It’s hardly surprising that there are so many movies set in London, the British capital is wonderfully telegenic. Its elegant architecture, beautiful parks and distinguished landmarks provide the perfect backdrop for the big screen.
So whether you are craving a live action escapade, a period drama, a Notting Hill love story, or a timeless drama – not to mention the adventures of one very British spy – here are 18 family movies set in London to enjoy at home.
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The best family movies set in London
The following family films are some of our favourites. I have given the age ratings for each movie so that you can decide which family film is best suited to you. Now, grab your popcorn and enjoy!
Cruella (2021)
One of my favourite movies set in London has to be Cruella, starting Emma Stone and Emma Thompson. It’s a wonderful origin story to the original 101 Dalmatian films and explores how and why Disney’s dastardly dognapper became so cruel.
Set in London during the punk rock movement of the 1970s, the movie follows young orphan Estella Miller as she goes from aspiring fashion designer to evil villain. Filming took place on some of London’s most famous streets and well-known locations; keep an eye out for iconic department store Liberty, where Emma gets her first job in fashion, and the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich.
Age rating: PG-13
Paddington (2014 & 2017)
Possibly the best family movies set in London are the two Paddington films. The original Paddington was released in 2014 and Paddington 2 came out in 2017. Paddington in Peru, the third iteration, will be released later in 2024.
The Paddington films are simply delightful, retelling the story of the little bear from darkest Peru who winds up at Paddington Station – nothing will make you laugh out loud quite as hard as the red sock that ends up in the prison laundry.
The movies also showcase some of the best corners of the capital with scenes shot in the iconic Natural History Museum and among the colourful streets of Notting Hill and Portobello Road Market.
Age rating: PG
101 Dalmatians (1996)
The 1996 film 101 Dalmatians is a live action version of the 1961 Walt Disney animated film. This version sees the inimitable Glenn Close play the main character, the glamorous – and villainous – Cruella de Vil. This well-loved tale is brilliantly brought to life by the stars on screen who race to stop Cruella de Vil from turning the litter of Dalmatian pups into a coat.
The movie was filmed at Shepperton Studios as well as at locations around London including Trafalgar Square, The Mall and Burlington Arcade. Most of the scenes officially set in St James’s Park were filmed south of the River Thames in Battersea Park.
Age rating: U
Bridget Jones’s Diary
The Bridget Jones’ Diary books chronicled a year in the life of 30-something single woman Bridget Jones as she navigated life and love in London and were hugely popular when they were first published.
The books, by author Helen Fielding, were first published in 1996 and the first movie based on the misadventures of Bridget was released in 2001. Another two movies followed and a fourth is in the pipeline, based on Helen Fielding’s 2013 novel, Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy.
I would argue that the first film, that starred Hugh Grant and Colin Firth alongside Renée Zellweger in the role of Bridget, was the best one. Filming took place in various locations around London including Borough Market, The Strand and Clink Street in Southwark.
Age rating: 15
Enola Holmes: The Case of the Missing Marquess (2020)
One of the best London movies for families is Enola Holmes: The Case of the Missing Marquess. This 2020 movie starring Millie Bobby Brown, tells the tale of the teenage sister of Sherlock Holmes who goes in search of her mother who has disappeared (her mother is played by the always brilliant Helena Bonham Carter). It’s a wonderful adventure of a strong-willed and independent young woman who goes against conventional norms of the time.
The film is set in Victorian times and while not all of it is set in London, Enola does travel to London in her search for her mother. One of the most recognisable locations is Covent Garden Market, although this was actually filmed in Greenwich and the colonnades filled with flowers and foliage are from Greenwich Naval College.
Age rating: 12
Mary Poppins (1964)
I am a huge fan of Mary Poppins Returns, the excellent sequel to the original film that was released in 2018. However, you should really start with the musical fantasy film starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke (despite the questionable cockney accent).
Both Mary Poppins and Mary Poppins Returns feature plenty of wonderful London scenery; many of the outdoor scenes for Mary Poppins Returns were filmed in the City of London, around Bank / Threadneedle Street.
Age rating: U
Love, Actually (2003)
One of the best romantic comedies set in London has to be Love, Actually. Yes, it’s a little cheesy but this romantic comedy starring a whole host of big names including Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Bill Nighy, and Keira Knightley, is a Christmas favourite.
The stories of the various characters involved take place against a Christmas backdrop of London with filming locations including Oxford Street, Notting Hill and Downing Street, where Hugh Grant as the British Prime Minister, performs a memorable dance scene.
Age rating: 15
Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971)
The excellent Bedknobs and Broomsticks used a mixture of live-action and animation to create a magical film for all the family.
The film follows three London orphans, Charlie, Carrie and Paul, who are sent to the countryside during WWII where they end up on the doorstep of Miss Eglantine Price, a young woman who just happens to be a witch. The children cotton on to her supernatural powers and she ends up bewitching the bed knob on their brass bed, turning it into a flying bed. The gang then work together – using the flying bed and other magic – to defeat advancing German troops.
Much of the film is based outside of London but when the quartet return to the city they spend their time on Portobello Road.
Age rating: U
Notting Hill (1999)
Another romantic comedy from screenwriter Richard Curtis is Notting Hill, starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, alongside a host of other famous faces. The story follows William Thacker (Hugh Grant), a London bookstore owner, who falls in love with American Actress Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) and how they try and reconcile their very different lifestyles for love.
Much of the film is centred on Notting Hill itself and, even today, will have you dreaming of living in a colourful terraced house along Farm Place or Denbigh Terrace. Other filming locations included Portobello Road, the Coronet Cinema in Notting Hill Gate and the Lancaster room at the Savoy Hotel.
Age rating: 15
Run Fatboy Run (2007)
Five years after jilting his pregnant fiancé, Libby, at the alter Dennis Doyle (played by Simon Pegg) tries to win her back. When he discovers that her new boyfriend Whit is running the Nike River Marathon in London, he decides to run the race himself.
The film is laugh out loud funny and features some of London’s best sights including Colombia Road, Regent’s Canal in Islington, Spitalfields and St Paul’s Cathedral.
Age Rating: 12A
The Parent Trap (1998)
Admittedly only part of the brilliant Parent Trap film is set in London but this is still one of our favorite movies. This 1998 version is based on the original 1961 movie and stars Lindsay Lohan in a star-making turn as both twins who set about trying to get their parents to fall in love again.
In the London scenes Annie lives in a swish mansion. Today this is a private home but you can see the exterior at 23 Egerton Terrace in Knightsbridge. Apparently Lindsay Lohan revisited the spot in 2016 and took a selfie outside. Another scene (where Hallie, pretending to be Annie has a heart-to-heart with her mother) takes place at the Royal Arcade, 12 Albemarle Street.
Age rating: U
Sliding Doors
The 1998 romantic comedy Sliding Doors, starring Gwyneth Paltrow, is a wonderful “what if?” movie. Set in London, it follows the parallel lives and alternative fates of a young PR executive Helen, and explores how small changes and experiences can have larger impacts.
There are plenty of London Underground scenes that were filmed at Waterloo, Bank and Fulham Broadway stations.
Age rating: 13
James Bond (various)
Best suited to older kids and teens are the James Bond movies. There are now 25 movies depicting the adventures of Britain’s best-known secret service agent and most of them (if not all of them) feature London at some point.
There are a handful of Bond films, however, where London features more. These include Spectre and Skyfall starring Daniel Craig, The World is Not Enough starring Pierce Brosnan, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service with George Lazenby, and For Your Eyes Only starring Roger Moore.
Popular filming locations for the Bond movies in London include Somerset House, The Savoy and Rules, London’s oldest restaurant. You can see all of these filming locations and more on a guided James Bond walking tour.
Age rating: Check movies for specific age rating
The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists (2012)
One of the best movies featuring London has to be The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists, made by the clever folk at Aardman Animations. The stop motion animated film sees the Pirate Captain, voiced by Hugh Grant, on a mission to win the Pirate of the Year award.
His quest to beat his rivals to the title sees him travel from Blood Island to Victorian London’s foggy streets, hijacking the boat of scientist Charles Darwin along the way. Cue plenty of high jinks and misadventures – as well as encounters with pirate-hating Queen Victoria and a dodo – as he tries to win the title.
Age rating: U
Flushed Away (2006)
The animated film Flushed Away tells the story of Roddy St. James, a high society pet rat who lives in a Kensington Flat. When he suddenly finds himself in London’s sewers he embarks on a series of adventures as he tries to make his way home – and escape a terrifying toad. It’s a fun introduction to London for younger children.
Age rating: U
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)
You’ll see London scenes in most of the Harry Potter films but the first movie, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, boasts some of the best.
The interior shots of Gringotts, the wizard bank that Harry visits with Hagrid, were filmed inside Australia House. At King’s Cross station, where students take the train to Hogwarts, you’ll find a replica of Platform 9 ¾. And Leadenhall Market was used as the exterior for Diagon Alley and the Leaky Cauldron.
Age rating: PG
The Great Mouse Detective (1986)
This comical animated movie reimagines the great British fictional detective Sherlock Holmes as a heroic mouse living in Victorian London. When the father of a young mouse called Olivia is kidnapped by a bat at her birthday party, she enlists the help of Basil of Baker Street to get him back.
It’s a fun film for a younger audience.
Age rating: U
The Great Muppet Caper (1981)
Muppet fans will love this musical comedy film starring Jim Henson’s loveable puppets. The story follows Kermit, Fozzie and Gonzo as they travel to London to investigate a jewellery heist. It’s playful and silly with some very catchy songs.
Age rating: U
