Quentin Tarantino’s Top British Films

British cinema often goes overlooked amidst the vibrant film movements that emerged across Europe in the 20th century. While it lacks the chic appeal of the French New Wave or the raw authenticity of Italian neorealism, dismissing pre- and post-war British films would be a mistake. They boast a rich diversity that deserves recognition—something director Quentin Tarantino wholeheartedly believes.

In this piece, we’ll explore Tarantino’s favorite British films from 1939 to 1966. To highlight his passion for British cinema, we’ve also gathered his recommendations from various lists of essential movies.

In a 2021 episode of the Empire Film Podcast, Tarantino discussed British cinema with Edgar Wright, director of Shaun of the Dead. After the episode aired, Wright shared a list of British films mentioned by Tarantino—a treasure trove for aspiring filmmakers in the UK keen to know what one of modern cinema’s best directors enjoys.

This list features everything from gritty gangster flicks and globe-trotting wartime dramas to noir thrillers set against jazzy backdrops, echoing the evolution of British filmmaking from war-torn days to the vibrant ’60s. Let’s delve into the highlights.

Tarantino kicks off with The Saint in London (1939) by John Paddy Carstairs, the son of esteemed stage actor Nelson Keys. An incredibly prolific filmmaker, Carstairs directed a whopping 37 films. This particular crime drama stars George Sanders as a detective returning to London to investigate a gambler named Bruno Lang. What begins as an inquiry into a counterfeiting scheme escalates into a high-profile kidnapping case—a captivating ride from start to finish.

He also mentions Action in Arabia (1944), released as World War II neared its conclusion. In this film, also featuring George Sanders, an American reporter in Damascus uncovers a Nazi plot linked to his colleague’s death—a thrilling narrative set against a backdrop of espionage.

Another striking entry in Tarantino’s list is All Night Long (1962), a modern retelling of Othello set in a London jazz club. This film tackles themes of jealousy and ambition within its sultry atmosphere, featuring appearances by jazz legends like Dave Brubeck and Charles Mingus.

While Tarantino touches on numerous British films during his chat with Wright, he notably overlooks Wright’s own Shaun of the Dead, despite calling it his favorite British film made since he became a director. The film follows everyman Shaun, played by Simon Pegg, as he struggles to juggle work, relationships, and family issues amid a zombie apocalypse.

Across various interviews, Tarantino has also expressed admiration for works like Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange, whose filming was entirely based in Britain. He’s praised other action-packed films, including The Long Good Friday, Sitting Target (1972), and Zulu (1979)—all considered some of his all-time favorites.

Here’s a complete look at Tarantino’s top British films:

Quentin Tarantino’s Favorite British Films:

• The Saint in London (John Paddy, 1939)
• Action in Arabia (Leonide Moguy, 1944)
• The Hidden Room/Obsession (Edward Dmytryk, 1949)
• Murder Without Crime (J. Lee Thompson, 1950)
• Pandora and the Flying Dutchman (Albert Lewin, 1951)
• The Yellow Balloon (J. Lee Thompson, 1953)
• The Night My Numbers Came Up (Leslie Norman, 1955)
• The Guns of Navarone (J. Lee Thompson, 1961)
• Johnny Nobody (Nigel Patrick, 1961)
• All Night Long (Basil Dearden, 1962)
• Strongroom (Vernon Sewell, 1962)
• The Idol (Daniel Petrie, 1966)
• A Clockwork Orange (Stanley Kubrick, 1971)
• Sitting Target (Douglas Hickox, 1972)
• Zulu (Douglas Hickox, 1979)
• The Long Good Friday (John Mackenzie, 1980)
• Local Hero (Bill Forsyth, 1983)
• The Hit (Stephen Frears, 1984)
• Comfort and Joy (Bill Forsyth, 1984)
• Here is Lisa (Neil Jordan, 1986)
• Shaun of the Dead (Edgar Wright, 2004)

For film enthusiasts looking to explore the intricacies of British cinema, Tarantino’s recommendations offer a fantastic starting point.