Bonus British Film Blog

The Observer recently ran an article covering the best British films of the last 25 years.

They asked me, among many others, to contribute a top ten list of my favourites (Brit spelling).

I was very pleased to do so.

I have to say though. It was a tough list to come up with. Mainly because there are so many grey areas in British film. Some of the films I thought of including were CHILDREN OF MEN, UNITED 93 and BRAZIL.

The first is an American studio film, with a Mexican director, but a UK setting. The second is also American financed made by a British production company, filmed in London, with a British director, but a US setting. The third, an amazing film, is also financed by an American studio (all Universal in fact) and is shot in the UK, but with an American director (although an ex pat).

Confusing stuff.

Other contributors were not so shy about sticking Brazil on their lists, but I tried to keep it simple and not include any grey (Brit spelling) area films.

You can see my top ten here…

Top 10: Edgar Wright, director

Life is Sweet (Mike Leigh, 1991)
Sexy Beast (Jonathan Glazer, 2000)
Dead Man’s Shoes (Shane Meadows, 2004)
Trainspotting (Danny Boyle, 1996)
The Filth and the Fury (Julien Temple, 2000)
Withnail and I (Bruce Robinson, 1987)
Control (Anton Corbijn, 2007)
Hunger (Steve McQueen, 2008)
The Descent (Neil Marshall, 2005)
The Low Down (Jamie Thraves, 2000)

~ For more lists see the Guardian site here.

Top tens are tricky - I tried to adhere to list laws and not feature two films by the same director - for example there are many more Mike Leigh and Shane Meadows films I admire.

Here’s the full list of the films people voted for…

And SHAUN OF THE DEAD makes it in at No. 18, so thank you very much to all those who voted for us.

The Observer Film Quarterly’s Best British films of the last 25 years

1 - TRAINSPOTTING (1996)
2 - WITHNAIL & I (1987)
3 - SECRETS AND LIES (1996)
4 - DISTANT VOICES, STILL LIVES (1988)
5 - MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDRETTE (1985)
6 - NIL BY MOUTH (1997)
7 - SEXY BEAST (2000)
8 - RATCATCHER (1999)
9 - SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE (2008)
10 - FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL (1994)
11 - TOUCHING THE VOID (2003)
12 - HOPE AND GLORY (1987)
13 - CONTROL (2007)
14 - NAKED (1993)
15 - UNDER THE SKIN (1997)
16 - HUNGER (2008)
17 - THIS IS ENGLAND (2006)
18 - SHAUN OF THE DEAD (2004)
19 - DEAD MAN’S SHOES (2004)
20 - RED ROAD (2006)
21 - RIFF RAFF (1991)
22 - MAN ON WIRE (2008)
23 - MY SUMMER OF LOVE (2004)
24 - 24 HOUR PARTY PEOPLE (2002)
25 - THE ENGLISH PATIENT (1996)

I have to say I didn’t think to include MAN ON WIRE - which is fantastic. Same goes for TOUCHING THE VOID. Both amazing documentaries.

Anyway - there is my top ten and happy to have made the list!

  • Breanne

    This list makes me feel like I should finally see The English Patient. The idea makes me a little squirmy, but I guess I must.

    Congrats on Shaun getting a mention!

  • Breanne

    This list makes me feel like I should finally see The English Patient. The idea makes me a little squirmy, but I guess I must.

    Congrats on Shaun getting a mention!

  • AmberGrindstaff

    Yay ! Those are some great films on that list… But I think Shaun should’ve been #1 :)

  • Amber G

    Yay ! Those are some great films on that list… But I think Shaun should’ve been #1 :)

  • http://www.edgarwrighthere.com/ Edgar Wright

    Come on. It really isn’t the done thing to include your own film.

  • http://www.edgarwrighthere.com Edgar Wright

    Come on. It really isn’t the done thing to include your own film.

  • Anonymous

    Shaun of the Dead is a ridiculously brilliant film!

    I have to say Mr. Wright, I love your list. I guess I’ll have to finally see The Descent. (I loved Dog Soldiers.)

    As for the Observer’s overall list, I’m glad to see Shane Meadows made it twice. Hunger is being released here in the States, FINALLY, and I’m very anxious to see it.

    As for The English Patient, I’m with Elaine Benis…boring! (Although I seldom admit that, if only out of respect for the late great Anthony Minghella)

  • http://www.weetiger3.livejournal.com weetiger

    Shaun of the Dead is a ridiculously brilliant film!

    I have to say Mr. Wright, I love your list. I guess I’ll have to finally see The Descent. (I loved Dog Soldiers.)

    As for the Observer’s overall list, I’m glad to see Shane Meadows made it twice. Hunger is being released here in the States, FINALLY, and I’m very anxious to see it.

    As for The English Patient, I’m with Elaine Benis…boring! (Although I seldom admit that, if only out of respect for the late great Anthony Minghella)

  • Jay

    That is a fantastic list of films. There are a few I’ve not seen, but I’m adding them to the Netflix queue forthwith.

  • Jay

    That is a fantastic list of films. There are a few I’ve not seen, but I’m adding them to the Netflix queue forthwith.

  • SarahA

    Hot Fuzz DIDN’T make it, I am astonished…?!?!!?

  • SarahA

    Hot Fuzz DIDN’T make it, I am astonished…?!?!!?

  • http://caspiancomic.com/ Patrick Lee

    Edgar! I should have figured you for a Withnail & I fan, one of my all time favourites (Canadian spelling). I’m also really glad to see it place so high in the overall list. At the risk of sounding like I’m gushing (which I guess I am), I’d say Withnail is my second favourite movie, after only Shaun of the Dead. Can’t wait for Scott Pilgrim!

    Also, if not for the one film per director rule, How To Get Ahead In Advertising is also amazing. Equally amazing, even, as Withnail & I, but if you could only choose one of the two Withnail does have that certain something special. Also: Hot Fuzz.

    Okay, I’m finished.

  • http://www.edgarwrighthere.com/ Edgar Wright

    Because of the clips of Bad Boys 2 within HOT FUZZ, it no longer counts as a British film.

  • http://caspiancomic.com Patrick Lee

    Edgar! I should have figured you for a Withnail & I fan, one of my all time favourites (Canadian spelling). I’m also really glad to see it place so high in the overall list. At the risk of sounding like I’m gushing (which I guess I am), I’d say Withnail is my second favourite movie, after only Shaun of the Dead. Can’t wait for Scott Pilgrim!

    Also, if not for the one film per director rule, How To Get Ahead In Advertising is also amazing. Equally amazing, even, as Withnail & I, but if you could only choose one of the two Withnail does have that certain something special. Also: Hot Fuzz.

    Okay, I’m finished.

  • http://www.edgarwrighthere.com Edgar Wright

    Because of the clips of Bad Boys 2 within HOT FUZZ, it no longer counts as a British film.

  • Jacobunny

    Nice list!

    Interesting to see that you rate Dead Man’s Shoes over This Is England. I love Shane Meadows’ films; he seems to connect so naturally with working class England (admittedly I’m not the best judge, being from NZ - though I did stay with friends in the midlands for a couple of weeks one time). My (now) wife and I got together the night after seeing A Room for Romeo Brass at our local international film festival in 2000. Also surprised to see Sexy Beast made the Observer’s top 25 at all - I thought it barked - when no Ken Loach films made it in. My Name Is Joe would be on my list for sure. But that’s the subjective nature of such lists I guess.

    And because I am the kind of filmgeek who also loves this kind of thing here is my list (11 as I couldn’t decide which one to chop):

    This Is England (Shane Meadows, 2006)
    Deep Water (Louise Osmond/Jerry Rothwell, 2006)
    Withnail And I (Bruce Robinson, 1987)
    Control (Anton Corbijn, 2007)
    The Cook, The Thief, His Wife And Her Lover (Peter Greenaway, 1989)
    Shaun of the Dead (2004)
    Trainspotting (Danny Boyle, 1996)
    My Beautiful Laundrette (Stephen Frears, 1985)
    Persuasion (Roger Michell, 1995)
    The Descent (Neil Marshall, 2005)
    The Mission (Roland Joffé, 1986)

    I too would have Brazil in there in a second if you hadn’t pointed out that it was so confusing. In fact I’m not sure what elese on my list would fall into that category, but too bad. Also, I’m sure Hunger and possibly Man on Wire might’ve made it on there too but I haven’t seen them – only heard/read good things. Plus I only remember seeing High Hopes by Mike Leigh otherwise something of his might have made it.

  • Jacobunny

    Nice list!

    Interesting to see that you rate Dead Man’s Shoes over This Is England. I love Shane Meadows’ films; he seems to connect so naturally with working class England (admittedly I’m not the best judge, being from NZ - though I did stay with friends in the midlands for a couple of weeks one time). My (now) wife and I got together the night after seeing A Room for Romeo Brass at our local international film festival in 2000. Also surprised to see Sexy Beast made the Observer’s top 25 at all - I thought it barked - when no Ken Loach films made it in. My Name Is Joe would be on my list for sure. But that’s the subjective nature of such lists I guess.

    And because I am the kind of filmgeek who also loves this kind of thing here is my list (11 as I couldn’t decide which one to chop):

    This Is England (Shane Meadows, 2006)
    Deep Water (Louise Osmond/Jerry Rothwell, 2006)
    Withnail And I (Bruce Robinson, 1987)
    Control (Anton Corbijn, 2007)
    The Cook, The Thief, His Wife And Her Lover (Peter Greenaway, 1989)
    Shaun of the Dead (2004)
    Trainspotting (Danny Boyle, 1996)
    My Beautiful Laundrette (Stephen Frears, 1985)
    Persuasion (Roger Michell, 1995)
    The Descent (Neil Marshall, 2005)
    The Mission (Roland Joffé, 1986)

    I too would have Brazil in there in a second if you hadn’t pointed out that it was so confusing. In fact I’m not sure what elese on my list would fall into that category, but too bad. Also, I’m sure Hunger and possibly Man on Wire might’ve made it on there too but I haven’t seen them – only heard/read good things. Plus I only remember seeing High Hopes by Mike Leigh otherwise something of his might have made it.

  • FairyGodmoose

    Hmm…of those films, I’ve only seen Slumdog Millionaire and Shaun of the Dead, both of which totally deserve to be on that list. Congratulations, Edgar!

  • FairyGodmoose

    Hmm…of those films, I’ve only seen Slumdog Millionaire and Shaun of the Dead, both of which totally deserve to be on that list. Congratulations, Edgar!

  • Jacobunny

    Whoops! That should read:

    Shaun of the Dead (Edgar Wright, 2004)

    *o*

  • Jacobunny

    Whoops! That should read:

    Shaun of the Dead (Edgar Wright, 2004)

    *o*

  • Jacobunny

    Whoops! That should read:

    Shaun of the Dead (Edgar Wright, 2004)

    *o*

  • http://www.edgarwrighthere.com Edgar Wright

    RIFF RAFF is a Ken Loach film.

    I love SMALL TIME, THIS IS ENGLAND and A ROOM FOR ROMEO BRASS - but if I had to pick one!

    Ditto with Mike Leigh, also love NAKED, SECRET AND LIES, HIGH HOPES and HAPPY GO LUCKY too.

  • http://www.edgarwrighthere.com Edgar Wright

    RIFF RAFF is a Ken Loach film.

    I love SMALL TIME, THIS IS ENGLAND and A ROOM FOR ROMEO BRASS - but if I had to pick one!

    Ditto with Mike Leigh, also love NAKED, SECRET AND LIES, HIGH HOPES and HAPPY GO LUCKY too.

  • edgar wright

    RIFF RAFF is a Ken Loach film.

    I love SMALL TIME, THIS IS ENGLAND and A ROOM FOR ROMEO BRASS - but if I had to pick one!

    Ditto with Mike Leigh, also love NAKED, SECRET AND LIES, HIGH HOPES and HAPPY GO LUCKY too.

  • http://twitter.com/Michestellar Michestellar

    LOVE Trainspotting. Actually, love all of Danny Boyle’s stuff. I met him once - Edgar, you’ve got competition for the Kindest Director award. Sunshine is one of my favorite (American spelling) films ever. Would that not count either? I’m pretty certain it was filmed in England. I’m not sure exactly how strict the guidelines are here.

  • Michelle

    LOVE Trainspotting. Actually, love all of Danny Boyle’s stuff. I met him once - Edgar, you’ve got competition for the Kindest Director award. Sunshine is one of my favorite (American spelling) films ever. Would that not count either? I’m pretty certain it was filmed in England. I’m not sure exactly how strict the guidelines are here.

  • http://www.edgarwrighthere.com/ Edgar Wright

    SUNSHINE probably would count…I think…

    Either way, I do like it.

  • http://www.edgarwrighthere.com Edgar Wright

    SUNSHINE probably would count…I think…

    Either way, I do like it.

  • Jacobunny

    Ha! My bad. I’ve seen a most of Loach’s more recent stuff but Riff Raff passed me by as my viewing only started with Land and Freedom which screened here in 96 or 97?

    I’m still a bit up in the air on whether i prefer Romeo Brass or This is England, but we have them all on DVD except the Once Upon a Time in the Midlands which was a bit of a misstep I thought.

  • Jacobunny

    Ha! My bad. I’ve seen a most of Loach’s more recent stuff but Riff Raff passed me by as my viewing only started with Land and Freedom which screened here in 96 or 97?

    I’m still a bit up in the air on whether i prefer Romeo Brass or This is England, but we have them all on DVD except the Once Upon a Time in the Midlands which was a bit of a misstep I thought.

  • Jacobunny

    Ha! My bad. I’ve seen a most of Loach’s more recent stuff but Riff Raff passed me by as my viewing only started with Land and Freedom which screened here in 96 or 97?

    I’m still a bit up in the air on whether i prefer Romeo Brass or This is England, but we have them all on DVD except the Once Upon a Time in the Midlands which was a bit of a misstep I thought.

  • http://twitter.com/Michestellar Michestellar

    So Michelle Yeoh doesn’t disqualify it?

  • http://twitter.com/Michestellar Michestellar

    So Michelle Yeoh doesn’t disqualify it?

  • Michelle

    So Michelle Yeoh doesn’t disqualify it?

  • http://www.edgarwrighthere.com/ Edgar Wright

    Raining Stones is also really good.

  • http://www.edgarwrighthere.com/ Edgar Wright

    Raining Stones is also really good.

  • http://www.edgarwrighthere.com Edgar Wright

    Raining Stones is also really good.

  • Zombie’sRottenBallsack (a.k.a.

    i absolutely adore 24 hour party people, and Simon Pegg’s on it

  • Zombie’sRottenBallsack (a.k.a.

    i absolutely adore 24 hour party people, and Simon Pegg’s on it

  • Zombie’sRottenBallsack (a.k.a. muush)

    i absolutely adore 24 hour party people, and Simon Pegg’s on it

  • https://twitter.com/ColonialBoy1 ColinJ

    I’m a Wright/Pegg/Frost super-fan. But I have to nominate WITHNAIL AND I as my favourite British film of all time.

  • https://twitter.com/ColonialBoy1 ColinJ

    I’m a Wright/Pegg/Frost super-fan. But I have to nominate WITHNAIL AND I as my favourite British film of all time.

  • Colin

    I’m a Wright/Pegg/Frost super-fan. But I have to nominate WITHNAIL AND I as my favourite British film of all time.

  • http://www.joelvalliefilms.com/ joel vallie

    Great list. There’s 7 movies on that list that I haven’t seen. I don’t know if you have ever seen this movie (what am I saying you’ve seen every movie) Its a old Peter Cushing movie I use to watch as a kid The Legend of the Seven Golden Vampires. I thought that movie was awesome as a kid but it probably don’t count sense it looks like they go film in China half way through the movie. Congratulations on Shaun of the dead making the list.

  • http://www.joelvalliefilms.com joel vallie

    Great list. There’s 7 movies on that list that I haven’t seen. I don’t know if you have ever seen this movie (what am I saying you’ve seen every movie) Its a old Peter Cushing movie I use to watch as a kid The Legend of the Seven Golden Vampires. I thought that movie was awesome as a kid but it probably don’t count sense it looks like they go film in China half way through the movie. Congratulations on Shaun of the dead making the list.

  • Slick

    You left out a ridiculously brilliant film.

    SHAUN OF THE DEAD.

    Ever heard of it?

  • http://www.joelvalliefilms.com/ joel vallie

    Please watch The Descent but in the dark and in a vary small claustrophobic feel to it room.

  • http://www.joelvalliefilms.com/ joel vallie

    Please watch The Descent but in the dark and in a vary small claustrophobic feel to it room.

  • http://www.joelvalliefilms.com/ joel vallie

    Not sure why my comment posted here. Sorry SarahA.

  • http://www.joelvalliefilms.com/ joel vallie

    Not sure why my comment posted here. Sorry SarahA.

  • http://www.joelvalliefilms.com joel vallie

    Please watch The Descent but in the dark and in a vary small claustrophobic feel to it room.

  • http://www.joelvalliefilms.com joel vallie

    Not sure why my comment posted here. Sorry SarahA.

  • ioulia

    This list is a reminder to update my Netflix queue… in any case, I would have liked to see Morvern Callar on the list, one of my favorite films of all time.

  • ioulia

    This list is a reminder to update my Netflix queue… in any case, I would have liked to see Morvern Callar on the list, one of my favorite films of all time.

  • ioulia

    This list is a reminder to update my Netflix queue… in any case, I would have liked to see Morvern Callar on the list, one of my favorite films of all time.

  • Slick

    Had to kid you about that one, Edgar. You’re far too class to do that. But I do honestly believe it’s in the top ten.

  • Slick

    I just watched SUNSHINE for the first time yesterday. I really liked it. Boyle’s got me hooked. I look forward to 28 MONTHS LATER.

  • Anonymous

    Does “A Fish Called Wanda” count as British?
    I like Trainspotting too. And Brazil. And of course Shaun & Fuzz.
    Amongst others.
    And plenty which are more than 25 years old too.

  • Anonymous

    Does “A Fish Called Wanda” count as British?
    I like Trainspotting too. And Brazil. And of course Shaun & Fuzz.
    Amongst others.
    And plenty which are more than 25 years old too.

  • SarahAC

    Does “A Fish Called Wanda” count as British?
    I like Trainspotting too. And Brazil. And of course Shaun & Fuzz.
    Amongst others.
    And plenty which are more than 25 years old too.

  • Slick

    You left out a ridiculously brilliant film.

    SHAUN OF THE DEAD.

    Ever heard of it?

  • Shea

    What do ya think of Gangster No.1?

    Man! Surprised and glad to see The Descent on there.

  • Slick

    Had to kid you about that one, Edgar. You’re far too class to do that. But I do honestly believe it’s in the top ten.

  • Slick

    Had to kid you about that one, Edgar. You’re far too class to do that. But I do honestly believe it’s in the top ten.

  • D

    Just wondering why you didn’t consider Hunger to be a grey (Brit spelling) area.
    Financed by Channel 4 with a UK setting but featuring an Irish director and cast

  • D

    Just wondering why you didn’t consider Hunger to be a grey (Brit spelling) area.
    Financed by Channel 4 with a UK setting but featuring an Irish director and cast

  • D

    Just wondering why you didn’t consider Hunger to be a grey (Brit spelling) area.
    Financed by Channel 4 with a UK setting but featuring an Irish director and cast

  • http://wesleyriot.tumblr.com/ Wesley Riot

    Edgar, is there an RSS feed for the posts on this blog?

  • http://wesleyriot.tumblr.com/ Wesley Riot

    Edgar, is there an RSS feed for the posts on this blog?

  • http://wesleyriot.tumblr.com Wesley Riot

    Edgar, is there an RSS feed for the posts on this blog?

  • http://www.edgarwrighthere.com/ Edgar Wright

    It was also made in the late 70′s too!

  • http://www.edgarwrighthere.com/ Edgar Wright

    It was also made in the late 70′s too!

  • http://www.edgarwrighthere.com Edgar Wright

    It was also made in the late 70′s too!

  • Slick

    I just watched SUNSHINE for the first time yesterday. I really liked it. Boyle’s got me hooked. I look forward to 28 MONTHS LATER.

  • Slick

    I just watched SUNSHINE for the first time yesterday. I really liked it. Boyle’s got me hooked. I look forward to 28 MONTHS LATER.

  • Mark G.

    Steve McQueen is English.

  • Mark G.

    Steve McQueen is English.

  • Mark G.

    Steve McQueen is English.

  • pieface

    I now feel bad for not having bought the Observer. particularly as they are in trouble.

    recently watched Withnail & I, in a hostel surrounded by much younger 20-25 year olds, and it was great to see that not only did they love it, they also already knew where all their favourite bits were coming up, so it wasn’t even new to most of them!

    one of my favourite lines took me years to figure out (a bit like Tims ‘ticking time bomb of death daisy’) ‘reduced to the status of a bum’. Good list!

  • pieface

    I now feel bad for not having bought the Observer. particularly as they are in trouble.

    recently watched Withnail & I, in a hostel surrounded by much younger 20-25 year olds, and it was great to see that not only did they love it, they also already knew where all their favourite bits were coming up, so it wasn’t even new to most of them!

    one of my favourite lines took me years to figure out (a bit like Tims ‘ticking time bomb of death daisy’) ‘reduced to the status of a bum’. Good list!

  • pieface

    I now feel bad for not having bought the Observer. particularly as they are in trouble.

    recently watched Withnail & I, in a hostel surrounded by much younger 20-25 year olds, and it was great to see that not only did they love it, they also already knew where all their favourite bits were coming up, so it wasn’t even new to most of them!

    one of my favourite lines took me years to figure out (a bit like Tims ‘ticking time bomb of death daisy’) ‘reduced to the status of a bum’. Good list!

  • pieface

    oh - and - OF COURSE - congrats on the no.18 placing!! well deserved.

  • pieface

    oh - and - OF COURSE - congrats on the no.18 placing!! well deserved.

  • pieface

    oh - and - OF COURSE - congrats on the no.18 placing!! well deserved.

  • Red

    Well that just added a lot of titles to my never ending list of movies that I need to see.

    Glad you made the list!

  • Red

    Well that just added a lot of titles to my never ending list of movies that I need to see.

    Glad you made the list!

  • Red

    Well that just added a lot of titles to my never ending list of movies that I need to see.

    Glad you made the list!

  • KINGJONG

    Edgar-

    Glad to see the Low Down made it onto your list! Thraves is a very underrated director. Worked with him doing pyro/art dept. on a Manic Street Preachers clip (So Why So Sad) and always wondered why he wasn’t directing more features.

    Couldn’t compile only 10 films I really loved, and even at 20 I left some off. Here they are in no particular order:

    The Hit (Dir. Stephen Frears - 1985)
    Naked (Dir. Mike Leigh - 1993)
    Sid & Nancy (Dir. Alex Cox - 1986)
    Shallow Grave (Dir. Danny Boyle - 1994)
    Shaun of the Dead (Dir. Edgar Wright - 2004)
    Welcome to Sarajevo (Dir. Michael Winterbottom - 1997)
    The General (Dir. John Boorman - 1998)
    Son of Rambow (Dir. Garth Jennings - 2007)
    Trainspotting (Dir. Danny Boyle - 1996)
    A Fish Called Wanda (Dir: Charles Crichton - 1988)
    Layer Cake (Dir. Matthew Vaughn - 2004)
    Mona Lisa (Dir: Neil Jordan - 1986)
    Sexy Beast (Dir. Jonathan Glazer - 2000)
    Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels (Dir. Guy Ritchie - 1998)
    Morvern Callar (Dir. Lynne Ramsey - 2002)
    24 Hour Party People (Dir. Michael Winterbottom -
    This Is England (Dir. Shane Meadows - 2006)
    London Kills Me (Dir. Hanif Kureshi - 1991)
    Withnail & I (Dir. Bruce Robinson - 1987)
    In Bruges (Dir. Martin McDonagh - 2008)

    Kevin

  • KINGJONG

    Edgar-

    Glad to see the Low Down made it onto your list! Thraves is a very underrated director. Worked with him doing pyro/art dept. on a Manic Street Preachers clip (So Why So Sad) and always wondered why he wasn’t directing more features.

    Couldn’t compile only 10 films I really loved, and even at 20 I left some off. Here they are in no particular order:

    The Hit (Dir. Stephen Frears - 1985)
    Naked (Dir. Mike Leigh - 1993)
    Sid & Nancy (Dir. Alex Cox - 1986)
    Shallow Grave (Dir. Danny Boyle - 1994)
    Shaun of the Dead (Dir. Edgar Wright - 2004)
    Welcome to Sarajevo (Dir. Michael Winterbottom - 1997)
    The General (Dir. John Boorman - 1998)
    Son of Rambow (Dir. Garth Jennings - 2007)
    Trainspotting (Dir. Danny Boyle - 1996)
    A Fish Called Wanda (Dir: Charles Crichton - 1988)
    Layer Cake (Dir. Matthew Vaughn - 2004)
    Mona Lisa (Dir: Neil Jordan - 1986)
    Sexy Beast (Dir. Jonathan Glazer - 2000)
    Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels (Dir. Guy Ritchie - 1998)
    Morvern Callar (Dir. Lynne Ramsey - 2002)
    24 Hour Party People (Dir. Michael Winterbottom -
    This Is England (Dir. Shane Meadows - 2006)
    London Kills Me (Dir. Hanif Kureshi - 1991)
    Withnail & I (Dir. Bruce Robinson - 1987)
    In Bruges (Dir. Martin McDonagh - 2008)

    Kevin

  • KINGJONG

    Edgar-

    Glad to see the Low Down made it onto your list! Thraves is a very underrated director. Worked with him doing pyro/art dept. on a Manic Street Preachers clip (So Why So Sad) and always wondered why he wasn’t directing more features.

    Couldn’t compile only 10 films I really loved, and even at 20 I left some off. Here they are in no particular order:

    The Hit (Dir. Stephen Frears - 1985)
    Naked (Dir. Mike Leigh - 1993)
    Sid & Nancy (Dir. Alex Cox - 1986)
    Shallow Grave (Dir. Danny Boyle - 1994)
    Shaun of the Dead (Dir. Edgar Wright - 2004)
    Welcome to Sarajevo (Dir. Michael Winterbottom - 1997)
    The General (Dir. John Boorman - 1998)
    Son of Rambow (Dir. Garth Jennings - 2007)
    Trainspotting (Dir. Danny Boyle - 1996)
    A Fish Called Wanda (Dir: Charles Crichton - 1988)
    Layer Cake (Dir. Matthew Vaughn - 2004)
    Mona Lisa (Dir: Neil Jordan - 1986)
    Sexy Beast (Dir. Jonathan Glazer - 2000)
    Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels (Dir. Guy Ritchie - 1998)
    Morvern Callar (Dir. Lynne Ramsey - 2002)
    24 Hour Party People (Dir. Michael Winterbottom -
    This Is England (Dir. Shane Meadows - 2006)
    London Kills Me (Dir. Hanif Kureshi - 1991)
    Withnail & I (Dir. Bruce Robinson - 1987)
    In Bruges (Dir. Martin McDonagh - 2008)

    Kevin

  • KINGJONG

    Wanda counts as British.

  • KINGJONG

    Wanda counts as British.

  • KINGJONG

    Wanda counts as British.

  • http://www.edgarwrighthere.com/ Edgar Wright

    See - try whittling that down to 10. Tricky isn’t it?

    There’s a couple there I would have put on too.

  • http://www.edgarwrighthere.com/ Edgar Wright

    See - try whittling that down to 10. Tricky isn’t it?

    There’s a couple there I would have put on too.

  • http://www.edgarwrighthere.com Edgar Wright

    See - try whittling that down to 10. Tricky isn’t it?

    There’s a couple there I would have put on too.

  • http://www.edgarwrighthere.com/ Edgar Wright

    And I’m pretty sure that film is by the British Film Council or Film Four - I think…

  • http://www.edgarwrighthere.com/ Edgar Wright

    And I’m pretty sure that film is by the British Film Council or Film Four - I think…

  • http://www.edgarwrighthere.com Edgar Wright

    And I’m pretty sure that film is by the British Film Council or Film Four - I think…

  • jesse

    Brilliant top 10, Dead Mans shoes is such a great film, also, props for including the descent, that film scared the bejesus outta me, there’s a sequel coming out but it’ll probably be pants.

  • jesse

    Brilliant top 10, Dead Mans shoes is such a great film, also, props for including the descent, that film scared the bejesus outta me, there’s a sequel coming out but it’ll probably be pants.

  • jesse

    Brilliant top 10, Dead Mans shoes is such a great film, also, props for including the descent, that film scared the bejesus outta me, there’s a sequel coming out but it’ll probably be pants.

  • http://caspiancomic.com/ Patrick Lee

    Agh, In Bruges! Does that count? That movie was excellent!

  • http://caspiancomic.com/ Patrick Lee

    Agh, In Bruges! Does that count? That movie was excellent!

  • http://caspiancomic.com Patrick Lee

    Agh, In Bruges! Does that count? That movie was excellent!

  • Anonymous

    I’ve seen 8 out of 10 films off your list, i have to agree as much as i love This Is England i prefer to watch Dead Mans Shoes, it’s my fave Shane Meadows film. I’ve still got to watch Hunger.
    That’s pretty bizzare that Hot Fuzz isn’t classed as a British film just because of the Bad Boys 2 clips.
    Glad SOTD made the list still think it should have been further up than 18. :D

    PS I haven’t seen Man On Wire yet, but Touching The Void is fantastic.

  • Anonymous

    I’ve seen 8 out of 10 films off your list, i have to agree as much as i love This Is England i prefer to watch Dead Mans Shoes, it’s my fave Shane Meadows film. I’ve still got to watch Hunger.
    That’s pretty bizzare that Hot Fuzz isn’t classed as a British film just because of the Bad Boys 2 clips.
    Glad SOTD made the list still think it should have been further up than 18. :D

    PS I haven’t seen Man On Wire yet, but Touching The Void is fantastic.

  • Sarah5636

    I’ve seen 8 out of 10 films off your list, i have to agree as much as i love This Is England i prefer to watch Dead Mans Shoes, it’s my fave Shane Meadows film. I’ve still got to watch Hunger.
    That’s pretty bizzare that Hot Fuzz isn’t classed as a British film just because of the Bad Boys 2 clips.
    Glad SOTD made the list still think it should have been further up than 18. :D

    PS I haven’t seen Man On Wire yet, but Touching The Void is fantastic.

  • http://www.edgarwrighthere.com/ Edgar Wright

    I was kidding about the Hot Fuzz thing. Some of my jokes are too dry it seems. Apologies for not using emoticons.

  • http://www.edgarwrighthere.com/ Edgar Wright

    I was kidding about the Hot Fuzz thing. Some of my jokes are too dry it seems. Apologies for not using emoticons.

  • http://www.edgarwrighthere.com Edgar Wright

    I was kidding about the Hot Fuzz thing. Some of my jokes are too dry it seems. Apologies for not using emoticons.

  • Anonymous

    Ha ha no worries i thought it seemed abit strange, i admit i am abit gullible at times ;)

  • Anonymous

    Ha ha no worries i thought it seemed abit strange, i admit i am abit gullible at times ;)

  • Sarah5636

    Ha ha no worries i thought it seemed abit strange, i admit i am abit gullible at times ;)

  • KINGJONG

    Sure does. It was financed by Film Four.

  • KINGJONG

    Sure does. It was financed by Film Four.

  • KINGJONG

    Sure does. It was financed by Film Four.

  • http://twitter.com/djsmackmackey DJSmackMackey

    Sexy Beast is set mostly in Spain and The Descent was set in the U.S. and had a multinational cast. But because I like you, I’ll tell you what I’m gonna do. I’m gonna let you go ahead and keep those on the list. Don’t say I never did anything for ya.

  • http://twitter.com/djsmackmackey DJSmackMackey

    Sexy Beast is set mostly in Spain and The Descent was set in the U.S. and had a multinational cast. But because I like you, I’ll tell you what I’m gonna do. I’m gonna let you go ahead and keep those on the list. Don’t say I never did anything for ya.

  • http://twitter.com/djsmackmackey DJSmackMackey

    Sexy Beast is set mostly in Spain and The Descent was set in the U.S. and had a multinational cast. But because I like you, I’ll tell you what I’m gonna do. I’m gonna let you go ahead and keep those on the list. Don’t say I never did anything for ya.

  • Lauren

    Looks like my Netflix queue could use an update! Thanks for sharing, Edgar. I’m always on the lookout for a well-made film, British or otherwise. Congrats on #18, but I would have placed Shaun higher. At least top 10 :)

  • Lauren

    Looks like my Netflix queue could use an update! Thanks for sharing, Edgar. I’m always on the lookout for a well-made film, British or otherwise. Congrats on #18, but I would have placed Shaun higher. At least top 10 :)

  • Lauren

    Looks like my Netflix queue could use an update! Thanks for sharing, Edgar. I’m always on the lookout for a well-made film, British or otherwise. Congrats on #18, but I would have placed Shaun higher. At least top 10 :)

  • https://twitter.com/ColonialBoy1 ColinJ

    DEAD MAN’S SHOES is an inspired choice. It’s like our generations GET CARTER.

    Oooooohhh, GET CARTER… why isn’t that in the top 20?

  • https://twitter.com/ColonialBoy1 ColinJ

    DEAD MAN’S SHOES is an inspired choice. It’s like our generations GET CARTER.

    Oooooohhh, GET CARTER… why isn’t that in the top 20?

  • ColinJ

    DEAD MAN’S SHOES is an inspired choice. It’s like our generations GET CARTER.

    Oooooohhh, GET CARTER… why isn’t that in the top 20?

  • https://twitter.com/ColonialBoy1 ColinJ

    Oh, silly me. It’s the last 25 years.

    Duh…

  • https://twitter.com/ColonialBoy1 ColinJ

    Oh, silly me. It’s the last 25 years.

    Duh…

  • ColinJ

    Oh, silly me. It’s the last 25 years.

    Duh…

  • http://www.edgarwrighthere.com/ Edgar Wright

    Sexy Beast was a Film Four film - with British money, a Brit director, Brit cast and half of it is set in London. So that counts.

    And the Descent, while set in the U.S. was all shot in the UK, Pinewood Studios, with Brit money, Brit director, Brit crew etc (including FISTFUL OF FINGERS designer, Simon Bowles).

  • http://www.edgarwrighthere.com/ Edgar Wright

    Sexy Beast was a Film Four film - with British money, a Brit director, Brit cast and half of it is set in London. So that counts.

    And the Descent, while set in the U.S. was all shot in the UK, Pinewood Studios, with Brit money, Brit director, Brit crew etc (including FISTFUL OF FINGERS designer, Simon Bowles).

  • http://www.edgarwrighthere.com Edgar Wright

    Sexy Beast was a Film Four film - with British money, a Brit director, Brit cast and half of it is set in London. So that counts.

    And the Descent, while set in the U.S. was all shot in the UK, Pinewood Studios, with Brit money, Brit director, Brit crew etc (including FISTFUL OF FINGERS designer, Simon Bowles).

  • http://twitter.com/djsmackmackey DJSmackMackey

    Damn you and your reasonable answers! You had me at “British money”.

  • http://twitter.com/djsmackmackey DJSmackMackey

    Damn you and your reasonable answers! You had me at “British money”.

  • http://twitter.com/djsmackmackey DJSmackMackey

    Damn you and your reasonable answers! You had me at “British money”.

  • Jacobunny

    Aah…I was going to put In Bruges on my list too but thought is was an Irish prod. Shows what I know (or rather don’t!) Next you’ll be telling me Once is a British film… ;-p
    [Edgar: note cheesy emoticon use]

  • Jacobunny

    Aah…I was going to put In Bruges on my list too but thought is was an Irish prod. Shows what I know (or rather don’t!) Next you’ll be telling me Once is a British film… ;-p
    [Edgar: note cheesy emoticon use]

  • Jacobunny

    Aah…I was going to put In Bruges on my list too but thought is was an Irish prod. Shows what I know (or rather don’t!) Next you’ll be telling me Once is a British film… ;-p
    [Edgar: note cheesy emoticon use]

  • Peter Urkowitz

    Great to see “Withnail and I” and “My Beautiful Laundrette” on the list! Strange how many of these I have never seen. . . I saw tons of movies in the 1980′s, but dropped off a lot after that. I have a lot of catching up to do!

  • Peter Urkowitz

    Great to see “Withnail and I” and “My Beautiful Laundrette” on the list! Strange how many of these I have never seen. . . I saw tons of movies in the 1980′s, but dropped off a lot after that. I have a lot of catching up to do!

  • Peter Urkowitz

    Great to see “Withnail and I” and “My Beautiful Laundrette” on the list! Strange how many of these I have never seen. . . I saw tons of movies in the 1980′s, but dropped off a lot after that. I have a lot of catching up to do!

  • BenjaminReid

    But Edgar, with that logic wouldn’t shaun of the dead not be british because it has the musical stylings of Man Parrish, a New Yorker.

    Or does american music not make a difference about whether it’s british or not?

  • BenjaminReid

    But Edgar, with that logic wouldn’t shaun of the dead not be british because it has the musical stylings of Man Parrish, a New Yorker.

    Or does american music not make a difference about whether it’s british or not?

  • http://www.edgarwrighthere.com/ Edgar Wright

    I kid. Without the use of emoticons.

  • http://www.edgarwrighthere.com/ Edgar Wright

    I kid. Without the use of emoticons.

  • BenjaminReid

    But Edgar, with that logic wouldn’t shaun of the dead not be british because it has the musical stylings of Man Parrish, a New Yorker.

    Or does american music not make a difference about whether it’s british or not?

  • http://www.edgarwrighthere.com Edgar Wright

    I kid. Without the use of emoticons.

  • BenjaminReid

    What kind of emoticons do you think one could actually use to represent sarcasm?

  • BenjaminReid

    What kind of emoticons do you think one could actually use to represent sarcasm?

  • BenjaminReid

    What kind of emoticons do you think one could actually use to represent sarcasm?

  • Danny Smith

    i JUST finished watching shaun for the first time in like two years.

    Damn that’s Eerie.

  • http://maaslife.blogspot.com/ Osnat Krupnik Maas

    Started following you on Twitter just a few days ago and now I am looking through your blog. Won’t make a whole list but one of the movies I think should be on the list is ‘A death at a funeral’ The British version of course. For the life of me I don’t understand why they are doing an American version of it. It is in English after all and not, god frbid, in a foreign language. I never heard of this movie until my husband watched part of it during a flight and loved it so much that he bought the DVD. (How refreshing people that own an original DVD). I wonder what you think about that movie? Osnat http://maaslife.blogspot.com/2009/07/london-my-lovie.html

  • http://maaslife.blogspot.com/ Osnat Krupnik Maas

    Started following you on Twitter just a few days ago and now I am looking through your blog. Won’t make a whole list but one of the movies I think should be on the list is ‘A death at a funeral’ The British version of course. For the life of me I don’t understand why they are doing an American version of it. It is in English after all and not, god frbid, in a foreign language. I never heard of this movie until my husband watched part of it during a flight and loved it so much that he bought the DVD. (How refreshing people that own an original DVD). I wonder what you think about that movie? Osnat http://maaslife.blogspot.com/2009/07/london-my-lovie.html

  • http://maaslife.blogspot.com/ Osnat Krupnik Maas

    Started following you on Twitter just a few days ago and now I am looking through your blog. Won’t make a whole list but one of the movies I think should be on the list is ‘A death at a funeral’ The British version of course. For the life of me I don’t understand why they are doing an American version of it. It is in English after all and not, god frbid, in a foreign language. I never heard of this movie until my husband watched part of it during a flight and loved it so much that he bought the DVD. (How refreshing people that own an original DVD). I wonder what you think about that movie? Osnat http://maaslife.blogspot.com/2009/07/london-my-lovie.html

  • Slick

    Just finished seeing TRAINSPOTTING for the first time. Okay, I get it. The performances are fucking amazing. So dark, too. I love a filmmaker who doesn’t hold back.

    That puts me at having seen four from your top ten list. Now to see about seeing the other six.

  • Slick

    Just finished seeing TRAINSPOTTING for the first time. Okay, I get it. The performances are fucking amazing. So dark, too. I love a filmmaker who doesn’t hold back.

    That puts me at having seen four from your top ten list. Now to see about seeing the other six.

  • Slick

    Just finished seeing TRAINSPOTTING for the first time. Okay, I get it. The performances are fucking amazing. So dark, too. I love a filmmaker who doesn’t hold back.

    That puts me at having seen four from your top ten list. Now to see about seeing the other six.

  • ben

    ahh, the general. effing brilliant film, surprised thats not on the list. brendan gleeson is incredible. think i’ll dust that dvd off and watch it right now. bless boorman. and good list edgar!

  • ben

    ahh, the general. effing brilliant film, surprised thats not on the list. brendan gleeson is incredible. think i’ll dust that dvd off and watch it right now. bless boorman. and good list edgar!

  • ben

    ahh, the general. effing brilliant film, surprised thats not on the list. brendan gleeson is incredible. think i’ll dust that dvd off and watch it right now. bless boorman. and good list edgar!

  • Dylan Salcedo

    Thats a damn good list. You should’ve included Snatch. That’s Guy Ritchies best. I’m still trying to think of more great brit films.

  • Dylan Salcedo

    Thats a damn good list. You should’ve included Snatch. That’s Guy Ritchies best. I’m still trying to think of more great brit films.

  • Dylan Salcedo

    Thats a damn good list. You should’ve included Snatch. That’s Guy Ritchies best. I’m still trying to think of more great brit films.

  • Will

    Edgar
    I think half your ten are right. I hate This is England, it’s like a bad school play. In the Observer list it’s ahead of Shaun and My Name is Joe?! I reckon the popularity of Trainspotting was more about the filmposter and the soundtrack. It was a great time to be in Blighty lager lager lager but Slumdog or Shallow Grave are way better. There’s no Bond, Potter, Shakespeare or Caine on the list so step forward Casino Royale, Prisoner of Azkaban, Richard III and…wait for it….Without a Clue!

  • Will

    Edgar
    I think half your ten are right. I hate This is England, it’s like a bad school play. In the Observer list it’s ahead of Shaun and My Name is Joe?! I reckon the popularity of Trainspotting was more about the filmposter and the soundtrack. It was a great time to be in Blighty lager lager lager but Slumdog or Shallow Grave are way better. There’s no Bond, Potter, Shakespeare or Caine on the list so step forward Casino Royale, Prisoner of Azkaban, Richard III and…wait for it….Without a Clue!

  • Will

    Edgar
    I think half your ten are right. I hate This is England, it’s like a bad school play. In the Observer list it’s ahead of Shaun and My Name is Joe?! I reckon the popularity of Trainspotting was more about the filmposter and the soundtrack. It was a great time to be in Blighty lager lager lager but Slumdog or Shallow Grave are way better. There’s no Bond, Potter, Shakespeare or Caine on the list so step forward Casino Royale, Prisoner of Azkaban, Richard III and…wait for it….Without a Clue!

  • http://www.edgarwrighthere.com/ Edgar Wright

    I think half your post is a matter of opinion, sir x

  • http://www.edgarwrighthere.com/ Edgar Wright

    I think half your post is a matter of opinion, sir x

  • http://www.edgarwrighthere.com Edgar Wright

    I think half your post is a matter of opinion, sir x