Admittedly, the United Kingdom or England are not famous for their Action Movies. But one should not underestimate the strength of some of the British action movies that have been produced in the UK. Of course, the majority best action films still, and will continue to originate from Hollywood. Good action flicks usually go hand in hand with big budgets and sensational special effects. The English budgets might be a tat smaller, but their quality is not. We have made a little list of excellent British action films with trailers and short reviews. For more English films and series, check out our British movies section!

Best British action movies – excellent psychological and suspense films

Fantastic English action comedy of 2007 with Simon Pegg

Below you will have the opportunity to buy the films we are going to discuss on DVD. Also there will be an option to watch English action movies online.

Hot Fuzz (2007)

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayTnvVpj9t4

We know what you are thinking. This is not an action movie a la terminator. It would probably indeed fit better within the comedy genre, but we were surprised with the large amount of action that was actually pretty good. The film is another collaboration between actor Simon Pegg and director Edgar Wright. This duo is also responsible for the very popular 2004 movie Shaun of the Dead. Edwar Wright also directed a part of the Hoorror double feature Grindhouse. Hot Fuzz has perhaps not won a lot of awards, but the public was crazy about it.

Plot: ‘Jealous colleagues conspire to get a top London cop transferred to a small town and paired with a witless new partner. On the beat, the pair stumble upon a series of suspicious accidents and events.’

Goldfinger (1964) – and any other James Bond movie

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdQoSK9wibU

You do not need us to tell you about the English secret service officer and professional charmer Jame Bond. Goldfinger just happens to be our very favorite. It is a nice old classic starring the best James Bond actor ever, Sean Connery. You can of course wonder to what extent James Bond films are exclusively ‘English’ action movies.

Plot: Investigating a gold magnate’s smuggling, James Bond uncovers a plot to contaminate the Fort Knox gold reserve.

Henry V (1989)

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_xaHuelVj8

Perhaps less well known is our third suggestion, Henry V. A great English production and adaption of William Shakespeare’s tale about the bloody conquest of France by the English King. The film was nominated for an Oscar and has also been received by the bigger public. This action movie was directed by actor and director Kenneth Branagh ( who recently directed Thor (2011)).

Plot: England’s King Henry V is insulted by the French King. As a result, he leads his army into battle against France.’

Sherlock Holmes 1 & 2

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1lEr4DrQ6k

Yes we are counting there major blockbusters as English productions. It is an English story, and it is directed by an English director. Guy Ritchie is one of your favorite directors when it comes to the more popular culture movies from England. If you are interested in his other movies you should check out our Best British Gangster Movies for hard men article.

Plot: Detective Sherlock Holmes and his partner Watson embark in a battle of wits and brawn with a nemesis who intends nothing good for England.

We have also released an article about the Best Thriller movies of 2012 – Acton/Psychological thrillers which includes some new British action movies.