The Top British Films of All Time, Ranked

According to a new survey, Peter Collinson's 1969 cult film The Italian Job is the greatest British film. Participants also praised Sir Michael Caine in his role as the film's Charlie Croker, putting the actor in the top spot for best British actor above the likes of Anthony Hopkins, Dame Judi Dench, and Helen Mirren. Contenders for the title of top film include The Full Monty at No. 2, Trainspotting coming in at No. 5, and J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone at No. 6.

The survey, performed by Vue Entertainment, surveyed 2,000 Brits and celebrates the relaunch of the cinema chain's Leicester Square location, which originally opened in 1938. Apparently, we watch an average of four films per month, and with a third of our favourite films being made on British soil, there's no denying that these films have defined British culture and, in turn, stolen the nation's hearts.

1. The Italian Job
2. The Full Monty
3. Zulu
4. Love Actually
5. Trainspotting
6. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
7. Four Weddings and a Funeral
8. The Bridge on the River Kwai
9. Monty Python's Life of Brian
10. Billy Elliot
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Holding the spot of No. 10, Billy Elliot introduced us to a young Jamie Bell.

11. Lawrence of Arabia
12. The Railway Children
13. Shaun of the Dead
14. The 39 Steps
15. The King's Speech
16. The Dam Busters
17. Slumdog Millionaire
18. Skyfall
19. Monty Python and the Holy Grail
20. A Clockwork Orange



Edgar Wright's Shaun of the Dead, at No. 13, still remains a firm favourite 13 years on.

21. 28 Days Later
22. Notting Hill
23. The Third Man
24. Hot Fuzz
25. Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
26. Chariots of Fire
27. 2001: A Space Odyssey
28. This Is England
29. The Ladykillers
30. The Wicker Man



This Is England was so popular that it inspired a TV miniseries four years after its 2006 release.

31. Gandhi
32. Get Carter
33. Withnail & I
34. Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
35. The Theory of Everything
36. Goldfinger
37. Local Hero
38. Kind Hearts and Coronets
39. Kes
40. Scum



The 1987 cult black comedy Withnail & I proudly sits at No. 33.

41. The Imitation Game
42. Bend It Like Beckham
43. Snatch
44. The Long Good Friday
45. Sense and Sensibility
46. Carry on Doctor
47. Carry on Camping
48. A Fish Called Wanda
49. Dr. No
50. A Hard Day's Night