Looking for the best free films to watch without a subscription? Channel 4 has a catalogue of award winning films available. Some of my favourites include The Thing, Frank and Mean Streets.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Other Land | 8.3 | 100 | 91.5 |
| Senna | 8.5 | 93 | 89 |
| The Long Good Friday | 7.5 | 97 | 86 |
| Riders of Justice | 7.5 | 96 | 85.5 |
| The Thing | 8.2 | 85 | 83.5 |
| Carol | 7.3 | 94 | 83.5 |
| Good Luck to You, Leo Grande | 7.2 | 94 | 83 |
| 3:10 to Yuma | 7.6 | 89 | 82.5 |
| The Night of the 12th | 7 | 94 | 82 |
| Mean Streets | 7.2 | 92 | 82 |
| Carlito’s Way | 7.9 | 84 | 81.5 |
| Nope | 6.8 | 93 | 80.5 |
| Frank | 6.9 | 92 | 80.5 |
| Other People’s Children | 6.8 | 91 | 79.5 |
| Withnail and I | 7.5 | 83 | 79 |
| American Woman | 6.8 | 89 | 78.5 |
| Alone | 6.3 | 93 | 78 |
| Far from the Madding Crowd | 7.1 | 85 | 78 |
| Tombstone | 7.8 | 76 | 77 |
| A Most Wanted Man | 6.7 | 86 | 76.5 |
| Open Range | 7.4 | 79 | 76.5 |
| Wish You Were Here | 6.8 | 85 | 76.5 |
| Benedetta | 6.7 | 84 | 75.5 |
| My Friend Dahmer | 6.2 | 85 | 73.5 |
| Chopper | 7.1 | 76 | 73.5 |
| Little Monsters | 6.3 | 79 | 71 |
| The Colditz Story | 6.9 | 73 | 71 |
| The Child in Time | 6.1 | 79 | 70 |
| Wrath of Man | 7.1 | 68 | 69.5 |
| Fisherman’s Friends | 7 | 69 | 69.5 |
| The Empty Man | 6.2 | 76 | 69 |
| The Mission | 7.4 | 63 | 68.5 |
| Central Intelligence | 6.3 | 71 | 67 |
| Bullet Train | 7.3 | 53 | 63 |
| Oblivion | 7 | 53 | 61.5 |
No Other Land (2024)
Basel Adra, a young Palestinian activist, documents the destruction of his homeland in Masafer Yatta, where Israeli forces enforce displacement orders. He forms an unexpected bond with Jewish Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham, but their friendship is tested by the stark contrast in their living conditions. The film captures their struggle for justice and the limits of raising awareness.
Directed by: Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor
Awards: Panorama Audience Award for Best Documentary Film, Berlinale Documentary Film Award, Best Documentary Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards.
Senna (2010)
This documentary follows the life and career of Brazilian Formula One champion Ayrton Senna, from his early karting days to his tragic death at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. Through archival footage and voiceovers, the film explores his intense rivalry with Alain Prost and his fight against Formula One politics. Senna’s legacy as a racing icon and humanitarian is deeply examined.
Directed by: Asif Kapadia
Awards: BAFTA Award for Best Documentary, Best Editing, Audience Award at Sundance Film Festival.
The Long Good Friday (1980)
Harold Shand, a London gangster, plans to legitimize his business but faces unexpected attacks from an unknown enemy. As his empire crumbles, he struggles to uncover the perpetrators while maintaining control over his American investors. The film is a gripping portrayal of crime, power, and betrayal in 1980s London.
Directed by: John Mackenzie
Awards: BAFTA Nomination for Best Leading Actor (Bob Hoskins), Los Angeles Film Critics Nomination for Best Foreign Film.
Riders of Justice (2020)
Markus (Mads Mikkelsen), a soldier, returns home after his wife’s tragic death in a train accident, only to discover it may have been a planned murder. With the help of a group of eccentric outsiders, he embarks on a violent quest for revenge. The film blends action, dark comedy, and philosophical musings on fate and justice.
Directed by: Anders Thomas Jensen
Awards: Best Supporting Actor (Lars Brygmann) at the Bodil Awards, Audience Award at Florida Film Festival.
The Thing (1982)
A group of American researchers in Antarctica encounters a shape-shifting alien that assimilates and imitates its victims. As paranoia spreads, helicopter pilot MacReady (Kurt Russell) leads the desperate fight for survival. The film is a masterclass in suspense, practical effects, and psychological horror.
Directed by: John Carpenter
Awards: Saturn Award Nomination for Best Horror Film, Jupiter Award Nomination for Best International Film.
Carol (2015)
In 1950s New York, aspiring photographer Therese (Rooney Mara) falls for the elegant Carol (Cate Blanchett), a woman trapped in a loveless marriage. Their romance faces societal pressures and personal struggles, leading to a poignant exploration of love and identity. The film is a visually stunning adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s novel.
Directed by: Todd Haynes
Awards: BAFTA and Academy Award Nominations for Best Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Adapted Screenplay.
Good Luck to You, Leo Grande (2022)
Retired teacher Nancy (Emma Thompson) hires a young sex worker, Leo (Daryl McCormack), to experience intimacy she never had in her marriage. Their encounters evolve into a heartfelt exploration of self-acceptance and human connection. The film is a witty and touching character study.
Directed by: Sophie Hyde
Awards: BAFTA Nominations for Best Leading Actress and Best British Film, Golden Globe Nomination for Best Actress.
3:10 to Yuma (2007)
Struggling rancher Dan Evans (Christian Bale) agrees to escort outlaw Ben Wade (Russell Crowe) to a prison-bound train, facing deadly obstacles along the way. Their tense journey explores themes of honor, redemption, and survival. The film is a gripping Western remake with stellar performances.
Directed by: James Mangold
Awards: Academy Award Nominations for Best Original Score and Best Sound Mixing.
The Night of the 12th (2022)
A detective investigates the brutal murder of a young woman, uncovering unsettling truths about gender violence and justice. As the case remains unsolved, the film delves into the psychological toll on those seeking answers. A haunting and thought-provoking crime drama.
Directed by: Dominik Moll
Awards: César Award for Best Film, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay.
Mean Streets (1973)
Charlie (Harvey Keitel), a small-time gangster in New York’s Little Italy, struggles with his Catholic guilt and loyalty to his reckless friend Johnny Boy (Robert De Niro). Their dangerous world of crime and betrayal leads to inevitable violence. The film is a gritty and influential classic.
Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Awards: National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actor (Robert De Niro), National Film Registry Selection.
Nope (2022)
OJ Haywood (Daniel Kaluuya) and his sister Emerald (Keke Palmer) run a struggling horse ranch in California, but their lives take a terrifying turn when they discover a mysterious UFO lurking in the skies above. As they attempt to capture proof of the phenomenon, they enlist the help of a tech-savvy salesman and a seasoned cinematographer, but the entity proves far more dangerous than they imagined. Blending sci-fi, horror, and social commentary, Nope delivers a thrilling spectacle with standout performances from Kaluuya, Palmer, and Steven Yeun.
Directed by: Jordan Peele
Awards: Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film, nominations for Best Director, Best Actor (Daniel Kaluuya), and Best Actress (Keke Palmer)
Frank (2014)
Aspiring musician Jon (Domhnall Gleeson) joins an eccentric band led by the enigmatic Frank (Michael Fassbender), a genius who never removes his oversized papier-mâché head. As Jon struggles to fit in with the group’s unconventional methods, tensions rise, and Frank’s fragile mental state begins to unravel. A darkly comedic exploration of creativity and identity, Frank features a mesmerizing performance from Fassbender alongside Maggie Gyllenhaal and Scoot McNairy.
Directed by: Lenny Abrahamson
Awards: British Independent Film Award for Best Screenplay, nominations for Best Director and Best Supporting Actor (Michael Fassbender)
Other People’s Children (2022)
Rachel (Virginie Efira), a dedicated teacher, falls in love with Ali (Roschdy Zem), a single father, and forms a deep bond with his young daughter, Leila. As she embraces her role in their lives, she struggles with the reality that she may always remain on the periphery. A poignant and beautifully observed drama, Other People’s Children explores love, family, and the complexities of relationships.
Directed by: Rebecca Zlotowski
Awards: Lumiere Award for Best Actress (Virginie Efira), nomination for Best Film
Withnail and I (1987)
Two unemployed actors, Withnail (Richard E. Grant) and Marwood (Paul McGann), escape their grim London flat for a disastrous holiday in the countryside. As they navigate eccentric locals and their own self-destructive tendencies, their friendship is tested in hilarious and heartbreaking ways. A cult classic, Withnail and I is a darkly comedic portrait of bohemian life in 1969.
Directed by: Bruce Robinson
Awards: Evening Standard British Film Award for Best Screenplay
American Woman (2018)
Debra (Sienna Miller), a single mother in a small Pennsylvania town, is devastated when her teenage daughter goes missing. As years pass without answers, she raises her grandson while struggling to rebuild her life. A deeply emotional drama, American Woman showcases Miller’s powerhouse performance alongside Christina Hendricks and Aaron Paul.
Directed by: Jake Scott
Awards: Nominated for Best Film at the Toronto International Film Festival
Alone (2020)
Jessica (Jules Willcox), a grieving widow, embarks on a road trip to start anew, but her journey takes a terrifying turn when she is abducted by a mysterious man (Marc Menchaca). As she fights for survival in the wilderness, she must outwit her relentless pursuer. A tense and gripping thriller, Alone keeps audiences on edge with its relentless suspense.
Directed by: John Hyams
Awards: Grimmfest Award for Best Director, Mammoth Film Festival Award for Best Actress (Jules Willcox)
Far from the Madding Crowd (1967)
Independent and headstrong Bathsheba Everdene (Julie Christie) inherits a farm and finds herself pursued by three very different suitors: the devoted shepherd Gabriel Oak (Alan Bates), the wealthy bachelor William Boldwood (Peter Finch), and the reckless soldier Frank Troy (Terence Stamp). As she navigates love and ambition, her choices lead to unexpected consequences. A sweeping adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s novel, Far from the Madding Crowd is a visually stunning period drama.
Directed by: John Schlesinger
Awards: Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score, BAFTA nominations for Best Cinematography and Best Costume Design
Tombstone (1993)
Legendary lawman Wyatt Earp (Kurt Russell) and his brothers arrive in Tombstone, Arizona, hoping to settle down, but they soon find themselves drawn into a deadly conflict with the ruthless Cowboys gang. With the help of his loyal friend Doc Holliday (Val Kilmer), Wyatt takes a stand in one of the most famous gunfights in history. A gripping Western, Tombstone features standout performances from Russell, Kilmer, and Sam Elliott.
Directed by: George P. Cosmatos
Awards: MTV Movie Award nomination for Best Male Performance (Val Kilmer)
A Most Wanted Man (2014)
In Hamburg, German intelligence officer Günther Bachmann (Philip Seymour Hoffman) investigates a suspected terrorist while navigating political pressure from American operatives. As he works to uncover the truth, he must decide whether to trust a young lawyer (Rachel McAdams) and a wealthy banker (Willem Dafoe). A tense espionage thriller, A Most Wanted Man is a gripping adaptation of John le Carré’s novel.
Directed by: Anton Corbijn
Awards: National Board of Review Award for Top Ten Independent Films
Open Range (2003)
Veteran cattlemen Boss Spearman (Robert Duvall) and Charley Waite (Kevin Costner) lead a peaceful life on the open range, but when a ruthless land baron threatens their way of life, they are forced into a violent showdown. A beautifully shot Western, Open Range delivers intense action and heartfelt performances from Duvall, Costner, and Annette Bening.
Directed by: Kevin Costner
Awards: Western Heritage Award for Best Theatrical Motion Picture
Wish You Were Here (1987)
Lynda Mansell (Emily Lloyd), a rebellious teenager in a small English seaside town, struggles against societal expectations and her strict father as she navigates adolescence. Her outspoken nature and provocative behavior lead to conflicts, but beneath her defiance lies a deep yearning for love and independence. A sharp and humorous coming-of-age drama, Wish You Were Here is loosely based on the early life of British madam Cynthia Payne.
Directed by: David Leland
Awards: BAFTA Award for Best Original Screenplay, National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actress (Emily Lloyd), FIPRESCI Prize at Cannes Film Festival
Benedetta (2021)
In 17th-century Italy, Benedetta Carlini (Virginie Efira), a nun with visions of Christ, rises to prominence within her convent, but her passionate affair with a fellow nun threatens to expose her secrets. As religious and political forces close in, Benedetta must navigate faith, desire, and power in a world that seeks to control her. A provocative and visually striking drama, Benedetta explores themes of mysticism and repression.
Directed by: Paul Verhoeven
Awards: National Board of Review Award for Top Five Foreign Language Films, Lumiere Award nomination for Best Actress (Virginie Efira), Palme d’Or nomination at Cannes Film Festival
My Friend Dahmer (2017)
Jeffrey Dahmer (Ross Lynch), an awkward and isolated teenager, struggles to fit in while secretly harboring disturbing fascinations. His high school friend John “Derf” Backderf (Alex Wolff) observes Dahmer’s increasingly erratic behavior, unaware of the darkness that will soon consume him. Based on Backderf’s graphic novel, My Friend Dahmer offers a chilling glimpse into the formative years of one of America’s most infamous serial killers.
Directed by: Marc Meyers
Awards: Best Picture at Austin Fantastic Fest, Grand Special Prize nomination at Deauville Film Festival
Chopper (2000)
Mark “Chopper” Read (Eric Bana), a notorious Australian criminal, recounts his violent exploits both inside and outside prison, blending fact and fiction in his own exaggerated storytelling. As he navigates betrayals, brutal encounters, and his own warped sense of morality, his legend grows, making him both feared and strangely charismatic. A gritty and darkly humorous crime drama, Chopper showcases Bana’s transformative performance.
Directed by: Andrew Dominik
Awards: Australian Film Institute Award for Best Actor (Eric Bana), Grand Prix at Cognac Festival du Film Policier
Little Monsters (2019)
Dave (Alexander England), a washed-up musician, volunteers to chaperone his nephew’s kindergarten field trip in hopes of impressing the charming teacher, Miss Caroline (Lupita Nyong’o). When a sudden zombie outbreak turns the trip into a fight for survival, Dave, Caroline, and an eccentric children’s entertainer (Josh Gad) must protect the kids while keeping the horror at bay. A hilarious and heartfelt horror-comedy, Little Monsters balances gore with warmth.
Directed by: Abe Forsythe
Awards: Golden Raven Award at Brussels International Festival of Fantasy Film, AACTA Award nomination for Best Lead Actress (Lupita Nyong’o)
The Colditz Story (1955)
During World War II, British officer Pat Reid (John Mills) and his fellow prisoners attempt daring escapes from Colditz Castle, a high-security German POW camp. As tensions rise between captives and guards, the prisoners must outwit their captors using ingenuity and teamwork. Based on Reid’s memoir, The Colditz Story is a gripping war drama that highlights resilience and determination.
Directed by: Guy Hamilton
Awards: BAFTA nominations for Best British Film and Best Film from Any Source
The Child in Time (2017)
Children’s author Stephen Lewis (Benedict Cumberbatch) is shattered when his young daughter vanishes without a trace, leaving him to navigate grief, guilt, and the passage of time. As he struggles to rebuild his life, his relationships with his estranged wife (Kelly Macdonald) and best friend (Stephen Campbell Moore) evolve in unexpected ways. A deeply moving adaptation of Ian McEwan’s novel, The Child in Time explores loss and healing.
Directed by: Julian Farino
Awards: BAFTA nomination for Best Actor (Benedict Cumberbatch)
Wrath of Man (2021)
A mysterious and cold security guard, known only as H (Jason Statham), begins working for a cash truck company that transports millions across Los Angeles. But when the company is attacked, H reveals deadly skills that suggest he has a personal vendetta—and a much bigger plan than his colleagues realize. As secrets unravel, the film becomes an intense revenge thriller packed with brutal action, featuring Holt McCallany, Josh Hartnett, and Scott Eastwood in supporting roles.
Directed by: Guy Ritchie
Awards: Nominated for Critics Choice Super Award for Best Action Movie
Fisherman’s Friends (2019)
A cynical London music executive, Danny (Daniel Mays), reluctantly travels to a remote Cornish village, where he stumbles upon a group of fishermen with remarkable singing voices. Tasked with turning them into an unlikely chart-topping sensation, he finds himself drawn to their way of life and tight-knit community. Based on a true story, this feel-good British drama features a charismatic ensemble cast, including James Purefoy, David Hayman, and Tuppence Middleton.
Directed by: Chris Foggin
Awards: Nominated for National Film Awards UK for Best British Film
The Empty Man (2020)
Former detective James Lasombra (James Badge Dale) investigates the disappearance of a teenage girl, uncovering a sinister cult that worships a supernatural entity known as “The Empty Man.” As eerie visions and chilling occurrences blur the line between reality and madness, he realizes he may be more connected to the mystery than he thought. Blending psychological horror with cosmic dread, the film unfolds as a slow-burn nightmare, featuring Marin Ireland and Stephen Root.
Directed by: David Prior
Awards: No major awards, but later gained cult status among horror fans
The Mission (1986)
Jesuit priest Father Gabriel (Jeremy Irons) and mercenary-turned-missionary Rodrigo Mendoza (Robert De Niro) fight to protect an indigenous South American tribe from colonial forces. As political tensions rise, the two men must choose between faith, diplomacy, and armed resistance. Featuring stunning cinematography and an evocative score by Ennio Morricone, the film won the Palme d’Or at Cannes and an Academy Award for Best Cinematography.
Directed by: Roland Joffé
Awards: Palme d’Or at Cannes, Academy Award for Best Cinematography
Central Intelligence (2016)
After reconnecting with a high school friend who was once bullied but is now an unpredictable CIA agent, an ordinary accountant gets caught up in an international espionage mission. As the reluctant duo navigates shootouts, double-crosses, and absurd situations, their friendship is tested in hilarious ways. Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart bring their signature comedic chemistry to this action-packed buddy film.
Directed by: Rawson Marshall Thurber
Awards: Nominated for Critics Choice Award for Best Comedy, People’s Choice Award for Favorite Comedic Movie
Bullet Train (2022)
A seasoned assassin known as Ladybug (Brad Pitt) is tasked with retrieving a briefcase aboard a high-speed train in Japan—but he soon realizes he’s surrounded by dangerous killers with their own agendas. As their missions collide, chaos erupts in an adrenaline-fueled battle for survival. Featuring a star-studded ensemble, including Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, and Hiroyuki Sanada, the film delivers stylish action and dark humor.
Directed by: David Leitch
Awards: Nominated for Saturn Award for Best Action/Adventure Film, MTV Movie Award for Best Fight
Oblivion (2013)
In a post-apocalyptic future, drone repair technician Jack Harper (Tom Cruise) begins questioning everything he knows when he rescues a mysterious woman from a crash. As he uncovers hidden truths about his world and himself, he must decide where his loyalties lie. Featuring breathtaking visual effects and an intriguing sci-fi mystery, Oblivion stars Morgan Freeman, Olga Kurylenko, and Andrea Riseborough.
Directed by: Joseph Kosinski
Awards: Nominated for Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film, ASCAP Award for Top Box Office Films