The 50+ Best London-Based Movies

Ranker Film
Updated April 16, 2024 56 items
Ranked By
888 votes
99 voters
1 reranks
Voting Rules
Movies about or set in London, England
Latest additions: The Kitchen, All of Us Strangers
Most divisive: V for Vendetta
Over 90 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Best Movies

From Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, and Piccadilly Circus to William Shakespeare, the Beatles, and Queen Elizabeth – London is full of culture. It's also the capital of and most populous city in the United Kingdom and is an enormous tourist attraction. Films set in London are popular and this list will help you find the best one to watch when you're in a British mood.

Since London is such a large city and is home to some of the most influential, iconic landmarks within Europe it only makes sense that movies like Alfie, Bend it Like Beckham, Closer, and An Education all feature this famous global city. There are also several action movies set in London like Sherlock Holmes, Attack the Block, and V for Vendetta.

This list has the best movies about Paris including: Harry Potter, Oliver!, An American Werewolf in London, Mary Poppins, and A Clockwork Orange.

Vote up your favorite movies that take place in London, vote down the films you hated, or add one that isn't on this list.

 

  • The Bourne Ultimatum
    1

    The Bourne Ultimatum

    Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, Joan Allen
    17 votes
    In The Bourne Ultimatum, Matt Damon reprises his role as Jason Bourne, a former CIA assassin suffering from amnesia. The movie, directed by Paul Greengrass, is the third installment in the Bourne series and won three Academy Awards. Here, we follow Bourne's quest to uncover hidden truths about his past while he's pursued relentlessly by law enforcement agencies. Joan Allen returns as Pamela Landy, an ally within the system. With its action-packed sequences and espionage thriller elements, this film completes Bourne's journey towards self-discovery and redemption.
    More The Bourne UltimatumRight Arrow
  • Sherlock Holmes
    2

    Sherlock Holmes

    Robert Downey, Jude Law, Rachel McAdams
    20 votes
    Sherlock Holmes, a gripping detective thriller, plunges you into the foggy lanes of 1890s London. The iconic detective Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and his loyal companion Dr. John Watson (Jude Law) navigate a web of mystery, deception, and danger. From shadowy alleys to opulent mansions, they unravel a plot that threatens the entire city. With wit sharper than any blade and courage unwavering in the face of peril, this dynamic duo battles black magic and brute force alike. Directed by Guy Ritchie, this film is a thrilling ride into the mind of literature's greatest detective.
    More Sherlock HolmesRight Arrow
  • An American Werewolf in London
    3

    An American Werewolf in London

    David Naughton, Jenny Agutter, Griffin Dunne
    17 votes
    In the genre-bending horror-comedy, An American Werewolf in London, college students David (David Naughton) and Jack (Griffin Dunne) encounter a werewolf during their backpacking trip through Britain. After this harrowing incident, David wakes up in a London hospital only to learn of Jack's unfortunate demise. Nurse Alex Price (Jenny Agutter) becomes his caretaker and confidante, as he navigates through disturbing nightmares and horrifying transformations. Directed by John Landis, this film is renowned for its groundbreaking makeup effects by Rick Baker, which earned it an Academy Award in 1982. It successfully melds horror with humor while delivering a unique take on the classic werewolf lore.
    More An American Werewolf in LondonRight Arrow
  • Harry Potter
    4

    Harry Potter

    29 votes
    Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is the 2010/2011 two-part epic finale of the Harry Potter film series. Both Part 1 and Part 2 were directed by David Yates, written by Steve Kloves, and form the screen adaptation of the novel of the same name by J. K. Rowling. The adaptation was produced by Rowling along with David Heyman and David Barron. It was originally scheduled for a single theatrical release, but with a runtime of over 4 hours, the movie was divided into two parts, with the first part being released on 19 November 2010 and the second part being released on 15 July 2011. Both parts were shot back-to-back; principal photography began on 19 February 2009 and was completed on 12 June 2010, with reshoots in December 2010 marking the series' closure of ten years of filming. Part 1 was released in 2D and IMAX on 19 November 2010, and Part 2 was released in 3D, 2D and IMAX on 15 July 2011.
  • The King's Speech
    5

    The King's Speech

    Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter
    25 votes
    In the historical drama The King's Speech, Bertie (Colin Firth), who has suffered from a debilitating speech impediment his whole life, is unexpectedly crowned King George VI of Britain. With his country on the brink of World War II and in desperate need of a leader, his wife, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), arranges for Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), an eccentric speech therapist, to help him overcome his stutter. An unlikely friendship develops between the two men, as they work together to enable Bertie to lead his people. This film won four Academy Awards including Best Picture.
    More The King's SpeechRight Arrow
  • Notting Hill
    6

    Notting Hill

    Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant, Hugh Bonneville
    19 votes
    In the charming romantic comedy, Notting Hill, William Thacker (Hugh Grant), a humble bookstore owner in London's picturesque Notting Hill district, encounters Anna Scott (Julia Roberts), an American actress and global superstar. Their lives intertwine unexpectedly following a chance meeting in his shop, sparking a whirlwind of events that blend the mundane with the glamorous. As their worlds collide, they navigate the challenges of fame, privacy, and love. Directed by Roger Michell, this film is a delightful exploration of two contrasting lives merging in the most unexpected place.
    More Notting HillRight Arrow
  • Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
    7

    Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

    Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman
    17 votes
    In the shadowy, grimy corners of 19th-century London, Sweeney Todd (Johnny Depp) emerges from the ashes of a shattered life. He's a barber, with a blade as sharp as his thirst for revenge. Helena Bonham Carter plays Mrs. Lovett, an entrepreneurial pie-maker who becomes Todd's unlikely accomplice. Together, they embark on a macabre business venture that leaves no throat unslit in this musical thriller directed by Tim Burton. The film, a gothic tale laced with dark humor and chilling performances, won the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy in 2008.
    More Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet StreetRight Arrow
  • The Iron Lady
    8

    The Iron Lady

    Meryl Streep, Jim Broadbent, Alexandra Roach
    12 votes
    In her twilight years, former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (Meryl Streep) reflects on her life and career as she finally prepares to dispose of the belongings of her late husband, Denis (Jim Broadbent). Daughter of a Grantham grocer, she successfully broke through a double-paned glass ceiling of gender and class. Thatcher became the first female prime minister of the United Kingdom and remained as such for 11 consecutive years, until declining popularity forced her to resign.
    More The Iron LadyRight Arrow
  • Children of Men
    9

    Children of Men

    Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, Michael Caine
    19 votes
    In the dystopian genre film Children of Men, humanity grapples with infertility, a crisis threatening extinction. The protagonist, Theo Faron (Clive Owen), is a disillusioned bureaucrat who gets entangled in a mission to protect the world's only pregnant woman. Julian Taylor (Julianne Moore), an activist and Theo's ex-lover, leads this desperate quest for survival. The movie, directed by Alfonso Cuarón, won acclaim for its immersive storytelling and technical excellence, particularly its long-take action sequences. It offers a bleak yet poignant exploration of hope amid despair, challenging viewers to reflect on society's resilience in the face of impending doom.
    More Children of MenRight Arrow
  • 28 Days Later
    10

    28 Days Later

    Cillian Murphy, Noah Huntley, Naomie Harris
    20 votes
    In the suspenseful thriller 28 Days Later, London bike courier Jim (Cillian Murphy) awakens from a coma in an abandoned hospital. He finds the city eerily deserted, save for infected humans ravaged by a mysterious virus. Meeting a small group of survivors, including the stalwart Selena (Naomie Harris), they navigate the post-apocalyptic landscape, clinging to hope. Directed by Danny Boyle, this film masterfully combines elements of horror and drama, presenting a chilling scenario of societal collapse due to a relentless pandemic. Its raw depiction of survival amidst chaos earned critical acclaim and notable box-office success.
    More 28 Days LaterRight Arrow
  • A Clockwork Orange
    11

    A Clockwork Orange

    Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Michael Bates
    27 votes
    In Stanley Kubrick's unsettling masterpiece, A Clockwork Orange, we follow the story of Alex DeLarge (Malcolm McDowell), a charismatic yet sociopathic delinquent living in dystopian Britain. The film, steeped in satire and black comedy, explores themes of morality, free will, and societal reconditioning. Alex leads his gang of 'droogs' on a rampage of violent escapades before he is captured by the authorities. His subsequent rehabilitation through experimental psychological conditioning forms the crux of this controversial narrative. Notably, it was nominated for Best Picture at the 44th Academy Awards in 1972.
    More A Clockwork OrangeRight Arrow
  • Mary Poppins
    12

    Mary Poppins

    Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, Glynis Johns
    27 votes
    In the heart-warming musical Mary Poppins, Julie Andrews stars as Mary, an enchanting nanny with magical abilities. She arrives to assist the Banks family of London, comprised of Jane (Karen Dotrice) and Michael (Matthew Garber), their harried father, George (David Tomlinson), and their mother, Winifred (Glynis Johns). As Mary's curious blend of practicality and whimsy transforms the family's life, she introduces the children to a series of fantastical adventures. Co-starring Dick Van Dyke as Bert, a charming chimney sweep, this 1964 film won five Academy Awards including Best Actress for Andrews.
  • A Hard Day's Night
    13

    A Hard Day's Night

    The Beatles, Wilfrid Brambell, Norman Rossington
    17 votes
    In the musical comedy A Hard Day's Night, The Beatles, comprised of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr (playing themselves), are thrust into a whirlwind of fame. This cinematic romp follows them over a 36-hour period as they navigate screaming fans, press conferences, and recording sessions - all while attempting to keep a grip on their own sanity. Directed by Richard Lester, this film is known for its innovative editing style and memorable soundtrack, including the titular song A Hard Day's Night. It was nominated for two Academy Awards in 1965.
    More A Hard Day's NightRight Arrow
  • A Fish Called Wanda
    14

    A Fish Called Wanda

    John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Kline
    15 votes
    In A Fish Called Wanda, a lighthearted crime-comedy, four unlikely thieves led by Otto West (Kevin Kline), an intellectual with no proof, and Wanda Gershwitz (Jamie Lee Curtis), a seductress with a plan, bungle their way through a diamond heist. The group includes George Thomason (Tom Georgeson), the ringleader, and Ken Pile (Michael Palin), an animal lover with a stutter. Their score is massive but trust is thin. As the plot thickens, barrister Archie Leach (John Cleese) gets entangled in their web of deceit and confusion. Kevin Kline's performance won him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
    More A Fish Called WandaRight Arrow
  • The Long Good Friday
    15

    The Long Good Friday

    Bob Hoskins, Helen Mirren, Eddie Constantine
    10 votes
    In the late 1970s, Cockney crime boss Harold Shand (Bob Hoskins), a gangster trying to become a legitimate property mogul, has big plans to get the American Mafia to bankroll his transformation of a derelict area of London into the possible venue for a future Olympic Games. However, a series of bombings targets his empire on the very weekend the Americans are in town. Shand is convinced there is a traitor in his organization, and sets out to eliminate the rat in typically ruthless fashion.
  • Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels
    16

    Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels

    Jason Flemyng, Dexter Fletcher, Nick Moran
    13 votes
    In the heart of London's gritty underworld, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels is a crime comedy that spins an intricate web of chaos and humor. The plot centers on Eddy (Nick Moran), a card shark who, along with his friends Tom (Jason Flemyng), Soap (Dexter Fletcher), and Bacon (Jason Statham), finds himself owing a hefty debt to Hatchet Harry (P.H. Moriarty). In their desperate bid to repay the debt, they stumble upon two antique shotguns and unwittingly get tangled in a turf war. Directed by Guy Ritchie, this film boasts of a unique storytelling style interspersed with offbeat humor and won the BAFTA Audience Award for Best British Film.
    More Lock, Stock and Two Smoking BarrelsRight Arrow
  • Alfie
    17

    Alfie

    Jude Law, Marisa Tomei, Omar Epps
    13 votes
    British-born ladies' man Alfie (Jude Law) exploits his job as a New York City limousine driver to meet and sleep with attractive women -- which infuriates his pseudo-girlfriend Julie (Marisa Tomei), a single mom. His libertine lifestyle is interrupted, however, when his girl-crazy ways end up hurting his best friend, Marlon (Omar Epps). Desperate, Alfie attempts a go at monogamy with the ravishing Nikki (Sienna Miller), but even her good looks aren't enough to keep him out of trouble for long.
    More AlfieRight Arrow
  • Performance
    18

    Performance

    James Fox, Mick Jagger, Anita Pallenberg
    6 votes
    After killing a rival in self-defense, hoodlum Chas (James Fox) must flee both from the law and from his boss, Harry Flowers. He eventually moves into a house owned by Turner (Mick Jagger), a former rock star who lives with female companions Pherber (Anita Pallenberg) and Lucy (Michele Breton). Chas and Turner initially clash, but Turner becomes fascinated with Chas' life as a criminal. Through drugs and a series of psychological battles with Turner, Chas emerges a different man.
    More PerformanceRight Arrow
  • Closer
    19

    Closer

    Julia Roberts, Jude Law, Natalie Portman
    13 votes
    In the riveting drama Closer, Dan Woolf (Jude Law), an aspiring novelist, crosses paths with Alice Ayres (Natalie Portman), a young American woman new to London. As fate would have it, he also encounters Anna Cameron (Julia Roberts), a successful photographer, and Larry Gray (Clive Owen), a dermatologist. This quartet becomes entangled in a complex web of love, deception, and betrayal. Directed by Mike Nichols, this film delves deep into the raw heart of human relationships. It's a narrative that dances on the edge of brutal honesty and lies, earning two Academy Award nominations in 2005 for its powerful performances.
    More CloserRight Arrow
  • Withnail and I
    20

    Withnail and I

    Richard E. Grant, Paul McGann, Richard Griffiths
    11 votes
    Two out-of-work actors -- the anxious, luckless Marwood (Paul McGann) and his acerbic, alcoholic friend, Withnail (Richard E. Grant) -- spend their days drifting between their squalid flat, the unemployment office and the pub. When they take a holiday "by mistake" at the country house of Withnail's flamboyantly gay uncle, Monty (Richard Griffiths), they encounter the unpleasant side of the English countryside: tedium, terrifying locals and torrential rain.
    More Withnail and IRight Arrow
  • The Elephant Man
    21

    The Elephant Man

    John Hurt, Anthony Hopkins, Anne Bancroft
    15 votes
    In the gripping biographical drama, The Elephant Man, John Merrick (John Hurt) is a severely deformed man in 19th century London. Exploited in a sideshow as the Elephant Man, he's eventually rescued by kindly Dr. Frederick Treves (Anthony Hopkins), who provides him with a chance at a dignified life. As the narrative unfolds, we witness Merrick's transformation from an object of ridicule to an intelligent and gentle soul yearning for acceptance. Directed by David Lynch, the film earned eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor for John Hurt.
    More The Elephant ManRight Arrow
  • The Bank Job
    22

    The Bank Job

    Jason Statham, Saffron Burrows, Richard Lintern
    13 votes
    Self-reformed petty criminal Terry Leather (Jason Statham) has become a financially struggling car dealer and settled into a pedestrian London life with his wife and kids, but takes the plunge into big crime when his ex-girlfriend, Martine (Saffron Burrows), turns up with an offer to pull off a lucrative bank heist. After Terry assembles his crew of misfits and begins the operation, he finds that there are other agendas at play, and powerful players who have designs on the vault's contents.
    More The Bank JobRight Arrow
  • Oliver!
    23

    Oliver!

    Ron Moody, Oliver Reed, Mark Lester
    18 votes
    Oliver! is a captivating musical drama, directed by Carol Reed. The film follows the life of young Oliver Twist (Mark Lester), an orphan in 19th-century England. After escaping from a dreary workhouse, Oliver finds himself immersed in a den of thieves led by the cunning Fagin (Ron Moody). Nancy (Shani Wallis), a sympathetic member of the gang, becomes his unlikely protector. This adaptation of Charles Dickens's classic novel won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture. With its memorable songs and vivid characters, Oliver! presents a touching portrayal of resilience amidst adversity.
    More Oliver!Right Arrow
  • V for Vendetta
    24

    V for Vendetta

    Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving, Stephen Rea
    19 votes
    V for Vendetta is a provocative dystopian political thriller. In this film, Evey Hammond (Natalie Portman) is rescued from a life-and-death situation by a masked vigilante known only as V (Hugo Weaving). Set in an alternative future where a totalitarian government has seized control of the United Kingdom, V ignites a revolution when he detonates two London landmarks and takes over the state-run television network, urging his fellow citizens to rise up against oppression and tyranny. As Evey uncovers the truth about V's mysterious past, she also discovers her own path to personal freedom. The film won Saturn Award for Best Actress and Best Horror Film.
    More V for VendettaRight Arrow
  • The Krays
    25

    The Krays

    Billie Whitelaw, Gary Kemp, Martin Kemp
    8 votes
    Twins Ronnie (Gary Kemp) and Reggie Kray (Martin Kemp) are raised in east London, under the influence of their hateful but doting mother, Violet (Billie Whitelaw). As they grow up, Ronnie's violent nature takes over, and Reggie follows his brother's lead. The two become notorious crime lords who rule over the East End club scene. But at the height of their power, the brothers veer into different lives, giving the older crime bosses a chance to reclaim what the Kray twins took from them.
    More The KraysRight Arrow
  • The Ipcress File
    26

    The Ipcress File

    Michael Caine, Nigel Green, Guy Doleman
    8 votes
    Tasked with investigating the kidnappings and brainwashed reappearances of top scientists, including Dr. Radcliffe (Aubrey Richards), the insubordinate British spy Harry Palmer (Michael Caine) navigates his way through criminals, secret agents, and his superiors (Nigel Green, Guy Doleman). While attempting to bring in the suspect Bluejay (Frank Gatliff), Palmer discovers a mysterious audiotape labeled "IPCRESS," an inconspicuous, but ominous, piece of evidence.
    More The Ipcress FileRight Arrow
  • Judy
    27

    Judy

    Renée Zellweger, Jessie Buckley, Finn Wittrock
    9 votes
    Thirty years after starring in "The Wizard of Oz," beloved actress and singer Judy Garland arrives in London to perform sold-out shows at the Talk of the Town nightclub. While there, she reminisces with friends and fans and begins a whirlwind romance with musician Mickey Deans, her soon-to-be fifth husband.
  • Quadrophenia
    28

    Quadrophenia

    Phil Daniels, Mark Wingett, Philip Davis
    6 votes
    An angst-ridden London youth, Jimmy Cooper (Phil Daniels) escapes the drudgery of his postal job as a member of the Mods, a sharply dressed gang constantly at odds with their rivals, the Rockers. When the Mods and Rockers clash in the coastal town of Brighton, England, it leads to both trouble and an encounter with the lovely Steph (Leslie Ash). Returning to London, Jimmy, who aspires to be like Mod leader Ace Face (Sting), becomes even more disillusioned and longs to return to Brighton.
    More QuadropheniaRight Arrow
  • Layer Cake
    29

    Layer Cake

    Daniel Craig, Colm Meaney, Kenneth Cranham
    7 votes
    In Layer Cake, Daniel Craig portrays an unnamed drug dealer, a character who's polished, suave, and notorious in the London underworld. As he plans for early retirement, this protagonist finds himself entangled in an intricate web of deceit and murder spun by his boss Jimmy Price (Kenneth Cranham). This British crime thriller, directed by Matthew Vaughn, takes the audience on a labyrinthine journey through the treacherous underbelly of England's capital. Noted for its tight plot and gritty realism, Layer Cake is a riveting exploration of organized crime that serves as a potent reminder of the consequences of ambition and greed.
  • Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
    30

    Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

    Gary Oldman, Kathy Burke, Benedict Cumberbatch
    15 votes
    Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, a gripping espionage thriller, is set within the shadowy corridors of British Intelligence during the Cold War. It revolves around the stoic and shrewd George Smiley (Gary Oldman), brought out of his forced retirement to root out a Soviet mole lurking in their ranks. The film, winning acclaim for its meticulous plot and taut screenplay, also stars Colin Firth as Bill Haydon and Tom Hardy as Ricki Tarr. With a narrative that weaves suspicion and secrets together, it's a chilling examination of loyalty, betrayal, and the quiet intensity of spy craft.
    More Tinker Tailor Soldier SpyRight Arrow