Movies Set in London

I love a good movie and I love London – so movies set in London are kind of my thing. Today I thought I would share some of my favourites.

Movies set in London

About Time

Richard Curtis is going to feature a lot in this list because he seems incapable of setting a romcom outside of London – except for short bursts. This movie flitters between London and Cornwall, but predominantly is set in London. Featuring some of the best posh places in town from St John’s Wood to Maida Vale. I love the montage sequence of Mary and Tim’s blossoming relationship through Maida Vale tube station. A movie to make you feel all warm and mushy inside.

Bridget Jones’s Diary

Produced by Richard Curtis, this hilarious movie is a staple for women everywhere. Set across recognisable London – featuring Borough Market and Waterloo Bridge – this series of three movies are perfect for a little early noughts music, humour, and reminiscence.

Paddington

Who could leave out little Paddington Bear? Not only do we visit Paddington Station, where Paddington is discovered but also other areas of London from Notting Hill to Primrose Hill, this movie offers a very idyllic version of London. And a talking bear. Completely realistic apart from that.

Bend It Like Beckham

Who could forget this now-classic family movie about a Sikh woman desperate to become a football star? She can bend it like Beckham with the best of them in West London, featuring Heathrow Airport, Picadilly Circus, and Old Compton Street/Greek Street. A fun, low-budget movie that highlights a very realistic side of the city.

What a Girl Wants

This movie is what leads Americans to think we all live in palaces. When Daphne Reynolds comes over from Chinatown America to meet her father, a Lord so ends up living in a beautiful ‘house’ aka palace! And experiences London in many different ways. From shopping along the Southbank and Camden market to attending the Queen’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. A proper tourist movie with plenty of fun.

Already Miss You

If you love a weepie then this is the movie for you. I like this movie because it involves a houseboat – they intrigue me! – and a really lovely friendship. But also cancer which rips it all apart. Set throughout various locations in the city this isn’t a film that highlights the locations so much but still makes use of the city atmosphere.

Notting Hill

And finally, another Richard Curtis classic which features, you guessed it, Notting Hill. This is really a love letter to Notting Hill with a gorgeous cinematic moment of Hugh Grant walking through Notting Hill market as the seasons change and people’s lives change around him.

Let me know what your favourite movie set in London is. I’d love some more recommendations!

Twitter // Facebook // Pinterest // Bloglovin // Instagram // Waterstones // TikTok