10 iconic movies to watch before you visit London
/)
London has long been a legendary setting for iconic movies, each one capturing a different side to the dynamic ‘Big Smoke’. If you’re planning a visit to the UK capital, watching movies set in the city is a great way to get a sneak preview of life in London. There are many different genres to get stuck into, and it’s a great way to get excited for the trip ahead.
Here are 10 iconic movies set in London that have inspired viewers across the world to explore this incredible city.
1. Notting Hill
Regarded by many as one of the most iconic romcoms ever, Notting Hill put this area of west London on the map. The awkward but charming Hugh Grant plays travel bookshop owner Will, who wins the affection of movie star Anna Scott (played by Julia Roberts) on the colorful market streets around Portobello Road. The movie perfectly captures the quaint charisma of the area and still plays at a local cinema there every week.
2. V for Vendetta
Based on a graphic novel by celebrated comic book author Alan Moore, V for Vendetta is the story of a vengeful vigilante named ‘V’. The London presented here is a dystopian alternate reality that blends old Victorian language with dark futurism. It also gives viewers an insight into the British tradition of Bonfire Night, a firework display that takes place every year on or around the 5th November.
3. Bridget Jones’s Diary
Based on the bestselling novel by Helen Fielding, Bridget Jones’s Diary follows the chaotic life of the thirty-something character and her quest for love. Amidst all the hilarious moments, London offers the perfect backdrop for this very relatable heroine. And who can forget Hugh Grant and Colin Firth having an epic fistfight in a West End restaurant to the tune of It’s Raining Men?
4. Attack the Block
Set around a group of teenagers defending themselves from outlandish aliens on a South London estate, this horror-comedy is bursting with humor, action, and authenticity. Most of the actors were recruited from local schools and drama clubs, including John Boyega who later rose to fame in Star Wars.
5. Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
Lock, Stock (as it’s commonly referred to) is a pulsating deep-dive into the hard-boiled culture of London’s East End. Featuring an agonizingly ambiguous cliffhanger ending, the explosive storyline twists and turns from start to finish. Often imitated but rarely matched, it paved the way for later classics — including Ritchie’s popular follow-up, Snatch.
6. Kingsman: The Secret Service
Only a movie set in England could involve umbrellas as weapons. Kingsman is a ton of fun, breathing new life into the spy genre and providing a fresh twist. It plays on both sides of London's identity: the gentlemanly British spy stereotype, and a more grounded portrayal of London youth culture. And who could forget Samuel L. Jackson’s brilliant sideways-cap-wearing villain?
7. The Parent Trap
This Disney favorite tells the story of two identical twins separated from one another by their estranged parents. A chance encounter at summer camp reunites the pair, where they realize their situation. They decide to swap places to explore how the other lives — one in California and one in London — all while trying to repair their parents’ relationship. Here we’re treated to a postcard depiction of London, complete with montages of red-bus journeys, shopping sprees outside Big Ben, and a Kensington townhouse home.
8. Last Night in Soho
A far cry from the storybook London we get in The Parent Trap, Edgar Wright’s psychological thriller about an art student time-traveling into the shady 1960s underworld is electric. Damp, neon-soaked Soho provides a stark contrast to the glamorous image of London many people had during this era. The gripping story finishes with one of the best twists of recent years. It’s also fun to explore all the locations used for the modern-day setting (shoutout to Carlisle Street’s legendary Toucan Pub).
9. Love Actually
Love Actually follows multiple storylines centered around different characters over the holiday season. A fan-favorite during the festive period, this playful ensemble romcom is known for its humor, heart, and depth. With a star-studded cast featuring Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, and Keira Knightley (to name a few), you’ll be pulled into the lives of the charming characters. London takes center stage as we witness the trials and tribulations of these lovestruck Brits during Christmas time.
10. 28 Days Later
This 2002 cult-horror classic by Danny Boyle shows London as it’s never been seen before: empty. Emerging from a coma during which a zombie apocalypse has taken place, Jim (played by Cillian Murphy) wanders through the completely abandoned capital city. A mesmerizingly unfamiliar moment, Westminster Bridge was closed to traffic in the early hours of filming to capture the shot. This chilling scene at the start of the movie sets the creepy tone for the rest of the story.
Dive into these cinematic depictions of London, and get ready to experience the real thing!