Best-Reviewed Movies 2019: United Kingdom

The list of best-reviewed UK releases offers a little something for everyone, from a surprise hit family comedy starring Florence Pugh (Fighting with My Family) and a crowd-pleasing rock biopic featuring a standout performance from Taron Egerton (Rocketman) to an intimate wartime documentary (For Sama) and one about a groundbreaking, perilous journey (Maiden). But it was Peter Jackson’s remarkable tribute to the British soldiers of World War I, They Shall Not Grow Old, that rode a wave of universal acclaim to win the category. It’s an impressive technical achievement that also serves to remind audiences of the real human impact of war, and it’s a thoughtful, fitting celebration of the conflict’s centennial anniversary.

The order of the rank below reflects the Adjusted Score as of December 31, 2019. Scores might change over time.

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They Shall Not Grow Old (2018)

99%

Critics Consensus: An impressive technical achievement with a walloping emotional impact, They Shall Not Grow Old pays brilliant cinematic tribute to the sacrifice of a generation.

Synopsis: Using state-of-the-art technology and materials from the BBC and Imperial War Museum, filmmaker Peter Jackson allows the story of World War I to be told... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Peter Jackson

Directed By: Peter Jackson

Rocketman (2019)

89%

Critics Consensus: It's going to be a long, long time before a rock biopic manages to capture the highs and lows of an artist's life like Rocketman.

Synopsis: Young Reginald Dwight changes his name to Elton John and collaborates with singer-songwriter Bernie Taupin to become one of the most iconic figures in pop... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, Gemma Jones

Directed By: Dexter Fletcher

Maiden (2018)

98%

Critics Consensus: Enthralling viewing even for audiences with little to no knowledge of or interest in sailing, Maiden pays powerful tribute to a true pioneer.

Synopsis: In 1989 Tracy Edwards leads the first all-female crew in the Whitbread Round the World Race, a grueling yachting competition that covers 33,000 miles and... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Tracy Edwards, Nancy Harris, John Chittenden, Bruno De Bois

Directed By: Alex Holmes

Fighting With My Family (2019)

93%

Critics Consensus: Much like the sport it celebrates, Fighting with My Family muscles past clichés with a potent blend of energy and committed acting that should leave audiences cheering.

Synopsis: Born into a tight-knit wrestling family, Paige and her brother Zak are ecstatic when they get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to try out for the WWE.... View Full Synopsis

Starring: Florence Pugh, Lena Headey, Nick Frost, Jack Lowden

Directed By: Stephen Merchant

For Sama (2019)

98%

Critics Consensus: As intimate as it is heartbreakingly resonant, For Sama powerfully distills the difficult choices faced by citizens of war-torn regions.

Synopsis: A young woman is followed through five years during the revolution in Aleppo, Syria - through love, marriage and motherhood.

Starring: Waad Al-Kateab, Sama Al-Kateab, Hamza Al-Kateab

Directed By: Edward Watts, Waad Al-Khateab

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