movie sets to visit in london

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25 Movies Set in London to Tide You Over Until Your Next Trip

By Caitlin Morton

When it comes to cinematic cities, places like New York and Paris tend to come to mind first. But we’d argue that London is just as telegenic as any other location, appearing in countless romantic comedies, heist movies, and horror flicks over the past century. Aside from its beautiful landmarks and dreamy parks, the British capital has a bevvy of subcultures that lend themselves beautifully to the big screen. So whether you’re craving a timeless classic or a Hugh Grant-driven romp (there are a lot of them), here are 25 movies set in London to enjoy at home.

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The 39 Steps (1935)

This early Alfred Hitchcock film stars Robert Donat as Richard, a London civilian who gets caught up in a complicated and mysterious assassination plot. You can spot many Hitchcock trademarks (including a blonde leading lady), as well as some famous London sites like King’s Cross station and Piccadilly Circus and a climactic scene on Scotland's Forth Bridge.

Watch now: From $3 or free with Amazon Prime, amazon.com

The Lavender Hill Mob (1951)

Named after Lavender Hill, an actual street in South London, this 1951 comedy stars Alec Guinness as a bank teller who decides to steal gold bars from his own place of business. The Bank of England plays a prominent role in the movie, as do other landmarks like Gunnersbury Park and Notting Hill.

Watch now: From $4 on iTunes, itunes.com

Mary Poppins (1964)

Through Disney’s idyllic lens, London became a technicolor wonderland with dancing chimney sweeps and friendly ladies who can talk to birds. The real London is certainly a bit grittier, but it’s fun to think that the glossy cityscape of Mary Poppins exists somewhere—if only in our imaginations.

Watch now: Free with Disney+ subscription, disneyplus.com or from $3 on iTunes, itunes.com

A Hard Day's Night (1964)

Released at the height of their fame, A Hard Day's Night portrays a fun, music-filled day in the life of The Beatles. Beatlemania may have peaked in the '60s, but it's hard not to get swept up in the fanaticism when you watch the famous opening shot, featuring John, Paul, George, and Ringo running away from screaming fans through Marylebone Station and the streets of London.

Watch now : Free with HBO Max subscription, play.hbomax.com or from $4 on Amazon, amazon.com

Blow-up (1966)

The plot of Blow-Up is compellingly simple: As a London fashion photographer snaps a picture of a couple in a park, he accidentally captures a murder on his camera film. But the film is so much more than its storyline. Directed by Michelangelo Antonioni, Blow-Up is a visual masterpiece, filled with glowing, colorful images that perfectly encapsulate the Mod subculture of 1960s Carnaby Street.

Watch now: From $2 on Amazon, amazon.com

Quadrophenia (1979)

Loosely based on The Who's rock opera of the same name, Quadrophenia is another stunning showcase of Mod culture in the '60s. The film stars Phil Daniels as Jimmy, a Londoner who quits his boring job to enter the world of drugs, dancing, and motorcycle gangs. The movie was shot almost entirely on location in and around London, adding a huge dose of authenticity to what could have been a fantastical plot. Plus, the soundtrack is amazing.

Watch now: Free with HBO Max subscription, hbomax.com or from $4 on iTunes, itunes.com

Babylon (1980)

One of the earliest (and best) examples of Black British cinema, Babylon follows an aspiring reggae artist as he combats the racism and police brutality in South London. The film handles serious issues and sound system culture with gritty realness, complete with live music and scenes shot entirely on location in Deptford and Brixton.

Watch now: From $4 on YouTube, youtube.com

The Long Good Friday (1980)

Arguably one of the best British gangster movies of all time, The Long Good Friday is to London what The Italian Job is to Turin . The plot follows a Cockney crime boss (Bob Hoskins) who enlists the American Mafia to help redevelop the London Dockyards. (Are you a fan of Guy Ritchie’s movies? You can thank The Long Good Friday for inspiring.) You can spot some real London churches and pubs throughout the film, but be warned: A lot of things get blown up.

Watch now: Free with Criterion Channel subscription, criterionchannel.com  

An American Werewolf in London (1981)

When two American tourists visit London on vacation, their trip takes a dark, lupine turn. The film’s climactic Tottenham Court Road scene will make your most stressful Tube experience seem positively delightful.

Watch: Free with HBO Max, play.hbomax.com or from $4 on Amazon, amazon.com

My Beautiful Laundrette (1985)

A very young Daniel Day-Lewis acts the part of a troubled Londoner divided between his childhood friends—a group of lazy skinheads—and his love for a first-generation, Anglo-Pakistani man who is eager to change his fortune. The story is set during the 1980s, at a time when England was struggling with the Thatcher government and high social and racial tensions.

Watch now: Free with Amazon Prime subscription, amazon.com or from $4 on Amazon, amazon.com

Withnail and I (1987)

“We’ve gone on holiday by mistake!” Withnail’s (Richard E. Grant) desperate moan is the centerpiece of this British cult comedy, which sees two hard-drinking, unemployed actors escaping the horrors of their impoverished London flat with a trip to the countryside. If you've ever wondered what working-class life in Camden Town is like, this is the movie for you.

Watch now: Free with HBO Max subscription, hbomax.com

A Fish Called Wanda (1988)

Putting a comedic spin on the classic heist genre, A Fish Called Wanda follows a group of jewel thieves and con artists as they double-cross each other. Naturally, antics ensue. You could watch the film just to admire Kevin Kline in his hilarious, Oscar-winning performance, but the commentary on London life is pretty good, too. Look for Heathrow Airport and the district of Bermondsey in South East London in several key scenes.

Watch now: Free with HBO Max subscription, play.hbo.com or from $4 on Amazon, amazon.com

Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)

The first of many collaborations between Hugh Grant and screenwriter Richard Curtis (others include Notting Hill and Bridget Jones's Diary ), this 1994 film follows a group of Brits and their romantic run-ins over the course of—you guessed it—several weddings and a funeral. Aside from being one of the most famous British movies of all time, Four Weddings and a Funeral showcases the charming, lovely side of London life, from strolls along the South Bank to rainy kisses on Highbury Terrace.

Watch now: Free with Starz subscription, starz.com or from $4 on Amazon, amazon.com

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)

Simran (Kajol), a sheltered girl growing up in London, convinces her strict dad to let her take one last holiday with her friends before agreeing to an arranged marriage in India—and somewhere along her journey, she falls in love with Raj (Shah Rukh Khan) instead. (Oops.) If the 1990s saw a sudden surge in young Indian men and women buying Eurail passes in search of romance, this Bollywood cult classic was to blame.

Watch now: Free with Amazon Prime, amazon.com or from $4 on iTunes, itunes.com

Sliding Doors (1998)

This romantic comedy entertains two different plotlines: One in which Helen (Gwyneth Paltrow) catches a train, and another in which she misses the train. The Tube plays a supporting role throughout the movie, as does the Thames and Paltrow's British accent. Plus, it's an easy way to learn about the butterfly effect without sitting in a chaos theory class.

Watch now: Free on Amazon, amazon.com and free on Tubi, tubitv.com

Notting Hill (1999)

William Thacker (Hugh Grant) is a London bookstore owner whose life suddenly changes when a famous American actress (Julia Roberts) appears in his shop, which is dedicated to travel books. The titular London neighborhood and Portobello Road serve as the backdrop to this sugary sweet rom-com, which also features some of London's most famous spots like Kenwood House and the Savoy Hotel.

Watch now: Free with HBO Max subscription, hbomax.com or from $4 on Amazon, amazon.com

Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)

Bridget's single-gal flat is located in the neighborhood of Borough, and places like Borough Market and the Globe pub (underneath her apartment) are featured. The scenery is enough to make you want to pub-crawl through London immediately—bonus points if you can convince Colin Firth to join you.

28 Days Later (2002)

After a rage-inducing virus is accidentally released into the world, a group of survivors try to avoid contamination and navigate the crumbling society around them. Early scenes show a man named Jim (Cillian Murphy) awakening from a coma in St Thomas' Hospital in London and discovering that the streets of the city are completely deserted. The plot gets more exciting and zombie-filled from there, but the image of Jim walking across an empty Westminster Bridge is downright iconic.

Watch now: From $4 or free with Amazon Prime, amazon.com

Love, Actually (2003)

Love in all shapes and sizes permeates this 2003 comedy, right from the famous opening line (a voiceover by—who else?—Hugh Grant): “Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport." The airport features prominently in the film, which showcases the rest of Christmastime London perfectly throughout its intersecting storylines, from Selfridges to Somerset House.

Watch now: From $4 on Amazon, amazon.com or from $4 on iTunes, itunes.com

V for Vendetta (2005)

Remember, remember, the... well, you know the rest. Guy Fawkes is an undeniably iconic figure in British history, and V for Vendetta practically transforms the anarchist into a comic-book superhero. London's underground Tube stations and the British Parliament building make notable appearances in the movie—and by that, we mean they explode. But don't worry: No real landmarks were harmed in the making of this film.

Watch now: Free with a Netflix subscription, netflix.com or from $4 on Amazon, amazon.com

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)

Any list of London movies would be incomplete without mentioning the Harry Potter franchise. Diagon Alley and Hogwarts don’t exist in real life, but each of the eight films feature iconic landmarks, whether it’s the London Zoo in Sorcerer's Stone or crumbling Millennium Bridge in Half-Blood Prince . And do we even need to mention King’s Cross station?

Watch now : From $4 on Amazon, amazon.com or from $4 on iTunes, itunes.com

The King's Speech (2010)

In 1930s Britain, King George VI (Colin Firth) visits speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush) to help him overcome his debilitating stammer in time to deliver his first wartime radio broadcast. The film alternates between the lavish dwellings of the Royal family and the streets of Depression-era London, and while not every scene was shot on location—many of the actual buildings from the time period are no longer standing—the recreations of Buckingham Palace will make you feel like you're actually there.

Watch now: Free on YouTube, youtube.com or from $4 on Amazon, amazon.com

Skyfall (2012)

Most James Bond movies could double as London tourism ads, but Skyfall might reflect the city the most beautifully of all the franchise's films. Thanks to director Sam Mendes’s cinematic eye, places like the National Gallery , Trinity Square, and Whitehall have never looked better. And if Skyfall doesn’t inspire you to take a scenic drive to Scotland, similar to the one Bond and M take in his Aston Martin DB5, we’re not sure what will.

Watch now: From $4 on Amazon, amazon.com

Paddington (2014)

Few movies in recent memory are quite as adorable as Paddington , the first full-length film starring the literary bear. You probably already know the story from the books: A bear migrates from the jungles of Peru to the streets of London, where he is adopted by the Brown family. The movie adds a few more exciting plot points, plus features city landmarks like St Paul’s Cathedral, Portobello Road, and, of course, Paddington Station.

Been So Long (2018)

Released in 2018 by Netflix, Been So Long (based on the musical of the same name) chronicles a single mother who falls in love with a handsome stranger during a night out in Camden Town. If you can look away from the singing cast for a second, try to spot Camden Market, Regent's Canal, and Primrose Hill in the background of many scenes. But we understand if Michaela Coel distracts you for the entirety of the movie.

Watch now: Free with Netflix subscription, netflix.com  

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15 movies set in London (you have to watch!)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: June 2, 2024

Love movies? Love London? We have you covered on both scores – sit back, grab your popcorn and enjoy some of the best movies set in London.

One thing I love to do before I visit a new destination is to read books (fiction/non-fiction/guide books) and watch movies written about/filmed in that particular city or country.

In this article, I have collated 15 of the best movies set in London . This includes romantic comedies set in London (so many romcoms!), historical dramas, action, as well as children’s films.

All of these movies are based in London or are movies featuring London.

Warning – A lot of them also seem to star Hugh Grant!

I have included links to Amazon Prime (and Netflix if available but do bear in mind accessibility depends on where you are in the world)

Film lovers don’t forget to check out my guide to the best movies set in Scotland too.

If you don’t have Amazon Prime click here to try Amazon Prime for a 30-Day Free Trial

NOTTING HILL

Love actually.

• BRIDGET JONES'S DIARY

SLIDING DOORS

Harry potter, four weddings and a funeral, about a boy, shakespeare in love, mary poppins, bend it like beckham, 84 charing cross road.

• THE KING'S SPEECH

HAPPY VIEWING

London travel guide & itinerary planner (+ 4 bonus ebooks), 15 movies set in london.

Starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant this classic rom-com is about a London bookshop owner (Grant) who falls for an A-list American actress.

Made in 1999

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Hugh Grant is back but this time he is the Prime Minister (a lot hunkier than the one we have at the moment lol!!!) Starring opposite Martine McCutcheon this rom-com tells the story of 8 couples dealing with the complexity of relationships.

Made in 2003

BRIDGET JONES’S DIARY

The original Bridget Jones’s diary also stars Hugh Grant (is this man in every British rom-com?! And his co-star is the every so British Renee Zellweger (who perhaps hasn’t quite aged as well as her co-stars!

There are now 3 films in the series with the latest released in 2016.

Made in 2001

Starring Gwyneth Paltrow as the central character.

Her love life and career both hinge, unknown to her, on whether or not she catches a train. We see both ways, in parallel.

Made in 1998

London has starred in many of the Harry Potter movies with King’s Cross Station featuring in all 7!

London Harry Potter filming locations such as The Millennium Bridge, London City Hall, Great Scotland Yard can all be seen in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Leadenhall Market, London Zoo, Australia House and St Pancras Renaissance Hotel can be found in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Piccadilly Circus and Claremont Square feature in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1

There are lots of Harry Potter walking themed tours you can take in London.

Harry Potter studios are also worth visiting and can be found just outside London. You can book a tour or take public transport to the studios – just book in advance to avoid disappointment as it is very popular!

Named after one of London’s main train stations (where he was found by the Browns) Paddington is a firm favourite with children everywhere!

Starring Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey) and filmed in Primrose Hill Paddington is our favourite bear from Peru!

Starring a VERY youthful looking Hugh Grant this rom-com (yes another one!) follows an eccentric group of friends from wedding to wedding with Andi Macdowell playing the elusive love interest!

Made in 1994

Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess star in this rom-com about two different people that realise that the love they’ve been hoping for has been there all along.

Made in 2011

Hugh Grant again – he really was the king of rom-com (I actually didn’t realise just how much!!!)

In this movie, he plays rather an unsavoury character until a 12-year-old boy enters his life and causes him to examine his behaviour.

Made in 2002

The world’s greatest playwright, William Shakespeare , is young, out of ideas and short of cash but meets the ideal woman who inspires him to write one of his most famous plays!

Can you guess which one?

The original Mary Poppins made in 1964 and starring Julie Andrews is a family favourite.

Disney’s recent offering starring Emily Blunt was recently filmed in London with St Pauls, the Bank of England and Buckingham Palace all featuring.

Made in 2018

A girl bends the rules to achieve her goal in professional football (soccer) against the wishes of her parents who want a more traditional future for their daughter.

A great family/comedy film set in Hounslow West London

A true story based on the long-distance friendship that develops between a New Yorker and a staff running a bookshop in London.

Starring Anne Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins in the leading roles this is a lovely film about friendship.

Charing Cross Road is famous for its bookshops including Foyles which can be found at 107 Charing Cross Road.

Made in 1987

THE KING’S SPEECH

The true story of Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue who worked with King George VI to help him overcome his stammer.

Starring Colin Firth as King George VI (the late Queen’s father) this historical drama was a major box office success. If you enjoyed watching The Crown and have an interest in British history this film is not to be missed.

Made in 2010

How many of this great selection of movies set in London England have you seen? Do you have a favourite?

And where is Hugh Grant these days???

Planning to visit London ? You will find these articles helpful!

• 32 Free things to do in London
• How to budget for your London trip
• London bucket list
• How to get around London – a complete guide to transportation
• Where to stay in London – a complete accommodation guide
• First time visitors guide to London
• Guide to Ted Lasso film locations in London

Find lots of more inspiration for your trip to London in my London Travel Guide which has lots of tips, itineraries and more to help you plan your perfect itinerary.

25 Famous Filming Locations In London That You’re Sure To Recognise

London looks best on the big screen, and so we've rounded up our favourite filming locations in the capital!

Our fair city has had its fair share of screen time and we’re not at all surprised – if you haven’t noticed, it looks pretty good on camera. Chances are you’ve watched at least five of these films (if you haven’t, who even are you?) but the real question is, how many of these London filming locations have you actually visited? Time for a spot of set-jetting!

1. Love Actually

Of course we had to start with this one! If you head to Gabriel’s Wharf and sit on the bench directly in front of The Wharf restaurant, you’ll be sat in the exact same spot as Daniel and Sam when they talk about the ‘ total agony of being in love ’. Though the scene isn’t totally accurate (they ‘moved’ St. Paul’s Cathedral to make it appear nearer), it’s still a perfect place to go and sit if you’re feeling agonisingly in love with someone who doesn’t even know your name (it happens to the best of us, Sam).

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Over in Notting Hill (we’ll get to that particular film later), you’ll find the location of one of the film’s most iconic moments. Andrew Lincoln declaring his love for Keira Knightley via oversized flash cards may not have aged well – NOT OK ANDREW – but nevertheless, if you want to stand in the same place, head to St. Luke’s Mews. That hot pink house is the very one used for filming the now-contentious scene and is arguably one of the most famous filming locations in town.

You can also visit Selfridges on Bond Street , where Alan Rickman tries to buy a necklace from Rowan Atkinson. And of course you could visit Heathrow airport where the famous opening and closing scenes are filmed, but a trip to Heathrow isn’t recommended unless you actually have a plane to catch, or somebody to go and meet. If that is the case though, make sure you do it in true Love Actually style!

2. Harry Potter

If you’re potty about Potter, London is full of magical places for you to visit and plenty of filming locations too. Of course there’s platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station, but you already know that. Aside from posing in front of a brick wall, there are tons of other Pottery locations you can visit: the beautiful Leadenhall Market , which is the location they used for Diagon Alley; the entrance to The Leaky Cauldron, which is now an opticians in Bull’s Head Passage; Australia House, where they filmed the interior of Gringotts (though sadly you can only see it from the outside because the goblins won’t let you in); and, of course, London Zoo’s reptile house, if you fancy practising your parseltongue.

3. Four Weddings And A Funeral

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Hugh Grant, floppy hair, befuddled expression. It has to be a 90s London rom-com, right? In Four Weddings And A Funeral , you can catch him running along the South Bank, snogging Andie MacDowell outside his flat at 22 Highbury Terrace, or getting cold feet at Priory Church of St Bartholomew the Great (named St Julian’s in the film) in Smithfield. Further out, you and your beau can recreate Charles and Carrie’s first night together at the far end of the Metropolitan line – Amersham is home to both The Kings Arms and the Crown Hotel, which combine to make ‘The Lucky Boatman’ in the film.

4. Shaun of The Dead

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Unfortunately you can’t head to The Winchester for a nice cold pint, because it’s no longer there. The old Duke of Albany in New Cross, which filled in for Shaun’s favourite pub in the film, has since been shut down and turned into flats. However, other spots from the film are still dotted around London, mainly in the Crouch End and Finchley areas: Broadway Fruiterers in Crouch End, the place where Shaun bought his mum some flowers; the local supermarket, Landis, which is actually an Asda in Park Royal; Foree Electronics where Shaun used to work, which is actually Garland Electronics in North Finchley; a nd Weston Park Grocery Store in Crouch End, which is where Shaun starts to notice bizarre headlines in the newspapers.

5. A Clockwork Orange

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Despite everyone in the film having northern accents, A Clockwork Orange was mostly filmed in London. Thamesmead, the grim housing estate where Alex DeLarge lived, is worth the trip if you’re a fan of the film, or even if you’re just a fan of really bleak and brutalist architecture (it also featured as a set for TV show Misfits ). Meanwhile, the Kings Road branch of McDonald’s was, in a former life, the setting for the scene in which Alex picks up two girls in the record store. The subway in the opening scene of the film, where the droogs attack the old tramp, can also be found over in Wandsworth. So, you know, whenever you fancy a really weird day out head to one of these filming locations…

6. Les Miserables

Though supposedly set in France, Les Miserables was actually filmed in the UK for the most part. Passed off as Paris in the movie, the Old Royal Naval College is where Lamarque’s funeral procession was held. The Greenwich location has been a very popular movie set and has featured in a range of films, including the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. France and the Caribbean? Quite the chameleon, this entry on this filming locations in London roundup.

7. Notting Hill

The famous blue door, which leads to the home of William Thacker aka Hugh Grant, can be found at 280 Westbourne Park Road. For a while the door was painted black because the owners didn’t like the attention their house was getting (I mean, who can really blame them?). However the door is now blue again, much to the pleasure of avid Notting Hill fans.

The Travel Book Company that William Thacker owned on Portobello Road never actually existed, but is now a souvenir shop called ‘Notting Hill’ (obviously…). There was a Travel Bookshop just off of Portobello Road, which William’s store in the film was based on, but it closed in 2011. Another bookshop took its place though and is called The Notting Hill Bookshop (again, obviously…). You can find it at 13 Blenheim Crescent.

Of course, there are plenty of other locations around London which feature in the well loved rom-com, including the Ritz hotel, where William manages to disguise himself as a Horse and Hound reporter. Up north, in Hampstead Heath, you can also visit the movie set within the movie set. Kenwood House is a hidden gem which is definitely worth a visit, even if you aren’t a Notting Hill fan – not that such a person exists, of course.

8. 28 Days Later

Pretty much a where’s where of famous London spots, is this one. Cillian Murphy, having awoken from his conveniently-timed coma, wanders across Westminster Bridge, past the Houses of Parliament, through Whitehall, up the Mall, into the City of London, back to Tottenham Court Road, to the statue of Eros, and on to Canary Wharf station. Phew!

9. A Hard Day’s Night

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For this joyous romp through a day in the life of The Beatles, the film makers got pretty creative with Marylebone Station, which features both as itself and Liverpool Lime Street station – a very short train ride indeed! Elsewhere, chase sequences were filmed around Notting Hill Gate, whilst Ringo’s solo adventure is a meandering one which takes him to Lancaster Road, the Putney Towpath, and the Turk’s Head pub in Twickenham.

10. A Fish Called Wanda

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Maida Vale is your first stop for dark comedy A Fish Called Wanda, for Michael Palin’s house is Aubrey House, on Maida Avenue. Many of the getaway scenes were filmed around Clerkenwell , whilst Mrs Coady’s house is at 69 Onslow Gardens in South Kensington. And finally, if it’s seduction you’re after, John Cleese’s character borrowed one of the luxury flats at New Concordia Wharf to impress Wanda – let’s hope you have more luck than he did…

11. An American Werewolf in London

You may not be fond of Tottenham Court Road station, but at least you’ve never been chased through it after dark by a bloodthirsty werewolf. Other featured locations include 64 Coleherne Road, where Daivd undergoes his transformation, and GAP on Piccadilly Circus, which was once the soft porn theatre known as Eros Cinema. Fun fact for you next time you go shopping there! It also recently feature in Luther: The Fallen Sun .

12. Paddington

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He’s named after the station, and even has a statue inside it, but Paddington isn’t the only train station to appear in Paddington . Marylebone makes another appearance on this list, standing in for the station frontage (as Paddington’s isn’t actually all that nice). Away from rail termini, you’ll find the Brown’s home on the very pretty Chalcot Crescent in Primrose Hill, whilst their local station ‘Westbourne Oak’ is actually a composite of Maida Vale and Little Venice , St. John’s Wood, and the disused Jubilee line site in Charing Cross (which has also seen screen time in Skyfall , to name just one other example). Finally, Gruber’s antique store is better known as Insta-friendly Alice’s Antiques on Portobello Road.

13. Withnail & I

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Sadly, most of the iconic London locations from this cult classic have been demolished over the years, including the ‘Mother Black Cap’ pub which stood on Tavistock Crescent in Notting Hill. However, its inspiration – Camden’s Black Cap and Mother Red Cap – is now The World’s End, which works nicely both for “ Two large gins. Two pints of cider. Ice in the cider ” and a cheeky trip to Underworld . Additionally, you can find Uncle Monty’s house at 35 Glebe Place in Chelsea and various other filming locations nearby.

14. Bridget Jones’ Diary

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The film zips all over town – and across the country, too – but most of the intrigue for film fans lies in Borough. Bridget’s flat is located above The Globe pub on Bedale Street, just around the corner from Borough Market . Depressing fact for you: it would have cost her roughly £190,000 when the film was released in 2001, but by 2016, estimates for a one-bedroom flat in the area had risen to £650,000. Now let’s face it – it’ll be over a mill. Fun!

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Elsewhere in the area, you’ll find Daniel Cleaver’s flat on Clink Street, and the couple share their first kiss in Shad Thames (once known as the larder of London for all the food that was stored here). For Bridget and Mark’s first kiss, meanwhile, you’ll want to head to the Royal Exchange Buildings, opposite the Bank of England. We can’t guarantee the snow, though.

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Double Oscar-winner Renée Zellweger arguably gave one of the best performances I’ve ever seen as the iconic Judy Garland in Judy . It was so good in fact that she bagged herself one of those aforementioned Oscars. The film itself was almost entirely filmed in and around the capital, with the stage door of the Noël Coward Theatre and the art deco interior of the Grade II-listed Banking Hall both featuring prominently.

Perhaps the filming location most used throughout the 2019 flick though is the Hackney Empire on Mare Street, which stands in as a replica to the famous London Hippodrome (now the casino) as it was in the Sixties.

16. The Bourne Ultimatum

Undoubtedly one of the best action series of all time, The Bourne Series has been filmed everywhere from Goa to Berlin and Madrid to Tangier in Morocco. The third instalment though was also filmed in our beloved London Town, with one incredible sequence where (spoiler alert), Paddy Considine’s character is shot in the head in Waterloo Station.

Other spots featured in the film include Hatton Garden, Charing Cross, Lower Marsh and even the five-star hotel Rosewood London.

17. V For Vendetta

Now if you haven’t heard of V For Vendetta , then you must have been living under a rock for almost 20 years. Based on a graphic novel by acclaimed writer Alan Moore and artist David Lloyd, it follows a freedom fighter who uses terrorist tactics to fight an oppressive society in a futuristic and totalitarian Britain.

Though much of the film was shot on sound stages, the scenes that took place in the abandoned London Underground were filmed at the disused Aldwych tube station, and for the final scene based at Westminster, the area from Trafalgar Square and Whitehall up to Parliament and Big Ben had to be closed for three nights from midnight until 5 am. This was the first time that this security-sensitive area had ever been closed for filming, so it’s a pretty special one!

18. James Bond (Skyfall, Spectre and No Time To Die)

Now who doesn’t love a Bond movie? After all, they’re pretty much ingrained into British culture as he’s a literary treasure, and it’s no surprise that the capital has been featured in pretty much all of them. While there are far too many locations here to mention in all 25 of them (and counting), filming locations of choice include the National Gallery in Skyfall , where 007 meets Q, and 1 Stanley Gardens, Notting Hill, W11 (AKA Bond’s flat in Spectre ).

In the most recent flick, 2021’s No Time To Die , Bond met M (Ralph Fiennes) just outside the Rutland Arms on the lower mall adjacent to Hammersmith Bridge – why not see if they can rustle you up martini afterwards?

19. About A Boy

About A Boy made waves on its release back in 2002 with both critics and punters alike. Starring Hugh Grant, Toni Collette, Rachel Weisz and a young, bowl cut-wearing Nicholas Hoult, it follows a rich, child-free and irresponsible Londoner (Grant) in his thirties who invents an imaginary son (Hoult) on his quest to find single women.

Obviously being based in London, there are plenty of filming locations you might recognise in this one, but London Zoo , the BFI IMAX in Waterloo, Regent’s Park and Hakkasan Hanway Place are probably the most famous.

20. The King’s Speech

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lord Davenport (@33portlandplace)

The King’s Speech swept the Oscars back in 2011, winning Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay and Best Actor for Colin Firth. It chronicles the real life story of the future King George VI whose wife, her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, asks renowned speech therapist Lionel Logue to help cure him of his stammer.

As you can imagine with a film about the Royal Family, there are plenty of London locations used in this one. Battersea Power Station , 6 Fitzroy Square and the Royal Naval College all feature here, but perhaps the most interesting spot used in the film is 33 Portland Place W1, which doubles as the speech therapist’s office. You might recognise it, as it was also featured in Amy Winehouse’s Rehab music video – it also now is used as an exclusive party pad!

21. Run, Fat Boy, Run

2007’s Run, Fat Boy, Run was massively popular with viewers due to its likeable cast and funny gags. Londoners also might recognise plenty of spots used for filming here – Spitalfields Market , Dalston (which by the way was also used for the Britney Spears music video Criminal – who knew?) and Hampstead Heath all feature, but perhaps its most iconic location is a real East London staple.

Yep – we’re talking about Columbia Road . Famous for its signature flower market, there are numerous spots used in the film from this famous London thoroughfare, including one of our favourite pubs, The Royal Oak.

22. Kingsman: The Secret Service

View this post on Instagram A post shared by London Pub Facades (@londonpubfacades)

Speaking of pubs, our next entry on this list of the best filming locations in London has a great couple of scenes in one classic boozer of the river. Called The Black Prince in Kennington, it was featured in the scene where lead character Eggsy (Taron Egerton) has a run-in with a bunch of local thugs led by his stepfather, as well as the car scene afterwards.

Other locations of note used throughout the 2014 blockbuster include the Alexandra Road Estate in South Hampstead, Holborn Police Station, and of course, Savile Row.

23. Spider-Man: Far from Home

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tower Bridge (@towerbridge)

A late entry to this list of filming locations in London, but for good reason. Though the action hops across Europe on Spidey’s summer break, the climactic scenes take place in London – with a memorable finale unfolding inside Tower Bridge, on their terrifying glass floor , no less. Things should be a little less intense during your visit, hopefully.

24. Sherlock Holmes

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Brompton Cemetery (@brompton_cemetery)

Our penultimate addition to this roundup of the best filming locations in London is another one of our literary heroes. Yep, that’s right – it’s none other than Sherlock Holmes himself. And while there have been plenty of adaptations over the years, we’re talking about the 2009 film and its sequel – Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows .

Victorian London features heavily in both, with locations including Brompton Cemetery, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Reform Club all being used throughout. St. Bartholomew The Great in Smithfield and the Freemasons’ Hall were also both seen too.

25. Napoleon

Directed by the legendary Ridley Scott (Gladiator, Alien, The Martian), Napoleon follows the story of Napoleon Bonaparte duh (Joaquin Phoenix) and his swift, ruthless climb to Emperor as well as his volatile relationship with his wife, the Empress Joséphine (Vanessa Kirby).

And how do we know this was filmed in London we hear you ask dear reader? Well – this author (who lives local to Greenwich) saw it being filmed at the Old Royal Naval College on his lunchtime run. Through watching the film, I can confirm that it was most likely the scene where poor old Marie Anoinette loses her noggin’ to the guillotine in the French Revolution in Paris .

So there you have it – a roundup of filming locations in London you really can’t miss. From Napoleon to The Bourne Ultimatum, there are a whole host of big blockbusters which have been shot here. See if you can spot your favourite scenes!

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The 32 best London movies

The very best films set and shot in our nation’s capital, from ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’ to ‘Withnail & I’

These stuck-at-home times have us all pining for the freedoms of the big city: to hang out, see the sights, or just sip a pint and watch the world go by. We can’t do it – at least, for the moment – so why not experience the big city vicariously and take a trip to its most glamorous nooks and seediest crannies as captured by some great filmmakers? From the silent era right up to the present day, Time Out’s list of the best London movies covers comedy, horror, sci-fi, romance, disaster movies, political dramas and psychedelic thrillers. But they’re all united by one thing – they’re set and shot in the greatest city in the known universe…

RECOMMENDED: The 100 best British films of all time

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The best London movies

30.  Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)

Director Mike Newell

Floppy-haired Charles (Hugh Grant) is looking for The One in Richard Curtis’s sweet, soppy movie. The capital provides a picture-perfect backdrop as Grant and his band of twenty-something aristo Londoners date, flirt and consider settling for sub-standard partners in an effort to get down the aisle. Proof that spending every sunny Saturday at a friend’s wedding is not a modern affliction.

Most London moment Anyone who has ever run late in London will recognise Charles and Scarlett’s expletive-stuffed struggle to get to the church on time. Car? Bus? Taxi? It’s probably quicker to just leg it.

London location Charles lives (and has that romantic, rainy reunion) on Highbury Terrace in Highbury Fields, the lucky sod. He also wanders along the South Bank and has a matrimonial meltdown at Smithfield’s St Bartholomew the Great. EWA

29.  The Day the Earth Caught Fire (1961)

Director Val Guest

London swelters through the ultimate heatwave in this gritty homegrown disaster sci-fi movie, in which an atomic bomb test alters Earth’s orbit and sends us careering towards the sun. Scenes of the populace swarming into Battersea Park to sweat cheerfully into their Mr Whippys will be familiar to anyone who has ever spent a summer in the capital. The haunting scenes of the deserted city must have influenced ‘28 Days Later’, and the ambiguous ending is a killer.

Most London moment Whenever anything bad happens (which is pretty regularly), all the characters go straight to the pub.

London location Much of the action takes place in the old Daily Express office at 121 Fleet Street, which is still standing. The paper’s then editor even plays a key role. TH

28.  A Lizard in a Woman’s Skin (1971)

Director Lucio Fulci

An intoxicatingly strange Italian-funded giallo thriller directed by the man behind such horror masterpieces as ‘Don’t Torture a Duckling’ and ‘Zombie Flesh Eaters’, this is also a fascinating window into London as the ’60s counterculture dream crumbled. Following an upper-class society bride whose nocturnal lesbian fantasies lead her into a world of killer kaftan-clad hippies, creepy psychoanalysts and disembowelled dogs, it’s unforgettably freaky.

Most London moment Whenever the great Stanley Baker shows up as an eternally square and befuddled inspector from Scotland Yard.

London location There’s a gripping chase through the derelict, smoked-out ruins of Alexandra Palace. TH

27.  Rocks (2020)

Director Sarah Gavron

A love letter to Hackney and Tower Hamlets, ‘Rocks’ showcases east London’s rooftops – places to go to dream – and its grittier street-level realities. Its young star, Bukky Bakray, and her castmates hail from east London (they were recruited in a series of casting calls at London schools) and know it inside out. The film wears that authenticity on its sleeve, with handheld cameras capturing Bakray’s Shola 'Rocks' Omotoso as she plays guardian to her younger brother, skips school and tries to figure out what to do next. It’s a movie about survival that feels like a safe haven. Most London moment Rocks and her pals trying to decipher Victoria Station’s departure board en route to the seaside. They don’t stop for a cheeky Burger King, mind you.

London location The rooftop at Bethnal Green’s eight-storey Sulkin House, with its vistas across to the City of London’s gleaming towers. Selfies and shape-throwing are the order of the day as the summer sun beats down.

26.  Victim (1961)

Director Basil Dearden

Made six years before the law decriminalised homosexual acts between men, ‘Victim’ is a tense suspense film set in a world of oppression. Dirk Bogarde plays Melville Farr, a married barrister whose secret romantic friendship with a young man exposes him to blackmailers. The film offers a window on another world, and that’s what makes it enduring. Some elements are dated, but it’s a film that dared to speak up and now serves as a fascinating time capsule.

Most London moment The homophobic old-school landlord of a West End pub moans about homosexuality to a woman at the bar and then hypocritically wishes a good night to a pair of regular customers, two older gay men.

London location Several scenes unfold in and around Covent Garden. The Salisbury pub on St Martin’s Lane (then a gay-friendly pub) features prominently. DC

25.  Death Line (1972)

Director Gary Sherman

‘Mind the doors!’ You may never travel on the tube again after watching this gruesome but unexpectedly moving London cannibal flick, in which a murderer stalking the Underground tunnels is revealed to be a childlike mutant man-eater. It’s part of a long tradition of British horror movies – from ‘Peeping Tom’ to ‘Under the Skin’ – where the monster is considerably more sympathetic than the supposed good guys.

Most London moment Donald Pleasence’s bolshy sergeant bellowing ‘Get yer 'air cut!’ at students.

London location The murders happen around Russell Square tube station. TH

24.  Attack the Block (2011)

• Action and adventure

Director Joe Cornish

Aliens invade Brixton and the only thing standing between humanity and total annihilation are a bunch of mouthy hoodie-wearing kids on BMX bikes. Comedian Joe Cornish’s directorial debut takes the low-budget thrills of ’80s straight-to-video horror and marries them to the bolshy wit and realism of sarf London youth movies. But the most remarkable thing in ‘Attack the Block’ is the controlled and intense lead performance by then-unknown John Boyega, now a ‘Star Wars’ legend.

Most London moment Too many to mention, but the community-spirited finale is a strong contender. ‘Moses! Moses! Moses!’

London location The majority of the film was shot in and around the Heygate Estate in Elephant & Castle. TH

23.  The Long Good Friday (1979)

Director John MacKenzie

The greatest British gangster movie of them all? If so, it’s thanks to Finsbury Park’s own Bob Hoskins. Crass and brutal but totally magnetic, his mob boss Harold Shand rampages across the city, powerless as his organisation crumbles before his eyes. As well as predicting the carve-up of the old East End and the rising tide of Thatcherite capitalism, Barrie Keeffe’s virtuoso script also includes some of the finest lines a Cockney ever spoke. ‘The Mafia? I’ve shit ’em!’

Most London moment The sheer panic on Harold Shand’s face as his favourite pub explodes before his eyes. Well you would, wouldn’t you?

London location Things start going wrong when Harold’s car gets blown up outside Hawksmoor’s splendid St George-in-the-East church in Shadwell. JM

22.  My Beautiful Laundrette (1985)

Director Stephen Frears

The past is another country. And the mid-’80s south London of ‘My Beautiful Laundrette’ feels like a continent apart, with racist skinheads prowling the streets and Wandsworth full of squatters on the dole rather than rich bankers in Audis. In this drama written by Hanif Kureishi, a young British-Pakistani man, Omar (Gordon Warnecke), takes over a laundrette with his childhood friend Johnny (Daniel Day-Lewis in his first major role). The pair also, secretly, happen to be in a relationship. As well as showing the political and racial tension of Thatcher’s London, ‘Laundrette’ was one of the first mainstream films to treat gay relationships as no biggie.

Most London moment A clandestine PDA, in which Johnny licks Omar’s neck outside the laundrette. In a city packed with people, it’s still possible to grab a nice snog in secret.

London location The streets of Vauxhall, looking familiar but scruffy, with boarded-up shop fronts and not a Sainsbury’s in sight. CC

21.  Paddington (2014)

• Family and kids

Director Paul King One of a select band of films to share a name with one of the city’s major train stations – look out for ‘Waterloo’, ‘London Bridge’, and at a push, ‘Young Victoria’ too –  ‘Paddington’ is as London as six quid pints, fights on night buses and that guy who stands outside of King’s Cross preaching about Jesus . Truth is, we’ve all taken the little bear to our hearts since his first big-screen adventure. The sequel has its devotees but this is where it all began: an sparkling origin story that captures the unique challenges and delights of touching down in a city where your feet rarely touch the ground. 

Most London moment Paddington having a run-in with a London Undergound ticket barrier. Hard stares, TFL. London location The Natural History Museum plays host to a climactic showdown that involves a death defying break-in. Worth keeping in mind next time the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition sells out.

20.  Shaun of the Dead (2005)

Director Edgar Wright

They’d already created an iconic London sitcom with ‘Spaced’. For their first big-screen team-up, writer-director Edgar Wright and writer-actor Simon Pegg brought shuffling zombies to south London. Half the nerd world can quote the entire script for the resulting ‘rom-zom-com’, but for all its blood, guts and horror-movie references, this is a solidly London story.

Most London moment Where do our embattled heroes go when the undead hordes start rising? Straight to the pub, of course (see also ‘The Day the Earth Caught Fire’).

London location The scenes in the aforementioned pub, called The Winchester in the film, were actually filmed at the Duke of Albany in New Cross. TH

19.  Nil by Mouth (1997)

Director Gary Oldman

Gary Oldman’s blistering account of a family living in south-east London is one of the most harrowing depictions of London life. Drawing on his own upbringing (Oldman was born in New Cross), it follows Val (Kathy Burke), her violent partner Ray (Ray Winstone) and their extended family. It’s not easy watching, and it’s sweary as hell (82 instances of the word ‘cunt’, apparently) but it packs an almighty emotional wallop, has some incredible performances and never wavers from showing the horrors of poverty, violence and addiction.

Most London moment Concrete council blocks, laundrettes, the Old Kent Road – working-class London is in every frame.

London location Much of the film was shot on the now-demolished Ferrier Estate in Kidbrooke, Greenwich. GT

18.  Babylon (1980)

Director Franco Rosso

Aswad frontman Brinsley Forde plays Blue, a black British teenager who can’t get ahead because the system – in the form of racist cops, government cuts, job shortages and Mel Smith – won’t let him. Released less than a year before the first wave of Brixton riots, ‘Babylon’ still feels relevant and radical, a bold statement on cultural intolerance and ingrained prejudice masquerading as ‘British’ values.

Most London moment The massive sound-system party in a Brixton warehouse is eardrum-batteringly authentic.

London location Accused of stabbing his racist neighbour, Blue flees from the cops down Deptford High Street. TH

17.  The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog (1927)

Director Alfred Hitchcock

Hitchcock’s obsession with mistaken identities may have masked a gnawing persecution complex, but it also resulted in some magnificent films. First of the bunch was this mist-shrouded silent masterpiece, in which Ivor Novello plays an innocent man who happens to bear a striking similarity to a murderer targeting young blondes.

Most London moment A furious mob surrounds and pummels Novello, convinced he’s the killer. Say what you like about this city, but we love a get-together.

London location In the film’s happy ending (ordered by the film studio against Hitchcock’s wishes), the central couple is seen kissing in front of the Palace of Westminster. TH

16.  Passport to Pimlico (1949)

Director Henry Cornelius

Isolationism is a proud British trait, as we’ve seen in the past year or so. This Ealing comedy gem carries that idea to its absolute extreme, as the inhabitants of the London borough of Pimlico discover that, due to an ancient treaty, they’re not actually part of the UK at all, and immediately set about seceding from the union and making their own laws. A wry, spry comedy about community, pig-headedness and the very concept of nationalism, it’s never felt more timely.

Most London moment On the verge of being starved out by the British government, the residents of Pimlico react with joy when parcels of food are tossed over the ‘border’ by proud anti-establishment Londoners. Stick it to the man.

London location ‘Passport to Pimlico’ was shot in the aftermath of the Blitz so most of the locations are no longer with us. But the railway arches on Lambeth Road are still intact. TH

15.  Fish Tank (2009)

Director Andrea Arnold

Okay, so it’s set in Barking, which is only London if you squint a bit. But this stark tale of shattered lives in satellite towns feels raw and concrete in the best London-movie tradition. Katie Jarvis gives a striking performance as Mia, the bolshy, dance-obsessed teenager who develops a thing for her Mum’s fella. He is Michael Fassbender, so kind of fair enough.

Most London moment Mia dances like no one’s watching in a half-ruined tower block.

London location Most of it’s shot in Essex, but some Tower Hamlets estates were used as exteriors. TH

14.  A Fish Called Wanda (1988)

Directors Charles Crichton

John Cleese hauled Ealing comedy legend Charles Crichton out of retirement to co-write and direct this acid-tongued shout-out to the classic comedy crime caper. Cleese plays a barrister swept up in a robbery plot; Michael Palin outraged stutterers worldwide as an animal-loving getaway driver; and two Yanks, Jamie Lee Curtis and Kevin Kline, offer scathing observations on British life.

Most London moment Cockney crook Tom Georgeson’s cry of ‘unbe-fackin’-lieveable!’.

London location The iconic scene where Kline dangles Cleese out of a window was shot at New Concordia Wharf in Bermondsey. TH

13.  Withnail & I (1987)

Director Bruce Robinson

If London life is a constant oscillation between farce and deep despair, 'Withnail and I' hits those extremes like few other films. Out-of-work, down-at-heel actors Withnail and Marwood (whose name is never spoken) escape the nicotine-brown Camden Town of 1969 for a mini-break at a remote cottage owned by Withnail’s flamboyant Uncle Monty. Things go predictably badly, but the film’s blackest-ever black humour has given us some of the finest lines available to humanity.

Most London moment ‘We’ve gone on holiday by mistake!’ Any Londoner who’s ever found themselves stuck in the countryside can relate.

London location The duo’s battered Jag hurtles along the M25 near Rickmansworth, despite the film being set 17 years before the Orbital Motorway actually opened. JM

12.  Wonderland (1999)

Director Michael Winterbottom

He didn’t always spend his time trundling around fancy restaurants with Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon. Loosely inspired by Chekhov’s ‘Three Sisters’, director Michael Winterbottom and his regular screenwriter Laurence Coriat crafted this gorgeously sad story of lonely London lives, starring Gina McKee, Shirley Henderson and Molly Parker as working-class siblings who just can’t get a break. Michael Nyman’s score is lovely, too.

Most London moment Gina McKee gazes mournfully out of the night-bus window as life goes on around her. Every single Londoner has done this.

London location There are several scenes set in buzzing Soho and Leicester Square, as the characters find themselves alone in a crowd. TH

11.  Night and the City (1950)

Director Jules Dassin

London is a sleazy, amoral city of chancers, thugs, the careless rich and the helpless poor in this classic film noir by American director Jules Dassin (working here in exile from the McCarthy-era communist witch-hunts in Hollywood). Richard Widmark’s fast-talking American hustler Harry Fabian is a classic noir type, but he’s hopelessly out of his depth in the rundown streets of the post-war West End. Herbert Lom and Googie Withers take hard-nosed supporting roles. Don’t bother with the ’90s De Niro remake: this is the real deal, guv’nor.

Most London moment Harry Fabian’s desperate trawl for cash through various Cockney lowlifes: a beggar, a forger, a smuggler… Eat your heart out, Guy Ritchie.

London location The rubble-strewn industrial South Bank is the setting for the climactic chase scene. Things have changed so much since 1950 that it’s a shock when Waterloo Bridge looms into view, looking more or less the same. JM

10.  An American Werewolf in London (1981)

Director John Landis

‘Queen Elizabeth is a man! Prince Charles is a faggot! Winston Churchill was full of shit!’ ‘Blues Brothers’ director John Landis’s gleeful, outrageous horror comedy is very much a Yankee tourist’s view of the capital, taking in trips to London Zoo, Tower Bridge, Piccadilly Circus, Hampstead Heath and seedy Soho. The film also sets up – and gorily chomps down – a cheerful array of British caricatures, from gobby cabbies to snooty businessmen.

Most London moment David has visions of the living dead in the back row of a Soho porn theatre. Hey, we’ve all been there.

London location In the film’s creepiest scene, the werewolf stalks a petrified City boy through the tunnels of Tottenham Court Road station. The long escalator still looks exactly the same. TH

9.  Naked (1993)

Director Mike Leigh

‘You’re fookin’ generous you Cockernees, aren’t ya?’ Mike Leigh’s scabrous comedy may take an outsider’s view of our city, as mouthy Manc misanthrope Johnny (David Thewlis) heads to the capital to pester an old girlfriend and roam the streets until dawn causing trouble. But through Johnny’s eyes, we see a side of the city most movies ignore: the runaways, the tearaways, the night workers and the helplessly lonely.

Most London moment His sneering performance may get a bit much, but Greg Cruttwell’s rapacious rapist City boy Jeremy plays up to a London type we’ve all met.

London location The ‘Naked’ house is at 33 St Mark’s Rise in Dalston, and looks basically the same as it did in the movie. TH

8.  Hellraiser (1987)

Director Clive Barker

Suburban family drama meets seedy S&M exposé meets Satanic splatter movie in Clive Barker’s extraordinary debut, in which an American girl living in London inadvertently opens a doorway into hell. The film was manhandled by its distributor, hence several obviously dubbed ‘American’ characters. But Barker’s subversive iconography has entered the cultural mainstream – everyone knows Pinhead.

Most London moment There’s something horribly British about the scenes where Clare Higgins lures sad, doomed middle-aged men into her death-attic.

London location The ‘Hellraiser’ house is at 187 Dollis Hill Lane, and fans still trudge up there to take a look. TH

7.  A Clockwork Orange (1971)

Director Stanley Kubrick

Its predictions for the future may not have been entirely accurate – we don’t all hang out drinking spiked milk and talking cod-Russian slang, while the plague of adolescent violence was probably more serious when the film was released. But in the flamboyance of its anti-hero Alex, in the contrast between his Beethoven-scored dreams and his ugly, concrete reality – and most of all in its depiction of petty, small-minded bureaucrats – Kubrick’s film still feels very London.

Most London moment A dedicated follower of fashion, Alex lurks round the local record shop in full Georgian dress, checking out the talent.

London location Alex chucks his droogs into the river – in glorious slow-mo – just down from the Thamesmead estate. TH

6.  The Ladykillers (1955)

Director Alexander Mackendrick

The lady of the title is one Mrs Wilberforce, the aged owner of a King’s Cross townhouse where a criminal gang led by Alec Guinness’s lurking Professor Marcus come to plot their next job. She learns too much, the mob get wise and it’s curtains for Wilberforce. Except that the old bird isn’t as easy to knock off as she seems… Ealing’s blackest comedy is pure joy: a crackling script and a dynamite cast in service to one of British film’s most perfect plots.

Most London moment Impossible to pin down – the whole film is crammed with dotty old ladies, bumbling policemen, cups of tea and seedy criminality.

London location Most of the locations have been aggressively redeveloped, but one memorable body-disposal scene takes place in the old railway tunnels behind King’s Cross. TH

5.  A Hard Day’s Night (1964)

Director Richard Lester

Or, A Liverpool Pop Band in London. Large chunks of Richard Lester’s template-setting pop movie take place inside a BBC television studio. But when the band get out and about this is a London movie through and through, from a sprint through Marylebone Station pursued by crazed fans to an evening spent at Les Ambassadeurs Club in Mayfair – which is actually still in business.

Most London moment George wanders into a fashion studio and laconically dissects the entire shallow industry. Looking back, 53 years later, it doesn’t seem to have helped.

London location Abandoning the group, Ringo goes for a mournful saunter down by the Thames near Kew Gardens. TH

4.  Peeping Tom (1960)

Director Michael Powell

The film that single-handedly destroyed the career of Britain’s finest filmmaker, Michael Powell, ‘Peeping Tom’ is twisted, voyeuristic and brilliant. The story of a murderer whose abuse at the hands of his scientist father has turned him into a violent sociopath, the film takes place in the seedy backstreets of Soho, a haunt of prostitutes, pornographers and riff-raff.

Most London moment The scene in the newsagent, as seedy customers sidle in to check out the latest under-the-counter nudie pics.

London location The aforementioned newsagent on Rathbone Place is now a Caffe V, but head around the corner to Newman Passage to retrace the killer’s steps in the iconic opening sequence. TH

3.  Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949)

Director Robert Hamer

Sooner or later, every Londoner comes to learn their place within our city’s pecking order. What they choose to do about it is up to them. Ealing’s viciously funny satire follows middle-class office worker Louis (Dennis Price) as he sets out to enhance his social status by murdering everyone who stands between him and a massive aristocratic fortune. Alec Guinness is the ultimate screen chameleon playing all eight members of the D’Ascoyne family, male and female.

Most London moment Louis’ desire to wipe out those who get in his way is a feeling every Londoner has had at one time or another. Sometimes several times a day.

London location ‘I shot an arrow in the air… it came to earth in Berkeley Square.’ TH

2.  It Always Rains on Sunday (1947)

In a city still reeling from the Blitz, a married woman, played by Googie Withers, must contend with the reappearance of an old flame ex-con (John McCallum). Responding to the challenges thrown down by American film noir and Italian neo-realism, director Robert Hamer crafted an extraordinary drama rooted in the everyday lives of east Londoners, but glittering with theatrical light and shadows.

Most London moment Refusing to allow her on-the-lam ex into the house, Googie opts to stick him in the coal shed.

London location The breathtaking climactic chase scene takes place in the old Temple Mills railway yard in Stratford. TH

1.  The Servant (1963)

Director Joseph Losey

Hackney-born Harold Pinter knew more than most about tightening the thumbscrews on a drama, and his screenplay for ‘The Servant’ – adapted from a 1948 novella – is a classic example. After Tony (James Fox), a bluff, proto-sloane aristo engages the services of Barrett (Dirk Bogarde’s affable manservant), it’s business as usual in his Chelsea townhouse. Then things start getting weird. Pinter’s genius is ramping up intolerable menace by almost imperceptible degrees. By the time posh Tony realises who’s really in charge, it’s far too late.

Most London moment The restaurant scene, with Pinter making a cameo as the menacingly oily ‘Society Man’: a London archetype who’s just as recognisable today.

London location Tony lives on one of London’s poshest streets: The Royal Avenue in Chelsea. Losey lived just across the road. Nowadays a terraced house here will set you back more than £10 million. JM

It's not all about you, London...

The 100 best British films

A panel of experts including Wes Anderson, Mike Leigh, Shane Meadows and Sally Hawkins voted for the greatest British films of all time. The result is an exhaustive, often surprising list of solid-gold classics

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The 20 Best Movies Set In London To Add To Your Watchlist

With its historical landmarks and iconic images — such as the red telephone boxes and black taxi cabs — London is an instantly recognizable location. Over the years, the U.K. capital has featured prominently in a number of movies, with the city coming alive on the big screen across a wide variety of genres. There is also a proud history of filmmaking in the capital, with studios such as Ealing, Elstree, and Pinewood located in, or very near to, the city center.

For many movie fans, London may be associated with the quintessentially British rom-coms starring Hugh Grant, or the gritty gangster films from directors like Guy Ritchie. London is a bustling, diverse city and many of the films set or filmed there seek to capture its unique identity. At times it feels like a city that never sleeps, with new things to be found around every corner, taking you from an important historical building one minute to a trendy restaurant or night spot the next.

From films that emphasize the whimsy and romanticism of the city to those that explore the occasionally harsh realities of life in a huge metropolis, there is a London-set movie to suit all tastes. These are 20 of the best movies set in London that you need to add to your watchlist.

Named after the London train station where the titular bear (voiced by Ben Whishaw) finds himself, 2014's "Paddington" offers a romanticized portrait of the city that stays true to the whimsy of Michael Bond's beloved children's stories. Beginning in the jungles of "Darkest Peru," we meet a family of bears with a penchant for marmalade sandwiches: Uncle Pastuzo (Michael Gambon), Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton), and an as-yet-unnamed cub. After a tragic event destroys their home, Lucy encourages the young bear to move to London to start a new life, where he is taken in by the reluctant Brown family.

For Paddington, London represents comfort, as well as the opportunity for a fresh start. While the head of the Brown family — the stoic Henry Brown (Hugh Bonneville) — takes a little longer to warm to the mischievous bear, it isn't long before he finds a home amongst London's memorable landmarks. The vibrancy of the film is reflected in its locations: The Brown family lives in the picturesque Chalcot Crescent in Primrose Hill , and several scenes take place in Portobello Road's colorful, bustling market. The climax of the film — a showdown with the villainous Millicent Clyde (Nicole Kidman) — is set in London's iconic Natural History Museum, and the dramatic architecture is the perfect backdrop for these equally dramatic scenes.

"Paddington" proved to be a huge success with critics . Variety critic Guy Lodge praised the film for "affectionately honoring the everyday quirks of Bond's stories, while subtly updating their middle-class London milieu."

A Hard Day's Night

Released in 1964 at the height of "Beatlemania," The Beatles' first feature film is a fun and frivolous comedy following the band as they prepare for a television performance. Opening with them running from screaming fans in their native Liverpool, they board a train to London where they are met with similar chaos. The band's antics in this mockumentary-adjacent farcical comedy see them frolicking in the streets of London in the swinging '60s.

"A Hard Day's Night" barely has a plot to speak of, but it's still tremendous fun — full of silly skits and Monty Python-esque surreal humor that serves to showcase the band's personalities as well as their musical talent. One of the highlights is when drummer Ringo Starr goes missing and embarks on a solo wander around some of the lesser-known parts of London. "A Hard Day's Night" doesn't just rely on the obvious tourist landmarks, but instead takes us along some of the back streets to the clubs, theaters, and pubs of the city, making this a thrill for locals and would-be visitors to London to watch.

The music speaks for itself, and some of The Beatles' all-time greatest songs are featured in "A Hard Day's Night." While it demonstrates signs of its age now, it also has an irreverent charm and youthful energy that makes it feel fresh and exciting. It provides fascinating insight into '60s London — arguably one of the most exciting decades for the city.

Forming part of the "Small Axe" series from director Steve McQueen, "Mangrove" details the true story of a West London restaurant in a time of intense racial discrimination. Frank Crichlow (Shaun Parkes) — the owner of the establishment — prides himself on keeping his premises at the heart of the lively community free of any trouble that would threaten them with closure. As tensions in the neighborhood build, the Mangrove finds itself relentlessly raided by the police, leading to peaceful protests and an ensuing trial as Frank and eight others fight to clear their names.

Even though "Mangrove" feels firmly rooted in its late '60s into early '70s setting, its themes and issues are unfortunately still very relevant. It is an important story to tell, as many of the freedoms people now know are because of those who fought for justice, and it is a testament to the wonderfully rich and diverse cultures that make London what it is. "Mangrove" celebrates a community and the power of a collective voice to stand up for what is right.

While it aired on BBC in the U.K. and Amazon Prime worldwide, "Mangrove" still feels distinctly cinematic, and its powerful performances and message leave a lasting impression. The "Small Axe" series received praise for the way it depicted Black life in Britain, with K. Austin Collins for Rolling Stone saying it was "some of his [McQueen's] sharpest, most sensitive work."

A Fish Called Wanda

There is a certain throwback charm to this British heist movie , with veteran Ealing Studios director Charles Crichton at the helm. When you throw two British comedy icons — "Monty Python" stars John Cleese and Michael Palin — into the mix alongside American actors Kevin Kline and Jamie Lee Curtis, you've got the makings of a classic. It focuses on a diamond heist, orchestrated by British gangster George Thomason (Tom Georgeson) and his stuttering assistant, Ken Pile (Palin). Hired to steal the valuable jewels are a pair of American thieves (Kline and Curtis), but things take a turn when they attempt to double-cross George — and each other.

There are plenty of recognizable London locations used in this film, with the heist taking place in Hatton Garden — the center of the city's diamond trading businesses — and some key scenes set around London's historic courthouse, the Old Bailey. While the locations make this feel like a thoroughly British affair, the fact the criminals are from both sides of the pond creates ample opportunities for the characters to take aim at each other — including a particularly foul-mouthed exchange between Otto and lawyer Archie (Cleese).

"A Fish Called Wanda" ultimately became one of the highest-grossing films of 1988 . It was also recognized by the Academy , nominated for three awards and winning best supporting actor for Kevin Kline. "A Fish Called Wanda" has been hailed as one of the best British films by the BFI, placing 39th on their list (via BBC ).

Four Weddings and a Funeral

In the '90s, Hugh Grant was the undisputed leading man of choice for British romantic comedies, and with writer Richard Curtis thrown into the mix, you have the perfect ingredients for an unforgettable film. In "Four Weddings and a Funeral," Grant plays Charles, a seemingly unlucky-in-love man who is watching all of his friends get married before him. His fortunes change at one of the titular four weddings, when he meets a beautiful American woman named Carrie (Andie MacDowell). As Charles and Carrie's paths continue to cross, it seems that they may be destined to be together.

"Four Weddings and a Funeral" makes the most of its talented cast, creating a friendship circle that feels cozy and aspirational. While the nuptials and funeral take place across the U.K., "Four Weddings and a Funeral" is still a film that celebrates London, with key scenes taking place in some of the leafier, more picturesque areas of the city, such as Greenwich and Hampstead.

Often celebrated as one of the all-time great romantic comedies, "Four Weddings and a Funeral" earned two Oscar nominations  for best picture and best screenplay. With a relatively small budget of just over $4 million, the film was hugely profitable , taking over $245 million worldwide, and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 1994 .

The Long Good Friday

Setting the bar for Guy Ritchie's late '90s and early '00s British gangster movies, "The Long Good Friday" dives into the gritty criminal underbelly of London. Harold Shand (Bob Hoskins) is a crime boss with dreams of becoming a property magnate and developing part of London's docklands with some of his American counterparts. After his properties are attacked over the Easter weekend, Shand begins to suspect someone close to him is conspiring against him — and he plans to find out who it is, whatever it takes.

Tying together some of the hot-button issues at the time — including corruption and the rise of terrorist groups — "The Long Good Friday" presents a rough and ready version of London with an undeniably nasty streak. If you know Bob Hoskins best for his roles in family-friendly films such as "Hook" and "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," his performance as the foul-mouthed Harold Shand may be a shock to the system, but it is equally a testament to his versatility as an actor.

Also starring Helen Mirren , Eddie Constantine, and Pierce Brosnan (in his feature film debut, no less), "The Long Good Friday" is a darkly comedic and often shockingly violent British gangster classic. Mostly filmed around the East End of London, there is a sense of realism to this film that proved to be hugely influential:  Empire included it in the top 20 on their list of the 100 best British films.

This underrated film is a landmark moment in Black cinema in the U.K., and one that for many years was unavailable to see across the pond. Considered to be "incendiary," the cult film was overlooked by New York Film Festival following screenings at Cannes and Toronto International Film Festival (via Screen Daily ), remaining largely unseen stateside until almost 40 years after its original release in 1980.

"Babylon" focuses on an aspiring young DJ called Blue (Brinsley Forde), living in a Thatcher-era, racially divided South London. While solace is found for Blue in the thriving underground reggae music scene, the film doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of being a young Black man in London at this time. Faced with discrimination almost everywhere he turns, "Babylon" is particularly evocative in its depiction of racially motivated police brutality — something that makes it feel distressingly relevant to society today.

With a pulsing reggae soundtrack, and a cast made up of talented musicians and actors, "Babylon" is an important film that perfectly balances its thematic heft with its realistic depiction of London in the '80s. While it has a degree of specificity to a certain time and place, it has a timeless resonance that still packs a punch some 40 years later. Reviewing the 2019 release of the film for the Los Angeles Times , Robert Abele called it, "a raw, propulsive, and authentically music-driven glimpse of South London Black culture."

Withnail and I

Now a certified British national treasure, Richard E. Grant's first major movie role was as the flamboyant, sarcastic, out-of-work actor, Withnail — a far cry away from his later work, but one of his most memorable characters. Withnail lives in a shabby London apartment with his friend and fellow actor, Marwood (Paul McGann). Even though the pair spends more time at their local pub than they do trying to find work, they decide to get away from it all by taking a holiday in the English countryside — a decision that proves to be fraught with trouble from the start.

While the storyline dictates that the pair leave the hustle and bustle of the city for a spell, "Withnail and I" still owes a great deal to London. While said to be in Camden, Withnail and Marwood's flat is actually located in Notting Hill (via Far Out ) — now a very prosperous part of the city. Early in the film, the pair are also seen walking through London's Regents Park — which later becomes the setting for Withnail's impassioned monologue to the animals of the park's zoo.

Foul-mouthed, endlessly quotable, and with an unmistakably British sense of humor, "Withnail and I" is considered a cult classic. With its own drinking game and a host of celebrity fans including Margaret Cho, Paul Rudd, and Steve Martin (via Los Angeles Times ), "Withnail and I" is a rare gem that manages to transcend its inherent Britishness to become a revered comedy masterpiece.

Movies set in London often emphasize the more idyllic parts of the city, creating a sense of romanticism by using the famous architecture and iconic images that are often associated with it. "Rocks" is a very different film, yet it has a proud and clearly defined London identity that reflects the modern side of the city. The film focuses on teenager Rocks (Bukky Bakray) and her group of friends as they navigate the ups and downs of life, school, and the looming future. For Rocks, however, there is extra complexity to deal with when her mother unexpectedly leaves her and her younger brother to fend for themselves.

Opening with the group of teens as they look out over the city's famous skyscrapers, the story is scaled back to Rocks' home in Hackney. Through the dialogue, soundtrack, and naturalistic performances, "Rocks" is a thoroughly modern London film with a rich, authentic depiction of London teen life. While it never shies away from the difficult family situation that Rocks is forced to face, it also captures a youthful feeling of joy, hope, and uncertainty.

A beautifully observed coming-of-age story, "Rocks" is a film about growing up too fast that feels firmly rooted to the small corner of London that it calls home, yet speaks about universal themes. "Rocks" may have only had a modest cinematic release, but it was a big critical success, with The Guardian's critic Mark Kermode calling it "a wonderful, heart-breaking, life-affirming gem of a movie."

The Lavender Hill Mob

Released in 1951, this Ealing Studios comedy is a classically British heist movie, set in the heart of London's major financial institution, the Bank of England. Henry Holland (Alec Guinness) — now living the high life in Rio de Janeiro — recounts the story of how he robbed the bank. Responsible for supervising the deliveries of gold bullion from the refineries to the bank, Holland saw vast fortunes pass him by every day. With the help of artist Alfred Pendlebury (Stanley Holloway) and two petty criminals (Sid James and Alfie Bass), the mob hatch a plan to steal the bullion and melt it down to be disguised as Eiffel Tower paperweights.

"The Lavender Hill Mob" is a farcical and wildly entertaining film, with the far-fetched and outrageous plans wonderfully contrasting with the buttoned-up, austere feeling of Britain at this time — embodied by the bank that becomes the gang's target. With extensive scenes at London's iconic Bank of England, and with its name taken from the Battersea boarding house where the mob is formed, "The Lavender Hill Mob" owes a great deal to the city in which it is set.

Featuring excellent performances across the board, "The Lavender Hill Mob" is a thrilling crime caper that keeps the surprises coming right to the end. As well as having an enduring legacy as one of the best British films, "The Lavender Hill Mob" was rewarded upon its release, winning the Oscar for best writing, and the BAFTA for best British film.

Mary Poppins

This 1964 musical about a "practically perfect" magical nanny turns the city of London into a colorful playground where the only limit is your imagination. Based on the books by P.L. Travers, "Mary Poppins" sees Julie Andrews in her feature film debut, flying into the lives of the precocious Banks children (Karen Dotrice and Matthew Garber) after their wish for a new nanny comes true. As she takes Jane and Michael on a magical journey through the city, they get to experience the freedom and joy they were craving, while their father (David Tomlinson) learns an important lesson about being present in his children's lives.

While the film itself was entirely shot in Disney's Burbank studios, it captures the feeling of Edwardian London, thanks to the exquisite matte paintings by artist Peter Ellenshaw , who won an Oscar for the special visual effects in this film. From the fictional Cherry Tree Lane that the Banks family call home (heavily inspired by the affluent streets of Kensington and Chelsea), to the smog and dirt that rises above the rooftops, "Mary Poppins" transforms London into an imaginative fairytale world.

"Mary Poppins" was a huge success for Disney, making more than $103 million worldwide . Receiving acclaim at the Oscars — where it was nominated for thirteen awards and won five — "Mary Poppins" was hailed by critics, including The Hollywood Reporter's James Powers, who called it, "a triumph of many individual contributions."

Passport to Pimlico

Set in post-war London, this Ealing Studios film focuses on a small area of the city where the aftershocks of the conflict are felt in more ways than one. When an undetonated bomb is discovered beneath the streets of Pimlico, it reveals a treasure trove of artifacts, treasures, and documents. One of these documents stipulates that Pimlico is owned by the French Duke of Burgund and, as such, is no longer part of Britain. Upon learning of this, Pimlico descends into a near-lawless state, no longer bound by post-war rationing restrictions and rules.

"Passport to Pimlico" perfectly captures the eccentric and quirky characters that you meet in London — particularly when they are able to throw off the shackles and live life with the frivolity that war had denied them. It also features some whip-smart and wonderfully astute satirical observations of Londoner's skepticism toward outsiders or "foreigners" — again speaking to the attitudes of many after the war.

While very much a product of the period in which it is set, "Passport to Pimlico" also feels surprisingly fresh. The residents of Pimlico are initially overjoyed to be a law unto themselves, however, the reality of the situation quickly sinks in when supplies are cut off and bureaucratic borders present a unique set of problems. This notion feels oddly reminiscent of Brexit. Writing for the Radio Times , Barry Norman reflected on the foretelling of "Passport to Pimlico," saying, "it reflects in microcosm what the nation has just been through."

My Beautiful Laundrette

The '80s were a particularly tumultuous period in London, with brewing racial tensions, mass unemployment, and economic struggles, presided over by the divisive Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. With the introduction of "Section 28" — a controversial piece of legislation that prevented councils and schools from "promoting the teaching of the acceptability of homosexuality" (via BBC ) — it was an especially harrowing time for LGBT+ people as well.

"My Beautiful Laundrette" tackles both the racial tensions and prevalent homophobia in London at the time. Set around the Wandsworth area of South London, the film focuses on a young Pakistani man, Omar (Gordon Warnecke), and his relationship with Johnny (Daniel Day-Lewis), who is hired to help renovate the run-down laundromat owned by Omar's uncle Nasser (Saeed Jaffrey). While it might not be a film that celebrates the well-known landmarks of London, it is one that feels incredibly authentic. Its ability to tell a widely impactful story in a small corner of London — with all the locations mostly within walking distance of each other (via BFI ) — is one of the things that makes this film so special.

Daniel Day-Lewis' fresh-faced appearance as the reformed racist in "My Beautiful Laundrette" was a sign of the great things to come for the actor, who just five years later would receive his first Academy Award for "My Left Foot." Offering a realistic slice of London life, "My Beautiful Laundrette" is a quietly revelatory queer cinema classic.

Based on the Charles Dickens classic "Oliver Twist," this lavish period musical recreates the poverty and hardships of London in the 1800s. After escaping from the workhouse, orphan Oliver Twist (Mark Lester) finds himself on the mean streets of London, where he is taken in by street urchin and pickpocket, the Artful Dodger (Jack Wild), before joining the gang of criminal kids led by Fagin (Ron Moody).

The subject matter may appear to be bleak, but there is great joy in this beloved musical as well, thanks to some exuberant and beautifully choreographed musical numbers. Even though the film was shot entirely in a studio, the labyrinthine set still manages to capture the danger, excitement, and possibilities that lurk around every corner for our protagonists. One of the standout sequences — as the street-sellers fill the beautiful Bloomsbury Square for the song "Who Will Buy?" — is so painstakingly staged that it's hard to believe it isn't filmed on location.

Earning eleven Oscar nominations and winning five including best picture and best director, "Oliver!" was a resounding success with audiences and critics. Roger Ebert called it "a treasure of a movie" and said it was "a splendid experience." The timelessness of "Oliver!" and its status as a cultural institution is evident in how much it is still adored today, with Time Out and the BFI both including it in their lists of the best British films .

28 Days Later

The depiction of London in this dystopian horror may not be one you'd want to visit, but it is certainly memorable. Those who have visited the bustling city before will know it is rarely quiet — making the opening scenes even more disturbing. Awaking from a coma following a car accident, Jim (Cillian Murphy) learns that a mass infection has spread, turning people into rage-fuelled, zombie-like creatures. Joining forces with a small group of uninfected people, Jim attempts to make it to the supposed safety of a military blockade in Manchester.

While the action moves outside of London as the film progresses, the scenes of Jim walking through a deserted and eerily silent city — past major landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament and Piccadilly Circus — is the enduring image of Danny Boyle's chilling film. The London iconography continues, with Jim walking past an overturned red bus, and a black taxi cab becoming their getaway vehicle. Shooting these scenes proved to be a major challenge, with the crew shooting early in the morning on Sundays and working quickly — shutting down portions of London for a few minutes at a time (via Time Out ).

Made on a budget of just $8 million, "28 Days Later" was a box office hit , making around $85 million worldwide. "28 Days Later" is a film that wears its cultural identity on its sleeve, which struck a chord with critics. Empire's Kim Newman raved about the film, calling it, "The best purely British horror/science-fiction film in decades."

Attack the Block

What would happen if aliens chose to invade a decidedly rough area of South London? This is the premise of "Attack the Block," with the extraterrestrial invaders meeting a formidable foe in the form of a gang of youths. After mugging a young woman (Jodie Whittaker) on the streets of a fictional part of South London, Moses (John Boyega) and his gang witness something fall from the sky. As they head off in pursuit of the mysterious creature, it seems they may have bitten off more than they can chew, and these unlikely heroes are tasked with defending their block from the invaders.

Notable for a number of reasons, "Attack the Block" marked the breakout feature film role for John Boyega, who reached superstar status after he was cast in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" as the reformed stormtrooper Finn. Also featuring Jodie Whittaker — who went on to become the 13th Doctor in "Doctor Who" — "Attack the Block" blends genuine scares with sharp social commentary, highlighting a very specific part of London, even though it isn't named.

As well as being a frenetic and funny sci-fi thriller, "Attack the Block" also explores gang and youth culture in London. Owing a certain debt to Edgar Wright's filmmaking style — Wright is in fact a friend of this film's director, Joe Cornish (via Empire ) — "Attack the Block" similarly explores uniquely British culture through the lens of genre cinema.

Notting Hill

Named after the colorful, affluent London borough, "Notting Hill" is a quintessentially British rom-com. It stars Julia Roberts as the fictional Hollywood actress, Anna Scott, who bumps into divorced bookshop owner, Will (Hugh Grant). The charming will-they-won't-they relationship that ensues is set against the backdrop of some of London's most picturesque sights, painting an idyllic portrait of both the city and love. Filmed predominantly on location — albeit with the interiors shot in a studio — "Notting Hill" opens with Will walking along the bustling streets of Portobello Road on a busy market day, creating a sense of authenticity and establishing London as a character in and of itself.

Directed by Roger Michell and written by the master of the British rom-com, Richard Curtis, "Notting Hill" may be predictable and inconsequential fluff, but it remains a classic of the genre in part due to the magnetic lead performances. While the fairytale love story is at the heart of this film, it has a much broader appeal thanks to the quirky and eccentric supporting characters — particularly Will's foul-mouthed Welsh housemate, Spike (Rhys Ifans).

Despite coming up against "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace" at the box office, its perfect blend of comedy, romance, and whimsy ensured it was a commercial success , making just shy of $364 million worldwide. It also proved to be a hit with critics , with The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw saying, "For all its cheesiness, Notting Hill delivers a very great deal of pleasure."

Been So Long

Opening with a shot of the iconic Camden lock bridge and the uniquely eclectic architecture of the trendy London borough, the city's identity is stamped all over this romantic musical. Simone (Michaela Coel) is a single mother with seemingly no interest in getting out there and finding love again. When she is dragged out for a night on the town by her best friend Yvonne (Ronke Adekoluejo), Simone meets the handsome stranger, Raymond (Arinzé Kene), and the pair form an instant connection.

While the tone is a little uneven in this film — particularly the sub-plot involving the jealous Gil's (George MacKay) quest for revenge — the performances from Coel and Kene really sell the story. The musical elements make "Been So Long" feel like a modern fairytale, and the sizzling chemistry of the two leads is particularly electric against the backdrop of the neon lights of romantic London.

As well as sweeping us away with its surprisingly touching love story, "Been So Long" also feels like a love letter to London itself — with the film subtly exploring the gentrification of the city. Throughout the film, we see that a lot of the old bars and nightclubs are closing down or have already closed, and through Simone and Raymond's relationship, there is a wistful nostalgia for the places within the community that are so important to London's identity.

An American Werewolf in London

From an outsider's perspective, there is something about British eccentricity that seems to be just one step removed from creepiness — something that makes inherently British horror movies such as 1960's "Village of the Damned" and 1973's "The Wicker Man" so much scarier. This is the idea that sets the stage for John Landis's horror-comedy, "An American Werewolf in London," where two unsuspecting American backpackers are attacked by a mysterious beast.

David (David Naughton) and Jack (Griffin Dunne) encounter a particularly unique breed of British eccentrics in the ominous Slaughtered Lamb pub. Ignoring the warning to "keep off the moors," David is bitten — supposedly by a werewolf — and left to contemplate the best course of action before the next full moon. The ensuing chaos sees David terrorizing the streets of London — including a memorable chase through the underground subways and a rampage that begins in a seedy movie theater in London's iconic Piccadilly Circus.

Frightening and hilarious in equal measure, the film's groundbreaking effects from Rick Baker — who won an Oscar for his work — have barely aged a day. Both a critical and a commercial success , the film was praised by critics, including Empire's Kim Newman who said, "carnivorous lunar activities rarely come any more entertaining than this."

V for Vendetta

Set in a dystopian near-future fascist London, "V for Vendetta" uses the story of Guy Fawkes and the 1605 plot to destroy the Houses of Parliament as its springboard for a fresh and thrilling tale of uprising and anarchy. Evey Hammond (Natalie Portman) finds herself at the mercy of the secret police one night, until she is rescued by a masked vigilante who calls himself "V" (Hugo Weaving). After V bombs the Old Bailey — a prominent criminal court building in London — and hijacks the television network, he warns that the attacks will continue and encourages the people to join him in insurrection on the following November 5.

As an antihero, V is particularly intriguing and enigmatic. While evidently capable of causing great damage, he is also highly intelligent and eloquent — something that makes him even more formidable. The film creates a vision of London that is equally foreboding, with the well-known landmarks and historical buildings symbolizing the supposedly decadent past that has allowed totalitarianism to take root and spread.

With the slick action translating well from its graphic novel origins, "V for Vendetta" is a visually striking and provocative film. Its stark imagery — and particularly the symbol of the Guy Fawkes mask — have now become synonymous with anti-government groups, particularly the hacker collective known as "Anonymous" ( via CNBC ). "V for Vendetta" is one of those rare films that has maintained its sociopolitical relevance, and it has become a firm cult favorite.

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20 Films Set in London

After a fix of your favourite city? Dig into these films set in London. We’ve put together a list of some of the best London films, to inspire your next movie night in.

Table of Contents:

• Rom-coms Set in London
• Comedies Based in London
• Action Movies Set in London
• Drama Films Set in London
• London Based Horrors
• London Christmas Films
• Kids’ Films Set in London

Rom-Coms Set in London

No city does rom-coms quite as well as London. Some of the most classic films set in London fall into this category. If you’re looking for a Hugh Grant or Colin Firth flick then these films set in London are for you.

Notting Hill

Featuring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, Notting Hill follows London bookshop owner William Thacker, and Hollywood actress Anna Scott. It’s a love story of two paths that were never meant to cross but we’re destined to be together. This is a truly heartwarming story that features many of London’s landmarks, including The Ritz . For keen fans of this movie, you can even discover the independent bookshop that Grant’s is based on.

Bridget Jones’s Diary

Another rom-com classic film set in London is the Bridget Jones trilogy . The films follow Bridget who is a single 30-something living in a very cute flat in central London. Over the course of the three films we see her torn between two men, Mark Darcy and Daniel Cleaver, played by Colin Firth and Hugh Grant respectively. If you’re after a feel-good film with some lovely shots of London, this is the one (or three) for you!

About Time follows Tim, a man who on his 21st birthday discovers the men in his family have the ability to time travel. He moves to London to fulfil his dream of becoming a lawyer and meets Mary whilst there. They fall in love and at various points Tim time travels to try and fix his and other’s mistakes. With the city as a backdrop this is a gorgeous film set in London.

Four Weddings and a Funeral

Another classic, featuring rom-com veteran Hugh Grant. Four weddings and a funeral is exactly how it sounds on the tin. We follow a group of friends as they attend four weddings and finally a funeral. The main character is Charles, played by Hugh Grant, who becomes infatuated with a young American woman at the first wedding. We see their relationship, as well as the friendships play out over the following events.

Comedy Films Set in London

London is not just a fabulous backdrop to rom-coms, this city can do comedy as well as it does romance! Here are our top comedy films set in London.

About a Boy

About a Boy is a comedy and coming of age film that focuses on the friendship between Will, a rich bachelor, and Marcus, a teenage schoolboy, played by Nicholas Hoult. Will meets Marcus when trying to seduce a single mother and soon becomes a role-model for this young boy. We also see the relationship between Marcus and his mother, Fiona, who suffers from mental health problems. 

Johnny English

This film set in London features another classic British actor, Rowan Atkinson, famously known for his role as Mr Bean. Johnny English is a spy film that follows Atkinson’s character’s antics as he tries to be the best spy he can possibly be. Be on the lookout for Canary Wharf and Westminster Abbey in this London movie!

Bend it Like Beckham

For those who love a sports comedy, Bend it Like Beckham is the film for you! Starring Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightley, we follow Jess who is a British Indian Sikh living in Hounslow and Jules Paxton. The pair adore playing football, and both are very talented at it. Whilst Jules can actively pursue her football love, Jess struggles within the religious community she lives. The film concludes with the girls following their dreams and even spotting David Beckham at the airport!

Action Films Set in London

Nowhere is more of a perfect setting for action than London. The dramatic weather and the skyscrapers are the ideal location for action films set in London! Here’s our favourites that we think you should watch!

No Time To Die (James Bond)

The most recent James Bond release sees many scenes set in central London, with Vauxhall Bridge and the London HQ for MI6 featuring in a prominent scene. You can’t go wrong with a James Bond film, especially when it’s a film set in London for a large portion of its scenes.

Kingsman is another Colin Firth film set in London. The plot follows the training and recruiting of spies for a private British intelligence service. This fun and funny action film features many gorgeous London locations, including Imperial College London, Savile Row, and the shops surrounding St James Palace.

Dramas Set in London

Like action movies, London again makes the perfect setting for dramas with its moody skies. 

The King’s Speech

Yet another film from Colin Firth, The King’s Speech is the true story of how King George VI overcame his stammer. Never destined to be King, George VI was thrown into the role when his brother abdicated to marry the love of this life. The film focuses on the relationship between the King and his speech therapist, and the friendship they form.

Suffragette

Suffragette is a 2015 historical drama following the women’s suffrage movement in the United Kingdom. With a star studded cast featuring Helena Bonham Carter, Carey Mulligan, Anne-Marie Duff, and Meryl Streep, this was the first feature film to be shot in the Houses of Parliament. 

Horror Films Set in London

Looking for the perfect film for Halloween in London , we have the list for you!

An American Werewolf in London

An American Werewolf in London is a horror comedy movie that follows two American backpackers who are attacked by a werewolf whilst in the UK. At the next full moon 

Attack the Block

Attack the Block is another comedy horror film set in London. The film follows a gang of teens defending themselves against an alien invasion on their estate in South London.

28 Days Later

An early 2000’s horror film, 28 Days Later is a post-apocalyptic movie set after a contagious virus has been set loose in Britain. The virus causes people to become aggressive and causes society to collapse. 

Christmas Films Set in London

Christmas in London is a magical time, so why not boost your festive spirit with a London based Christmas film.

Love Actually

A classic rom-com for the festive season is Love Actually. Much of this film is set in London, including Downing Street. The film follows a number of key cast members and their personal love stories. With performances from Kiera Knightley, Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman, Rowan Atkinson, Colin Firth, and Liam Neeson.

Last Christmas

Based on Wham’s famous Christmas song, this film is written by Emma Thompson and Bryon Kimings. The story follows an aspiring singer, Kate, who works at a Christmas shop in London who meets a guy at work, Tom. Tom teaches Kate to look at the city in a different way.

Children’s Films Set in London

Some of the best kids’ films are set in London, and we’ve got the list to entertain your little ones.

The classic Bear, named after a London train station, made his first live-action appearance in this 2014 film. Marmalade loving Paddington moves to London where he meets the Brown family who take him home. Paddington sets out to uncover the secrets of the Geographers’ Guild, whilst trying to avoid danger!

Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins is a children’s story much loved by little ones. The story of the magical nanny will captivate your kids. The 1964 version of this film features Julie Andrews, whilst the most recent film features Emily Blunt as the titular character. 

Cruella is the origin story of 101 Dalmatians’ much known villain. We see a young Estella run off to London with dreams of becoming a fashion designer. Estella creates her alter ego, Cruella, and targets the Baroness and her jewellery. This film is set in London in the 1970s.

Flushed Away

Flushed Away is an animated film set in London’s sewers. We follow Roddy St. James, a pet rat, who becomes flushed down a toilet along with Sid, a sewer rat. We follow Roddy’s journey as he tries to get back home to Kensington.

Which London Movie Should I Watch First?

An old, large, and famous city, London plays host to many great movies. Whether you’re in the mood for a comedy, a romance, or a family film, London has the options for you! We can’t wait to hear about your favourite London films in the comments!

About the London Eats List

We are a London themed blog, bringing you all the best this wonderful city has to offer. From free London museums , to the best Christmas markets in London , we have all the info you need!

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London watchlist: films to see before your trip

Sep 3, 2020 • 5 min read

Gary Oldman in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy © AA Film Archive / Alamy Stock Photo © © AA Film Archive / Alamy Stock Photo

London has long held an A-listing role in the cinematic world. It is after all where James Bond calls home, from where Harry Potter commutes and where Bridget Jones falls out of taxis. 

Selecting the best films set in the Big Smoke then is a tall order, but here are some of our more offbeat suggestions to get you excited for your next visit.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011), North London

This modern take on John Le Carre’s classic evokes a 1970s London where spies conspire in smoke-filled rooms and dank alleys – not the imperial grandeur of the capital as so often depicted in 007’s outings. The film tracks spymaster George Smiley’s (Gary Oldman) attempts to uncover a traitor at the heart of British Intelligence and in doing so reflects a darker and murkier side of London during the difficult period of the 70s – more a Battersea Power Station than a Buckingham Palace . 

In the midst of all the darkness though, London still manages to occasionally sparkle whether it is during clandestine rooftop meetings where the city spreads out below or watching characters stalk through Islington townhouses and Hampstead parks. It's a wonderful period piece. 

Location scout  

The film’s hero takes a bracing dip in Hampstead Heath Ponds to help clear the mind for searching counter-espionage activities. Londoners flock to these ponds throughout the year for a similarly rewarding swim and visitors too can enjoy what is perhaps the best outdoor activity the city offers. To cap off the swim, have a walk up to Parliament Hill to see one of the best free views of London. 

Attack the Block  (2011), South London

Joe Cornish’s horror-comedy flick set in a South London tower block highlights parts of London that are not normally in the spotlight. Taking place somewhere between Peckham and Brixton (but in reality shot in council estates throughout the city), the film follows a teenage gang coming up against a marauding army of aliens attacking their estate. With a cast recruited from nearby council blocks (including an early role for John Boyega), Attack the Block showcases the wit and warmth of everyday communities of Londoners outside of Zone 1.

Location scout

Brixton has long been on the tourist map thanks to its world class food and nightlife, but worth checking out too is Elephant and Castle where large parts of the film were shot.  Mercato Metropolitano is teeming with great eating spots and don’t forget nearby Imperial War Museum (no aliens). Afterwards you can head to the Prince of Wales pub in nearby Kennington tucked away in a lavish square that also boasts its own petanque court.

About Time  (2013), West London

Richard Curtis has been firmly planting flags in London since the very beginning of his filmmaking career.  About Time might not be the obvious choice among his oeuvre of rom-coms set in the capital, but arguably builds up a more realistic sense of what living in London actually entails; some of the characters even take the Tube! In fact, the "How Long Will I Love You" montage sequence in Maida Vale Station where the film’s couple are seen going to work, going out on the town and returning from holiday is pretty much a spot on encapsulation of what life is like in your early 20s moving to London and falling in love.

Domhnall Gleeson and Rachel McAdams’ characters first meet in Dans Le Noir , a real restaurant where you eat completely in darkness. You too can follow in their footsteps and meet the love of your life in this Farringdon institution but bookings are advised as this place fills quickly.  Nearby The Jerusalem Tavern is often cited as the best pub in Central London and you can just imagine Domhnall and Rachel meeting up here for a post-work pint.

Mary Poppins (1964), Central London

Though not filmed at all in London (and having some pretty dodgy accents to boot), we defy anyone not to get hairs standing up as the opening credits roll over a London skyscape with the unmistakable music. Mary Poppins fully captures the whole spectrum of Edwardian London, showcasing hardy suffragettes, soulless bankers and cavorting chimney sweeps. Everyone’s favorite nanny guides the Banks children through a whole host of adventures across Kensington Parks , through the heart of the City and up to London’s heights. The film helps plant London firmly on the map for kids’ imaginations the world over – a place that offers magic and adventures to all who pass through.

Perhaps one of the most iconic scenes is on the footsteps of St Paul’s Cathedral where “The Bird Woman” exhorts passersby to feed the pigeons who make London their home. Even if you are not in the mood to feed the pigeons, you can still climb the cathedral’s dome for a bird’s eye view of the City of London. A short walk away, Postman’s Park features an Edwardian memorial commemorating people who died saving the lives of others – something Mary would definitely approve of.

The Long Good Friday  (1980), East London

Bob Hoskins’ breakthrough makes the cut not just for being a cracking gangster film, but effectively foretelling London’s canny ability to reinvent itself. Anchored in the Docklands area, the film follows mob boss Harold Shand’s attempts to go straight by luring the American Mafia to invest in property development on the Isle of Dogs. This might not exactly go to plan in the film but ten years after it was released, the barren wasteland Harold was trying to flog rejuvenated into the gleaming towers of Canary Wharf . It is the film’s prescience towards London’s shifting modernity as well as early roles from Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan that make it a great watch prior to a London visit.

It may be the most boringly named museum in London, but the Docklands Museum provides an excellent, interactive way to explore the history of the area from its Roman roots, to its role in the slave trade through to the modern day. Closer to the city, The Dickens Inn is a good spot to take in views of St Katharine Docks where Harold moors his luxury yacht and speculates on the future of London. Further afield, the gorgeous Salisbury Tavern in Haringey doubles up as a Belfast boozer in the movie and is one of London’s hidden gems.

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Best Films Set in London

London is one of the most telegenic cities in the world. It appears in an endless number of romantic comedies, heist movies, crime films, spy thrillers, horrors, sci-fi, political dramas and others. There is one thing that unites all of them – lots of beautiful London views. And since currently, we spend more time at home, it is a perfect opportunity to experience the big city through these great films from London captured by talented filmmakers. The list of the movies set in London is extremely diverse but we have chosen 20 of the best ones, where London is one of the main characters. So if you love movies and love London this list will help you to dive into the life of the British Capital. And not the one from the postcards with the Tower Bridge and red double-decker buses, but the real one. While you will be enjoying this film journey at home you will also find locations, which you can actually visit when you’re in London. You can also visit them along with the other most attractive places in London .

Tip : If you’re planning a trip to London, you definitely don’t want to miss out on all the fantastic sights and experiences the city has to offer. However, getting around can be a real challenge without your own transportation. That’s why we highly recommend renting a car during your stay! See options & prices here .

London is not only a dominant location for British films, but also has been recreated in numerous American films at Hollywood studios. So, it is time to play our trump card and introduce you to our list of 20 Best Films Set in London.

1. Notting Hill (1999)

2. mary poppins (1964), 3. bridget jones’s diary (2001), 4. harry potter and the sorcerer’s stone (2001), 5. skyfall (2012), 6. v for vendetta (2005), 7. sherlock (2010-2017), 8. passport to pimlico (1949), 9. the king’s speech (2010), 10. love, actually (2003), 11. 28 days later (2002), 12. tinker tailor soldier spy (2011), 13. closer (2004), 14. a clockwork orange (1971), 15. babylon (1980), 16. my beautiful laundrette (1985), 17. four weddings and a funeral (1994), 18. paddington (2014), 19. children of men (2006), 20. sliding doors (1998).

One of the most romantic and ironic films, which is named after a district of West London. Almost all events of the film, starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, unfold in this colourful neighbourhood, where Richard Curtis, the screenwriter of the film used to live. And William Thacker’s famous blue door was actually the door of Richard Curtis’s house. The apartment was later sold and the famous door was sold at an auction. New owners repainted their new door many times in an attempt to escape from film fans. Today, however, the door is again bright blue: apparently, realizing the futility of their efforts, the residents of the famous house gave up. After the film’s huge success everyone wanted a photo in front of the famous door. But later, the owners of the house gave up and painted the door blue again. So now you can also have a photo with the blue door . This classic London film is about William Thacker, a London Bookstore owner, whose life changes when an A-list American actress appears in his shop. The film shows many other real London locations such as closed London parks, the two-story cinema hall in the building of the old theater, and hotels Ritz and Savoy. If you haven’t seen this film, there is a famous scene with four seasons and William Thacker (Hugh Grant) walking along his street in Notting Hill. The travel shop that inspired the script exists in real life but is located a little bit farther. The only thing that changes is his tweed jacket. Apart from that Will dresses the same regardless of the season, as a real Londoner. The location manager says that it was “a mammoth task” to get permission to film this paradise of the British capital.

Tip: If you plan to visit Notting Hill, Saturday, when the market on Portobello Road is open, is the best day to go there. Nearby underground stations: Notting Hill Gate, Ladbroke Grove, Westbourne Park.

The original Mary Poppins (1964) starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke is set in London in 1910. The plot of this London movie is based on the world-famous book of the same name by L.P. Travers. In this movie, where London became a technicolor wonderland nanny Mary Poppins appears on the threshold of Banks’s house and turns out to be a real sorceress for both adults and children, managing to bring kids closer to their workaholic father in a short period of time. The film was met with critical acclaim and won numerous Oscars for editing, music, and visual effects. Julie Andrews won the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. Unfortunately, you won’t find any real location from Mary Poppins London as every frame of the movie was filmed at Disney’s Burbank Studio.

Bridget Jones’s Diary is another rom-com starring Hugh Grant, Renee Zellweger, and Colin Firth. The film is based on a number-one bestseller book by Helen Fielding, which has sold more than 15 million copies worldwide. Bridget Jones’s Diary has been considered the main film about a 30 something ‘singleton’ in London for the past 20 years. Even though Bridget’s life is far from real Londoners’ lives. London girls don’t run after their boyfriends in December in their underwear only, also you probably won’t see Hugh Grant and Colin Firth fighting in the street to “It’s Raining Men”. The scene where Bridget strides across the Tower Bridge is the embodiment of a happy thirty-flirty-and-fabulous girl. The apartment of the single-gal main character is located on Bedale Street in the neighborhood of Borough. In the film, she shops for her birthday dinner at the famous Borough Market .

Our list of London films would not be complete without the Harry Potter franchise. And although the action of the film series is mostly set in Hogwarts, which doesn’t exist in real life (well, at least as one specific location), you can actually visit real places such as London Zoo, Millenium Bridge, Piccadilly Circus, Diagon Alley, the Ministry of Magic, St Pancras, King’s Cross station and platform 9 ¾, when you visit London.

To find more about Harry Potter filming locations in London, check out our London Harry Potter Tour .

Some James Bond films are set (sometimes partially) in London as the agent spends a lot of time in the British Capital. Despite the fact that “Skyfall” ends in scenic Scotland, much of the action of the film takes place in London. London and its iconic locations such as National Gallery, Trinity Square, and Whitehall took on a new dazzling look, thanks to the director of the film Sam Mendes.

There are dozens of Holmes films but Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss have managed to create a modern update of a cult classic that is as good as the original. The English BBC series was filmed right in London. Thanks to the series, Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman have gained long-lasting fame. It is impossible not to fall in love with the most controversial hero and London while watching these series. The famous detective lives on Baker Street. However, in the series, the house was moved to another location, the shooting took place in the Camden area .

Passport to Pimlico is a great Ealing comedy about post-war London. In this film, the residents of Pimlico, one of the London districts, discover that they are actually a part of the House of Burgundy and not a part of the UK, and declare an independent state. “Passport to Pimlico” is a brilliant comedy about the concept of nationalism, community, and post-war restrictions with familiar London landmarks in the background. Most of the outdoor scenes of the “Passport to Pimlico ” were shot in Lambeth.

Tip : Heading to London for a week-long adventure? Be aware that the city’s traffic can easily derail your plans. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, we suggest staying near the city center, museums, and other popular attractions. The South Bank area is a prime location, providing easy access to all the top-rated sights. Browse through the hotels in the area by clicking on this link , and don’t forget to read on for more essential travel advice!

The true story of King George VI (Colin Firth) and Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush) who helped to overcome his stammer to deliver his first wartime radio broadcast. A mix of luxurious homes of the royal family and the streets of the Depression-era determines the atmosphere of the film. There is not much to do on the streets of old London. As old buildings and palaces hide the main secrets and the most important decisions of foggy and conservative London.

These are other iconic films set in London, that must be in this list:

Yasin Berkay

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14 Must-see movie locations in London

Visit the very places these cult classic movies were filmed in London from Bridget Jones to the Avengers & more

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• 06 August 2021
• • 9 min read

We all love a good movie, or ‘film’ as we’d say in London, and often certain places in the world will remind us of scenes we’ve been gripped by on screen. There are hundreds of places that have been used as movie locations in London, including countless huge Hollywood blockbusters like Harry Potter and Marvel, as well as cult classics like Bridget Jones and Notting Hill. The city’s famous landmarks have been circled by helicopters in action-packed thrillers, and traditional English pubs have hosted Hollywood royalty as the setting of their character’s ‘local’. If you’re looking for a film location tour of London, check out these epic movie settings around the city. 

Heading to London sometime soon? for fun and affordable accommodation in the heart of the city

1. Australia House

Harry potter (& many more).

One of the biggest film series to come out of the UK is the world’s most famous wizarding world, so it’s no surprise that a lot of inspiration for the films came from the capital. Harry Potter fans will already know where to find the main spots, like Millennium Bridge, Platform 9¾  at King’s Cross station and, of course, the Harry Potter Studios just outside London in Watford. However there are tons of other cool, under-the-radar places the films were filmed. For example, did you know Gringotts Bank was filmed in Australia House? If you get the chance to sneak a peek inside, the grand hall and opulent decor will immediately have you looking for angry goblins. Check out our guide to the that are well worth a look.

2. Brent Civic Centre

Avengers: age of ultron.

Head out west to the arches of Wembley and the Brent Civic Centre, where Iron Man took on the Hulk in that epic battle in Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron. On visiting the building it looks completely different on the outside (because it is), however inside is one of the most instantly recognisable film sets in the whole movie, having hardly been changed, aside from the obvious mass destruction perfected by the CGI team. Hulk vs Hulkbuster was a huge scene in the Age of Ultron movie which was actually supposed to be taking place in Johannesburg, so this set is a must-see for the major Marvel fans amongst you.

3. Charing Cross Underground Station

The bourne ultimatum.

Londoners might find it odd that Charing Cross is the chosen film location for a great number of movies. However, the reason behind this is that part of the station which was once part of the Jubilee Line and is now closed, has been kept in tact to be rented out as a filming location (inaccessible to the public). The Bourne Ultimatum was one of the bigger blockbusters to take advantage, used to depict a scene most Londoners are partly familiar with - hurtling through a station to be greeted with doors sliding closed at the end of your nose. 

4. The Travel Bookshop

Notting hill .

Walk the cobbled streets of Notting Hill to 142 Portobello Road, where the world’s best-loved book shop is located from the star-studded movie, Notting Hill. Hugh Grant’s beloved ‘Travel Bookshop’ unfortunately never really was a bookshop in real life, rather a gift shop. However, just for all the film’s millions of fans, the shop owner decided to keep ‘The Travel Bookshop’ sign in its place from filming back in 1998. You can also go and visit the real travel bookshop that inspired the movie’s nearby on 13 Blenheim Crescent. Before you visit, make sure you rewatch that old favourite scene when Julia Roberts enters the gift shop for the first time, and Hugh goes on to muddle through a story about Turkey and kebabs.

5. The Globe Tavern

Bridget jones’ diary.

Just a few doors down from our very own traditional pub is the one Bridget Jones lived above in everyone’s favourite romantic comedy, Bridget Jones’ Diary. Back when the movie was released in 2001, Borough Market was nowhere near the bustling foodie hub it is today and was much more peaceful, as the film suggests. The Globe Tavern is still in pride of place on the edge of the market, so you can really go there and have a drink in the place Bridget buzzes Mark Darcy into her flat from. Inside sources have hinted that the owner of the one-bed flat is considering listing the property on Airbnb… 

6. Churchill War Rooms

Darkest hour.

Multi-Oscar winning movie Darkest Hour is set in 1940, during the time British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was faced with the dark decision on whether to carry on fighting Hitler or sign a peace treaty. Those of you interested in history will most likely already have seen the film, but this filming location in London is a real must-visit. The Churchill War Rooms are located underground in London city centre and was the real top-secret location used by Churchill and the British armed forces to plot the route to victory during the Second World War. Darkest Hour used their own specially-made props, however the walls they filmed within were the real deal. Buy tickets to visit the Churchill War Rooms and see history for yourself.

7. Regency Cafe

This modest old English cafe, which serves a notoriously greasy but delicious full English breakfast, was the chosen setting for the scene in Rocketman portraying when Elton John and Bernie Taupin (two legendary songwriters) met for the first time. While the chairs and tables were changed to look more like the place the duo truly did meet in real life, Regency Cafe is instantly recognisable as the movie location in this true story. Pay it a visit in the heart of Westminster where you can get one of the for a fraction of the price of most others.

8. Old Royal Naval College

Les miserables.

The architectural centrepiece of Greenwich, the Old Royal Naval College, while immediately recognisable in other films including Thor: the Dark World, was transformed into the streets of 1832 Paris for the 2012 remake of musical Les Miserables. Lamarque’s funeral procession, which breaks out into the musical’s famous ‘Do You Hear the People Sing?’, Old Royal Naval College, which was cast to look like Parisian streets in the midst of the French Revolution. Watch the scene now and you’ll be able to see it’s the Greenwich landmark, but as you’re watching the film in its entirety you’re almost definitely far too engrossed in the emotion of it all to realise.

9. Highgate Cemetery

Fantastic beasts: the crimes of grindelwald.

Such an eerie scene as the battle in Fantastic Beasts: Crimes of Grindelwald needed a location to match. Highgate Cemetery in North London was the perfect place - one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the country (and well worth a visit anyway), covered in climbing vines, draping ivy and the ideal mysterious atmosphere to portray the home of the ancient wizarding Lestrange family mausoleum. Head to Highgate’s West Cemetery, up past the gravestones of some fascinating, notable people and towards the Circle of Lebanon, which is one of the cemetery’s architectural centrepieces. Here is where filming for the second Fantastic Beasts movie took place to represent what we are led to believe is Cimetière du Père-Lachaise - the largest cemetery in Paris.

10. Chalcot Crescent

The ultra-British family-favourite Paddington movies were an absolute hit from day one, so if you find yourself in London as a fan of the film yourself, why not pay the family home a visit? The bright pastel-coloured townhouses of Chalcot Crescent are the on-screen home - well, the exterior - of Paddington bear and the Brown family, located in the charming Primrose Hill area of North London. Take a walk past the house (number 30), then make the most of being in the area and walk up Primrose Hill for sweeping views over London’s skyline through the greenery. 

11. Senate House, University of London

The dark knight & batman begins.

Senate House has been the chosen backdrop in many films, but a couple of the location’s closest ties with the big screen are with the Batman movies, The Dark Knight and Batman Begins. Both films used Senate House for big scenes, so any big fan of the movies will see the link straight away. It was the courthouse in Batman Begins, then The Dark Knight Rises’ masquerade ball scene - both significant scenes you’ll recognise if you visit the location in person. 

12. National Gallery

The National Gallery has been the chosen destination for tons of movies filmed in London, but one of the biggest blockbusters is without doubt 2012’s James Bond hit, Skyfall. It’s the scene where James Bond meets Q, and they sit and admire a painting by JMW Turner: The Fighting Temeraire. If you’re a fan of Bond films and you appreciate historic art, the National Gallery is a bucket list attraction in London, plus you can sit in the exact spot Daniel Craig did in this scene.

13. 27 St Luke’s Mews, Notting Hill

Love actually.

Name a more British film than the Christmas classic, Love Actually. Well, if you’re looking for the setting of that one iconic scene - we’re talking about the ‘To me, you are perfect’ scene with Keira Knightly and Andrew Lincoln - then we know just the spot. At number 27 St Luke’s Mews in the heart of London’s Notting Hill, you’ll find the exact place the character Mark knocked on the door to declare his love for his best friend’s new wife. Notting Hill’s mews’ are all some of the prettiest, most picturesque spots in London, so if you’re a fan of the film then it’s definitely worth the discovery. Just remember that people do live in these houses so remember to be respectful if you choose to take photos.

14. Huntsman

Located on Savile Row smack bang in between Piccadilly Circus, Mayfair and Soho is a very fancy-looking tailors used as the secret entryway to the underground organisation in the film Kingsman: The Secret Service. Expert spy Harry Hart (Colin Firth) guides his prodigy Eggy (Taron Egerton) through the lavish central London tailor to be lowered underground into the base for Eggy’s brutal boot camp and ‘interview’. On a stroll down Savile Row the tailor might strike you as a place a film crew might pick up, and funnily enough Huntsman really did serve as part of the inspiration behind the blockbuster. While you probably won’t be able to afford a new suit inside, if you’re a fan of the movie then pop by while you’re in the centre of town - maybe you’ll see a sneaky-looking someone walk out, you never know.

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There are a lot of things that go into making a film. From the actors you cast and the location you shoot to the plot and the ever-so-important ending, movie-goers from all over the world leave a theater with lasting impressions of the film. However, a movie’s setting tends to take a back seat to the famous faces we see starring in it. Now, we are very excited to give a movie’s setting the love, attention, and appreciation it deserves. In fact, let’s get even more specific and explore the movie magic of London.

Where the setting of a movie is sets the tone for the entire film. For movies set in London, the famous city’s overall vibe, eye-catching landmarks, busy streets, and, of course, the people all contribute to a film. Honestly, London can be a character in itself with how recognizable it is in films and how iconic it is in the entertainment industry and in pop culture as a whole. From movies like Last Night In Soho to even something more action-packed like No Time To Die and Red Notice , here is our ranking of some of the best movies set in London that you should take note of.

9 About Time

With a city like London as your backdrop, it would be a shame if you didn't utilize it in a good romantic comedy. About Time , starring romance movie royalty Rachel McAdams and Domhnall Gleeson, follows a young man whose father reveals to him that the men in their family have the gift of being able to travel back in time. Incorporating magic into a movie with already so much heart, there is no way to leave this charmer out.

Related: Best Movies Set in Tokyo, Ranked

8 Last Night in Soho

Now, we are going to take a turn with Last Night in Soho . This 2021 film follows a fashion designer that encounters an aspiring singer in 1960s London. The mind games that this horror thriller plays on its audience feed into the absolutely frightening story. The cinematography, costume design, and setting all contribute to this terrifying film, and it should definitely be on your list if you haven't already seen it.

7 The Gentlemen

London is the kind of city where movie possibilities seem endless. So, how about an action movie for this list? 2019's The Gentlemen follows Mickey Pearson ( played by Matthew McConaughey ) who establishes a marijuana empire in London. When he tries to cash out, of course, things don't go as planned or as smoothly as they should, leading to some crazy twists and turns. You can now watch The Gentlemen on Netflix!

6 The Courier

You probably know Benedict Cumberbatch as the lovable Dr. Strange in the MCU . However, it is increasingly important to not overlook his fantastic performance in 2020s The Courier . Cumberbatch plays the British businessman Greville Wynne. This spy thriller is available on Amazon Prime and is, as outlined by Bustle , based on the incredible true story involving two men and the Cuban Missle Crisis.

The Duke is one hell of a ride. When Goya's portrait of the Duke of Wellington is stolen from the National Gallery in London by an old taxi driver in the 60s, the public is shocked when what started as an art heist turns into a call for elderly care reform in the country. If that already seems incredible to you, you might be equally shocked to find out that this film starring Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren is based on a true story.

4 Enola Holmes

Netflix Original films can be a hit or miss. However, the 2020 film Enola Holmes checks off all the boxes and remains to be one of Netflix's best projects to date. Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown stars as young, resourceful, and quick teen Enola as she attempts to outsmart Sherlock, her older brother, and find her missing mother. A sequel called Enola Holmes 2 has recently been confirmed, per Digital Spy , to release this year.

Related: Best Movies Set in Paris, Ranked

3 Paddington

If you haven't experienced the absolute magic that is the Paddington movies, you are missing out. In 2014, this fluffy creature we come to know as Paddington captured our hearts is ways we will never forget. This family adventure film simply follows a young bear who loses his home and is in England to find a new one. Paddington is fun, heartwarming, and irresistibly charming for people of all ages and is definitely worth a watch.

Movies set in London? Well, you can't forget to include 007 in that conversation. Skyfall is the third installment of Daniel Craig's Bond movies and remains one of the more unforgettable in the long-running series of James Bond films. In Skyfall , agents are exposed, MI6 is under attack, M is forced to relocate the agency, and she turns to 007 himself for help. This film includes all the action we all love in great Bond film and this one is a great addition to the franchise as a whole.

1 Paddington 2

When it comes to a series of movies, it is difficult to have a great sequel when the first installment was just that good. However, the Paddington cinematic universe does just that. In Paddington 2 , our fluffy bear friend tries to get a book for his aunt's 100th birthday. However, a thief has the absolute audacity to steal it, and Paddington is forced to embark on a journey to get some justice. Now, we know that the plot of this movie does not contain the pizzazz and intrigue that a heart-stopping thriller or a pulse-quickening action may have. However, this masterpiece of a movie feels like a big hug. And in the world we live in now, we could all use entertainment like this.

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Lady’s 15 Incredible Films Set in London

It’s film time again. I’ve written about 11 books to read about London , but now I want to add movies. There are so many amazing films set in London, and today I want to share 15 of my favorites with you.

Films Set in London

There are plenty of movies set in London. From Mary Poppins to Withnail and I , the list is diverse and could go on forever. But I’ve handpicked my top choices from among the many, and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

1. Love Actually

I can’t help starting with Love Actually . It’s one of the most iconic London films, and a modern Christmas classic. I love all the scenes shot in the city, from Downing Street to the Thames.

And that’s to say nothing of the intertwining story lines and lovable set of characters that make this film so memorable.

2. Notting Hill

Another classic London movie is Notting Hill . This film about a British bookshop owner falling in love with an American movie star ticks all my boxes for romantic comedy and transatlantic cultural exchange.

Set against the backdrop of one of the prettiest London neighborhoods, it’s a film I could watch over and over again. And I do.

3. Bridget Jones’s Diary

Speaking of romantic comedies, Bridget Jones’s Diary is another winner.

A contemporary Pride & Prejudice story, the film features scenes shot around Borough Market and other parts of London. And Colin Firth is in it, which is always a good thing.

4. Four Weddings and a Funeral

Going back in time, Four Weddings and a Funeral has held its appeal over the years and remains a London classic.

With Hugh Grant and other British favorites entertaining us everywhere from Highbury Fields to the Old Royal Naval College Chapel, Covent Garden, Sloane Square, and the South Bank, it’s packed with scenes from the city.

5. Paddington

Moving away from romantic comedies (and Hugh Grant films, for that matter), Paddington is one of my favorite films set in London.

This sweet bear wins my heart with every misstep he makes, and as an expat I can relate to his many cultural misunderstandings (although I have yet to ride a bathtub down the stairs).

6. The Bourne Ultimatum

Speaking of action, The Bourne Ultimatum , has one of my favorite London scenes of all time.

My heart races whenever I watch former CIA operative Jason Bourne directing a journalist through Waterloo Station to help him avoid being tracked by CCTV cameras and CIA agents. The third film in the Bourne franchise might just be the best.

Another film set in London with great individual scenes is Guy Ritchie’s Snatch . A lot of footage was shot in and around Hatton Garden, and it’s a great film for getting to know London’s diamond district.

I’ll never forget the first time I walked into the Ye Olde Mitre pub and recognized it from the movie.

8. Sliding Doors

One place that almost anyone would recognize in a film is the London Underground, and no film hinges on it quite like Sliding Doors .

Gwyneth Paltrow’s character finds herself in the oh-so-familiar-to-a-Londoner situation of rushing to get on a train before the doors close. The rest of the film follows two scenarios: one where she gets through, one where she doesn’t.

Lots more London—from Hammersmith to Belsize Park —features throughout.

9. Bend it Like Beckham

One part of London that’s not as familiar to most people is Hounslow (well, apart from the fact that Heathrow is there), and it’s the setting of Bend it Like Beckham .

This movie about two girls playing soccer (er, football) is one of my favorite films set in London, not least because the creative story was such a sleeper hit.

10. About a Boy

Over to the boys, About a Boy is another heartwarming tale (and another Hugh Grant film…do I have a subconscious thing for him?).

A young boy becomes friends with a man who’s stuck in boyhood, and locations as far flung as Kentish Town, Clerkenwell, Notting Hill , and Wandsworth figure into the story. There’s even a scene at the zoo.

11. James Bond

I was going to try to choose one James Bond film for my list, but the truth is that almost every James Bond film has great footage of London.

Whether it’s MI6 in Vauxhall or scenes along the river, the franchise does a great job featuring the city in its movies.

12. Harry Potter

As do the Harry Potter films. I’ll focus on one of the most popular Harry Potter locations in London: Platform 9 3/4 in King’s Cross station.

The site where the Hogwarts Express departs for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, this special spot has become a pilgrimage site for Harry Potter fans from around the world.

If you want to see more locations from the movies, you can do my free self-guided Harry Potter walking tour . It will take you around to lots of famous sites from the films and books.

13. The Parent Trap

Another great children’s film set in London is the 1998 remake of The Parent Trap . Well, partially set, anyway. And given it shares the stage with my home state of California, I’m happy to put it on my list.

London scenes were filmed in Kensington and Berkeley Square, two of the city’s most beautiful areas. I love watching the twin sisters swap places to trick their parents into getting back together.

14. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy also involves characters with tricks up their sleeves.

This movie set during the Cold War features an all-star cast (Colin Firth again) and scenes filmed in West Kensington, Islington , Clerkenwell, and Mill Hill. I love the intrigue throughout.

15. An Education

Of all the movies on my list, An Education stuck with me for the longest after I watched it. I won’t spoil it for you, but if you haven’t seen it you’ll want to.

Filmed largely in Twickenham, Ealing, West Acton, and Acton Town, there are also scenes set in more familiar areas like Westminster and the West End.

Movies Set in London

I could keep going, but I’ll end my list here and let you get to watching the movies you haven’t seen already. There are so many great films set in London, and more being released all the time. I can’t wait to see what comes out next.

If you want more recommendations, you can take a look at my blog post about British Christmas movies . It has all my top picks for the festive season. Happy viewing!

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30 Comments on Lady’s 15 Incredible Films Set in London

Nice list, and definitely a number of those films influenced my move to and love of this great city 🙂 (esp Love Actually)

Thanks, Sarah!

I’ve seen almost all of these:) now have to watch the Sliding doors

Nice! I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.

Not sure if you have seen this one as it was released in 1967 – “To Sir With Love” was a fairly good film shot in London.

That’s great! Thanks for the recommendation.

To Sir With Love – highly recommend, one of my top ten movies of all time!

Thanks for the recommendation!

I love this list!

These are my go-to films when I need a pick-me-up or reminder that my goal is to move to the UK in the next decade.

I would add Page Eight (part 1 of the Worricker trilogy, a BBC film series starring Bill Nighy) to your list. As I recall there were some good London scenes in Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy too, although it’s darker. I wish there were more films of Sophie Kinsella’s books–those would have some great locations!

Thanks! I hope you can accomplish your goal soon.

I’ve seen at least 11 of these too. Love Actually is one I return to time and time again but Bridget Jones is possibly my favourite.

Good choices! Those are great movies.

Great list to remind me of many films I’d like to watch again. Just saw Bourne Ultimatum last night for the umpteenth time. Thanks!

Thanks! I’m glad you like it.

A great list for sure!!! I love all things London & your instagram account is so fun & informative. Thank you!

Thanks, Suzanne! I really appreciate it.

Thanks for recommending these movies. I will watch it.

That’s great!

This was such a sweet post to read and it’s making me want to book a train down to London again. I’m adding Nottinghill to my list of films to watch!

Fantastic list! Love Actually and Notting Hill are definitely my favorites! ❣️❣️❣️ The London skyline in Mary Poppins always gives me goosebumps too!

Thanks! I’m glad you like the list.

Mary Poppins is my favorite, but now I can add a few more I didn’t know on my #stayhome watch list. Thank you and hope you’re well!

You’re welcome! I hope you’re well too!

About a time!! Nice and tender film

Thanks for sharing!

you should add “last christmas”! just came out last year i believe, there’s so many great shots in covent garden and its such a great movie !

A brilliant list. !!

Several of them I’m aware of – but the Underground one sounds worth watching.

Thanks! I’m glad you think so.

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The 25 best films set in London

Posted: May 30, 2024 | Last updated: May 30, 2024

When you think of the cities films tend to be set in, you might think of New York or Los Angeles first. Well, at least if you are American. Let’s broaden our horizons. There is also an abundance of English-language films set in London. The capital of the United Kingdom has been the locale for many movies, some of which have been hits “across the pond” in the United States. Be it a period piece or a modern affair, these are our 25 top movies set in London, at least partially.

'Sherlock Holmes' (2009)

Basically, every Sherlock Holmes movie is a London movie. The man famously lives on Baker Street. However, we can’t cover them all. There are literally dozens of Holmes films. One of our favorites is the first of the Robert Downey Jr. movies with him as the world’s greatest detective.

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'Skyfall' (2012)

Much like Sherlock, James Bond often spends time in London. Some of his films are more London-focused than others, though. While  Skyfall ends in Scotland, much of the action takes place in London, including on the Tube.

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'Oliver!' (1968)

This is an old-school version of London, but London is a city with a lot of history. It is only fitting to go back to Dickensian times. Based on Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist , this musical won Best Picture.

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'Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery' (1997)

Austin Powers is a parody of James Bond, so of course, he’s big on London. He’s a fixture in the Swingin’ Sixties Era of London but travels through time after being frozen and wakes up in a more modern version of the city. Dr. Evil’s lair with the mutant sea bass is not so London-y, but the movie still counts.

'Withnail and I' (1987)

Oliver!  may be a street-level version of London, but a family-friendly musical version of it. Withnail and I is a different story. Withnail and “I" are two struggling actors who live in London in squalor. They seem to have only one friend, and he’s their drug dealer. It’s a bleak life. The kind where you drink lighter fluid. But it’s got a lot of London in it.

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'A Hard Day’s Night' (1964)

The Beatles are memorably from Liverpool. They didn’t stay in that city forever, though. A Hard Day’s Night takes place at the peak of the Fab Four’s fame and sees the band traveling to London to perform. It’s a romp of a comedy, and of course, it has a killer soundtrack.

'Four Weddings and the Funeral' (1994)

London is a giant of the rom-com genre. There are so many you could choose from. To represent London and the romantic comedy, we decided to go with Four Weddings and a Funeral . It may have more Andie MacDowell than many would prefer, but it’s a quintessential ‘90s rom-com nonetheless.

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'The Man Who Knew Too Much' (1956)

Alfred Hitchcock set a few movies in London, but not as many as you might think. They tend not to be his best movies. On the other hand, there’s The Man Who Knew Too Much . It’s a movie that Hitchcock made twice, and this second version with James Stewart and Doris Day is definitely better.

'Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels' (1998)

Guy Richie loves himself a London crime movie. He made his name with Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels . It’s a street-level crime comedy about a couple of small-time crooks, but it’s a solid film that introduced some future stars to the masses.

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'Layer Cake' (2004)

This is another London crime film, but it ramps up the sheen and budget. The unnamed protagonist, played by Daniel Craig, is more of a medium-time criminal, but he’s still in over his head. The movie is slicker than Lock, Stock , but it’s considered responsible for getting Craig the role of Bond.

'The Muppet Christmas Carol' (1992)

We had to include a version of Christmas Carol . What version to choose, though? Decisions, decisions. Of all the adaptations of Dickens’ story, our favorite is the Muppets. Is it the most “London” of the bunch? Perhaps not, but there’s plenty of London to it.

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'My Fair Lady' (1964)

London has a lot of “upstairs, downstairs” to it and a lot of accents. It’s perfect for a story like My Fair Lady . Henry Higgins is a haughty, pompous professor of phonetics. He meets cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle and declares he can turn her into a “proper lady.” That’s the starting point for this musical, which won Best Picture.

'Sid and Nancy' (1986)

Music plays a role in Sid and Nancy just like in "My Fair Lady,” but it’s a slightly different film. This movie tells the story of Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen. Sid was a member of the Sex Pistols. He and Nancy had, shall we say, a complicated relationship. It’s not the cheeriest film.

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'Paddington 2' (2017)

Few films of recent memory have as fervent a following as Paddington 2 . No, really. People love this movie. They like Paddington , but they love the sequel. We had to include this movie on our list of London films for all you marmalade heads out there.

'The Bourne Ultimatum' (2007)

There’s a bit of globetrotting to the Jason Bourne movies. Naturally, they would eventually end up in London. In the third movie in the series, which basically ended the trilogy before they decided to make a fourth, Bourne spent some time in London’s capital as the conspiracy took him there. He doesn’t stay in London for the entire film, but critical action takes place there, so it counts.

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'Children of Men' (2006)

Children of Men takes place in a dystopian future, but it’s not as science fiction-y as a lot of future movies. This film about a world where people have stopped giving birth for years still feels like a London movie. It’s a tweaked version of London, but the vibe is still there. Maybe it’s all the Pink Floyd references.

'One Hundred and One Dalmatians' (1961)

Animated films can be set in London, too! Perhaps the most famous of the bunch is 101 Dalmatians . It’s about two Londoners and their London dogs, all 101 of them, and of course Cruella de Vil. Yes, Cruella is a London gal.

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'A Fish Called Wanda' (1988)

This caper comedy stars John Cleese and Michael Palin from Monty Python , British comedy royalty. Of course, it also includes Americans Jamie Lee Curtis and Kevin Kline. Yes, they are “Ugly Americans,” but it’s perfect for this movie. Kline is particularly loathsome but hilarious. He even won an Oscar for Best Supporting Oscar.

'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2' (2011)

Because Hogwarts is a place for wizards, sometimes it doesn’t feel like the Harry Potter movies are London movies. They are, though. We could only go with one of them, so we chose the one that had the best rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It also happens to be the final of the movies, which feels fitting.

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'Happy-Go-Lucky' (2008)

Mike Leigh’s Happy-Go-Lucky follows Sally Hawkins all around London. She plays a woman with a bubbly personality. You know, one of those chatty extroverts always starts a little conversation. Oh, and she’s an elementary school art teacher. We get a lot of shots of London, and the movie is down to earth in a way that makes it feel like a true London movie.

'Shaun of the Dead' (2004)

What if you woke up one day and your city had been taken over by zombies? That’s the premise of Shaun of the Dead . The movie was a breakout project for director Edgar Wright and star Simon Pegg. It’s a letter-perfect horror-comedy, bringing the gore and the laughs in equal measure.

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'The King’s Speech' (2010)

Look, we’re not saying that The King’s Speech is better than The Social Network . That Best Picture decision still annoys a lot of people. The King’s Speech is still a good movie, set in the world of the British royal family. If you are going to go nuts for The Crown , you have to at least acknowledge The King’s Speech .

'An American Werewolf in London' (1981)

London is right in the title here, which is a point in its favor. It’s also all in the nooks and crannies of London. It begins on the moors of Scotland, but David ends up back in London, and that’s where his werewolf problems really kick in.

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'In the Loop' (2009)

Did you enjoy Armando Iannucci’s Veep ? Then you should watch In the Loop . This movie crosses the pond to bring in politicians from both the United States and England. Hey, London is the capital of the United Kingdom. Any good British political film is going to take place here, and  In the Loop is one of the best.

'Phantom Thread' (2017)

Paul Thomas Anderson made a movie about the San Fernando Valley in the late ‘70s/early ’80s, which he had first-hand experience with. That was Boogie Nights , a sign of the incredible director Anderson would become. He may not have had the same experience with ‘50s London, but that didn’t stand in his way. It helped that Daniel Day-Lewis was involved, and according to the actor, this was his last film before retiring.

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17+ Famous London Filming Locations that You’ll Love (2024)

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In addition to the London locations used for the Harry Potter movies, some of the best places to visit in London are the background for movies ranging from Paddington Bear to Skyfall to the Bourne Ultimatum.

If you want to revisit some of the scenes and locations used in London for filming, I’ve put together this list for movie gurus to help show you where to discover where the magic was made and the best London filming locations (including London movie locations and London TV locations!)

The Absolute Must-Knows (from a Londoner)

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Best tours in London for movie buffs:

• James Bond locations walking tour – want to see where the iconic British character dwells when he’s in London? This James Bond locations walking tour is the perfect way to see the filming locations and delve into this world. Check prices and availability here.
• Paddington Bear locations walking tour – Paddington is one of the most beloved British fluffy bears (after Winnie the Pooh, of course), and you can follow along with his adventures on this Paddington Bear walking tour . Check prices and availability here.
• Harry Potter filming locations walking tour – from Diagon Alley to Platform 9 3/4, this is the best Harry Potter filming walking tour in London and you’ll love it! Check prices and availability here.

1. Notting Hill: one of London’s most popular filming locations

Of course, where does the movie Notting Hill take place but Notting Hill?

In this colorful neighborhood, you can roam around and see where many of the backdrops in this movie were filmed, including Portobello Road Market and the site of the Travel Bookshop. 

The area also features in a British Christmas classic, Love Actually.

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2. Southbank

London’s Southbank is iconic London , and it’s no wonder it’s constantly used in films, movies, and TV shows.

Guardians of the Galaxy , Fast and Furious 6 and Thor: The Dark World all feature scenes here, as well as James Bond films which use am amalgamation of Southbank buildings to make up his residence. 

If you see the London Eye pop up in a movie, you’ll know it’s on the Southbank.

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My favorite hotel in London for all visitors is the Strand Palace ( click here to check prices ). ⭐⭐⭐⭐

3. Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge has a sort of drama to it that makes it great for backdrops for important film moments.

You can spot it in movies like Mission Impossible , Tomb Raider , and the Mummy Returns .

You can also see Bridget Jones walking across it in Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason . 

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• Travel insurance – you need it when going overseas! I use this site to get the best quotes and purchase my packages from. Do not skip this – having medical coverage abroad as well as other coverage in case of missed flights, lost luggage, etc is essential. As I said, I have never gone wrong using this site .
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4. Canary Wharf Tube Station

If you look carefully, you’ll see Canary Wharf Tube Station feature in Rogue One , the Star Wars movie from 2016.

It’s a quick glimpse, but Canary Wharf is a very modern tube station and thus works well for movies that need a fresh, out of this world feel!

In fact, the London Underground itself has been used in films such as 28 Days Later , Harry Potter , Mission: Impossible , Atonement , and Agent Cody Banks .

5. Borough Market

Much of Bridget Jones Diary was filmed in and around Borough Market , where they set Bridget’s flat.

If you look above the Globe Tavern, that’s where her flat was set and the door to the flat has become a tourist attraction in and of itself!

6. Waterloo Station

In The Bourne Ultimatum , Jason Bourne has an intense scene in the station where he tries to help someone escape, and when you watch it, you’ll instantly be able to recognize this train station if you’ve gone through it even once – the massive 4 sided clock hanging above your head is hard to forget!

7. Gabriel’s Wharf

Sit on a bench at Gabriel’s Wharf overlooking the Thames and you’ll be recreating one of the most famous scenes in Love, Actually , where Daniel and Sam talk about being in love.

8. Churchill War Rooms

Where did the Winston Churchill movie, Darkest Hour , film?

Where else besides the Churchill War Rooms , the real rooms where he ran much of the World War II operation from in London!

Wander through the same rooms that they filmed in and he worked from, which is also a great thing to do in London in the rain as it’s completely out of the elements!

9. Battersea Park

Head to Battersea Park, one of London’s best green spaces , to see where they filmed much of 101 Dalmatians.

There’s also a small children’s zoo, one of the best things to do with toddlers in London if you’re in the area.

10. Amersham

Take the Metropolitan Line to the end and you’ll be able to see the location from Four Weddings and a Funeral , where Charles and Carrie spend their first night together.

“The Lucky Boatman” from the film isn’t real, but the locations used – the Crown Hotel and the Kings Arms are!

Amersham is a fun outing for people who want to experience non-touristy London as well, as this is a commuter town with a quaint high street and lovely pubs that 100% cater to Brits and not tourists.

11. Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus is such an iconic London location that it’s no surprise it’s also a famous London filming location.

One of the most popular scenes from films involves the Harry Potter cast from the Deathly Hallows (Part 1) , all dressed up and standing in Piccadilly Circus.

12. University College London

This prestigious university is great to walk around with such a picturesque quad, and you also may notice some similarities to films like The Dark Knight and Batman Begins , who used this backdrop to great effect.

13. Thamesmead

Okay, it would be a really weird London filming trip because Thamesmead is an area of south-east London that isn’t particularly known for its tourists or its beautiful architecture (quite the opposite), but it was a major backdrop in the film A Clockwork Orange so diehard fans may want to check it out.

14. Old Royal Navy College

This site in Greenwich is easy to get to and features in multiple movies, including the beginning of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

You can also see it in Les Miserables , when the funeral procession takes place (yes, most of Les Mis was shot in the UK despite supposed to be taking place in Paris! Movie magic!)

15. Wembley Stadium

You may be headed to Wembley to watch sports in London, but you should also appreciate it’s film history as the arena has been featured in Fast and Furious films, as well as Get Him to the Greek with Jonah Hill.

16. Trafalgar Square

This iconic London location has, unsurprisingly, featured in plenty of films.

You’ll see it in in Skyfall , as well as Edge of Tomorrow and Captain America: The First Avenger.

It’s often used as a general “set in London” overhead shot so the audience knows where they are, as the red buses driving around the square and the National Gallery and Nelson’s Column are so iconically London.

17. Hampton Court Palace

Just a short train ride away from Central London is Hampton Court Palace , a fantastic filming location that has featured in Pirates of the Caribbean quite heavily, and is constantly used as a fantastic Victorian era backdrop.

What else should I not miss in London?

If you’re visiting London soon, here’s a very brief rundown of a few of my other favorites to make sure you don’t miss anything!

• Hidden London Walking Tour – this tour is the absolute best if you want to see London in a different light and uncover hidden nooks, crannies, and histories that you won’t get on your normal, run-of-the-mill London walking tour. Click here to check prices and book.
• Historical Westminster Walking Tour with Churchill War Rooms – if you’re a history buff or even mildly interested in all of the insane things that have happened in London, particular during the wars, you have to book this tour which is an absolute bargain for the tour + entry to the Churchill War Rooms (basically two must-dos in one). Click here to check prices and book .
• Cutest London Afternoon Tea on a Bus – want to see the sights and enjoy afternoon tea at the same time on the upper deck? Yes, absolutely you do. This afternoon tea is a real delight and helps you get out and about while also putting your pinkies up. Click here to check prices and book.

Want more helpful London guides? Check these out!

• 45 Things to Do in London at Night
• 53 Things to Do in London for Couples
• 57 Quirky and Unusual Things to Do in London
• 11 Tourist Traps to Avoid in London
• 23 Best London Tours
• 41 Best Things to Do in London with Kids
• 21 Best Castles Near London
• 15 Best London Hotels
• 17 Best Street Food Markets in London
• 15 Best Areas to Stay in London
• 23 Best Afternoon Teas in London
• 25 Best London Museums
• 33 Free Things to Do in London
• 21 Best London Markets
• 21 Best London Apps
• 23 Best Pubs in London
• 35 Best Restaurants in London
• 21 Harry Potter Things to Do in London
• 35 Things to Do in London in the Rain
• 25 Best Art Museums in London
• 25 Best Places to Shop in London
• 35 Best Day Trips from London
• 31 Best Parks in London
• 41 Most Instagrammable Places in London
• 27 Best Views in London
• 27 Best Birthday Ideas in London
• 29 Best London Cinemas
• 29 Best Things to Buy in London
• 41 Things to Do in London Alone
• 16 Awesome London AirBnbs

UK Travel Planning Guide: the FAQs

🏥 Should I buy UK travel insurance?

Absolutely yes. Basic coverage is not expensive, and as a visitor you are NOT covered under the NHS. Compare policies and prices with Travel Insurance Master here , a big name in the travel insurance business, and cross that off your list.

🔌 Do I need travel adapters for the UK?

Yes, you do, otherwise you won’t be able to plug in your electronics/phone/lifelines. I recommend this one , which is all-in-one so you can use it in other countries.

🚗 What do I need to drive in the UK?

The first thing you need to check out if you’re planning on renting a car in the UK is this guide to driving in the UK for visitors – the roads, signs, and driving experience will likely not be what you’re used to and it’s essential to prepare yourself to stay safe and aware.

🛌 What’s the best way to book hotels in the UK?

For UK hotels, Booking is the best site as it offers free cancellation on many properties. If you want an apartment, I always recommend VRBO over AirBnb.

📳 Will my phone work in the UK?

Yes – if you set it up right. Check out my guide on making your foreign phone work in the UK to ensure that you get the type of service you need.

🚿 Can I drink the water in the UK?

Yes, UK water is great and perfectly safe. But drink out of taps in any kitchen or use water fountains. Double check before drinking out of the taps in hotel bathrooms, though, as they may be on a different system. London water is safe to drink .

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10 of the best films set in London

Musement shares ten films set in London to help satisfy any urges to visit the city.

From Mary Poppins to Harry Potter to Paddington Bear, London is one of those cities that has likely been ingrained in your mind since childhood. Whether you’d been there or not doesn’t matter—it’s easy to feel like you know the British capital enough to long to return time and again, thanks a good part to the big screen.

You may choose to return every December by dint of one of the best favorite Christmas movies ever made, even if you’re lucky enough to have actually spent time there.

With travel is limited to our armchairs and sofas these days, we’re willing to bet that plenty of you have a hankering for the English capital. So, here—in no particular order—are 10 of the best movies set in London.

1. Mary Poppins , 1964

Magical nanny Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews) literally seems to descend straight from heaven to the Banks family on the fictional Cherry Tree Lane to help establish some order in the slightly detached family. A combination of animation and live-action, this childhood favorite that never gets old—it’s impossible to see the dome of Saint Paul’s Cathedral and not think of Feed the Birds. The 2018 sequel starring Emily Blunt is also set in London

2. My Fair Lady , 1964

From selling flowers in Covent Garden to high society, Eliza Doolittle (Audrey Hepburn) goes from rags to riches when professor Henry Higgins (Rex Harrison) takes her under his wing to teach her “proper English.” And of course, sparks fly along the way.

3. Harry Potter , 2001 – 2011

It’s safe to say that London features prominently all eight of the big-screen adaptations of J.K. Rowling’s beloved Harry Potter books series. Except to see familiar sites such as Piccadilly Circus, Millennium Bridge, Kings Cross Station and more as the titular wizard and friends aim to defeat Voldemort. Die-hard fans can even visit the studios located just outside the city.

4. James Bond , 1962 – present

The world’s most famous spy has appeared on the big screen since 1962, portrayed by a series of talented actors. A British secret service agent, 007 works for Mi6 so he’s always likely to make an appearance in London—keep your eyes peeled for iconic sights and landmarks like Whitehall Raod and the National Gallery.

5. Bridget Jones’s Diary , 2001

Renee Zellweger stole our hearts, and those of Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) and Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), as the quirky singleton in this modern-day Pride and Prejudice. Southwark, Borough Market, the Tate Modern Restaurant, the Royal Courts, the Shad Thames walkways and more all make an appearance. For even more London, binge on the film and its two sequels: Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason and Bridget Jones’s Baby.

6. Closer , 2004

Mike Nichols directed this London-set tale of love and infidelity starring Julia Roberts, Jude Law, Natalie Portman, and Clive Owen. See sites from the city as the four characters navigate through life and difficult matters of the heart. See quintessential London cityscapes and places such as Postman’s Park, the riverside area near Waterloo Bridge, and the London Sea Life Aquarium .

7. Notting Hill , 1999

Speaking of Julia Roberts, she and Hugh Grant star as movie star Anna Scott and Travel Book Shop owner Willia Thacker in this irresistible romantic comedy. From Portobello Road to the Savoy to Kenwood House to Nobu to the Ritz to the film’s colorful namesake neighborhood, there’s plenty of London to hold you over until you can travel again.

8. Love Actually , 2003

Though it’s the ultimate Christmas movie for some, Love, Actually is a treat year-round. Writer and director Richard Curtis (who also penned the screenplay for Notting Hill) directs an all-star ensemble cast of characters as they deal with different aspects of love. Cobbled mews, Somerset House, Selfridge’s, 10 Downing Street itself, Queen’s Walk, the “dodgy end” of Wandsworth serve as the backdrop for this uplifting film.

9. Four Weddings and a Funeral , 1994

Long before the Hulu series, there was this lovely British film. In keeping with the Richard Curtis theme, Four Weddings and a Funeral tells the story of Charles (Hugh Grant), a 20-something Londoner, searching for love. Expect lots of Southbank, the King’s Arms, Priory Church of St Bartholomew the Great (a shooting location for many films) and more.

10. The King’s Speech , 2010

Colin Firth stars as Prince Albert IV, the future King George IV (father of Her Majesty the Queen), as he works with Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), an Australian speech therapist, to overcome his stutter. Though the film takes some liberties with history, it’s excellent—and so is the scenery!

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Culture | Film

15 iconic London locations that always appear in films

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Even though Londoners travel through the city every day, who doesn’t get a kick out of seeing the capital captured on the big screen?

Sometimes it takes seeing London on film to remember just how many extraordinary buildings and landmarks there are – all within a quick tube ride.

From Kings Cross in Harry Potter, to Big Ben in The Thirty Nine Steps, these are 15 iconic London locations in film you can visit today.

Kings Cross station

Platform 9 ¾ became the world’s most famous railway destination when it first appeared in the Harry Potter novels. It was wonderfully brought to life in the movies and the ‘vanishing’ trolley remains a popular tourist destination today.

Euston Road, N1 9AL, kingscross.co.uk

St Paul's Cathedral

Mary Poppins presents a chocolate-box view of Edwardian London, showing off a number of landmarks and the city’s skyline in the unforgettable rooftop scenes. But it’s Poppins’ rendition of Feed the Birds that focuses on a woman selling seeds for “Tuppence a bag” at the foot of St Paul’s Cathedral that proves one of the film’s most moving sequences. The landmark is opens for sightseeing throughout the week.

St. Paul's Churchyard, EC4M 8AD, stpauls.co.uk

Tate Modern

Woody Allen’s Match Point didn’t win over every critic in 2005, but it did provide audiences with plenty of lovely London locations. The film notably sees Jonathan Rhys-Meyers and Scarlett Johansson reunited briefly in the Tate Modern, one of the capital’s most iconic art spots. It also appears as the headquarters of the shadowy Ark of the Arts organisation in Children of Men. The gallery is open every day of the week.

Bankside, SE1 9TG, tate.org.uk

Westminster Bridge

Danny Boyle’s apocalyptic thriller 28 Days Later sees Cillian Murphy walk dazed down a deserted Westminster Bridge after waking up alone in hospital. It’s one of the eeriest sequences of the city ever captured on film. Boyle achieved this by shooting at 4am on summer mornings to avoid the bridge’s usual crowds. The climactic scene of Blofeld's helicopter crash in the 2015 Bond film Spectre was also filmed here.

Westminster Bridge, SE1 7GL

Somerset House

The finale of 1999’s Sleepy Hollow sees protagonist Ichabod Crane ( Johnny Depp ) return to New York following his altercation with a murderous headless horseman. Fans might not know though that the scene was in fact filmed outside London’s Somerset House on the Strand. The famous setting has also been featured in the James Bond film GoldenEye, where the building’s courtyard was transformed into St Petersburg square. Admission is free, while the venue also puts on exhibitions, events and concerts throughout the year.

Strand, WC2R 1LA, somersethouse.org.uk

Borough Market

The Bridget Jones movies take us to a number of locations across the city, but it’s her digs in Borough Market that remain the most memorable. The Globe Tavern pub, which is still there, provided the external shots during filming. And though the idea that a jobbing reporter could afford a huge flat in Borough Market was a touch unrealistic, we were more than happy to be transported to Bridget’s version of London by the 2001 film. Today, the market is closed on Mondays, but remains open throughout the rest of the week.

8 Southwark St, SE1 1TL, boroughmarket.org.uk

Trafalgar Square

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Trafalgar Square has provided the setting for crowd scenes in a variety of films over the years. VE Day celebrations for Captain America: The First Avenger were shot here but it’s the mob scenes at the climax of V For Vendetta that remain the most vivid sequence set in the iconic London landmark: the masked crowd march through the square before proceeding to destroy the Houses of Parliament in the 2005 drama.

Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN, london.gov.uk

Millennium Bridge

The Millennium Bridge is famously destroyed by the Dementors in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Thankfully though, it’s still intact in real life and its use in the film has helped make it a recognisable location around the world. It was also featured in Taylor Swift ’s music video for her Ed Sheeran collab-track, End Game, in 2018.

Thames Embankment, SE1 9JE

Sure, it’s not a specific location per se, but the tube has been featured in dozens of films throughout the years. Skyfall and the Bourne Ultimatum both included tense sequences on the Underground and it played an integral role in Gwyneth Paltrow ’s Sliding Doors too. However, Thor: Dark World caused the biggest stir among London’s commuters when it falsely claimed that Greenwich was only three stops away from Charing Cross during one scene. We only wish the tube was that speedy.

10 Downing Street

Hugh Grant might have been the least convincing movie Prime Minister of all time in Love Actually, but the film did give us a glimpse of the famous 10 Downing Street on film. When he’s not dad dancing his way around the famous address, PM Grant is threatening the UK’s diplomatic ties with the US by stitching up the President during a live press conference. But, he still manages to pull it all off with bumbling charm. Although you can’t actually visit the inside of Number 10, you can stand at the gates, look down the famous street, and imagine that Grant is still having fun behind the shiny black door.

10 Downing St, Westminster, SW1A 2AA, gov.uk

The explosive opening sequence of the 1999 Bond movie The World is Not Enough took us to the top of the then brand-new Millennium Dome. But pretty soon after launching, the venue faced extraordinarily high maintenance costs and struggled to find its true purpose. As a result, in 2007 it was turned into the O2. Today, it remains one of city’s most recognisable locations and hosts some of London’s biggest live events throughout the week.

Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX, theo2.co.uk

One of London’s most celebrated hotels, the Savoy, makes an appearance in Helen Mirren and Bob Hoskins’ excellent 1980 crime drama The Long Good Friday. Hoskin’s character confronts the American mafia at the venue in one of the film’s pivotal scenes. It’s also for the setting for the press conference given by Julia Roberts ’ character in Notting Hill. Home to the legendary American Bar, and with a starry clientele over the years that has included Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra and Sophia Loren, it’s well worth swinging by for a drink to soak in all the history and old-school glamour.

Strand, WC2R 0EZ, fairmont.com

Big Ben returned to regular service last November after five years of maintenance work, meaning Londoners living and working in the area once again have their days punctuated by the clock’s famous chimes. Big Ben played a key part in the 1978 film version of The 39 Steps: the film’s most famous sequence sees Robert Powell’s Richard Hannay cling to the clock face high above the streets of Westminster while Londoners agonisingly watch on below.

Westminster, London SW1A 0AA, parliament.uk

Westminster Abbey

Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou and Ian McKellen all head to Westminster Abbey to search for clues next to Isaac Newton’s grave in the 2006 thriller The Da Vinci Code. The film, like the Dan Brown novel, plays with historical facts and falsely claims that Alexander Pope delivered the eulogy at Newton’s funeral. But it doesn’t really matter: a London icon is always worth revisiting. The venue itself is open to visitors throughout the week, while it’s open to worshippers only on Sundays and religious holidays.

20 Deans Yd, Westminster, SW1P 3PA, westminster-abbey.org

Portobello Road Market

Hugh Grant strolls amiably through Portobello Road Market in the 1999 romcom Notting Hill, taking in the W10 setting in all its splendour. Punters can visit the market throughout the week from 9am, although the main market shuts on Sundays. Meanwhile, the location used for Grant's character’s house with the famous blue door is just around the corner at 280 Westbourne Park Road. Owners of the house painted the doors black for years in a bid to stop tourists posing for photos. They did however repaint the doors blue in 2013 and fans of the film still flock to take selfies today. Grant was, of course, in Paddington 2 - and fans of the bear from Peru should also swing by to nod to the location of Mr Gruber’s shop.

306 Portobello Rd, W10 5TA, portobelloroad.co.uk

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