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While Scotland’s capital is more known for its beauty than Broadway, there are several movies filmed in Edinburgh worth binging on. Spot iconic locations in the following films covering all niches from crime to comedy, Marvel to musical. Which is your favourite? Tell us in the comments below.
Oh, you might want to read our guide to Scottish slang words before settling down to a film!
The Angels Share
2012, Ken Loach starring Paul Brannigan
In Ken Loach’s “Angels’ Share,” a hot-headed hooligan from Glasgow’s underclass turns out to have an extraordinary talent for identifying different varieties of whisky.
Stephen Holden, The NYTimes
Cloud Atlas
2012, Lana Wachowski, Tom Tykwer, Lilly Wachowski
I occasionally winced but was mostly emotionally and intellectually involved, carried along by the oceanic flow.
Philip French, The Guardian
Eurovision
2020, David Dobkin, starring Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams
The result is a movie so eye-searingly extra it makes “Mamma Mia!” look bashful.
Jeannette Catsoulis, NY Times
Filth
2013, Jon S. Baird, starring James McAvoy
Insulting yet endearing, this loud portrayal of dirty cops is worthy of your attention. While it’s difficult to watch the demise of McAvoy, who plays the detective – the soundtrack, locations and illusions make the experience a tad more comfortable.
Gemma, Everything Edinburgh
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One Day
2011, Lone Scherfig, starring Anne Hathaway
Scenes from the epic Netflix TV show were also filmed in Edinburgh.
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It may not truly capture the complexities of its source material but One Day is funny, winning and entertaining – if little else.
Ian Freer, Empire
Outlaw King
2018, David Mackenzie, starring Chris Pine
Bloody epic proves Chris Pine is brave of heart.
David Fear, Rolling Stone
You can visit Dunfermline Abbey to see where Outlaw King was filmed!
Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War
2018, Joe Russo, Anthony Russo
Wildly ambitious and entertaining ride about good old-fashioned teamwork.
Geoffrey Macnab @TheIndyFilm, Independent
Sunshine on Leith
2013, Dexter Fletcher, starring Jane Horrocks
Stunning and splendid but my husband wouldn’t touch it with a bargepole even if it is set in Leith.
Gemma, Everything Edinburgh
The Da Vinci Code
2006, Ron Howard, starring Tom Hanks
The Da Vinci Code has strange rhythms for a thriller. Bursts of action are interrupted by lengthy periods of exposition.
James Berardinelli, Reel Views
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
1969, Ronald Neame, starring Maggie Smith
Smith’s performance is a triumph.
Variety
Trainspotting
1996, Danny Boyle, starring Ewan McGregor
This is a savagely sophisticated work and a landmark British classic.
Alan Jones, Radio Times
T2: 2017
Danny Boyle, starring Ewan McGregor
…manages to mock nostalgia, whilst also embracing it.
By Wendy Ide, Screen Daily
Harry Potter
While the Harry Potter movies are not actually films set in Edinburgh, their impact on the city can’t go unnoticed, so we would like to extend an honourable mention to the series.
Why do people associate Edinburgh with Harry Potter?
JK Rowling, the author, dreamed up the story of the boy wizard while living in Edinburgh, and many cafes claim that she penned chapters while drinking coffee in their establishments.
Potterheads should visit many locations in Edinburgh, including Greyfriars Kirk, The Elephant House, Victoria Street (Scotland’s Diagon Alley), and the City Chamber.
Find out more about the must-see Harry Potter attractions in Edinburgh.
Any questions or comments?
Let us know below.
Wow thats great! tbhere are also many series filmed in Edinburg. We recently watched Case Histories which shows all around Edi and we felt so nostalgic…
Clique is another TV programme I recommend which was filmed in Edinburgh. BBC show! Thanks for commenting, Sofia.