Looking for the best free films to watch without a subscription? BBC iPlayer has a catalogue of award winning films available. Some of my favourites include Boiling Point, La La Land and The Commitments.
I’ve gathered the best films and ranked them according to IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes and aggregating their scores.
Click the three dots on the left hand side to open the table of contents and quickly jump to a series or movie you haven’t seen.
| Film Title | IMDb | Rotten Tomatoes | Aggregate Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wallace and Gromit: The Wrong Trousers | 8.3 | 100 | 91.5 |
| Citizen Kane | 8.3 | 99 | 91 |
| Threads | 7.9 | 100 | 89.5 |
| Paddington 2 | 7.8 | 99 | 88.5 |
| Pan’s Labyrinth | 8.2 | 95 | 88.5 |
| Halloween | 7.7 | 97 | 87 |
| The Kings Speech | 8 | 94 | 87 |
| Nowhere Special | 7.4 | 100 | 87 |
| Selma | 7.5 | 99 | 87 |
| Boiling Point | 7.5 | 99 | 87 |
| Raging Bull | 8.1 | 92 | 86.5 |
| Brooklyn | 7.5 | 97 | 86 |
| La La land | 8 | 91 | 85.5 |
| Aftersun | 7.6 | 95 | 85.5 |
| Twelve Monkeys | 8 | 88 | 84 |
| West Side Story | 7.6 | 92 | 84 |
| Malcolm X | 7.7 | 89 | 83 |
| The Commitments | 7.6 | 90 | 83 |
| Godland | 7.1 | 92 | 81.5 |
| Wildlife | 6.8 | 94 | 81 |
| Darkest Hour | 7.4 | 84 | 79 |
| Wonder Boys | 7.2 | 81 | 76.5 |
| Wild Men | 6.4 | 85 | 74.5 |
| Highlander | 7.1 | 69 | 70 |
| Man on the Moon | 7.4 | 64 | 69 |
Movies on Disney+ / Movies & TV Shows On Tubi / Free Movies & TV Shows On Amazon Prime
Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers (1993)
Wallace surprises his loyal dog Gromit with a pair of robotic “Techno-Trousers” to help around the house, but their mysterious new lodger—a villainous penguin named Feathers McGraw—has his own plans. As Feathers secretly takes control of the trousers to pull off a daring diamond heist, Gromit must piece together the clues and outwit the cunning criminal in a thrilling, fast-paced chase. With inventive animation, witty humour, and a heartwarming duo at its centre, this stop-motion classic is a triumph of storytelling and craftsmanship.
Directed by: Nick Park
Awards: Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film, BAFTA Award for Best Animated Film
Citizen Kane (1941)
Following the death of media tycoon Charles Foster Kane, a journalist investigates the meaning of his enigmatic last word: “Rosebud.” As he interviews those who knew Kane—his friends, rivals, and former lovers—a portrait emerges of a man whose wealth and ambition failed to bring him happiness. With pioneering cinematography, intricate storytelling, and a nonlinear narrative, this film revolutionized cinema and remains one of the most influential works ever made.
Directed by: Orson Welles
Awards: Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay
Threads (1984)
A chilling and unflinching depiction of nuclear war and its aftermath, Threads follows ordinary citizens in Sheffield, England, as their lives are shattered by global conflict. Without political commentary or melodrama, the film delivers a raw, documentary-like portrayal of devastation, following one family as society collapses around them. Its stark realism and haunting imagery make it one of the most terrifying depictions of nuclear fallout ever filmed.
Directed by: Mick Jackson
Awards: BAFTA TV Award for Best Single Drama
Paddington 2 (2017)
Paddington Bear is happily settled with the Brown family and beloved by his neighbors—until he’s wrongly accused of stealing a rare book. Determined to clear his name, Paddington embarks on a heartwarming adventure that leads to charming chaos, unexpected friendships, and a joyful mystery. With delightful humor, stunning visuals, and an irresistible warmth, this sequel was hailed as one of the greatest family films ever made.
Directed by: Paul King
Awards: BAFTA nominations for Best British Film and Best Adapted Screenplay
Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
Amid the brutal backdrop of post-Civil War Spain, young Ofelia stumbles into an eerie, fantastical underworld where she is tasked with completing three mythical trials. As she navigates the dangers of both reality and fantasy, Pan’s Labyrinth weaves a haunting, visually stunning tale of innocence, brutality, and imagination. A dark fairy tale that blends history and mythology, it remains one of modern cinema’s most acclaimed works.
Directed by: Guillermo del Toro
Awards: Academy Awards for Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, and Best Makeup
Halloween (1978)
When Michael Myers escapes a mental institution after fifteen years, he returns to his hometown on Halloween night—stalking babysitter Laurie Strode in a relentless killing spree. With John Carpenter’s iconic direction and an unforgettable score, Halloween defines the slasher genre, blending suspense, terror, and pure cinematic dread into one of the most influential horror films ever made.
Directed by: John Carpenter
Awards: Saturn Award for Best Horror Film
The King’s Speech (2010)
Prince Albert, reluctant to take the throne as King George VI, struggles with a lifelong stammer that threatens his ability to lead. When he turns to unconventional speech therapist Lionel Logue, their unlikely friendship helps him find his voice—just as Britain enters World War II. A deeply moving period drama that explores courage, communication, and the pressures of royalty, it captivated audiences worldwide.
Directed by: Tom Hooper
Awards: Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Colin Firth), and Best Original Screenplay
Nowhere Special (2020)
John, a devoted single father, faces the heartbreaking reality of terminal illness and must find the right family to adopt his four-year-old son. As he embarks on this search, he grapples with love, loss, and the legacy of fatherhood. A deeply emotional and understated drama, it was praised for its quiet beauty and James Norton’s heartfelt performance.
Directed by: Uberto Pasolini
Awards: Nominated for Best Film at the Venice Film Festival
Selma (2014)
Chronicling the historic Selma-to-Montgomery marches led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., this powerful drama captures the struggle for voting rights in 1965. As King navigates political obstacles, threats, and personal sacrifices, he rallies activists and everyday citizens to challenge injustice. A deeply moving and urgent portrayal of civil rights history, it remains a vital cinematic achievement.
Directed by: Ava DuVernay
Awards: Academy Award for Best Original Song (“Glory”), nominated for Best Picture
Boiling Point (2021)
On the busiest night of the year at an upscale London restaurant, head chef Andy Jones battles mounting pressure, staff tensions, and personal crises—all unfolding in a single, continuous take. As the stress escalates, the kitchen becomes a pressure cooker of ambition, frustration, and unexpected moments of grace. A gripping drama that immerses viewers in the chaos of professional kitchens, it was widely praised for its realism.
Directed by: Philip Barantini
Awards: Nominated for four BAFTA Awards, including Outstanding British Film
Raging Bull (1980)
Jake LaMotta’s rise in the boxing ring is overshadowed by his self-destructive behavior outside of it, as jealousy, violence, and paranoia consume his personal life. With raw emotional power and haunting cinematography, Raging Bull remains a brutal, intimate character study that explores fame, failure, and redemption.
Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Awards: Academy Awards for Best Actor (Robert De Niro) and Best Editing
Brooklyn (2015)
Eilis Lacey leaves behind her small Irish hometown for a new life in 1950s Brooklyn, where she finds independence, romance, and a future she never imagined. Just as she settles into her new world with the warm-hearted Tony, a call from home threatens to pull her back, forcing her to choose between past and present. Adapted from Colm Tóibín’s novel, Brooklyn is a beautifully crafted, tender story of love, belonging, and the choices that shape our lives.
Directed by: John Crowley
Awards: BAFTA Award for Best British Film, Academy Award nominations for Best Picture, Best Actress (Saoirse Ronan), and Best Adapted Screenplay
La La Land (2016)
Mia and Sebastian, two dreamers chasing fame in Los Angeles, cross paths in a romance woven through dazzling musical sequences and bittersweet ambition. As their love grows, so does the reality of sacrifice, forcing them to choose between their personal dreams and their connection to each other. A vibrant homage to classic Hollywood, La La Land won six Academy Awards, including Best Director for Damien Chazelle and Best Actress for Emma Stone, and received a record-tying fourteen nominations.
Directed by: Damien Chazelle
Awards: Academy Awards for Best Director, Best Actress (Emma Stone), Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, Best Original Song (“City of Stars”), and Best Production Design
Aftersun (2022)
Memories blur in this delicate portrait of a childhood holiday, as Sophie looks back on the trip she shared with her young father, Calum. Through sun-soaked moments and quiet reflections, she pieces together the emotions and uncertainties he hid beneath the surface. A deeply personal and haunting film, Aftersun explores nostalgia, grief, and the gaps in memory that shape how we understand the past.
Directed by: Charlotte Wells
Awards: BAFTA Award for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer, Academy Award nomination for Best Actor (Paul Mescal)
Twelve Monkeys (1995)
A prisoner from a dystopian future is sent back in time to uncover the origins of a deadly virus—but his mission takes a strange turn as he begins questioning the stability of time itself. Torn between past and present, he finds himself entangled with an activist and a mysterious organization, struggling to understand whether he is saving the world or losing his grip on reality. A mind-bending sci-fi thriller, Twelve Monkeys captivated audiences with its atmospheric storytelling and earned Brad Pitt an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Directed by: Terry Gilliam
Awards: Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor (Brad Pitt), Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film
West Side Story (1961)
In the shadow of rival street gangs in 1950s New York, Tony and Maria find love amidst violence and prejudice, their forbidden romance leading to heartbreak and tragedy. Featuring sweeping musical numbers and breathtaking choreography, this adaptation of Romeo and Juliet redefined the movie musical, winning ten Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Directed by: Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins
Awards: Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (George Chakiris), Best Supporting Actress (Rita Moreno), and six others
Malcolm X (1992)
Denzel Washington delivers an extraordinary performance in this epic portrayal of the civil rights leader, following Malcolm X’s transformation from a troubled youth to a revolutionary figure. His journey—through self-discovery, activism, and personal sacrifice—culminates in a powerful depiction of his assassination. A gripping historical drama, Malcolm X was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Washington’s commanding role.
Directed by: Spike Lee
Awards: Academy Award nominations for Best Actor (Denzel Washington) and Best Costume Design
The Commitments (1991)
Determined to create the greatest soul band Ireland has ever seen, Jimmy Rabbitte recruits a mismatched group of musicians, leading to tensions, triumphs, and unforgettable performances. As fame looms, the band struggles to hold on to their brief moment in the spotlight. A lively film that captures the spirit of working-class ambition, The Commitments won four BAFTA Awards, including Best Film and Best Direction.
Directed by: Alan Parker
Awards: BAFTA Awards for Best Film, Best Direction, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Editing
Godland (2022)
A Danish priest embarks on an arduous journey across Iceland to establish a church, only to find himself battling nature, isolation, and his own inner demons. As he faces extreme conditions and cultural clashes, his faith is tested in unexpected ways. A visually breathtaking film, Godland won the Gold Hugo for Best Feature Film at the Chicago International Film Festival.
Directed by: Hlynur Pálmason
Awards: Gold Hugo for Best Feature Film at the Chicago International Film Festival
Wildlife (2018)
In a small town in 1960s Montana, a teenage boy watches his family unravel as his mother embraces newfound independence when his father leaves to fight wildfires. As quiet domestic struggles unfold, Jeanette’s choices force her son to confront the complexities of growing up and letting go. Paul Dano’s directorial debut, adapted from Richard Ford’s novel, was nominated for three Independent Spirit Awards, including Best First Feature.
Directed by: Paul Dano
Awards: Independent Spirit Award nominations for Best First Feature and Best Female Lead (Carey Mulligan)
Darkest Hour (2017)
In the early days of World War II, newly appointed British Prime Minister Winston Churchill faces an impossible choice: negotiate with Hitler or rally the nation to fight against overwhelming odds. As political forces conspire against him, Churchill wrestles with self-doubt and the weight of history. A gripping portrayal of leadership and resilience, Darkest Hour won two Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Gary Oldman’s transformative performance.
Directed by: Joe Wright
Awards: Academy Awards for Best Actor (Gary Oldman) and Best Makeup and Hairstyling
Wonder Boys (2000)
Grady Tripp, a washed-up novelist and college professor, finds his life spiraling into chaos as he juggles an unfinished manuscript, eccentric students, and complicated relationships. When he takes his gifted but troubled student James under his wing, their unpredictable misadventures force Grady to confront his past and present failures. A sharp, witty, and deeply human exploration of writing, identity, and second chances, Wonder Boys won the Academy Award for Best Original Song (“Things Have Changed” by Bob Dylan).
Directed by: Curtis Hanson
Awards: Academy Award for Best Original Song (“Things Have Changed”), BAFTA nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay
Wild Men (2021)
In a desperate attempt to cure his midlife crisis, Martin flees his family to live high up in the Norwegian mountains, determined to survive like his ancestors did thousands of years ago. Armed with a bow and arrow, he struggles to adapt to the wilderness, but his plans take an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with Musa, an injured fugitive on the run. As the two men navigate their unlikely partnership, their journey becomes a darkly comedic exploration of masculinity, survival, and self-discovery.
Directed by: Thomas Daneskov
Awards: Nominated for Best International Narrative Feature at the Tribeca Film Festival
Highlander (1986)
Connor MacLeod, a Scottish warrior born in the 16th century, discovers he is one of a rare group of immortals destined to battle each other across centuries until only one remains. Trained by the enigmatic Ramírez, Connor learns the rules of immortality and prepares for the final showdown against the ruthless Kurgan in modern-day New York City. With sweeping historical flashbacks, thrilling sword fights, and Queen’s iconic soundtrack, Highlander became a cult classic despite its initial commercial struggles.
Directed by: Russell Mulcahy
Awards: Nominated for Saturn Award for Best Fantasy Film
Man on the Moon (1999)
A biographical drama chronicling the life and career of eccentric comedian Andy Kaufman, from his unconventional stand-up routines to his controversial wrestling stunts and his role on Taxi. As Kaufman blurs the line between reality and performance, his unpredictable antics alienate some while captivating others. Jim Carrey delivers a transformative performance, fully immersing himself in Kaufman’s persona. Though the film was a box office disappointment, Carrey won the Golden Globe for Best Actor, and the film received critical praise for its unique approach to Kaufman’s legacy.
Directed by: Miloš Forman
Awards: Golden Globe for Best Actor (Jim Carrey), Silver Berlin Bear for Best Director
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