Movies with scenes clearly filmed in London but set in different locations:
- Rogue One: The Death Star interiors shot at Canary Wharf
- Sliding Doors: The diner scene filmed at Fat Boys in Covent Garden
- Batman: Gotham City depicted in various London locations
- A Clockwork Orange: Thamesmead serves as the backdrop
Can you think of any more? How about films from the 60s, 70s, or 80s?
Sure! Here are some additional films with scenes shot in London that pretend to be set elsewhere, including some from the 60s, 70s, and 80s:
The Spy Who Came in from the Cold (1965) – Some scenes are shot in London, but it aims to portray Cold War-era East Germany.
The Italian Job (1969) – While much of the film is set in Italy, many iconic scenes were filmed around London, including the Mini Cooper chase.
The Man with the Golden Gun (1974) – Parts of the film were shot in London while pretending to be in Thailand.
The King’s Speech (2010) – While primarily in London, it doubles for other English locations.
Blow-Up (1966) – Set in Swinging London, it has scenes that represent the fashion world but can give the illusion of a more stylized city.
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987) – Parts were filmed in London while the film is set in Metropolis, primarily portrayed as a New York-like city.
V for Vendetta (2005) – While mainly filmed in London, it portrays a dystopian future that feels like an alternate reality.
Sherlock Holmes (2009) – While set in Victorian London, some sections were filmed in various locations around the city.
Harry Potter Series – Various scenes in the series utilize London locations while representing the wizarding world.
Exploring the duality of real and fictional locations in films can be a fascinating exercise! Do you have any favorites?