8 British Netflix Original Movies Released in 2024
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Last Updated on November 11, 2024 by Stefanie Hutson
In 2015 and 2016, Netflix produced fewer than 25 original films. In 2022, that number was around 160 – and in 2023, it was around 153. We've checked out the list for 2024, and the total this year is slightly lower, at 137 (56 of which are English-language).
Of course, this is a site celebrating British TV and film, so what we're interested in are those films which (a) are from the British Isles, or (b) feature well-known British actors in leading roles. Below, we take a look at the films which meet those criteria. This year, there were 8 – down from 11 in 2023 and 13 in 2022. Admittedly, there's a chance we could have missed one or two – but we've done our best to be thorough.
That may be the result of some of the mockery Netflix's original films have received from viewers online. A recent Bloomberg article spoke of Netflix's shift in strategy – from lots of lower quality movies to a small number of higher quality productions (the upcoming Thursday Murder Club film comes to mind).
Curious about other recent years?
Good Grief
With a Netflix premiere date of January 5th, 2024, this was the first substantially-British Netflix original film of the year. Schitt's Creek fans will recognise Canadian actor Dan Levy in the leading role, but most of the central cast for this one is British – including Celia Imrie, Ruth Negga, Luke Evans, David Bradley, and Himesh Patel. The film follows a man mourning the loss of his husband as two of his closest friends do their best to support him.
Art fans will be pleased to see a portion of the film was shot at the Claude Monet exhibit at the Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris, but it also features scenes in London and Margate.
Damsel
Though American, this dark fantasy film stars British actress Millie Bobby Brown as Elodie, a young woman whose acceptance of a marriage proposal leaves her stuck in a deeply unpleasant situation. She learns she was used to repay her family's ancient debts, and that she's intended to be a sacrifice – and in addition to escaping, she'll have to avoid a nearby dragon. In addition to Brown, the film also stars Ray Winstone (Vincent) as Elodie's father, Lord Bayford.
Irish Wish
In this Irish-themed Netflix romcom, American actress Lindsay Lohan stars as Maddie, a woman grappling with complicated feelings after her best friend gets engaged to the love of her life. When she makes a wish to find happiness, she wakes up to an alternate reality where she’s engaged to her best friend’s fiancé. Set against a backdrop of Irish scenery, this film features all sorts of beautiful locations, with an Irish supporting cast adding authenticity (which, we'll be honest, is a bit thin in this film) and charm.
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar & Three More
In this unique Wes Anderson project, The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar & Three More, Anderson adapts four short stories by British author Roald Dahl. The film, starring British actors Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) as the wealthy and curious Henry Sugar, Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire), and Ralph Fiennes (The English Patient), combines Dahl’s whimsy with Anderson’s distinct visual style. Shot primarily in the UK, the film celebrates British storytelling, eccentric characters, and dry humour.
The Beautiful Game
This heartwarming drama follows a team of homeless footballers as they prepare to represent their country in the Homeless World Cup in Rome. British actor Bill Nighy (Love Actually) plays their manager Mal, guiding the players as they face struggles both on and off the field. At the last minute, the team gets a talented new addition – but he'll only be able to help if he can let go of his past and learn to be part of a team.
Scoop
Based on Sam McAlister's Scoops: Behind The Scenes of the BBC’s Most Shocking Interviews, this film tells the behind-the-scenes story of the BBC's explosive Prince Andrew interview on Newsnight. It highlights the journalistic efforts of former BBC producer McAlister, from negotiations with Buckingham Palace to Emily Maitlis's interview that stunned the world with bizarre tales of not sweating and knowing he was at the Pizza Express in Woking at a precise time back in 2001 (as an alibi).
Rufus Sewell (The Diplomat) plays “Randy Andy”, while Gillian Anderson (The Fall) plays Emily Maitlis. Other cast members include Billie Piper as BBC producer Sam McAlister, Keeley Hawes as aide Amanda Thirsk, and Romola Garai as Newsnight editor Esme Wren. Fans of the film may also wish to check out A Very Royal Scandal, an Amazon Prime Video production about the exact same interview (but without the big name talent). There's also a documentary, Prince Andrew & the Epstein Scandal: The Newsnight Interview.
And after all that, you'll probably need a very long, very hot shower to feel clean again.
Joy
Based on a true story, this historical drama follows the pioneering journey that led to the birth of the world’s first IVF baby, Louise Brown. Set in the 1960s and 70s, it centers on nurse Jean Purdy (Thomasin McKenzie), scientist Robert Edwards (James Norton), and surgeon Patrick Steptoe (Bill Nighy) as they develop the first “test tube baby.”
The cast also features Joanna Scanlan, Charlie Murphy, Tanya Moodie, Ella Bruccoleri, and Rish Shah.
That Christmas
Adapted from British author Richard Curtis’s illustrated children’s books, That Christmas is a festive family film that brings together the stories of three families during one holiday season. With a quintessentially British feel, the film boats a voice cast of much-loved British actors like Brian Cox (Succession), Jodie Whittaker (Doctor Who), Fiona Shaw (Killing Eve), Katherine Parkinson (The IT Crowd), Emma Thompson (Love Actually), and Olivia Colman (The Crown), bringing Curtis’s warm holiday story to life. If you're looking for something sweet and all-ages appropriate to watch with the kids or grandkids this Christmas, this one is perfect.
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