Kia ora to all our fellow film enthusiasts in New Zealand! The BBC iPlayer beckons with an array of cinematic wonders that will transport you to far-off lands and immerse you in captivating tales. With titles like The Hurt Locker, An Education and An Irish Goodbye at your fingertips, you’re in for a cinematic treat. From royal intrigues to wartime dramas and mobster sagas, BBC iPlayer has it all.
Join us as we delve into the best movies on BBC iPlayer and embark on a cinematic journey that spans genres and eras.
Why are the best movies on BBC iPlayer considered cinematic gems?
The best movies on BBC iPlayer have earned their reputation as cinematic gems, as their excellence has been recognized by prestigious awards and nominations. As highlighted on the official BBC iPlayer website, these films have not only captured the hearts of viewers but have also impressed critics and industry professionals alike.
Their accolades serve as a testament to their exceptional storytelling, outstanding performances, and creative brilliance. So, with these best movies on BBC iPlayer, you’re in for a cinematic treat that has received the highest honours in the world of film. Don’t miss the chance to watch BBC iPlayer in New Zealand and experience these award-winning masterpieces for yourself.
1. Children of Men (2006)
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
- Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller
- Stars: Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, Michael Caine
- Runtime: 1h 49min
Children of Men is a dystopian science fiction thriller set in a world facing infertility and societal collapse. The film’s most intense and gripping scenes include a harrowing car ambush and a long take sequence inside a war-torn refugee camp.
The plot twist revolves around the discovery of a miraculously pregnant woman, offering hope in a bleak world and triggering a dangerous journey to protect her. The movie is also available to rent on Apple TV and Neon in New Zealand. Moreover, you can also get BBC iPlayer free trial in New Zealand, if you wish to explore through the platform.
2. A United Kingdom (2016)
- IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
- Genre: Biography, Drama, Romance
- Stars: David Oyelowo, Rosamund Pike
- Runtime: 1h 51min
A United Kingdom is a historical drama based on the true story of the interracial marriage between Seretse Khama, the first President of Botswana, and Ruth Williams, a white British woman. The film’s most moving scenes revolve around the couple’s love story and their fight against racial prejudice and political opposition.
The plot twist emerges as they navigate the challenges of international politics and colonialism, ultimately triumphing over adversity and prejudice. The movie is also available to watch on Beam A Film in New Zealand.
3. Psycho (1960)
- IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
- Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
- Stars: Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles
- Runtime: 1h 49min
Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho is a classic thriller that revolutionized the horror genre. The film’s most iconic scene is the shocking shower murder sequence at the Bates Motel, a moment that has become synonymous with cinematic suspense.
The plot twist is revealed in the latter part of the film, where the true identity of the mysterious killer, Norman Bates, and his complex psychological state are unveiled, leaving audiences in awe. The movie is available to rent on Apple TV and Google Play Store. If you are a fan of horror and mystery genres, be sure to checkout best horror movies on Hulu, that will blow away your mind.
4. The Big Country (1958)
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
- Genre: Romance, Western
- Stars: Gregory Peck, Jean Simmons, Carroll Baker
- Runtime: 2h 46min
The Big Country is an epic Western that explores themes of honour and masculinity. The film’s most memorable scenes include a thrilling and visually striking fight between the protagonist, James McKay, and the antagonist, Steve Leech.
The plot twist centers on McKay’s refusal to engage in the violent feuds of the West, challenging traditional notions of heroism in the genre. The movie is available to rent on Apple TV and Google Play Store in New Zealand.
5. The Lady Vanishes (1938)
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
- Genre: Comedy, Mystery, Thriller
- Stars: Margaret Lockwood, Michael Redgrave
- Runtime: 1h 36min
Alfred Hitchcock’s The Lady Vanishes is a classic mystery thriller set on a train traveling through Europe. The film’s most suspenseful scenes involve the mysterious disappearance of Miss Froy and the search for her.
The plot twist comes as the passengers uncover a conspiracy and the true identity of some of their fellow travellers, leading to a tense and dramatic climax. You can also enjoy the movie on Amazon Prime Video and Classicx in New Zealand. Prime Video free trial in New Zealand is also available, if you wish to explore through the platform.
6. An Irish Goodbye (2022)
- IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Stars: Kiele Sanchez, Donna D’Errico
- Runtime: 1h 40min
An Irish Goodbye is a contemporary drama that follows the life of an Irish-American family dealing with grief and secrets. The film’s most emotional scenes explore the family’s dynamics and their struggle to cope with loss. The plot twist reveals hidden family truths and the impact of long-held secrets, forcing the characters to confront their past and move towards healing.
7. Dunkirk (2017)
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
- Genre: Action, Drama, History
- Stars: Fionn Whitehead, Barry Keoghan, Mark Rylance
- Runtime: 1h 46min
Dunkirk is a war epic directed by Christopher Nolan, focusing on the evacuation of Allied soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk during World War II. The film’s most intense and breath-taking scenes are the harrowing aerial dogfights and the desperate struggle of soldiers to escape the advancing enemy.
The plot twist lies in the film’s non-linear narrative, which interweaves multiple storylines to create a complex and immersive portrayal of the evacuation. You can also watch the movie on Neon in kiwi territory. Moreover, you can watch Neon outside New Zealand as well, with some very simple guidelines.
8. El Cid (1961)
- IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
- Genre: Biography, Drama, History
- Stars: Charlton Heston, Sophia Loren, Raf Vallone
- Runtime: 3h 8min
El Cid is an epic historical film that portrays the life of the legendary Spanish hero Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, known as El Cid. The movie is known for its grand battle sequences, especially the iconic jousting scene.
The plot twist in this epic unfolds as El Cid’s loyalty to his king and country is tested, leading to a complex and morally charged narrative that explores honour, love, and sacrifice. You can also watch the movie on Amazon Prime Video in New Zealand. Apart from cinematic treasures, you will also be able to find some of the best shows on Amazon Prime, if you subscribe to the platform.
9. The Lost Boys (1987)
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
- Genre: Comedy, Horror
- Stars: Jason Patric, Corey Haim, Dianne Wiest, Kiefer Sutherland
- Runtime: 1h 37min
The Lost Boys is a cult classic vampire horror-comedy that follows two brothers who move to a California town infested with vampires. The film’s most iconic scene is the initiation sequence at a vampire lair, featuring eerie visuals and eerie music.
The plot twist occurs when the true identity of the head vampire is revealed, leading to a thrilling and action-packed showdown. You can also rent the movie on Apple TV and Google Play Store in New Zealand.
10. The Mule (2018)
- IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Stars: Clint Eastwood, Bradley Cooper, Taissa Farmiga
- Runtime: 1h 56min
The Mule is a crime drama directed by Clint Eastwood, who also stars as the protagonist, Earl Stone. The film explores themes of redemption and family as Earl becomes unwittingly involved in drug trafficking. The most dramatic scenes revolve around Earl’s interactions with law enforcement and the dangerous drug cartel.
The plot twist unfolds as Earl faces the consequences of his actions, leading to a tense and emotionally charged climax. Moreover, you can also enjoy the film on Netflix platform in New Zealand. You will be able to access some of the best sniper movies on Netflix, if you subscribe to the platform.
Our top recommendations!
For those craving suspense, intrigue, and real-life tales, we’ve got you covered with more best movies on BBC iPlayer. Our recommendations include gripping thrillers that will keep you on the edge of your seat, as well as mysterious narratives that will challenge your deductive skills.
What’s even more captivating is that some of these films are based on true stories, adding an extra layer of authenticity and fascination to your viewing experience.
| Movie Title | IMDb Rating | Release Year |
|---|---|---|
| Loving | 7.0/10 | 2016 |
| I Saw The Light | 5.8/10 | 2015 |
| A Million Little Pieces | 6.2/10 | 2018 |
| Dark Waters | 7.6/10 | 2019 |
| The Two Faces Of January | 6.2/10 | 2014 |
| Everything, Everything | 6.4/10 | 2017 |
| Baby Done | 6.0/10 | 2020 |
| Before I Go to Sleep | 6.3/10 | 2014 |
| Greta | 6.0/10 | 2018 |
| A Simple Plan | 7.5/10 | 1998 |
| The Company You Keep | 6.4/10 | 2012 |
| Law of Tehran | 7.8/10 | 2019 |
| Trauma | 4.7/10 | 2004 |
| Crossfire | 7.3/10 | 1947 |
Bottom line!
So, dear Kiwis, what are you waiting for? Get ready to indulge in a cinematic treasure trove with BBC iPlayer, that is your passport to exceptional storytelling. The platform’s curated selection of movies, from historical epics to contemporary dramas, ensures there’s a film for every mood.
These movies have the power to transport you to different worlds, evoke emotions, and spark conversations. Embrace the world of best movies on BBC iPlayer and let these cinematic treasures enrich your movie nights.
