The Ultimate Guide to Must-Watch Movies & TV Shows on BritBox

Summary

BritBox offers a wide variety of British TV shows and films, making it stand out from other streaming services like Netflix and Hulu.

BritBox has gained immense popularity in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa, boasting a staggering 2.6 million worldwide subscribers. With a captivating collection of iconic British sitcoms, gripping crime dramas, and captivating period dramas, BritBox stands as a treasure trove of the finest British movies and TV shows ever produced.

In addition to popular online subscription-based streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Max, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+, there is another noteworthy option for people looking for great content: BritBox. BritBox stands out from other streaming services as it predominantly offers British TV shows and films. From iconic British sitcoms and modern Scottish murder mystery series to classic movies starring famous English actors, BritBox offers a diverse range of British content.

As of July 2022, BritBox has amassed 2.6 million subscribers globally, reflecting its growing popularity not only in the United Kingdom but also in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa (via Mumbrella). While other streaming services like Hulu and Netflix may have a selection of excellent British shows and movies, BritBox is the only platform entirely dedicated to British content. Consequently, it boasts an exceptional collection of the greatest British movies and TV shows of all time in its catalog.

10 A Room with a View (1985)

Merchant Ivory Productions' adaptation of E.M. Forster's 1908 novel A Room with a View delves into the love story of Lucy Honeychurch and George Emerson. While the film primarily focuses on their romance, it also serves as a critique of the restrictive culture prevalent in England during the Edwardian era. With its all-star cast of British actors, including Maggie Smith, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Judi Dench, this film is hailed as one of the best on BritBox. It received eight Academy Award nominations, including a nod for Best Picture.

9 An Inspector Calls (2015)

Adapted from J. B. Priestley's 1945 play of the same name, An Inspector Calls is a captivating TV movie. It revolves around Inspector Goole (David Thewlis), who delves into the death of a woman that eventually leads him to the enigmatic Birling family. Reminiscent of the finest British murder mysteries, this film stands out on BritBox due to its aura of intrigue and suspense. With unexpected twists and turns, it becomes a gripping challenge to unravel the identity of the culprit. Thewlis's remarkable portrayal of Goole adds an extra layer of excitement to this mysterious journey.

8 A Confession (2019)

A Confession is a miniseries released in 2019 that follows the journey of Detective Sergeant Stephen Fulcher (Martin Freeman) as he diligently pursues a notorious serial killer connected to the disappearance of Sian O'Callaghan. However, as the investigation becomes increasingly consuming, Stephen finds his professional and personal life unraveling. What sets A Confession apart from other British murder mysteries is not only Freeman's exceptional portrayal but also its basis on a real-life incident involving a police officer who sacrificed his career in the pursuit of justice.

7 Shetland (2013 - Present)

When it comes to Scottish crime dramas that are gritty and intense, few can compare to the iconic TV show, Shetland, produced by the BBC. While the series showcases a strong ensemble of characters, its primary focus revolves around Detective Inspector Jimmy Pérez (Douglas Henshall). Together with a team of fellow police officers, he is tasked with investigating a string of gruesome murders and crimes. What sets this series apart on BritBox is not only the intriguing cases that Pérez and his team must solve but also the personal demons they must confront during their relentless pursuit of justice.

6 Luther (2010 - 2019)

Considered as one of the most outstanding British crime dramas to date, Luther depicts the story of Detective Chief Inspector John Luther (played by Idris Elba), a brilliant investigator whose unwavering commitment to his police duties gradually consumes his every waking moment. Consequently, he finds himself devoid of significant personal connections, with the exception of Alice Morgan (portrayed by Ruth Wilson), a highly intelligent serial killer who holds an infatuation towards him. With Elba's remarkable portrayal of the iconic John Luther, the show's grippingly dark ambiance, and its unparalleled writing, Luther stands as an exemplary psychological crime series that should not be missed on BritBox.

5 The Office (2001 - 2003)

Content created by British comedians Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, The Office is a mockumentary sitcom that follows a group of office workers at an English paper company as they navigate their 9–5 jobs while enduring the eccentric behavior of their boss, David Brent (Gervais). Though the American adaptation of The Office, starring Steve Carell as Michael Scott, may be more well-known in the US, the UK original stands as a brilliantly crafted, brilliantly performed, and undeniably hilarious series. It showcases the cringe-inducing comedy that both Gervais and Merchant excel at, earning its place as one of the finest sitcoms available on BritBox.

4 Downton Abbey (2010 - 2015)

Downton Abbey is a captivating period drama that centers around the lives of the Crawleys, a wealthy English family, and their devoted domestic staff at their grand estate. Drawing inspiration from real-life figures and actual historical events such as the tragic sinking of the Titanic and the infamous Teapot Dome Scandal, the show delves into how these aristocrats navigate and respond to these tumultuous occurrences. Its immense popularity has even led to the creation of two sequel films, namely Downton Abbey (2019) and the upcoming Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022). With its lasting impact, Downton Abbey unquestionably stands as one of the supreme period dramas available on BritBox.

3 Mr. Bean (1990 - 1995)

Considered as one of the funniest British sitcoms ever created, Mr. Bean is the brainchild of renowned British actor and comedian, Rowan Atkinson. The series revolves around the misadventures of Mr. Bean (Rowan Atkinson), an inept individual who tackles everyday problems in the most outrageous and unconventional ways, often while inadvertently irritating those around him. What sets the comedy of Mr. Bean apart is its extensive reliance on physical comedy, with Atkinson's comedic genius shining through not only in the jokes themselves but also in the physicality required to deliver them. As a result, Mr. Bean stands out as one of the top comedies available on BritBox.

2 Pride And Prejudice (1995)

A remarkable adaptation of Jane Austen's timeless novel, Pride and Prejudice, the six-episode series delves into the captivating relationship between Elizabeth Bennet (Jennifer Ehle) and Fitzwilliam Darcy (Colin Firth). These two English aristocrats embark on a transformative journey, conquering their pride and overcoming their preconceptions of one another to truly find love. Among the numerous adaptations of Austen's masterpiece in film and television, the 1995 miniseries particularly shines with its exceptional writing and the remarkable performances by Ehle and Firth. Undoubtedly, this series is a must-watch on BritBox.

1 Doctor Who (1963 - 1989)

BritBox offers all 26 seasons of the classic Doctor Who, which may not be as well-known to audiences compared to the modern seasons featuring the Ninth Doctor, Christopher Eccleston. The show revolves around a Time Lord known as "The Doctor", who uses the TARDIS to travel through time and space in order to safeguard humanity and preserve history from threats such as the Daleks and the Cybermen. With its devoted fanbase, Doctor Who holds its place as one of the most iconic sci-fi series in history, making it a must-watch on BritBox.