As 2021 draws to a close, it seems like curling up on the couch and watching a movie is the perfect way to end a chaotic year. While Christmas movies seem like the go-to option for most people during the holiday season, sometimes it should bear repeating that they’re not the only option for someone looking for a great flick. Moreover, there’s only so many times you can watch Love Actually without dying a little inside.
If you didn’t already know, Netflix is great for uncovering new movies and content when you can’t decide what you’d like to watch. You’ll be able to watch UK movies for free without having to leave your home or face the weather outside. Consider the following must-watch UK movies on Netflix if you need a break from all the festive films.
THE GUILTY (2021)
While this movie is a same-name adaptation of the Danish drama of the same name (‘Den Skyldige’ in Danish), this movie focuses on a 911 operator who finds himself in an unexpected predicament; save Emily, a kidnapped woman on the other side of his call.
Her abductor has her in a white van but forces her to end the call before information on her whereabouts is known. Suddenly, it’s a race against time to find the white van in question before Emily disappears forever. This movie is a crime thriller that’s guaranteed to capture audiences as it unfolds.
SCARFACE (1983)
While this movie may seem like a no-brainer, the remake of the 1932 film is guaranteed to impress audiences. Cuban refugee Tony Montana arrives penniless in Miami during the 1980s but begins to rise the ranks as a powerful drug lord. This classic film is an emotional take on human corruption, a misplaced sense of family duty, and the influence of moral decisions. It’s a must-see flick for anyone wanting a crime drama within an era where words didn’t matter; actions did.
Read: Time to re-binge: the 5 most loved teen tv shows revealed
THE FORGOTTEN BATTLE (2020)
Don’t let the generic title fool you; this great film on Netflix is everything it should be. Focusing on the lesser-known Battle of the Scheldt brings in three different perspectives and how the stories unravel before the battle. Considered one of the most expensive Dutch films of all time, the movie brings a fresh perspective to traditional war films. The Forgotten Battle focuses on the war at a micro level, with a highlight on civilian cost and the impact of both sides of war overall. By far, one of the most intriguing and engaging war movies in a long time.
THE TRIP (2021)
Not to be confused with the hilarious comedy of the same name, starring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon (also available to watch on Netflix, by the way), this Norwegian Netflix original follows a far darker and more violent path. The movie starts in a similar fashion to Mr. and Mrs. Smith but quickly morphs into a darker Quentin Tarantino-esque movie as the plot unfolds. With a hybrid of gruesome violence and laugh-out-loud comedy, this film is unpredictable and wildly fun.
Read: 5 TV watching tips you never knew you needed this hibernation season
PASSING (2021)
Rebecca Hall makes her directorial debut with this period drama based on a 1929 novel by Nella Larsen. The story follows childhood friends whose paths cross in later life. It seems they’ve taken highly different steps with one staying true to her African-American roots and the other “passing” as a white woman. Many critics pitch the film as a major awards contender, with delicate handling of a sensitive subject.
THE HARDER THEY FALL (2021)
Bringing one of the strongest casts of the year, this film is a Western revenge story with a modern feel. The film follows Nat Love after discovering his mortal enemy Rufus Buck is being released from prison. He brings his gang together in hopes of tracking Buck down and seeking vengeance for the murder of his parents years prior. This film is an action-packed adventure that follows actual historical figures as main characters.