Today is a big day for Scotland. The country votes on the Scottish independence referendum to decide whether or not Scotland will remain a part of the United Kingdom.
Previous polls indicated that there is slightly more support for Scotland staying with the U.K. However, if you don't live in the U.K., you might not realize what any of this is or what it has to do with you. Well, for one thing, if you like movies and TV shows, you've probably come across some Scottish entertainment in your life. Whether you've seen "Braveheart," think Sean Connery is the best James Bond or are a fan of the new Starz show "Outlander," Scotland has been a major part of our entertainment experience for years.
In honor of the Scottish independence referendum, why not spend your day watching some of Scotland's great contributions to pop culture? Here are nine of the best Scottish movies and TV shows to stream on Netflix while you're waiting for the results of the vote to come in.
1. "Trainspotting" (1996)
Danny Boyle is best known for his Oscar-winning 2008 film "Slumdog Millionaire" these days, but his breakout film came in 1996 with "Trainspotting," featuring early turns by Ewan McGregor, Johnny Lee Miller and Kelly Macdonald. The movie follows McGregor's struggles to stay clean as his friends continue on their heroin-fueled adventures.
2. "Monarch of the Glen" (2000-2004)
If you're looking for another British TV show to get hooked on, might we suggest "Monarch of the Glen," which has one of the most British-sounding titles ever. The six-season series begins as a young London restaurateur returns to his family's estate in the Scottish highlands to help them keep their fortune. Think "Arrested Development" but with different accents.
3. "My Life So Far" (1999)
"My Life So Far" also chronicles an eccentric family on a Scottish estate, but this movie takes place just after World War I. The film is based on the memoirs of British TV pioneer Denis Forman. His 10-year-old self is at the center of "My Life So Far," which also stars Colin Firth.
4. "The Decoy Bride" (2011)
Any time is a good time for a little rom-com action, right? And this one stars beloved Scottish actor David Tennant as the leading man.
5. "The Angels' Share" (2012)
This critically-acclaimed film is an inspiring and humorous tale of a father who avoided jail time and his ragtag group of friends as they attempt to turn their lives around. "The Angels' Share" also won director Ken Loach the Jury Prize at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival.
6. "Gregory's Girl" (1981)
We're all still getting used to being in back-to-school mode, so why not stream "Gregory's Girl" to keep you in the spirit? The film is pretty much your typical high school movie with Scottish teen Gregory trying to woo a new girl on the school's soccer team. And the awkwardness ensues.
7. "Highlander 3: The Final Dimension" (1994) and "Highlander: Endgame" (2000)
Randomly, only two movies out of the five in the "Highlander" series are available to stream instantly on Netflix. Though the original "Highlander" from 1986, which follows the immortal Scottish swordsman Connor MacLeod as he defeats enemies, is probably the best, the third and fourth movies in the series are available on Netflix. We promise these movies will just keep the good times rolling with even more sword fighting and Christopher Lambert for your viewing pleasure.
8. "Mrs. Brown" (1997)
If critically-acclaimed performances from Judi Dench and Billy Connoly aren't enough to make you watch "Mrs. Brown," we don't know what will. But the actual premise of the film, which follows Queen Victoria's relationship with her Scottish servant John Brown, also sounds pretty sweet.
9. "Neds" (2010)
With a title that stands for "Non-Educated Delinquents," you know you're in for an interesting two hours when you sit down to stream "Neds." The movie, set in 1970s Glasgow, is about a good-boy-turned-gang member that paints a dark and gritty picture of adolescence.
