Direction: Stephen Frears

The best movies, series, and documentaries directed by Stephen Frears. Explore exceptional titles that showcase a unique filmmaking vision.


Dangerous Liaisons

1988 · Movie · 120 min. · United Kingdom

Direction Stephen Frears

Cast Glenn Close · John Malkovich · Michelle Pfeiffer · Keanu Reeves

Synopsis Dangerous Liaisons (1988) is an adaptation of the notorious novel "LES LIASONS DANGEREUSES" by Choderlos de Laclos and the subsequent play by Christopher Hampton, set in the era preceding the French Revolution. The narrative revolves around a cunning Marquise de...

7.6

23K votes

7.6

23K votes

High Fidelity

2000 · Movie · 107 min. · United States

Direction Stephen Frears

Cast John Cusack · Jack Black · Joelle Carter · Iben Hjejle

Synopsis High Fidelity (2000) presents a humorous and introspective journey through the life of Rob Gordon (John Cusack), a thirty-something record store owner in the suburbs of Chicago. Struggling with a recent breakup from his girlfriend Laura (Iben Hjejle), Rob compiles...

7.1

35K votes

7.1

35K votes

Direction Stephen Frears

Cast Hugh Grant · Ben Whishaw · Naomi Battrick · Andrew French

Synopsis A Very English Scandal (TV Miniseries) (2018) delves into the scandalous tale of Jeremy Thorpe, a prominent figure in the British Liberal Party, who finds himself entangled in a web of intrigue and accusation. The narrative unfolds as Thorpe faces...

7.1

2K votes

7.1

2K votes

Direction Tom McCarthy · Alex Metcalf · Kari Skogland · Stephen Frears

Cast Russell Crowe · Naomi Watts · Sienna Miller · Josh Charles

Synopsis The Loudest Voice (TV Miniseries) (2019) is a seven-episode limited series based on a bestselling book, delving into the life and career of Roger Ailes, the architect of Fox News. To grasp the factors that shaped the contemporary Republican Party,...

7.1

1K votes

7.1

1K votes

The Snapper

1993 · Movie · 95 min. · United Kingdom

Direction Stephen Frears

Cast Tina Kellegher · Colm Meaney · Ruth McCabe · Brendan Gleeson

Synopsis The Snapper (1993) unfolds in the heart of Ireland, focusing on Sharon Curley, a vibrant 20-year-old residing with her parents and a large, lively family. When Sharon finds herself unexpectedly pregnant and steadfastly declines to reveal the identity of the...

7.0

5K votes

7.0

5K votes

The Deal (TV)

2003 · Movie · 76 min. · United Kingdom

Direction Stephen Frears

Cast David Morrissey · Michael Sheen · Matt Blair · Dexter Fletcher

Synopsis The Deal (TV) (2003) delves into the intricate political and personal dynamics between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, tracing their journey from their initial meeting in 1983. The narrative focuses on the pivotal agreement they forged concerning the leadership of...

6.9

36 votes

6.9

36 votes

Philomena

2013 · Movie · 98 min. · United Kingdom

Direction Stephen Frears

Cast Judi Dench · Steve Coogan · Sophie Kennedy Clark · Charlie Murphy

Synopsis Philomena (2013) follows the journey of a disillusioned political journalist who becomes captivated by the tale of a woman seeking her son, who was taken from her many years prior due to an unwanted pregnancy that led to her confinement...

6.7

14K votes

6.7

14K votes

The Grifters

1990 · Movie · 119 min. · United States

Direction Stephen Frears

Cast Anjelica Huston · Annette Bening · John Cusack · Pat Hingle

Synopsis The Grifters (1990) follows the intertwined lives of three con artists: Roy Dillon (John Cusack), his mother Lilly (Anjelica Huston), and Roy's girlfriend Myra (Annette Bening). The story begins when Roy is hospitalized due to an injury sustained during a...

6.6

5K votes

6.6

5K votes

Liam

2000 · Movie · 87 min. · United Kingdom

Direction Stephen Frears

Cast Ian Hart · Claire Hackett · Anthony Borrows · David Hart

Synopsis Liam (2000) transports viewers to the 1930s, where a young seven-year-old boy named Liam resides in an Irish Catholic neighborhood situated across the Mersey River from Liverpool. Liam's life is filled with love and support from his caring mother, a...

6.6

838 votes

6.6

838 votes

Direction Stephen Frears

Cast Matthew Macfadyen · Sian Clifford · Mark Bonnar · Aisling Bea

Synopsis Quiz (TV Miniseries) (2020) is a gripping three-part drama that delves into the controversial tale of Charles Ingram, a former British army major. The series explores the scandal that erupted when Ingram was accused of manipulating the game show "Who...

6.6

1K votes

6.6

1K votes

Prick Up your Ears

1987 · Movie · 110 min. · United Kingdom

Direction Stephen Frears

Cast Gary Oldman · Alfred Molina · Vanessa Redgrave · Wallace Shawn

Synopsis Prick Up your Ears (1987) delves into the tumultuous life of renowned playwright Joe Orton, portrayed by Gary Oldman. The film explores Orton's raucous and perilous relationships, with a particular focus on his tumultuous partnership with Kenneth Halliwell, played by...

6.6

1K votes

6.6

1K votes

Dirty Pretty Things

2002 · Movie · 107 min. · United Kingdom

Direction Stephen Frears

Cast Audrey Tautou · Chiwetel Ejiofor · Sergi López · Sophie Okonedo

Synopsis Dirty Pretty Things (2002) follows the story of Okwe, an undocumented immigrant from Nigeria, who struggles to survive in London by working multiple jobs. He relies on caffeine and risky stimulants to stay awake and productive. During the day, he...

6.6

4K votes

6.6

4K votes

Direction Stephen Frears

Cast Chris O'Dowd · Rosamund Pike · Jitendra Rai · Aisling Bea

Synopsis State of the Union (TV Series) (2019) is a 10-episode journey that delves into the lives of Louise and Tom, a couple who convene at a pub right before their scheduled weekly marital counseling. Each installment of this series meticulously...

6.5

975 votes

6.5

975 votes

Fail Safe (TV)

2000 · Movie · 90 min. · United States

Direction Stephen Frears

Cast Richard Dreyfuss · Harvey Keitel · James Cromwell · George Clooney

Synopsis Fail Safe (TV) (2000) presents a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of escalating Cold War tensions. The story unfolds as a U.S. bomber receives an erroneous command to launch a nuclear strike on Moscow. This catastrophic mistake sets the...

6.4

516 votes

6.4

516 votes

The Queen

2006 · Movie · 97 min. · United Kingdom

Direction Stephen Frears

Cast Helen Mirren · James Cromwell · Michael Sheen · Alex Jennings

Synopsis The Queen (2006) offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the delicate interplay between Her Majesty Elizabeth II and Prime Minister Tony Blair as they grapple with the aftermath of Princess Diana's death. The film delves into their efforts to find...

6.4

15K votes

6.4

15K votes

Gumshoe

1971 · Movie · 88 min. · United Kingdom

Direction Stephen Frears

Cast Albert Finney · Billie Whitelaw · Frank Finlay · Janice Rule

Synopsis Gumshoe (1971) follows Eddie Ginley, a nightclub bingo caller portrayed by Albert Finney, who yearns for a more thrilling career. On his 31st birthday, he places an advertisement in the newspaper, offering his services as a private investigator. Donning a...

6.4

190 votes

6.4

190 votes

Direction Stephen Frears

Cast Chris O'Dowd · Rosamund Pike · Patricia Clarkson · Brendan Gleeson

Synopsis State of the Union 2 (TV Miniseries) (2022) unfolds over 10 episodes, continuing the narrative of a married couple's pre-counseling discussions. This installment finds Scott (Gleeson), a retired man seeking a peaceful life, while his wife, Ellen (Patricia Clarkson), grapples...

6.4

199 votes

6.4

199 votes

The Van

1996 · Movie · 95 min. · United Kingdom

Direction Stephen Frears

Cast Colm Meaney · Stuart Dunne · Brendan O'Carroll · Donald O'Kelly

Synopsis The Van (1996) follows the comedic and heartfelt journey of Bimbo, the protagonist from the third chapter of Roddy Doyle's 'Barrytown Trilogy,' succeeding 'The Commitments' and 'The Snapper.' After losing his job at a bakery, Bimbo and his closest friend...

6.3

3K votes

6.3

3K votes

The Lost King

2022 · Movie · 108 min. · United Kingdom

Direction Stephen Frears

Cast Sally Hawkins · Steve Coogan · James Fleet · Sinead MacInnes

Synopsis The Lost King (2022) chronicles the remarkable journey of Philippa Langley, an amateur historian whose relentless pursuit led to the astonishing discovery of King Richard III's remains beneath a parking lot in Leicester in 2012. Despite facing disbelief from her...

6.3

285 votes

6.3

285 votes

Direction Stephen Frears

Cast Daniel Day-Lewis · Roshan Seth · Saeed Jaffrey · Gordon Warnecke

Synopsis My Beautiful Laundrette (1985) follows the story of the Pakistani Hussein family, who have made London their home in pursuit of the prosperity promised by the era of Thatcherism. Nasser, a shrewd businessman, and his loyal associate, Salim, operate various...

6.2

4K votes

6.2

4K votes