The Best Drama Films on BBC iPlayer in 2023 [Updated]

Best-Drama-Films-on-BBC-Iplayer

Looking for the best drama movies on BBC iPlayer? Hey, you’re at the right spot.

A VPN is required to watch BBC iPlayer outside UK, as it is geo-restricted and only available in the United Kingdom. And for that you will need best BBC iPlayer VPN which is none other than ExpressVPN.

Although having a smaller catalog than Netflix or other well-known video streaming services, BBC iPlayer has several excellent drama films available.

On BBC iPlayer, you may find a number of really good drama films. You won’t ever be bored, whether you’re watching the best comedy movies on BBC iPlayer or of any genre.

Due to the daily addition of new movies, the number of fantastic drama movies on BBC iPlayer is growing, making it exceedingly challenging to determine what to watch?

These stations provide a wide variety of programming, from best BBC iPlayer shows from fun thrillers to fun comedies and everything in between. What are you still holding out for? Today, start watching your favorite BBC programmes online!


What are the Best Drama Films on BBC iPlayer to Stream Right Now?

Are you trying to find the best drama movies on BBC iPlayer? You don’t need to look any further since we’ve put together a list of the top 15 best drama movies available on BBC iPlayer. These movies will pique your interest and keep you on the edge of your seat. And good part is, BBC iPlayer is available on multiple streaming devices like you can watch BBC iPlayer on PS5, Roku etc.

Let’s hop on the list, shall we?

1. Beautiful Boy

Beautiful-Boy

Genre: Drama, Biography

Director: Felix Van Groeningen

Cast: Amy Ryan, Steve Carell, Timothée Chalamet, Maura Tierney

Runtime: 2 hours

Year of Release: 2018

The memoirs of father and son David and Nic Sheff served as the basis for the film “Beautiful Boy.” The book details the harrowing and uplifting experience of surviving, relapsing, and recouping while living in a long-term addiction-stricken household.

2. Sorry We Missed You

Sorry-We-Missed-You

Genre: Drama

Director: Ken Loach

Cast: Kris Hitchen, Debbie Honeywood, Rhys Stone

Runtime: 1 hour 41 minutes

Year of release: 2019

A poor working-class family in Newcastle, England, is followed in the documentary “Sorry We Missed You” as they deal with the difficulties of the gig economy. The movie examines how the family’s relationships, mental health, and overall well being are affected by long work hours, financial strains, and the gig economy.

3. Green Book

Green-Book

Genre: Drama, Comedy-drama

Director: Peter Farrelly

Cast: Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali, Linda Cardellini

Runtime: 2 hours 10 minutes

Year of release: 2018

The film “Green Book” is based on the actual account of Italian-American bouncer Frank Vallelonga, a member of the working class, who drives Dr. Don Shirley, an African-American classical pianist, through the segregated Southern United States in the 1960s. The movie looks at the two men’s odd relationship and the bigotry and discrimination they encounter along the road.

4. Blue Story

Blue-Story

Genre: Crime, Drama

Director: Andrew Onwubolu

Cast: Stephen Odubola, Micheal Ward, Khali Best

Runtime: 1 hour 31 minutes

A coming-of-age tale set in South East London, “Blue Tale” follows Marco and Timmy, two longtime friends, as they experience the highs and lows of adolescence. Yet as soon as they become embroiled in a gang battle that threatens to undo everything they have achieved, their relationship is put to the test.

Year of release: 2019

5. Ben Is Back

Ben-Is-Back

Genre: Drama

Director: Peter Hedges

Cast: Julia Roberts, Lucas Hedges, Courtney B. Vance, Kathryn Newton

Runtime: 1 hour 43 minutes

Year of release: 2018

In the movie “Ben is Back,” a young guy named Ben Burns unexpectedly makes his way home from a drug recovery facility on Christmas Eve. Holly, his mother, is delighted to see him, but she quickly finds out that Ben’s history is still a problem for him. Holly and Ben are followed as they attempt to deal with the difficulties of addiction, relapse, and the effects it has on their family. It is regarded as one of the best films on BBC iPlayer.

6. Persian Lessons

Persian-Lessons

Genre: Drama, War

Director: Vadim Perelman

Cast: Leonie Benesch, Nahuel Pérez Biscayart, Lars Eidinger, Jonas Nay

Runtime: 2 hours 7 minutes

Year of release: 2020

In “Persian Lessons,” a Jewish man named Gilles narrowly avoids being transferred to a concentration camp by feigning Persian descent. The novel is set in Nazi-occupied France during World War Two. He is compelled to instruct a Nazi commander in Persian in order to maintain the façade. Gilles learns the value of language in bridging cultural gaps while he strives to maintain the pretend and avoid being caught.

Into action and some thriller? Then do watch war movies on BBC iPlayer this year.

7. The Miseducation of Cameron Post

The-Miseducation-of-Cameron-Post

Genre: Drama

Director: Desiree Akhavan

Cast: Forrest Goodluck, Chloë Grace Moretz, John Gallagher Jr., Sasha Lane

Runtime: 1 hour 31 minutes

Year of release: 2018

Based on the same-named book, “The Miseducation of Cameron Post” tells the tale of a young girl named Cameron Post who, after being discovered having sexual contact with another girl, is taken to a homosexual conversion treatment facility.

The movie examines how such therapy can cause emotions of guilt, humiliation, and isolation in addition to other negative repercussions. Cameron encounters unexpected alliances and connections that give her the fortitude to resist as she battles to cope with her own identity and the pressure to fit in.

8. Mary Queen of Scots

Mary-Queen-of-Scots

Genre: Historical drama

Director: Josie Rourke

Cast: David Tennant, Saoirse Ronan, Margot Robbie, Jack Lowden

Runtime: 2 hours 4 minutes

Year of release: 2018

In “Mary Queen of Scots,” Mary Stuart is shown as relocating to Scotland following the death of her French royal husband. As she and her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I, vie for the English crown, she quickly finds herself embroiled in a power war. The video examines the complex dynamics between the two women as well as the gender, political, and religious problems that shaped their reigns.

9. I, Tonya

I,-Tonya

Genre: Biographical, Drama, Sport

Director: Craig Gillespie

Cast: Margot Robbie, Sebastian Stan, Allison Janney, Julianne Nicholson

Runtime: 2 hours

Year of release: 2017

Tonya Harding, a former Olympian figure skater, is the subject of the true-life drama “I, Tonya,” which is based on her experiences. Before the 1994 Winter Olympics, her ex-husband hired a hitman to hurt Nancy Kerrigan, a competitor, and caused a scandal. In the movie, Harding’s background and upbringing are examined, as well as her interactions with her controlling mother and ex-husband and her final demise in the sport she adores.

10. King of Thieves

King-of-Thieves

Genre: Crime, Drama

Director: James Marsh

Cast: Jim Broadbent, Michael Caine, Tom Courtenay, Charlie Cox

Runtime: 1 hour 48 minutes

Year of release: 2018

Story: “King of Thieves” is based on the actual events surrounding one of the greatest and most daring thefts in British history, the Hatton Garden robbery. The movie centers on an old-age gang of thieves headed by Brian Reader who emerge from retirement to carry out the robbery.

Tensions increase, and loyalties are put to the test as they methodically plan and execute the robbery. The movie looks at age, friendship, and the results of avarice.

11. The Keeper

The-Keeper

Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport

Director: Marcus H. Rosenmüller

Cast: Harry Melling, David Kross, Freya Mavor, John Henshaw

Runtime: 2 hours

Year of release: 2018

“The Keeper” is based on the actual account of German POW Bert Trautmann, who went on to play professionally in England. In order to become the goalie for Manchester City, Trautmann must overcome prejudice and animosity, as seen in the movie. Trautmann’s history as a Nazi soldier haunts him as he rises to fame and prosperity, and he is forced to come to terms with his wartime deeds.

12. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

The-Guernsey-Literary-and-Potato-Peel-Pie-Society

Genre: Historical drama, Romance

Director: Mike Newell

Cast: Lily James, Michiel Huisman, Glen Powell, Penelope Wilton

Runtime: 2 hours 4 minutes

Year of release: 2018

Based on the book of the same name, “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” tells the tale of young writer Juliet Ashton who develops a link with the people of Guernsey, an English Channel island, when it is occupied by the Germans in World War II. The movie examines how literature can unite people and how the human spirit can persevere in the face of hardship.

13. Equals

Equals

Genre: Science fiction, Drama, Romance

Director: Drake Doremus

Cast: Guy Pearce, Nicholas Hoult, Kristen Stewart, Jacki Weaver

Runtime: 1 hour 41 minutes

Year of release: 2015

In the dystopian future depicted in the film “Equals,” emotions have been erased in order to foster peace and harmony in society. The story follows Silas and Nia, two people who start to fall in love and have to deal with the perils of their forbidden relationship in a society where such sentiments are stigmatized as an illness. The necessity of feeling a wide range of emotions is discussed in the movie along with the relevance of interpersonal relationships.

We have also created whole list of best Sci-Fi shows on BBC iPlayer for you to watch this weekend

14. Effie Gray

Effie-Gray

Genre: Historical drama

Director: Richard Laxton

Cast: Dakota Fanning, Emma Thompson, Julie Walters, Tom Sturridge

Runtime: 1 hour 48 minutes

Year of release: 2014

The actual account of Euphemia “Effie” Gray, the wife of renowned Victorian art critic John Ruskin, is the basis for the movie “Effie Gray.” The complicated and unpleasant union of Effie and Ruskin, who were emotionally estranged and unable to have a child together, is examined in the movie. Effie is forced to choose between duty and passion as she develops feelings for pre-Raphaelite painter John Everett Millais.

15. A Bigger Splash

A-Bigger-Splash

Genre: Drama, Thriller

Director: Luca Guadagnino

Cast: Tilda Swinton, Matthias Schoenaerts, Ralph Fiennes, Dakota Johnson

Runtime: 2 hours 5 minutes

Year of release: 2015

Story: The Italian island of Pantelleria is the setting for the drama “A Bigger Splash,” which centers on Marianne Lane, a well-known rock musician, and Paul, her lover who works as a filmmaker. The entrance of Marianne’s ex-lover Harry and his seductive daughter Penelope disturbs their peaceful getaway. The peaceful utopia turns into a scene for jealousy and treachery as tensions grow and long-buried grudges come to the surface.


Wrap Up

You require a trustworthy VPN, such as ExpressVPN, to access BBC iPlayer. Excellent plays from a range of genres and eras are widely available on BBC iPlayer.

Also, you may access BBC iPlayer on Apple TV and watch the popular drama movies. BBC iPlayer provides something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for a classic period piece or a modern drama movies.

You may also sign up for BBC iPlayer free trial, if you don’t already have one and start viewing your preferred movies and television series there.

Thus, why not grab some popcorn, unwind on the couch, and begin perusing the drama movies? You may always cancel BBC iPlayer subscription if you wish to.