Think you’re well-read? New research suggests being ‘well-watched’ could be just as important, with Britons naming the films and TV shows they believe everyone should see.
A survey of 2,000 people, carried out by the National Film and Television School (NFTS), found that knowledge of major movies and television series is increasingly viewed as a social asset.
View this post on Instagram
Almost half of those surveyed said discussing iconic films and shows is useful when socialising, while 39% said cinema and television regularly fuel conversations and online debates.
More than a third said they regularly discuss what they are watching with friends and family.
View this post on Instagram
Three in ten also said they share viral film or television moments online or in group chats, while 26% admitted experiencing FOMO – Fear Of Missing Out – when they have not watched the title everyone else is talking about.
The research suggests that classic books may be losing some of their cultural importance to popular films and prestige television.
In fact, 41% said they would rather watch a film or TV adaptation than read the original book.
View this post on Instagram
And there are apparently some tell-tale signs that someone is ‘well-watched’.
These include constantly quoting favourite lines, rewatching films to spot details that were missed the first time, memorising obscure dialogue and using references from films and TV shows in everyday conversations.
Having several streaming subscriptions is another supposed sign, while 21% said that being unable to tolerate people talking during a cinema screening is also an indicator.
The research has now revealed the 30 films and TV shows Britons consider essential viewing.
At the top of the list is Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather, followed by The Matrix and Game of Thrones.
Peaky Blinders and Pulp Fiction complete the top five, while Breaking Bad, The Shining and Trainspotting also feature in the top 10.
View this post on Instagram
The list spans decades and genres, from classic films including Casablanca and Taxi Driver to modern television hits such as Adolescence and Black Mirror.
Here are the 30 titles Britons think you need to watch to be officially ‘well-watched’:
