66 Essential British Films To Take Your Mind Off The World Cup

52. The Firm (1989)

Made for TV in 1988 Alan Clarke's The Firm was one of the first films to directly address the social phenomenon of football hooliganism, and as such can be seen as something of a landmark. Gary Oldman gives another incredible early performance as West Ham Inter-City Crew member Bex. The Firm Contains imagery and scenes that will remain with you for years and is another key document of the disenfranchisement of Thatcher's Britain.

51. Made In Britain (1982)

Clarke's earlier work Made in Britain also stands as a key document of Thatcher's Britain. Like The Firm it was also made for television and is another of Clarke's social-realist juggernauts. Although Loach and Leigh's films often carried a threat of violence in Clarke's films violence permeates every frame. This could be seen as reflective of the way violence has shaped and informed the lives of his characters . Virtually unrecognisable from his role in Meantime (bar choice of hairstyle) Tim Roth's performance as skinhead Trevor marked him out as an actor of incredible range and talent.

50. Dog Soldiers (2002)

Set in the remote Scottish Highlands, Dog Soldiers is a punchy, inventive werewolves versus soldiers schlock horror flick, marking an energetic and unpretentious action-oriented debut from Geordie director Neil Marshall. For Game of Thrones fans Dog Soldiers is also a chance to see Marshall's Thrones alumni Liam Cunningham pre-Ser Davos Seaworth, his earlier association with Marshall being a possible explanation for Seaworth's unmistakable Geordie accent.