Explore London Through Movies

London is one of the most iconic, metropolitan cities in the world, with a rich and well-documented history. From its past key advancement of western civilization, its dark side as the capital of the UK, and its vast colonial empire that dominated much of the world (i.e. The past and current Commonwealth), to its current role as the European financial centre. From a cultural perspective, London’s dominance and impact on English-speaking culture and the world cannot be overstated.

Certain parts of London feel almost untouched over the centuries, which reflects in its architecture, the relics of the past, and the different areas, going back to the dark ages, the Victorian, and Regency eras to the present date. Modern London is all about celebrating eccentricity, individuality, and a modern punk spirit. London is all about innovation and excellence in design, science, tech, and most importantly fashion. In addition to the literary greats of old, London is home to many of the fashion greats of the current world, and it’s no surprise that many movies have been filmed in this vibrant metropolis. From classic period dramas to modern blockbusters, London has provided a stunning backdrop to many films over the years.

If you haven’t experienced London yet, here are some movies; some classic, some old school, and some contemporary, that will give you a feel for what it’s like to walk down the streets of London. Some of these movies capture the best of London in its quintessential form. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most memorable movies shot in London.

1) Notting Hill (1999)

Notting Hill is a romantic comedy starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. The film is set in the eponymous West London neighbourhood, and many of the scenes were shot on location in the area.

The famous blue door of the house where Grant’s character lives has become a popular tourist attraction.

2) Harry Potter Series (2001-2011)

The Harry Potter series is one of the most successful film franchises of all time, and many of the movies were shot in London.

The famous Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station is a popular spot for Harry Potter fans, and you can also visit Warner Bros. Studio Tour to see the sets and costumes used in the films.

3) Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)

Bridget Jones’s Diary is a romantic comedy based on a novel of the same name. The film stars Renée Zellweger, Hugh Grant, and Colin Firth, and many of the scenes were shot in London.

The iconic scene where Bridget is chased by a herd of cows was filmed in Regent’s Park.

4) Sherlock Holmes (2009)

Sherlock Holmes is a period-action-adventure film starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law.

The film is set in Victorian London, and many of the scenes were shot on location in the stunning Tower Bridge is one of the key locations in the film.

5) Paddington (2014)

Paddington is a family-friendly movie based on the popular children’s book series. The film follows the adventures of a young bear who travels from Peru to London, and many of the scenes were shot on location in the city.

You can visit Paddington Station to see the bronze statue of the beloved character.

6) Skyfall (2012)

Skyfall is the 23rd James Bond film and many of the scenes were shot in London. The iconic scene where Bond jumps from a helicopter onto the roof of the O2 Arena was filmed on location. You can also visit MI6 headquarters on the River Thames.

London has provided a stunning backdrop to many movies over the years, and these are just a few of the most memorable films shot in the city. Whether you’re a fan of romantic comedies, action-adventure films, or family-friendly movies, London has something for everyone.

So why not plan a visit to the city and discover some of these iconic film locations for yourself.

7) Mission Impossible (2018)

Mission Impossible is a series of American action spy films based on the television series of the same name. The series stars Tom Cruise. The films have been directed, written, and scored by various filmmakers and crew while incorporating musical themes from the original series by Lalo Schifrin.

Starting in 1996, the films (starting six years after the events of the previous TV sequel series), follow the missions of the IMF’s main field team, under Hunt’s leadership, to stop an enemy force and prevent an impending global disaster. The series focuses on Hunt’s character, as opposed to recurring roles.

However, this Iconic series was shot in two major cities of the world. The movie showcases Liverpool street station and Rogue Nation features King’s Cross station, Brompton Cemetery, the Tower of London and Derby Shire, which is no surprise it has become a popular tourist site.

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