With the weather feeling like sub-zero temperatures, accompanied by constant rain and the potential for snow, many Brits are planning to spend this weekend indoors rather than braving the fierce winter conditions. A cosy day inside always calls for the perfect television show to binge or a feel-good movie. 

Instead of heading to the basic streaming sites such as Netflix and Disney+ to catch the latest American flick, BBC iPlayer is offering classic British films that will bring you nostalgia while making you laugh your head off. One great example of this is The Full Monty (1997). With just 20 days left before it’s removed, here’s why you should watch (or rewatch) this great comedy.

What is the plot?

This hit 90s comedy follows a group of unemployed steelworkers in Sheffield who are struggling to make ends meet. With their jobs gone and bills piling up, they look for an unexpected way to escape poverty.

Gaz, played by Robert Carlyle, faces pressure when his ex-wife threatens legal action over missed child support payments. Desperate, he teams up with his friend Dave and comes up with a risky plan to make quick money.

The pair recruit four other ordinary men, including their former boss and a security guard, to form a strip act. Promising to go fully naked on stage, the group hope their bold plan will be enough to change their fortunes and restore their confidence.

Why you should watch 

The comedy currently has an impressive 7.2 stars on IMDB and an incredible score of 96% on Rotten Tomatoes. Summarising the film, the critic consensus on the tomato ranking site said: “Cheeky and infectiously good-natured, The Full Monty bares its big beating heart with a sly dose of ribald comedy.”

Top critics from Rotten Tomatoes went on to share their independent thoughts on the film. Gary Wolcott from the Tri-City Herald said: “A well-written farce that has lovable — though pathetic — characters and the kind of offbeat humour only found in British films.

The Daily Beast writer Laura Bradley commented: “This movie walked so that Magic Mike could run. Social commentary? Check. Unlikely pathos? Check. Male strippers? Six checks!”

Added to this sentiment, a fan of the film took to the comments underneath the film trailer on YouTube and said: “The original Magic Mike.” Another wrote: “Without a Doubt… One of the BEST British Movies EVER!”

A third said: “Crazy idea of a movie that was a full-on hit when it came out! Made on a low budget, not only did it make you laugh, but the underlying story is real, and then it makes you root for the characters! One of those films that never gets boring.”

Watch The Full Monty (1997) on BBC iPlayer by clicking here.