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It's nearly Valentine's Day, so we thought it might be a good time to talk romance. Specifically, British romance. Now, while the Brits don't exactly have a reputation for being the most passionate folks on the planet, we continue to see new baby Brits every year, so you know there's SOME romance going on.
In this post, we'll take a look at 14 romantic British movies – along with the details about where you can watch online.
14 Romantic British Movies You Can Stream Right Now: 2020 Edition
In this post, we put most of the focus on newer titles rather than the tried and true classics – we may give them their own post in the near future . Feel free to include your suggestions in the comments below!
The Theory of Everything
Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones star as acclaimed astrophysicist Stephen Hawking and his first wife, Jane Wilde. Adapted from her memoirs, it focuses on his life at the University of Cambridge, their marriage, and their path of their relationship and family life. Stephen Hawking provided his own computerised voice for the film.
Watch The Theory of Everything on: Netflix | Amazon
Pink Wall
Tatiana Maslany and Jay Duplass star in this film about two North American expats living in Wales. They're a modern couple, and their world is one of dinner parties and long, abstract conversations about open relationships and gender politics – so it's not a movie for everyone. It uses a nonlinear timeline to explore the 6-year course of their relationship.
Watch Pink Wall on: Amazon
Vita & Virginia
Gemma Arterton, Elizabeth Debicki, and Isabella Rossellini star in this 1920s period romance about the love affair between poet and novelist Vita Sackville-West and author Virginia Woolf. The affair inspired Woolf's novel Orlando (Book | Movie).
Watch Vita & Virginia on: Amazon
Bitter Harvest
This English-language, mostly-British production is set in Soviet Ukraine during the early 1930s. It tells the story of a young artist battling starvation, imprisonment, and torture to save the woman he loves.
Watch Bitter Harvest on: Amazon
Ophelia
This interesting 2019 film reimagines Hamlet from the perspective of Ophelia. Daisy Ridley takes on the title role, and Naomi Watts and Clive Owen also appear.
Watch Ophelia on: Amazon
About Time
This 2013 British rom-com-dram focuses on a young man with the ability to time travel. In the past, he's able to take actions that change the future – though not always in the ways he might hope.
Watch About Time on: Amazon | Netflix
The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society
During WWII, a London-based writer travels to German-occupied Guernsey. There, she becomes entwined in their lives and learns about the book club that helps them stay sane in the difficult circumstances.
Watch The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society on: Netflix
Man Up
Simon Pegg and Lake Bell star in this 2015 British rom-com about a blind date and a case of mistaken identity. As a warning, the comedy is occasionally pretty sexual in nature.
Watch Man Up on: Netflix | Amazon
The Exception
This 2016 WWII-era romance stars Lily James, Christopher Plummer, Jai Courtney, and Janet McTeer. When a soldier is assigned to be a bodyguard for the deposed German Emporer, Wilhelm II at his estate, he quickly becomes involved with one of the maids. Putting her trust in him, she reveals that she's Jewish – forcing him to decide whether he'll be true to his job or to her.
Watch The Exception on: Amazon
Mary Shelley
This period drama explores the story of Mary Shelley's real-life love story, and how it fueled her masterwork, Frankenstein. Stars include Elle Fanning, Maisie Williams, Bel Powley, and Joanne Frogatt.
Watch Mary Shelley on: Amazon
Ae Fond Kiss…
This 2004 series is named for a line from the Scottish song by Robert Burns. The Glasgow-set film takes a look at what happens when second generation Scot Casim (a Pakistani Muslim) falls in love with Roisin, a Catholic immigrant from Ireland.
Watch Ae Fond Kiss… on: iTunes | Microsoft
Modern Life is Rubbish
Drawn together by a love of music, a young couple progresses through a passionate but ultimately doomed relationship. While he pursues music and fame, she pays the bills and grows increasingly frustrated by his lack of real effort.
Watch Modern Life is Rubbish on: Amazon
Juliet, Naked
When Duncan's long-suffering girlfriend Annie develops a relationship with an American musician he once admired, things get a bit strange. This 2018 rom-com features Rose Byrne, Ethan Hawke, and Chris O'Dowd (The IT Crowd).
Watch Juliet, Naked on: Hulu | Amazon
Been So Long
Set against the backdrop of London's Camden Town, Been So Long is a musical film about a single mum who meets a handsome but troubled stranger during a rare night out with friends. The film stars Michaela Coel (Chewing Gum) and Arinze Kene (Crazyhead).
Watch Been So Long on: Netflix
What's Your Favourite Romantic British Film?
Are you a fan of romantic movies? Don't hesitate to share your best recommendations for romantic British movies in the comments.
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After founding I Heart British TV in 2016 as a resource for her granny, Stefanie has grown I Heart British TV into a resource that serves millions of British TV fans every year. When not writing posts or editing contributions to the site, you can probably find her working on the latest print edition of the British TV Streaming Guide.
I used to love a very classic yet very honest modern British TV Series called “Are You Being Served?” It was an old – fashioned take on a modern style sitcom about a Lady’s Clothing Department Store in Britain. I used to watch it along with “The Golden Girls” with my Grandmother on sleepover nights with her. Usually during weekends. One of the most enjoyable things I did with her to have a quick yet relaxing good laugh with her. Very cute series. This article reminded me of those good old times.