The Top 10 British films of the 20th century have been ranked and Lawrence of Arabia missed out on No 1. By George Simpson, Senior Film and Arts Reporter
19: 40, Fri, Aug 30, 2024 | UPDATED: 20: 19, Fri, Aug 30, 2024
Top 10 British films of the 20th century ranked and Lawrence of Arabia isn’t No 1
(Image: GETTY)
Back in 1999, the British Film Institute surveyed a 1000 people working in British Film and TV to determine the greatest British films of the 20th century. Those taking part were asked to select up to 100 movies considered “culturally British”. Check out the Top 10 British films of the 20th century ranked in that survey, with one director showing up three times and both Brief Encounter and Lawrence of Arabia missing out on No 1.
10. Trainspotting (1996)The newest film in the Top 10 ranking is Danny Boyle’s black comedy based on Irvine Welsh’s novel of the same name. Ewan McGregor, Jonny Lee Miller and Robert Carlyle star as a group of heroin addicts in the poorest parts of Edinburgh. Critically acclaimed upon release, it was also voted the best Scottish film of all time in a 2004 poll.
(Image: CHANNEL FOUR FILMS)
9. The Red Shoes (1948)Powell and Pressburger’s drama follows an aspiring ballerina who joins a famous Ballet. But it’s not long before the owner tests her dedication to the dance by making her choose between her career and a romance with a composer. The Red Shoes was nominated for five Oscars and is considered one of the greatest films of all time.
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8. Don’t Look Now (1973)This thriller stars Julie Christie and Donald Sutherland as a married couple who head to Italy after the sudden death of their daughter. In Venice, the husband has been commissioned to restore a church, that is before a nun claims their late child has been trying to contact them from beyond the grave. The innovative film has since been very influential on the horror genre.
(Image: GETTY)
7. Kes (1969)Ken Loach’s iconic coming-of-age drama focuses on a schoolboy from a dysfunctional working-class family who is lacking future prospects. But after adopting a fledgling kestrel he finds new meaning in training as a falconer. Much of the film’s praise is aimed at its lead David Bradley, a teenage who had never acted before.
(Image: GETTY)
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