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
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
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.
Paddington
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
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!