Deciding what to watch can feel exhausting especially when you just want something meaningful, comforting, or even quietly powerful. Acorn TV, known primarily for its British and international TV dramas, also carries a selection of films that often fly under the radar but are absolutely worth your time.
If you’re looking for movies with depth, charm, or cultural texture rather than just big blockbuster noise—this list of the best movies on Acorn TV will guide you gently to something unforgettable. Whether you’re winding down or curious for something new, these picks bring character, story, and heart.
Why People Love Watching Movies on Acorn TV
Acorn TV appeals to viewers who appreciate curated entertainment with a global flavour. Its library isn’t about the flashiest releases but about stories with character, locale, and uniqueness. Users who subscribe often mention they enjoy discovering “hidden gems” from the UK, Australia, Ireland, and beyond.
Because the catalogue is smaller than some streaming giants, the experience often feels less chaotic and more deliberate. Instead of being overwhelmed by endless options, Acorn TV feels like a thoughtfully chosen shelf of films that respect your time and invite you in.
What Makes a Movie Worth Recommending on Acorn TV
A movie that fits well on Acorn TV often brings character, setting, and cultural specificity together. It might feature a British manor, an Irish village, or Australian outback not just for scenery but for story. The best picks combine strong performances, distinct locales, and a sense of emotional resonance or narrative sophistication
In short: it’s less about explosions and more about intimacy, atmosphere, and reflection. If you want to laugh, cry, or think without being pummelled by spectacle, these films deliver.
Top 25 Best Movies on Acorn TV
1. The Wind That Shakes the Barley
Genre: Drama, War
IMDb Rating: 7.6
This Irish-set drama explores the 1920s War of Independence and Civil War through the eyes of two brothers who join the fight. Rooted in history, the film doesn’t shy away from tragedy and moral complexity—and its sense of place feels alive. Acorn TV viewers will appreciate its regional authenticity and depth of character. It’s a film that lingers long after the last shot, offering both spectacle and sorrow.
2. Stardust
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
IMDb Rating: 7.6
Based on the Neil Gaiman novel, this whimsical fantasy follows a young man who ventures into a magical realm to fetch a fallen star—and discovers that things are far more complex than expected. Ideal for when you want a movie with heart, humour, and a fairy-tale tone that still lands. On Acorn TV this one stands out as a film that marries British sensibility with cinematic ambition. It’s joyful, inventive, and subtly emotional.
3. Cracks
Genre: Drama, Mystery
IMDb Rating: 6.5
Set at an exclusive girls’ boarding school in the 1930s, this film follows a charismatic but troubled instructor whose influence becomes dangerous. With an ensemble cast and a tense, atmospheric story, it offers something for fans of psychological tension and period drama. Acorn TV’s audience will find its setting and unfolding mystery compelling. It’s a slow burn, but richly textured.
4. Help
Genre: Drama
IMDb Rating: 7.0
A British drama examining the life of a carer for a quadriplegic woman, and how their roles evolve and blur. The film digs into morality, trust, and dependency without easy answers. On Acorn TV it appeals to those who value character-driven storytelling over bombast. It’s intimate, thoughtful, and quietly powerful.
5. Men Up
Genre: Comedy, Historical
IMDb Rating: 7.1
Based on a true story about the first group of British fish-farming pioneers in 1970s Scotland, this film brings humour, determination, and a unique cultural slice. The setting and era give it authenticity that makes it more than just a feel-good story. Acorn TV is the perfect home for this kind of regional, character-rich film. It’s uplifting, human, and rooted in place.
6. The Dry
Genre: Thriller, Mystery
IMDb Rating: 7.1
Adapted from an Australian bestseller, this film centres on a federal agent returning to his drought-stricken hometown to investigate a murder that may link to his past. It combines a compelling crime storyline with landscape, memory, and moral tension. On Acorn TV the regional specificity and thoughtful pacing stand out. It’s as much about the land and community as it is about the investigation.
7. Rogue Agent
Genre: Crime, Drama
IMDb Rating: 6.4
This British true-story drama follows a conman who manipulates MI5 and elite circles—until it unravels. It’s sleek, sharp, and full of tension as loyalties and identities slip. Acorn TV viewers seeking intelligent thrillers with a British edge will find this film rewarding. The atmosphere is crisp, the characters layered, and the twist compelling.
8. Nothing Like a Dame
Genre: Documentary
IMDb Rating: 7.8
A candid documentary that follows four veteran actresses—Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Eileen Atkins and Joan Plowright—as they tour together and reflect on their long careers. On Acorn TV this human-scale film becomes a celebration of craft, time, and friendship. It’s warm, witty, and emotionally resonant without being sentimental.
9. Turning Green
Genre: Comedy, Coming of Age
IMDb Rating: 6.6
This fresh Irish-coming-of-age comedy about a teen growing up during the 1970s economic crash brings wit, cultural texture, and heart. On Acorn TV its regional flavour makes it a standout. It’s light enough for casual viewing but thoughtful enough to leave an impression. A perfect pick for when you want a film that’s both fun and reflective.
10. Ghostlight
Genre: Horror, Supernatural
IMDb Rating: 6.3
If you want something darker, this British supernatural horror offers moody atmosphere, creeping dread, and a study of trauma. On Acorn TV it serves those nights when you’re in the mood for tension rather than comfort. It’s not blockbuster horror—more introspective, slow, and psychological.
11. How to Be Happy
Genre: Comedy, Drama
IMDb Rating: 6.7
A charming British film about a quirky job centre clerk who meets an oddball recruit and inspires him—and herself—to change. The humour is gentle, the characters endearing, and the message quietly optimistic. On Acorn TV this film fits the tone of stories that are heartwarming without being saccharine. It reminds us that connection can come from the unexpected.
12. The Mystery of a Hansom Cab
Genre: Mystery, Period Drama
IMDb Rating: 6.4
Set in 19th-century Melbourne, this murder mystery adapts a classic novel with style, class and intrigue. Acorn TV audiences who enjoy historical crime and international settings will appreciate its exotic flavour. With dark secrets, shifting alliances and rich atmosphere, it’s a strong choice for fans of mystery and period drama.
13. Help for the Holidays (Special)
Genre: Drama
IMDb Rating: N/A
This one is more seasonal, but worth mentioning when browsing Acorn TV’s catalogue during holiday windows. It brings together characters, community and warmth in a simple story of help, hope and connection. On Acorn TV it is the kind of title you turn to when you want gentle uplift. Its availability may vary, so check your region.
14. The Invisibles
Genre: Drama, Heist
IMDb Rating: 6.9
A British film about a group of elderly men who move into a crime-free retirement home and decide to pull off an art heist. Quirky, moral and full of character, it feels both clever and kind. On Acorn TV its originality makes it a hidden gem. If you like films that turn expectation upside down, this one delivers.
15. Miss Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries – The Crypt of Tears
Genre: Mystery, Adventure
IMDb Rating: 6.5
This spin-off movie from the popular series brings the glamorous detective Phryne Fisher to the Middle East in 1920s Egypt. On Acorn TV it stands out for blending period adventure, style and female lead charisma. The production values are high, the globe-trotting plot engaging, and the lead performance irresistible.
Final Words
Acorn TV offers more than just television it gives you a gateway to stories from beyond Hollywood, stories rooted in place, character and culture. The films above capture why the service is special: they respect nuance, they reward patience, and they invite curiosity.
Whether you’re searching for gentle uplift, intelligent thrillers or simply a film that makes you feel seen, these picks deliver.
So dim the lights, settle in and let one of these movies remind you how rich and varied cinema can be. Because sometimes the best movie night isn’t about what’s trending—it’s about what feels true to you.
