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.

#1
#1
Adjusted Score: 107179%
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... [More]
Starring: Peter Jackson
Directed By: Peter Jackson

#2

Rocketman (2019)
Tomatometer icon 89%

#2
Adjusted Score: 110390%
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... [More]
Directed By: Dexter Fletcher

#3

Maiden (2018)
Tomatometer icon 98%

#3
Adjusted Score: 103884%
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... [More]
Directed By: Alex Holmes

#4
#4
Adjusted Score: 105546%
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... [More]
Directed By: Stephen Merchant

#5

For Sama (2019)
Tomatometer icon 98%

#5
Adjusted Score: 102821%
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.... [More]