Summary
- International film directors from the UK are celebrated for their diverse works spanning all genres.
- Notable British directors like Amma Asante and Lynne Ramsay have created impactful and critically acclaimed films.
- From iconic classics like David Lean’s
Lawrence of Arabia
to contemporary hits like Christopher Nolan’s
Inception
, British directors have left a significant mark on global cinema.
As a cinephile who has traversed the seven seas of celluloid, I must say that the directors who have graced our screens with their visionary prowess are truly the magicians of modern times. Among these enchanting sorcerers, two names resonate with an almost mythical quality: Sam Mendes and Ridley Scott.
Film making is a universal art form, and as such, some of the most outstanding movie directors hail from every part of the globe. Notably, many distinguished international film directors have origins in the United Kingdom. While there may be differing levels of familiarity with these names, their films are widely appreciated by film enthusiasts worldwide, regardless of geographical location.
These creative professionals have directed films across a wide range of genres, often featuring prominent actors and skilled technical teams. While some names may be more familiar to certain viewers than others, they are all esteemed UK-based directors. Here is a list ranking the 24 greatest British directors ever.
24 Amma Asante (1969–Present)
From a business perspective, the 2016 film “A United Kingdom,” directed by Amma Asante, deserves recognition as one of the underappreciated cinematic gems from the last decade. The movie, featuring David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike in lead roles, narrates the true love story between Seretse Khama, the future ruler of the Bangwato Tribe (a section of Botswana), and his wife Ruth Williams Khama. In this film, Oyelowo plays the role of Seretse, while Pike portrays Ruth. The film was lauded for its balanced pacing and excellent acting, which were indeed well-deserved, ultimately securing a nomination for Best British Film at the British Academy Film Awards.
More than Just a One-Hit Wonder
Apart from “A United Kingdom,” Asante’s impressive body of work includes several other notable films that are worth sharing with loved ones back home. Among these, “Belle” (2013) stands out as one of her finest works, while “A Way of Life” (2004) and “Where Hands Touch” (2018) further enrich her portfolio. In the end, all these films earned a place on this list. Asante’s considerable contributions to British cinema eventually garnered her recognition from the Order of the British Empire, who went on to acknowledge her best films as well.
23 Tony Richardson (1928–1991)
Initially working in both television and theater, director Tony Richardson eventually moved into filmmaking, quickly establishing himself as a promising new talent within the industry. Throughout his illustrious career, he garnered many honors, such as multiple BAFTA awards and numerous Palme d’Or nominations. In retrospect, he is recognized as a significant figure in the burgeoning British New Wave, a movement that encompassed other directors like Jack Clayton and Bryan Forbes as well.
Albert Finney Launched Tony Richardson to Stardom
He boasts numerous filmmaking ventures to his credit, but arguably his most noteworthy work is the one that earned him the Best Director accolade at the Oscars: Tom Jones, released in 1963. This adaptation of Henry Fielding’s novel, The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling from 1749, was a critically lauded comedy with Albert Finney playing the lead character. The movie also featured several other accomplished actors as part of its cast. In the end, Tom Jones significantly contributed to Richardson’s early rise in the film industry.
22 Andrea Arnold (1961–Present)
No matter how many critical hits English director Andrea Arnold pumps out in the 21st century, projects such as Red Road (2006) consistently make splashes instead of waves at the worldwide box office. An intense film at its core, Red Road made significant headway in critical circles due to its unconventional filming techniques, its harrowing plot, and its eerily prescient focus on CCTV footage. While it wouldn’t make too big of an international impact, a survey hosted by The Guardian (formerly The Observer) saw many critics dub it as one of the best British films in a quarter-century.
Underrated, But Not Forgotten
The psychological thriller currently receives less recognition than it deserves, much like most of Arnold’s other films, such as “Fish Tank” (2009), “Wuthering Heights” (2011), and “American Honey” (2016). Notably, the latter film stars rising actress Sasha Lane alongside established actor Shia LaBeouf. The narrative revolves around Lane’s character, Skye, who departs from home to join a traveling sales team peddling magazine subscriptions across the United States. This film is also largely underrated, earning it a spot on my list at number twenty-two.
21 Lynne Ramsay (1969–Present)
At the dawn of the new millennium, I found myself captivated by the gritty yet poetic debut of Lynne Ramsay, a fellow cinephile hailing from Scotland. Her first feature film, “Ratcatcher” (1999), was a poignant journey through the life of a young boy navigating the evolving landscape of his council estate in Glasgow. The harsh realities of his existence were starkly portrayed—no running water, no bathing facilities, and no proper restroom. This profound piece of cinema went on to claim the BAFTA Award for an Outstanding Debut by a British Director, along with numerous other honors from the British Independent Film Awards and the British Film Institute.
Ratcatcher Made Ramsay Famous
Although everyone from critics to viewers praised Ratcatcher highly, it didn’t draw large crowds to movie theaters worldwide at the time of its release. However, over time, it has become a cult favorite, striking a chord with audiences across various tastes, just as it did with critics at the start of the new millennium. Ramsay boasts other notable films, such as the gripping film Joaquin Phoenix starred in, You Were Never Really Here (2017), and the enduringly haunting psychological drama We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011). Without a doubt, she deserves her place on this list.
20 John Schlesinger (1926–2003)
John Schlesinger’s body of work spans a wide range of film genres, including romantic comedies, historical dramas, suspenseful thrillers, and even horror films. However, among his many projects, three truly shine: “Darling” (1955), “Midnight Cowboy” (1969), and “Sunday Bloody Sunday” (1971). These films are particularly noteworthy as they earned Schlesinger nominations for Best Director at the Oscars.
The Only X-Rated Best Picture Win
Indeed, he clinched an award for “Midnight Cowboy,” an X-rated movie that stands alone as the only Best Picture winner in history. Moreover, this film also took home prizes for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. However, another movie by this English filmmaker deserves special mention: “Marathon Man” (1976), a gripping thriller featuring Dustin Hoffman, Laurence Olivier, and Roy Scheider. It remains highly esteemed to this day and is often hailed as one of the best films from its era.
19 Ken Russell (1927–2011)
As a movie connoisseur, I must attest that Ken Russell, though not as globally renowned as some others in the industry, was undeniably one of Britain’s most gifted directors during his time. His journey began with modest productions, but it was “Women in Love” (1969) that catapulted him into the limelight. Set in a post-World War I English mining town, this film delves into the complex relationships between two sisters and two men. This groundbreaking work not only earned him Best Director nominations at the Oscars and the Golden Globes but also cemented its place as his magnum opus.
A Director With Many Talents
Apart from releasing several other notable hits like “The Boy Friend” (1971), “Tommy” (1975), and “Altered States” (1980), Russell also gained recognition for his work. Notably, “Tommy” transformed into a highly praised rock opera film, earning Ann-Margret a Golden Globe award and nominating Pete Townshend for an Oscar due to his exceptional score. Although many of Russell’s projects may not be as well-known today, he certainly deserves a spot on this list for his contributions.
18 Nicolas Roeg (1928–2018)
As a cinephile, I can’t help but marvel at the indelible mark left by the legendary filmmaker Nicolas Roeg. Among his numerous masterpieces, none stands out quite like “Don’t Look Now” (1973), a chilling thriller that has left an undeniable impact on countless creatives in the industry. Films such as “Schindler’s List” (1993), “Memento” (2000), “Casino Royale” (2006), “In Bruges” (2008), and even the recent “Hereditary” (2018) – each director found inspiration in Roeg’s groundbreaking work. In this film, Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie delivered captivating performances in a horror movie that shattered traditional boundaries, pushing the envelope with unflinching content that not only elevated the genre but also expanded the possibilities of what horror could achieve.
An Influential Filmmaker
Roeg’s employment of perception and impressionistic filmmaking techniques was truly impactful. Just like the other directors mentioned in this piece, there are numerous other films by him that deserve recognition. For instance, consider “The Man Who Fell From Earth” (1976), “Bad Timing” (1980), and “The Witches” (1990). Although these movies may not be widely known today, their quality should not be underestimated.
17 Guy Ritchie (1968–Present)
Initially, it might seem surprising to list Guy Ritchie’s first two movies – “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” (1998) and “Snatch” (2000) – together, given their global popularity among movie enthusiasts. These films have left a lasting impact on cinema, with the former being a witty crime comedy that blended dark humor, exceptional performances from its leads, and became an instant classic. The latter film continued this success by introducing fresh settings and incorporating more international actors, while maintaining the same engaging elements as its predecessor. Both movies were blockbusters, earning praise from critics worldwide.
Stellar Highs (And Some Occasional Lows)
While it’s true that Ritchie has delivered some outstanding works like “Sherlock Holmes” (2009), “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” (2015), “The Gentleman” (2019), “Wrath of Man” (2021), and his upcoming project, “Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant” (2023), it’s also fair to mention that he’s had a few disappointing films in his repertoire. These include “Swept Away” (2002), “Revolver” (2005), and more recently, “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare” (2024). These films, however, don’t diminish the importance of his initial works.
16 Ken Loach (1936–Present)
Despite the fact that Ken Loach’s reputation as a director and the appeal of his particular films might not resonate widely with many movie enthusiasts, he is highly esteemed within a specific segment of the film industry. One of his most notable works would be “The Wind That Shakes the Barley” (2006), a war film starring Cillian Murphy and Pádraic Delaney. This film was awarded the Palme d’Or at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival, and at the time of its release, it held the title as the highest-grossing independent movie from Ireland.
One of Nine Directors to Win Two Palme d’Or Awards
Among Ken Loach’s impressive body of work, it was not just “Cathy Come Home” that took home the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival; his film, “I, Daniel Blake,” released in 2006, also received this prestigious honor. This contemporary drama, featuring Dave Johns in a gripping performance, serves as a scathing critique of the British healthcare system. The character Daniel Blake finds himself in a precarious situation, unable to work yet denied welfare assistance. These two remarkable films by Loach alone earn him a place on this list, let alone his other notable works.
15 Jim Sheridan (1949–Present)
Jim Sheridan’s directorial prowess is undeniably impressive, but it’s fair to note that he’s particularly renowned for his creative partnership with Daniel Day-Lewis. This esteemed actor, often hailed as one of the greatest in history, first gained significant recognition within the industry through his collaborations with Sheridan. Notable projects like “My Left Foot” (1989) and “In the Name of the Father” (1993) were pivotal in this regard. The former portrayed an Irish man grappling with cerebral palsy, while the latter was a biographical account of the Guildford Four, who were wrongfully accused of a crime they didn’t commit.
Frequently Collaborated with Daniel Day-Lewis
Sheridan garnered Oscar nominations for Best Director in two of his works, with Day-Lewis taking home the award for “My Left Foot”. They teamed up again in “The Boxer” (1997), where Day-Lewis played the main boxing character. Meanwhile, Sheridan garnered significant praise from critics for “In America” (2003). There’s no denying he deserves this accolade. His upcoming film, “Re-creation”, will be directed jointly with David Merriman, and Vicky Krieps and Colm Meaney have signed on to star.
14 Alan Parker (1944–2020)
Without a doubt, the film Bugsy Malone (1976) is arguably the most famous title in Alan Parker’s illustrious career, but it certainly isn’t the only remarkable work he produced. The creative powerhouse that was Pink Floyd – The Wall (1982) cannot be underestimated, nor can Crazy Heart (1987), which featured captivating performances by Mickey Rourke and Robert De Niro. This gripping psychological thriller boasted a compelling blend of neo-noir elements and an expertly executed plot twist.
A Creative Tour de Force
I can’t help but feel that including Midnight Express (1978) and Mississippi Burning (1988) in this list significantly elevates my status as a supporter. The former film not only bagged the Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Score at the Academy Awards, but also the latter was recognized with a win for Best Cinematography among six other nominations. Despite not being as widely recognized as some of the next choices on this list, I believe my talent as a director is undeniable.
13 Richard Attenborough (1923–2014)
So far in the list, Richard Attenborough stands out as a highly identifiable name among regular moviegoers, largely due to his notable biographical films such as “Gandhi” (1982) and “Chaplin” (1992). Both of these films earned numerous Academy Award nominations, with “Gandhi” being particularly successful. It dominated the 55th Academy Awards, securing eight out of its eleven nominations, including one for Best Director.
More than Just Gandhi and Chaplin
Of course, Sir David Attenborough is renowned for more than just his work with wildlife documentaries. He’s also directed films like “A Bridge Too Far” (1977), a war drama, and “Cry Freedom” (1987), a biographical film featuring Denzel Washington. His extensive body of work, combined with his acting experience before he became a director, have made him exceptional at creating captivating stories and shaping his own distinctive vision. On any given day, he could easily rank higher on this list, but for now, position thirteen will do.
12 Mike Leigh (1943–Present)
Mike Leigh, a renowned yet underappreciated British film director, garnered seven Academy Award nominations in his career: five for Best Original Screenplay and two for Best Director. Regrettably, he didn’t win any of these nominations, which suggests that he might be one of the top talents never to take home an Oscar statuette.
Fantastic British Talent
In terms of his individual movies, these may not be instantly recognizable to American viewers, yet they boast intricate storylines and strong acting performances. For instance, “Secrets & Lies” (1996), “Topsy Turvy” (1999), “Vera Drake” (2004), “Happy-Go-Lucky” (2008), and “Another Year” (2010) have all earned critical acclaim within the film industry. The skill of Mike Leigh is indisputable, as it shines through in each of his feature films.
11 Steve McQueen (1969–Present)
In 2008, Steve McQueen made his striking debut in the film industry with “Hunger,” a historical drama that portrays the Irish hunger strike of 1981. This film has earned a 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and garnered critical acclaim but remains relatively unnoticed from a commercial standpoint. Michael Fassbender delivered an outstanding performance as a hunger-striking prisoner, and the movie received two BAFTA nominations and a total of six awards from the Irish Film & Television Academy, highlighting its exceptional qualities.
Known for Incredible Storytelling
Without a doubt, the groundbreaking McQueen film is “12 Years a Slave” (2013), based on a real-life slave narrative memoir by Solomon Northup, first published in 1853. This adaptation was highly praised, boasting a 95% approval rating on the referenced site and earning nine nominations at the Academy Awards. Regrettably, McQueen missed out on the Best Director award, but the film was honored with the prestigious Best Picture accolade. His latest work, “Widows” (2018), further cements his place here due to its gripping storyline and impressive ensemble cast.
10 Danny Boyle (1956–Present)
Despite catering primarily to a specific group of movie enthusiasts, Danny Boyle is known for directing a diverse range of films across various genres and scales. One of his earliest works, Shallow Grave (1994), was highly acclaimed as one of the best directorial debuts in the 1990s. However, it’s fair to say that he truly outshone himself with his subsequent film, Trainspotting (1996). In fact, an entire section could be dedicated solely to this remarkable movie.
Only Gets Better With Time
Ignoring the lesser-known gems in his filmography would be unfair to his body of work: films like “28 Days Later” (2001), “Slumdog Millionaire” (2008), and “127 Hours” (2010) were critically acclaimed in their years, while “Millions” (2004), “Sunshine” (2007), and “Trance” (2013) are still underappreciated today. His more recent works, such as “Steve Jobs” (2015), “T2 Trainspotting” (2017), and “Yesterday” (2019), have solidified his standing, but some of his earlier projects, like “A Life Less Ordinary” (1997) and “The Beach” (2000), received negative reviews, so it’s best to skip those.
9 Michael Powell (1905–1990)
Michael Powell, a name less known to American viewers, has left an indelible impact on Hollywood through his films, including the chilling “Peeping Tom” (1960). This horror movie served as a forerunner to the slasher genre that gained prominence in the U.S. during the subsequent decade. Among Powell’s works, “Peeping Tom” stands out as his finest contribution.
Special Thanks to Emeric Pressburger
In addition to the movie you mentioned, Michael Powell also directed “The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp” (1943), “A Canterbury Tale” (1944), and “The Red Shoes” (1948). These films were jointly directed with Emeric Pressburger, a renowned filmmaking pair. Interestingly, if not for the movie “Peeping Tom”, Powell’s name would have been included in this list as well. However, he chose to direct the horror feature “Peeping Tom” independently, which is why it features here at number nine.
8 Martin McDonough (1970–Present)
As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but express my excitement over Martin McDonough’s latest masterpiece, “The Banshees of Inisherin” (2022), which garnered an impressive nine nominations at the 95th Academy Awards. Amongst his works, this film stands out as a testament to his exceptional storytelling prowess, with only three other projects, such as “In Bruges” (2008), “Seven Psychopaths” (2012), and “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” (2017), sharing the same spotlight.
McDonough’s Incredible Screenplays
However, it’s worth noting that despite McDonaugh having a limited number of films, each one is nearly flawless in its storyline and deeply impactful from the very beginning. Except for Seven Psychopaths, his films have been recognized with nominations for Best Original Screenplay at the Academy Awards. In fact, he won this award three times at the BAFTAs for those very movies. Additionally, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and The Banshees of Inisherin were both nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, with the latter also earning McDonaugh a nomination for Best Director. Many believe that all these accolades should have been given to this exceptional filmmaker.
7 Terry Gilliam (1940–Present)
During the 1970s, the renowned British filmmaker Terry Gilliam established his reputation with the help of films like “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” (1975) and “Jabberwocky” (1977). The latter was created in collaboration with Terry Jones, and it remains a significant work in their collective career. However, in the subsequent decade, Gilliam distinguished himself from them by directing films such as “Time Bandits” (1981), “Brazil” (1985), and “The Adventures of Baron Munchausen” (1988).
A Director of Many Talents
In the 1990s, Terry Gilliam took his filmmaking to an entirely new level: “The Fisher King” (1992) earned five Academy Award nominations, and “Twelve Monkeys” (1995) brought Brad Pitt his first Oscar nod and a Golden Globe win. Truly deserving recognition. Since then, the quality of Gilliam’s films has noticeably declined, but fortunately for this discussion, his cinematic legacy was already firmly established by that science fiction masterpiece.
6 Sam Mendes (1965–Present)
In 1999, director Sam Mendes made a striking entrance into Hollywood’s upper echelons with his debut film, “American Beauty.” This movie showcased an extraordinary ensemble cast that included Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, Thora Birch, Allison Janney, and others. Together, they brought to life a gripping drama, seamlessly blending dark comedy with a superb script and an outstanding musical score. In a year brimming with exceptional films, “American Beauty” managed to shine among heavyweights like “Being John Malkovich,” “The Matrix,” and “Magnolia.”
Sam Mendes Delivered Hit After Hit
That directorial debut remains his masterpiece today, winning Best Director off the bat as his career had legitimately just gotten started. But he was by no means done there, returning in valiant fashion with Road to Perdition (2002), a crime film with Tom Hanks and Paul Newman. After that came Jarhead (2005), an underrated war film with Jake Gyllenhaal, followed by Revolutionary Road (2008) and Away We Go (2009). After that, Mendes directed two James Bond films: Skyfall (2012) and Spectre (2017). He then went back to the war genre with 1917 (2019), and frankly, if it weren’t for his most recent project, Empire of Light (2022), the quality of his filmography alone would’ve warranted a spot in the top five. But number six will suffice.
5 Ridley Scott (1937–Present)
Along with a couple others to follow, Ridley Scott is among the most famous British directors to ever live, if he’s not number one. Alien (1979) and Blade Runner (1982) are two absolute classics of the science fiction genre, and without a doubt hold up today in terms of sheer quality. And he’s only continued the trend of acclaimed science fiction projects into the twenty-first century with titles like Prometheus (2012) and The Martian (2015). Of course, he also has plenty of films that are firmly rooted in historical fiction, including Napoleon (2023) and The Last Duel (2021).
Too Many Ridley Scott Films to Count
To put it simply, Rita, his body of work is enormous – naming his films beyond the genre we discussed earlier would require a lengthy list, but there are some notable ones such as Gladiator (2000), Black Hawk Down (2001), and American Gangster (2007). Even this brief mention barely scratches the surface, and his commercial successes are undeniable. He’s one of the greatest directors, regardless of where he worked, and a few missteps like The Counselor (2013) and Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014) prevented him from reaching an even higher rank.
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2024-08-19 00:33