Ten Best Films Set in London
The Travel Pages picks the ten best films set in London, with their stars and their stories, and with locations to visit for each one.
Ten Best Films Set in London
1. Notting Hill, 1999, directed by Roger Michell.
Stars: Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant, Rhys Ifans.
The life of William Thacker, a charming but ordinary bookstore owner in the vibrant Notting Hill neighborhood, takes an unexpected turn when he meets Anna Scott, a world-famous American actress who wanders into his shop. Their initial awkward encounter blossoms into an unlikely romance, navigating the vast differences in their lives and the intense scrutiny of the paparazzi. Their relationship unfolds against the backdrop of the quirky streets, bustling markets, and cozy pubs of Notting Hill, showcasing the area’s unique charm and community spirit.
Location to visit: Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill, a central location in the film with its colorful stalls and antique shops. See it here:
2. A Clockwork Orange, 1971, directed by Stanley Kubrick.
Stars: Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Michael Bates.
In a dystopian near-future London, Alex DeLarge leads a gang of “droogs” in acts of “ultraviolence.” After being imprisoned and subjected to experimental aversion therapy, he is released back into society, supposedly cured. However, he finds himself a pawn in political machinations and vulnerable to those he once terrorized. The film presents a stark and stylized vision of London, using brutalist architecture and unsettling imagery to explore themes of free will, social control, and the nature of good and evil.
Location to visit: While the film depicts a futuristic London, some recognizable Brutalist architectural locations were used, such as Thamesmead Southmere Lake, which evokes the film’s stark aesthetic. See it here:
3. Love Actually, 2003, directed by Richard Curtis.
Stars: Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, Colin Firth, and an ensemble cast.
This romantic comedy weaves together multiple interconnected storylines exploring different aspects of love during the Christmas season in London. From the newly elected bachelor Prime Minister falling for his staff member to a writer finding love in France and a long-married couple facing a crisis, the film captures the heartwarming and sometimes heartbreaking complexities of relationships. Iconic London landmarks and festive atmospheres provide a charming backdrop to these intertwined tales of affection, longing, and connection.
Location to visit: Somerset House, where the final Christmas fair scene takes place, is a beautiful and recognizable London landmark. See it here:
4. Mary Poppins, 1964, directed by Robert Stevenson.
Stars: Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, David Tomlinson.
In Edwardian London, the wealthy and uptight Banks family hires a magical nanny named Mary Poppins to care for their mischievous children, Jane and Michael. With her enchanting abilities and the help of the cheerful chimney sweep Bert, Mary Poppins takes the children on fantastical adventures, teaching them valuable life lessons about joy, imagination, and the importance of family. The film presents a whimsical and idealized vision of London, complete with chimney tops, parks, and the iconic St. Paul’s Cathedral in the distance.
Location to visit: While many scenes were filmed on soundstages, the exterior shots often feature the charming streets and parks of London, evoking a classic Edwardian atmosphere. St. Paul’s Cathedral is a recurring visual landmark. See it here:
5. Shaun of the Dead, 2004, directed by Edgar Wright.
Stars: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Kate Ashfield.
In a North London suburb, the mundane life of Shaun, a directionless electronics salesman, is disrupted by a sudden zombie apocalypse. Motivated by his desire to win back his girlfriend Liz and protect his best friend Ed, Shaun embarks on a hilariously gory mission to rescue his loved ones and survive the undead onslaught. The film blends horror and comedy, using familiar London locations like pubs, terraced houses, and local shops as the backdrop for the escalating chaos and Shaun’s unlikely heroism.
Location to visit: Crouch End and Highgate in North London were key filming locations, representing the suburban setting of the zombie outbreak. The Winchester Pub is a fictionalized version of a real pub in the area. See it here:
6. A Hard Day’s Night, 1964, directed by Richard Lester. Stars: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr.
This energetic and iconic film follows a fictionalized day in the life of the Beatles as they navigate the pressures of Beatlemania in London. From escaping hordes of screaming fans to recording new music and dealing with Paul’s mischievous grandfather, the film captures the whirlwind of their early fame with humor and innovative filmmaking techniques. London serves as a vibrant backdrop to their adventures, showcasing the city’s bustling streets, recording studios, and the sheer excitement surrounding the Fab Four at the height of their popularity.
Location to visit: The Marylebone Station, where the film famously begins with the Beatles running from their fans, is a still-active and recognizable London railway station. See it here:
7. Trainspotting, 1996, directed by Danny Boyle.
Stars: Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller.
While primarily set in Edinburgh, Scotland, a significant portion of this gritty and darkly comedic film follows Mark Renton and his group of heroin-addicted friends as they navigate their lives, petty crimes, and attempts at sobriety in both Edinburgh and London. Renton’s move to London represents an attempt to escape his past and start anew, but he finds himself drawn back into his old habits and the orbit of his troublesome friends. The London sequences offer a glimpse into the underbelly of the city and the challenges of breaking free from addiction.
Location to visit: While the main setting is Edinburgh, some scenes are set around the Paddington area of London, particularly when Renton tries to establish a new life. See it here:
8. Paddington, 2014, directed by Paul King.
Stars: Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, and the voice of Ben Whishaw as Paddington.
A polite and well-meaning young Peruvian bear with a fondness for marmalade arrives in London seeking a new home after an earthquake destroys his. Taken in by the Brown family, Paddington’s innocent mishaps and charming nature lead to humorous chaos and heartwarming connections as he explores the wonders of the city. The film beautifully captures the iconic landmarks and the diverse character of London through the eyes of an outsider, celebrating its welcoming spirit and quirky inhabitants.
Location to visit: Paddington Station, where the Brown family first encounters Paddington, is a major and recognizable London transport hub. The streets and neighborhoods around Notting Hill also feature prominently as the Brown family’s home. See it here:
9. V for Vendetta, 2005, directed by James McTeigue.
Stars: Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving, Stephen Rea.
Set in a dystopian near-future London ruled by a totalitarian regime, the film follows a mysterious anarchist known only as “V” who uses theatrical acts of terrorism to ignite a revolution. He rescues a young woman named Evey Hammond and draws her into his fight for freedom and the overthrow of the oppressive government. Iconic London landmarks like the Houses of Parliament and the Old Bailey become powerful symbols in V’s rebellion against tyranny.
Location to visit: The Houses of Parliament and the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) are central to the film’s imagery and V’s dramatic acts of defiance. See it here:
10. My Fair Lady, 1964, directed by George Cukor.
Stars: Audrey Hepburn, Rex Harrison, Stanley Holloway.
Professor Henry Higgins, a phonetics expert, makes a bet that he can transform Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl with a thick accent, into a refined lady capable of passing in high society. Their rigorous lessons and Eliza’s determined spirit lead to a transformative journey that challenges both their preconceived notions about class and identity. The film offers a charming and musical portrayal of Edwardian London, from the bustling Covent Garden market to the elegant Ascot Racecourse and Higgins’s Bloomsbury residence.
Location to visit: Covent Garden, where Eliza sells flowers at the beginning of the film, remains a vibrant and historic market area in London. See it here:
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