From the Paddington films to the viral success of Saltburn, British movies have often played a pivotal role in the viewing habits of everyone across the world. Year after year, creatives from across the pond pour their hearts and souls into top-tier filmmaking, producing some of the most successful flicks with audiences and critics alike. However, due to the impressive rate at which such high-quality projects are crafted, some inevitably fall under the radar, often ending up under the noses of streaming platform subscribers without them even noticing. So, with that in mind, here’s a look at the most underrated British films on Netflix.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? For more recommendations, check out our lists of the best British movies on Netflix, or why not try our list of the best British detective shows on Netflix?
Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Netflix.
‘Bank of Dave’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 86% | IMDb: 7.1/10
- Release Date
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January 16, 2023
- Runtime
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107 Minutes
- Director
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Chris Foggin
- Writers
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Piers Ashworth
Based on a remarkable true story, Chris Foggin‘s Bank of Dave tells the tale of a working-class man from humble Burnley roots who dreams of helping his local community both survive and thrive through the opening of a community bank. With the odds seemingly stacked against him, Dave Fishwick (Rory Kinnear) faces a struggle to succeed, but it’s one worth every inch of his effort. A heartwarming underdog tale with enormous energy, Bank of Dave is made all the more touching by the truth at its core. Kinnear is perfectly cast as the inspirational Fishwick, a man whose story everyone should know. – Jake Hodges
‘I Came By’ (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 68% | IMDb: 6.2/10
- Release Date
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August 31, 2022
- Runtime
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110 minutes
- Director
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Babak Anvari
- Writers
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Babak Anvari, Namsi Khan
Lord Grantham like you’ve never seen him before, I Came By follows a young graffiti artist who’s frustrated at the world around him and defiantly escaping the clutches of his home. However, his devil-may-care attitude eventually leads him to stumble on a dangerous secret, one that puts both him and those he loves in harm’s way. Personally recommended by horror master Stephen King, I Came By is a chilling, atmospheric horror that thrives on feeling scarily close to home. Dark, brooding, and utterly terrifying in parts, I Came By might not be for those of a nervous disposition. – Jake Hodges
‘How to Have Sex’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 97% | IMDb: 6.5/10
- Release Date
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January 18, 2024
- Runtime
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91 Minutes
- Director
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Molly Manning Walker
- Writers
-
Molly Manning Walker
One of the best coming-of-age tales currently available on Netflix, Molly Manning Walker‘s How to Have Sex follows three teenagers on the cusp of adulthood who head on a vacation with the sole desire to explore themselves and let loose. However, what is supposed to be the best time of their lives spirals out of control as chaos ensues. A film with the experience of adolescence truly at its heart, How to Have Sex is both incredibly relatable and fascinatingly new. After its captivating opening, How to Have Sex quietly evolves into a clever exploration of toxic friendships and modern relationships, as well as a nuanced and raw depiction of the toll sexual assault takes. – Jake Hodges
‘I Used to Be Famous’ (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 89% | IMDb: 6.6/10
- Release Date
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September 16, 2022
- Director
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Eddie Sternberg
- Writers
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Eddie Sternberg, Zak Klein
Co-written and directed by Eddie Sternberg, I Used to Be Famous follows former pop star Vince (Ed Skrein), who dreams of making a comeback. Unsure of where his luck may come, an impromptu musical moment with an autistic young drummer sets in motion the most unlikely of journeys. For anyone looking for the perfect film to accompany a sunny, lazy afternoon, look no further than I Used to Be Famous. Both poignant and easy-going, Sternberg’s film is ultimately feel-good, warming even the coldest of hearts with its tale of hope and friendship. – Jake Hodges
‘Joy’ (2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 91% | IMDb: 7.1/10
- Release Date
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November 22, 2024
- Runtime
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115 Minutes
- Director
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Ben Taylor
- Writers
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Rachel Mason, Jack Thorne
-
-
James Norton
Robert Edwards
A critically acclaimed true story from director Ben Taylor, Joy tells the story of a nurse, a scientist, and a surgeon who would change the world of medicine forever. Despite the best wishes of seemingly everyone around them, the trio fights a backwards system to bring to life the very first ‘test tube baby.’ Featuring the acting talent of James Norton, Thomasin McKenzie, and Bill Nighy, Joy is both heartwarmingly entertaining and terrifically educational. An honest homage to the true story, the film honors the geniuses who helped lay the groundwork for the medical world we know today. – Jake Hodges
‘The Kitchen’ (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes: 91% | IMDb: 4.8/10
- Release Date
-
October 15, 2023
- Runtime
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108 minutes
- Director
-
Kibwe Tavares
- Writers
-
Joe Murtagh
Perhaps the most underrated and underappreciated of the British movies currently on Netflix, this dystopian sci-fi tale tells the story of a distant London that has forgotten its roots and abandoned social housing. Against the odds, a group of freedom fighters champion their rights and build a community set on battling for their existence. An aesthetically delightful futuristic tale grounded in the political climate of the modern day, Daniel Kaluuya‘s The Kitchen might have its detractors, but don’t let that put you off giving this smart, socially aware story a chance. On top of being a clever concept with visually excellent execution, The Kitchen also features a strong central cast, including the likes of Kano, Jedaiah Bannerman, and even legendary footballer Ian Wright. – Jake Hodges
‘Calibre’ (2018)
Rotten Tomatoes: 100% IMDb: 6.8/10
Boasting a perfect 100% score on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, Matt Palmer‘s Calibre follows a seemingly serene trip to the Scottish highlands for best friends Marcus (Martin McCann) and Vaughn (Jack Lowden). However, one tragic event later, a cat-and-mouse chase ensues, leaving the pair’s lives in grave danger. One of the most underrepresented gems on Netflix right now, Calibre is a psychological thriller sure to keep you gripped to the edge of your seat. Featuring a pair of stand-out central performances from McCann and Lowden and a breathlessly creepy atmosphere throughout, you won’t want to miss a film of this Calibre. – Jake Hodges
‘Under the Shadow’ (2016)
Rotten Tomatoes: 99% | IMDb: 6.8/10
Set in the terrifying war between Iraq and Iran, Babak Anvari’s Under the Shadow follows a mother and a daughter, still reeling from the devastating effects of the war on their home, who suddenly become infested by an unknown evil that won’t leave them alone. On its surface, Under the Shadow is a skin-crawling, intelligent horror movie with all the trimmings. However, dive just a bit deeper, and you’ll find a stunning, moving political commentary worthy of everyone’s attention. A winner of the 2017 BAFTA for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer, Under the Shadow is not to be missed. – Jake Hodges
