· movies · 14 min read
All 33 Mike Leigh Movies (in Order)
Get ready to dive into the world of Mike Leigh, a renowned British director known for his unique storytelling and unconventional approach to filmmaking. In our latest movie roundup, we bring you a comprehensive guide to some of his best works, exploring the themes, characters, and techniques that have made Mike Leigh a household name in the film industry. So sit back and prepare to delve into the intriguing world of Mike Leigh Movies.
As an Amazon™ Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
1. West 11 (1963)
West 11, a Michael Winner-directed crime drama film set in the shady corners of Notting Hill, London of the 1960s, follows the story of Joe Beckett, a broken and struggling man played by Alfred Lynch. In search of an escape from the misery of his life, Joe is recruited into a criminal underworld by Richard Dyce, portrayed by Eric Portman. The film, produced by Angel Productions and released in 1966, offers a glimpse into the grim reality of London’s past through an intriguing exploration of crime and human interaction.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
2. Two Left Feet (1965)
Two Left Feet, ” directed by Roy Ward Baker, is a delightful 1965 British comedy-drama that centers around the awkward love life of Alan Crabbe (Michael Crawford). An airplane mechanic with limited social skills, Alan finds himself bumbling through his romantic endeavors with disastrous results.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
3. Bleak Moments (1971)
Bleak Moments, ” directed by Mike Leigh, is a darkly comedic drama that captures the uncompromisingly bleak existence of a 30-something office worker and those who surround her. The film follows the secretary’s relationships with her intellectually disabled sister, aloof boyfriend, bizarre neighbor, and irritating coworker, all while exploring the struggles of urban life.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
4. Meantime (1983)
Meantime, ” a 1983 British film, follows the intense relationship between two brothers from a working-class background in East End London. When one brother lands a lucrative job from their wealthy aunt, the other feels increasingly jealous, creating a stir in the community.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
5. Four Days in July (1984)
In the heart of Northern Ireland, 1984, two couples from opposing sides of the civil unrest divide face a dilemma. A Catholic couple and a Protestant couple find themselves unexpectedly linked by parallel life choices. Despite the tensions surrounding them, their shared experiences spark empathy and understanding that transcends their differences.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
6. High Hopes (1988)
High Hopes, ” a 1988 comedy-drama directed by Mike Leigh, revolves around the life of a London working-class couple and their complex relationships with family members. The movie’s central story unfurls on the backdrop of Highgate Cemetary, set against a backdrop of drinking champagne in a bath, an elderly woman’s adultery, and other trials and tribulations that the couple faces.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
7. Life Is Sweet (1990)
Life Is Sweet” is a poignant and humorous journey into the lives of an ordinary working-class family living in a London suburb. The story revolves around a shop assistant, her cook husband, and their twin daughters, who navigate their daily lives amidst various challenges and joys. Writer and director Mike Leigh masterfully blends humor with raw honesty, creating an unforgettable cinematic experience that delves deep into the complexities of family relationships.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
8. Naked (1993)
Naked” is a compelling and raw British film written and directed by Mike Leigh. The story follows Johnny (David Thewlis), an unemployed Mancunian man, as he navigates a night of existential turmoil and nihilistic encounters in London. The narrative weaves together themes of sexual humiliation, rough sex, and voyeurism, as Johnny’s fury and frustration lead him to target unsuspecting strangers in a nocturnal exploration of the city.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
9. Two Mikes Don’t Make a Wright (1993)
Two Mikes Don’t Make a Wright is a 1993 film that features three unrelated shorts, taking the audience on a journey through various aspects of life. The shorts “The Appointments of Dennis Jennings” (1988), “Pets or Meat” (1992), and “A Sense of History” (1992) are directed by Michael Moore, Dean Parisot, and Mike Leigh, respectively, and written by Mike Armstrong, Jim Broadbent, and Michael Moore.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
10. Secrets & Lies (1996)
Secrets & Lies is a profound and heartfelt drama film written and directed by Mike Leigh, released in 1997. The narrative centers around a young black optometrist, Hortense, who discovers her biological mother, a lonely white factory worker in East London, following the passing of her adoptive parents. The film expertly explores the complexities of the mother-daughter relationship, as well as the search for one’s true origins.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
11. Career Girls (1997)
Career Girls” takes a heartwarming and humorous look at friendship, ambition, and the challenges of post-graduation life. Set in London’s vibrant Primrose Hill, the film follows two young women, Anne and Jenny, as they reconnect after six years apart. Their college days may be behind them, but their bond is as strong as ever.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
12. Welcome to Hollywood (1998)
Welcome to Hollywood” is a hilarious comedic satire set in the bustling world of Los Angeles, California. The film follows a young actor as he strives to make it big in the competitive Hollywood scene.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
13. Topsy-Turvy (1999)
Topsy-Turvy” is a richly layered, biographical drama set against the backdrop of the 1880s. The film takes us deep into the creative crucible of legendary musical/theatrical writers, Gilbert (played by Jim Broadbent) and Sullivan (played by Allan Corduner). During a period of profound artistic blockage, their partnership is put to the test, threatening to collapse before they can produce the timeless Mikado.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
14. All or Nothing (2002)
All or Nothing” is a powerful drama that tells the story of the lives of the residents on a housing estate in London. Focusing on the complex relationships within a working class family, the film centers around Penny, a young woman who realizes her love for her partner, taxi driver Phil, has waned. Tensions rise when a tragic event strikes, and the community must come together to heal and rebuild their lives.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
15. Cinema16: British Short Films (2003)
Experience the vibrant world of British cinema through “Cinema16: British Short Films, ” a compelling collection of 16 short and student films by talented British directors. This captivating anthology showcases the unique and diverse aspects of independent short filmmaking, offering a fresh perspective on contemporary drama. With a runtime of 3 hours and 23 minutes, the film highlights a range of stories and styles, providing viewers with a rich and engaging experience.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
16. Vera Drake (2004)
Vera Drake” 2004 is a riveting crime, drama that revolves around the character of Vera Drake, an abortionist, caught in the crossfire of conflicting moral values in a 1950s Britain. The plot deepens further in this intricate tale, as Vera Drake’s beliefs and practices inevitably clash with the norms of her time. The consequences of her actions, however, bring a profound tragedy to her family.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
17. The 77th Annual Academy Awards (2005)
Witness the glamour, excitement, and prestige of The 77th Annual Academy Awards, where the best of the film industry comes together to celebrate excellence in cinema. Hosted by the charismatic Chris Rock, the ceremony nominates critically acclaimed films such as The Aviator, Finding Neverland, Million Dollar Baby, Ray, and Sideways for prestigious awards.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
18. Loony in the Woods (2006)
Get ready for a heart-stopping adventure in the dark woods with “Loony in the Woods” (2006), a terrifying horror film that redefines the camping trip. When a group of friends embark on a seemingly perfect vacation, they find themselves trapped in a sinister world of twisted chaos and relentless danger. As the line between madness and reality blurs, the friends realize they are not alone in the woods.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
19. Happy-Go-Lucky (2008)
Happy-Go-Lucky” is a delightful film that takes a heartwarming look at the life of Poppy, a positive and vibrant schoolteacher living in North London. Her infectious optimism often leaves those around her feeling exasperated, as she lights up every room she enters. The movie follows Poppy as she navigates through various chapters in her life, providing a glimpse into her happy-go-lucky lifestyle.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
20. Vittorio D. (2009)
Embark on an enlightening cinematic journey with the documentary “Vittorio D. ” (2009), a riveting exploration of the life and work of the iconic filmmaker Vittorio De Sica. Known for his exceptional collaborations with actress Sophia Loren, this captivating doc offers fascinating insights from renowned directors such as Woody Allen, Clint Eastwood, and Mike Leigh, among others.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
21. Another Year (2010)
Another Year takes a heartfelt look at the changing of seasons and the evolution of human relationships. Set in London, the story follows a happily married couple, played by Jim Broadbent and Ruth Sheen, as they navigate through the joys and challenges of their marriage.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
22. What Is Cinema? (2013)
What Is Cinema? . (2013) is a thought-provoking documentary that delves into the world of film, exploring the opinions of various filmmakers, directors, and scholars. The film features hundreds of film clips and interviews with prominent figures such as Chantal Akerman, Robert Altman, and Peter Bogdanovich.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
23. Mr. Turner (2014)
Mr. Turner” follows the last quarter century of the life of the great, yet eccentric, British painter J. M. W. Turner, from the 1820s to the 1840s.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
24. English National Opera: The Pirates of Penzance (2015)
Experience the high-energy and hilarity of English National Opera’s The Pirates of Penzance, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Mike Leigh. The comic opera, based on the witty lyrics of W. S. Gilbert, is a whimsical tale of love, honor, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
25. Alan Clarke: Out of His Own Light (2016)
Alan Clarke: Out of His Own Light” is a riveting documentary that delves into the life and work of the extraordinary television director, Alan Clarke. Known for his provocative style and unapologetic truth-telling, Clarke is increasingly being recognized as one of the greatest artists in the history of British media.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
26. God’s Own Country (2017)
God’s Own Country, also known as Francis Lee’s directorial debut, offers a raw portrayal of the human struggle and the depth of relationships in spring’s Northern England. The story revolves around young farmer Johnny Saxby, a character grappling with frustration, binge drinking, and casual sex. His world turns upside down when a Romanian migrant worker arrives on the lambing season, sparking a passionate and intense relationship that alters Johnny’s path.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
27. Peterloo (2018)
Peterloo, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Mike Leigh, takes viewers on a riveting journey back to 1819 Manchester. The film portrays the brutal yet historically accurate Peterloo Massacre, an event where British military forces brutally attacked a peaceful pro-democracy rally. Boasting a powerful ensemble cast including Rory Kinnear, Maxine Peake, and Neil Bell, Peterloo provides a chilling and vivid portrayal of those tumultuous times.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
28. Indiecency (2018)
Indiecency is a heartwarming and humorous comedy-drama that follows the journey of seven aspiring independent filmmakers living together in a house in San Antonio, Texas. As they work towards their dreams, they also deal with the challenges that come with chasing one’s passion. The movie showcases an array of emotions, from laughter to tears, as they navigate through the ups and downs of life while trying to make their mark in the world of cinema.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
29. Scenes from a Separation (2019)
Scenes from a Separation” offers an intimate and exclusive look into the creation of the critically acclaimed film “A Separation” (2011). Director Asghar Farhadi shares personal insights into the film’s origins, his inspirations, and the behind-the-scenes process. Delving into the unique blend of drama and social critique, audiences will gain a deeper understanding of the creative journey that shaped this award-winning masterpiece.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
30. Ammonite (2020)
Ammonite” is a powerful period drama set in 1840s England, boasting an all-star cast including the incredible Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan. Winslet takes on the role of Mary Anning, a brilliant but overlooked fossil hunter, and Ronan plays Charlotte Murchison, a young woman sent to convalesce by the sea.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
31. Drama out of a Crisis: A Celebration of Play for Today (2020)
Dive into the world of ‘Play for Today’, a pioneering series that shook the broadcasting landscape between 1970 and 1984. This compelling drama documentary celebrates the groundbreaking single dramas aired on BBC One, exploring their impact on television and society. With insights from renowned filmmakers, directors, and writers like Ken Loach and Mike Leigh, this riveting film sheds light on the controversial plays that changed the course of television history.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
32. Why Are We (Not) Creative? (2021)
Why Are We (Not) Creative? ” is a captivating documentary that dives into the complex world of creativity, exploring why some individuals struggle to unleash their creative potential. Directed by Hermann Vaske and penned by him as well, this 2021 film provides unique insights from various perspectives, showcasing interviews with renowned artists Marina Abramovic and Theodoros Angelopoulos, and musician Blixa Bargeld.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
33. Cannes Uncut (2023)
Cannes Uncut takes viewers on an unprecedented journey through the glitz and glamour of the world-renowned Cannes Film Festival, capturing the essence of the event over the past eight decades. From iconic red carpets to mind-blowing stunts, captivating parties to groundbreaking deals, this documentary offers an unfiltered look at the festival’s wildest moments. As it explores the personalities and stars that grace the event, Cannes Uncut also dares to delve into its future, providing a glimpse of what’s to come in the world of cinema.
🖼️ Check out these cool movie posters & art
That’s All Folks!
As an Amazon™ Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.