As Netflix’s The Crown reaches the stories of the modern day (or at least, the past few decades), it has shot from popular to absolutely un-missable… and the success of the series is leaving plenty of fans looking for other movies and TV shows set in London. And not just any version of London, either. While there are plenty of streamable options that feature future, dystopian or post-apocalyptic versions of the UK, or those that reach back in time to the days of horse drawn carriages and gorgeous gowns, it’s modern-day London that often has the biggest draw.
Like New York or LA, there are dozens of options, but many simply take place in the city – but some make the city itself a focal point of the entire project. From Sherlock to Diary of a Call Girl, these ten options are sure to make anyone desperate to head to Britain’s most famous city.
The Crown
Starting with the obvious, The Crown is one of the most popular series currently on the air. Starting with the marriage of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Phillip, the Netflix series follows the royal family through the biggest events of recent years. And while the series does begin back in the ’40s, making it more of a period piece than a look at modern day London, the most recent series takes place in the ’80s, and future seasons are going to be focused on the ’90s. More than that, the Royal Family is such a huge part of the culture of England that it doesn’t feel like the distant past, even at the start.
Sherlock
When the most recent small-screen adaptation of the story of Sherlock Holmes premiered in 2010, one of the biggest surprises for long-time fans of the detective was that this would not be a period piece. Instead, the series takes place in the modern day, with updated technology and traffic… but the same wonderful Sherlock Holmes that is the heart of the series. And London (and Baker Street) is, of course, front and center).
Notting Hill
While plenty of rom-coms take place in the UK, only a few really use the city to its fullest – and Notting Hill is one of those (unsurprisingly, seeing as the title is the name of the area of London where the story takes place!).
This absolute classic sees a Notting Hill bookshop owner accidentally meet and fall for a Hollywood actress, and as they fall in love while wandering the private gardens and fruit and veg markets of Portobello Road, it’s easy to fall in love with the spot, too.
Love, Actually
Another classic rom com, Love, Actually is an iconic Christmas flick, and one that takes full advantage of the views of London. Whether it’s the gorgeous little church where Peter and Juliet get married, the views over the bridge as a character strides pensively across it, Daniel and his son talking by the river, or the Prime Minister himself, London is in (almost) every scene.
Luther
This crime-drama (starring Idris Elba), is a beautifully dark crime drama, following a DCI working on serious crimes – which usually means disturbing ones. Killers and violent criminals lurk in the darker alleys of London, and this is definitely a side to the city that cute rom coms wouldn’t show. As Luther leaves London in later seasons and is persuaded back again, the contrast between the coast and the city makes the setting even more important – even if this isn’t necessarily a show to make fans want to visit any time soon.
Secret Diary Of A Call Girl
Based on the real-life memoirs of an escort in London, and starring Dr Who‘s Billie Piper as Belle De Jour, Secret Diary of a Call Girl shows viewers another very different slice of London life. This fascinating and sensitive look at sex work in England’s capital shows off the glamorous parties and hotels, gorgeous apartments and high living, as well as a look at the day to day life of an otherwise fairly average Londoner. It’s a gorgeous blend, and one that is as sexy as the city itself.
Eastenders
On the air since 1985, Eastenders is one of the most iconic British TV series ever. A gloriously drama-filled soap opera, the storylines are rarely realistic, with plenty of betrayal, pregnancy reveals, returns from the dead, and more for soap fans to love. But it’s more than that – set in the East End, this is a series that (ridiculous story arcs aside) deals with pretty normal people.
These aren’t the caricatures of the working class that can be found in Shameless, the east end criminals in Lock Stock or Snatch, or the super-rich found in rom-coms and The Crown. Instead, this is what many would call ‘real’ London… once you strip away the soap opera excess, of course.
Chewing Gum
This recent project from the stunningly talented Michaela Coel is a brilliant coming-of-age story; although it may also be one of the most awkward series available to stream today! Chewing Gum follows the painfully sheltered teenage Tracey as she tries to navigate teenagehood – including a strict mother, parties, boys, and friendships.
Sliding Doors
Gwenyth Paltrow is at her ’90s best in this rom-com with a twist – two timelines at once. The film begins with Helen heading home early after losing her job… but a single tiny change splits her life in two. In one timeline, Helen gets straight home, catches her boyfriend cheating, and moves out. In the other, she misses her train, and a series of misadventures mean she doesn’t get home for a few more hours, and never catches him out. As the two stories play out simultaneously, the film provides a sweet (and surprisingly inspiring) look at ‘what if’ – all with London looming large.
Run, Fat Boy, Run
This hilarious flick follows the out of shape (and out of luck) Dennis Doyle as he decides to win back his ex by running the London Marathon (or, technically, the fictional ‘Nike River Run’). Slightly ridiculous premise, sure, but the point is the journey (and the idea makes a lot more sense within the film itself). Run, Fat Boy, Run, loves to show different sides of London – the competitions’ luxury penthouse, vs the average row housing where Dennis lives, and of course, the run through the city itself.
