Best of British: Movies

I say old chap, it's time to celebrate some of the greatest films to hail from these shores!

1. 1. James Bond

   For people all over the world, Bond... James Bond is synonymous with the British. The super slick spy has been played by silver screen icons down the years, from Sean Connery and Roger Moore to the modern day Daniel Craig. Interestingly, the James Bond film franchise is second highest-grossing of all time, only trailing a certain boy wizard...

2. 2. The Harry Potter films

   Harry Potter needs no introduction. The series that began in 2001 with '...and the Philosopher's Stone' and ended a decade later with '...and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2' is the highest-grossing saga of all time, with the final installment the highest-grossing film ever. The movies had a universal appeal that made stars of Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint.

3. 3. Bridget Jones' Diary

   It was always going to be a hit. 'Bridget Jones' Diary' was such a successful book that people were queuing round the corner to see a film featuring British cinema's two greatest leading men, Hugh Grant and Colin Firth. We all know what happened next...

4. 4. The Queen

   What could be more British than a film about Queen Elizabeth II? As Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee approaches, it seems fitting to revisit the film that saw Dame Helen Mirren win the Best Actress Oscar for her title role in 'The Queen'.

5. 5. Billy Elliot

   Jamie Bell's Billy Elliot stole the hearts of millions as an aspiring dancer. Who could forget the scene where Billy deals with a family argument by tap-dancing through the streets to The Jam's Town Called Malice? Magical. Picture: Photoshot

7. 6. Slumdog Millionaire

   Danny Boyle's 'Slumdog Millionaire' took the awards season by storm in 2008, winning an incredible eight Oscars and seven BAFTAs. Dev Patel's portrayal of a boy helplessly in love struck a chord with millions worldwide.

8. 7. Love Actually

   Love Actually is as British as fish and chips, featuring an ensemble cast of all the finest British actors around. The likes of Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley and Bill Nighy all contributed to the 2003 film's ten equally engrossing story lines. One of Richard Curtis' greatest achievements.

9. 8. Monty Python: The Life Of Brian

   "He's not the Messiah, he's a very naughty boy!" Frequently voted the greatest comedy film ever made, this 1979 movie is still quoted to this day.

10. 9. Trainspotting

    Danny Boyle's 'Trainspotting' was everywhere in 1996, making a bonafide star of Ewan McGregor in the process.

11. 10. Calender Girls

    A heartwarming tale - and just a little bit cheeky! - with an all star cast including Helen Mirren and Julie Walters. Picture: Rex Features

13. 11. Pride and Prejudice

    The 2005 version of Jane Austen's classic tale of love had a stellar cast, from Keira Knightley to Dame Judi Dench, and it raked in a cool $121,147,947 at the box office. Picture: Photoshot

14. 12. Alfie

    This 1966 film contains Michael Caine's most memorable role - as the charming but cheeky main character. Picture: Photoshop

15. 13. Brassed Off

    Mark Herman's 1996 film saw Ewan McGregor further cement his reputation as one of the finest actors from these shores.

16. 14. About a Boy

    Based on the Nick Hornby book of the same name, 'About a Boy' sees Hugh Grant at his most charming. A heartwarming tale that also starred Nicholas Hoult and Rachel Weisz.

17. 15. Full Monty

    'I believe in miracles... Where you from you sexy thing?' Who would have thought that a film about a group of men who decide to become male strippers could have a place in the hearts of so many? A true classic.

19. 16. Sexy Beast

    Ray Winstone and Ben Kingsley gave a masterclass in acting in this thrilling 2000 film. 'Sexy Beast' arguably has one of the most memorable opening scenes in cinema history...

20. 17. Notting Hill

    Another classic film penned by Richard Curtis and starring Hugh Grant. 'Notting Hill' even won a BRIT Award for its soundtrack, which featured Ronan Keating's 'When You Say Nothing at All'. Pic: Photoshot

21. 18. Chariots of Fire

    Based on a true story, 'Chariots of Fire' is the tale of two athletes in the 1924 Olympics: Eric Liddell, a devout Scottish Christian who runs for the glory of God, and Harold Abrahams, an English Jew who runs to overcome prejudice. It won four Oscars and has one of the most memorable soundtracks of all.

22. 19. Educating Rita

    Michael Caine won Best Actor and Julie Walters won Best Actress at the 37th BAFTAs for their roles in this classic 1983 film.

23. 20. Withnail & I

    Quintessentially British in its humour, 'Withnail & I' is a true cult film, featuring an unforgettable performance from Richard E. Grant as Withnail.

25. 21. Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels

    Guy Ritchie's debut film 'Lock Stock...' brought him international recognition for its snappy dialogue and a cast featuring Vinnie Jones and Jason Statham.

26. 22. Snatch

    Guy Ritchie's second feature film was another blockbuster. Jason Statham, Vinnie Jones, Alan Ford and Brad Pitt shone in this 2000 gangster film.