Films from Edinburgh

Written by Dani Langdridge|29 November 2022|Read time 2 mins

Every year the Edinburgh International Film Festival engrosses audiences from all over the world with many thought-provoking films on show.

With a programme packed full of feature films, shorts, documentaries and talks this festival will cater for all tastes across animation, late night frights, the best of new British film and foreign productions.

Movies and series set, shot or filmed in Edinburgh

In honour of this festival, we're taking a look back through some cinematic experiences that were filmed in our capital city, Edinburgh.

As it turns out, our city is not so camera-shy and has contributed to many great and well-known films and series. 

Book with Reserve Apartments and recreate some of your favourite scenes from these Edinburgh productions ...

Trainspotting (1996)

This is one of the most iconic Scottish films and is a great one to kick off our top picks.

Based on the ever-popular Irvine Welsh book of the same name, this Oscar-nominated film launched Ewan McGregor’s career.

It depicts a young drug addict trying to turn his life around and get clean.

Many scenes were filmed near Glasgow, but Edinburgh is still central to the plot and its atmosphere is not lost.

This is especially true in the iconic opening scene, where we see two characters being chased down Princes Street.

If you like Irvine Welsh, you should check out “Filth” with James McAvoy, also set in Edinburgh.

One Day (2024)

A love story set over 20 years as Edinburgh University graduates discover their love in this remake of the David Nicholl’s bestselling novel.

Whether romance is your thing, Edinburgh lovers will enjoy backdrops of the Grassmarket, and of course, that iconic view of the Vennel with Edinburgh Castle stealing the limelight from the passion being portrayed in the foreground. 

Rebus (2024)

Gritty crime drama from local award-winning author Sir Ian Rankin. Follow the series as the troubled Rebus as he battles his inner demons whilst breaking apart crimes within the city. 

Scenes are filmed throughout the city, interweaving tourist highlights of the Grassmarket and the Mound, with lesser known locations around St. Leonard’s Police Station.

Those who have read Rebus novels will recognise a scene in the street in the authors former home in Arden Street, as well as his much loved drinking spot, The Oxford Bar on Young Street. 

Dept.Q (2025)

Another thriller based on the Jussi Adler-Olsen titles, with another troubled detective, Carl Morck, set to investigate cold cases to raise the PR of the Scottish policing system.

Our favourite scene was undoubtably those set outside the brutallist building that houses CODEBASE, which was used as the home of Dept.Q.

Whilst the exterior of the building accurately represented the mood of the series, that Castle backdrop yet again stole the limelight from Matthew Goode's emotional scenes in the road outside. 

You can combine a visit to this location with a trip to the weekly Saturday morning market which takes place in the Castle Street car park opposite.

The Illusionist (2010)

Who’d have thought that an animated film would make this list?

The Illusionist is an original animated French and British collaboration based on the life of a French Illusionist, who moves to a remote Scottish community, in the 1950s, after work dries up in Paris.

All the animation is hand drawn and quite a spectacle, especially the scenes of Edinburgh, where animators show off the city view from Arthur’s Seat.

Chariots of Fire (1981)

Based on the true events of two athletes who competed in the 1924 Paris Olympics, this film displays many parts of the city.

The main plot shows how a Scottish Christian and an English Jew have to overcome prejudices and social pressures to compete.

Ranked within the top 100 British films, one of its most notable achievements was the Academy Award for Best Original Score, by Vangelis, for a well-loved and easily recognisable theme.

Burke and Hare (2010)

This grisly black comedy is the most recent depiction of the famous murderers Burke and Hare, who came into the business of providing cadavers for the medical colleges in Edinburgh.

The plot follows the exploits of the pair, with lashings of comedy throughout.

Not a film to watch if you are after a history lesson however, you do get a good few scenes portraying life in Edinburgh in the late 1820s.

Sunshine on Leith (2013)

After the storming success of Mamma Mia: a film based on Abba’s big hits, Scotland’s Proclaimers thought they would try their hand at it.

Adapted from the stage musical, of the same name, Sunshine on Leith follows two ex-British Army boys who have returned home from their tour of Afghanistan.

Major plot events within the film are supported by Proclaimers’ songs, including, of course, the world-known hit 'I’m Gonna Be (500 miles)'.

A great film if you fancy a singsong!

Book with Reserve Apartments

Visit Edinburgh to discover the locations for each of these iconic movies. 

While you're here, why not watch a film at one of our many fantastic cinemas?

To book a self-catering trip to Edinburgh, book with Reserve Apartments today!