10 Shows & Movies Like Grafters (1998)

Description: A gritty portrayal of construction workers in London, blending humor and drama to depict the harsh realities of working-class life and labor struggles.

Fact: The film was shot on real construction sites, giving it an authentic and raw feel, and it marked the feature debut of its director.

Description: A lively musical drama about a group of working-class Dubliners forming a soul band, celebrating themes of passion, music, and working-class dreams.

Fact: The film's soundtrack was a commercial success, and it helped launch the careers of several Irish actors and musicians.

Description: A poignant story about a colliery brass band facing the closure of their mine, exploring themes of community, solidarity, and the impact of industrial decline.

Fact: The film's soundtrack features traditional brass band music, and it was released during a time of real-life coal mine closures in the UK.

Description: A heartwarming comedy-drama about unemployed steelworkers who turn to stripping to make ends meet, highlighting themes of working-class struggles, camaraderie, and resilience.

Fact: The film was shot in Sheffield, England, and became a surprise international hit, even inspiring a stage musical adaptation.

Description: A touching tale of a young boy pursuing ballet against the backdrop of a mining strike, focusing on themes of class, ambition, and breaking societal norms.

Fact: The film was later adapted into a highly successful West End and Broadway musical, winning multiple awards.

Description: An inspiring true story about female factory workers fighting for equal pay, highlighting themes of gender equality, labor rights, and solidarity.

Fact: The film is based on the 1968 strike at the Ford Dagenham plant, which was a pivotal moment in the fight for equal pay in the UK.

Description: A mix of comedy and drama about a young man on community service who discovers a talent for whiskey tasting, exploring themes of redemption and second chances.

Fact: The title refers to the portion of whiskey that evaporates during aging, and the film was shot in Scotland, featuring real distilleries.

Description: A tense drama about football hooliganism and the pressures of working-class masculinity, with a focus on loyalty, violence, and identity.

Fact: Originally made for television, the film gained a cult following and was later released in cinemas due to its popularity.

Description: A powerful drama about a carpenter navigating the UK welfare system, shedding light on bureaucracy, poverty, and human dignity.

Fact: The film won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and sparked widespread debate about the welfare system in the UK.

Description: A harrowing look at a delivery driver and his family struggling under the gig economy, focusing on themes of exploitation, family bonds, and economic hardship.

Fact: The film was inspired by real-life stories of gig workers and was shot in Newcastle upon Tyne, using mostly non-professional actors.