Yorkshire is known for having the greatest, tea, beer and views (not biased at all). So it’s not surprising that there are lots of wonderful opportunities for great storytelling. We have scoured databases, peered through DVD collections and even searched the attic for old VHS to find you some of Yorkshire’s best films.
From children’s classics, comedies, horrors and old classics for your nan. We have got the list for you. So, whether you are having a chilled Sunday, ill off work or just need inspiration, here are some of Yorkshire’s best offerings.
16. Rita, Sue and Bob Too, 1987
This black comedy is set on a council estate in Bradford, West Yorkshire and is the two of two school girls that have a fling with a married man and is taken from two-stage plays by Andrea Dunbar. It has some hilarious moments and is definitely one not to be missed.
15. The Secret Garden, 1993
From Frances Hodgson Burnett novels comes Secret Garden, an enchanting tale of two children’s discovery of a magical garden. The story takes you on a journey of friendship and is sure to have you in tears with its story and feel-good moments.
14. Scarborough, 2018
Set in sunny Scarborough, obviously. This story tells a tale of two couples that check into a run-down hotel (sounds about right). One couple is ‘barely sixteen’ and the other are their teachers. The teacher/ pupil dynamic is put to the test over two weekends in Scarbs.
13. The Full Monty, 1997
The iconic film, with legendary actors Robert Carlyle and Game of Thrones Mark Addy. This Sheffield based comedy tells the story of a father trying to make ends meet after being made to go on the dole after the closing of the steel mills. Searching for a way to make money Carlyle’s character Gaz decides to put together a male strip group with hilarious consequences.
12. The Damned United, 2009
A biopic about the legendary manager, Brain Clough, taking over football club Leeds United. With his tough approach and the team’s infamous dirty style, we see glimpses of hostility and the story unfolds and we learn more about the manager’s past.
11. Phantom Thread, 2017
The oscar-winning film, Phantom Thread is set in 1950s London, Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day-Lewis), is a renowned dressmaker whose life is disrupted by a young, strong-willed woman, Alma (Vicky Krieps), who becomes his muse and lover. Robin Hood’s Bay, Whitby and the evocative North Yorkshire coast provide the beautiful early setting.
10. Wuthering Heights, 1939
“Heathcliff, Heathcliff”. Everyone knows of Wuthering Heights, whether through Kate Bush of the novel itself. This 1939 version of the film has the famous actor, Sir Laurence Olivier, who plays Heathcliff love interesting of Cathy. Set in the Moors of Yorkshire this love tale is one for the ladies to enjoy.
9. The Woman In Black, 2012
Classic horror story and one of Daniel Radcliffe’s first films after the Harry Potter films. The Woman In Black is a scary, nail-biting film based on a novel by Susan Hill. A widowed solicitor encounters a cursed village and a terrifying phantom when he journeys North to the eerie Eel Marsh House. The play of The Women In Black by Stephen Mallatratt in December 1987 a low budget affair in Scarborough, led to the play being taken to London’s West End.
8. God’s Own Country, 2017
An intense relationship between Yorkshire farmer, Johnny Saxby and Romanian migrant worker Gheorghe, employed for lambing season. A big drinker, Johnny finds a new lease of life in this new employee. This is one of the best films of the last decade and a hit was a hit in major film festivals. With it being made in Yorkshire, this one is not to be missed.
7. Brassed Off, 1996
Grimley Colliery Brass band, in existence for a hundred years. With the closing of the mines in the Northern town, life looks bleak for both the band and the workers. This endearing comedy stands the test of time and Postlethwaite’s famous speech still resonates as much as it did when it was first written.
6. Calendar Girls, 2003
A charming film with beautiful Yorkshire as its backdrop. Helen Mirren leads a brilliant cast in this laugh-out-loud comedy. The true story of Yorkshire women shedding their clothes is brought to life as the Women’s Institute of Knapely, raise money for charity.
5. The Railway Children, 1970
An oldie, but a goldie. This Yorkshire classic, fascinated by the railway three children wave at passengers as they pass by. Befriending station worker Bernard Cribbins this film will have you feeling wistful for the past.
4. Chicken Run, 2000
The creators of Wallace and Gromit, Aardman Animations, create a brilliant Yorkshire classic with the use of Chickens. Taking inspiration from classic film Great Escape, we see these group of chickens trying to escape from the farm where they are trapped. Witty and clever this family-friendly film never has a dull moment. There is even a Chicken Run 2 in the pipeline.
3. Little Voice, 1998
Michael Caine and Brenda Blethyn bring the silver screen to life with Little Voice. Caine plays a washed-up show biz manager who discovers LV, a shy young woman with a beautiful singing voice. It’s a rags-to-riches story with some Shirley Bassey, diva style sing-along moments.
2. Four Lions, 2010
Four Lions tells the story of a group of British jihadists who push their abstract dreams of glory to the breaking point. As the wheels fly off, and their competing ideologies clash, what emerges is an emotionally engaging (and entirely plausible) farce. In a storm of razor-sharp verbal jousting and large-scale set pieces, This dark comedy tackles a difficult topic in a very Yorkshire manner.
1. Kes, 1969
Barry Hines novel follows a young child through rural England life. Billy’s only friend a kestrel he rears which is his escape from is life. Kes has some iconic scenes such as the football scene. This realistic look at a normal life is so entertaining and a real feel-good film.
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