amazing job of portraying their characters, and the script is also well written.
Leave a Reply