Romantic Movies in London (Perfect for Date Night!)
Think only the city of Paris provides a cinematic stage for a romance? I’ve got news for you. London has been the setting of plenty of romantic movies…and not all of them include Hugh Grant. Even if you exclude well-known favorites like Notting Hill, you will find charming contemporary romantic comedies set in London. I have chosen these five sleeper hit romantic movies set in London because they show the messy and relatable love lives of Londoners in the modern world. These five feel-good romantic movies for date night will convince you that London is romantic indeed.
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1. Sliding Doors (1998)
Sliding Doors features Gwyneth Paltrow and John Hannah as star-crossed lovers. Gwyneth’s character is a London girl who has to decide the next step in her life. Her life turns out very differently depending on if she manages to catch her train. The plot unfolds in parallel universes and asks the question “What if?” By the way, everyone said that Gwyneth’s English accent was flawless. Want to slide into this romantic movie? Watch Sliding Doors now!
2. Last Chance Harvey (2008)
In this romantic drama, Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson play characters who meet accidentally at Heathrow Airport. These two lonely older adults find it hard to connect with people. The awkward duo slowly begin to get to know one another and, eventually they fall in love. In one of my favorite scenes, the pair take a stroll along the Southbank, a perfect spot for blooming romance in London. Watch Last Chance Harvey now.
3. Man Up (2015)
In this romantic comedy, the main characters meet in a crossed messages situation on a London train. Simon Pegg and Lake Bell play the lead characters in this charming story. My favorite bit? The 40-year-old divorcee chooses the age-appropriate and emotionally vulnerable heroine instead of the relentlessly positive 23-year-old. Man up and watch this film now!
4. Run Fatboy Run (2007)
If Hugh Grant has carved out a role in romantic movies as the posh boyfriend, then Simon Pegg has been typecast as the hapless but sweet boyfriend. In a state of panic on his wedding day, main character Dennis ditches his pregnant fiancee (Thandie Newton) at the altar. Recovering from this trauma, Thandie’s character moves into a relationship with an arrogant financier who is also a marathon runner. To prove the extent of his dedication to his former fiancee, Dennis enters a marathon as well. Cue a series of mishaps and eventually we all get the ending we want. Run to Amazon and watch Run Fatboy Run.
5. London Boulevard (2010)
In this movie, Colin Farrell plays an ex-con who wants to go straight. He works security for a reclusive actress, Keira Knightly. When they fall in love, Colin’s character’s past comes back to haunt him. If you liked the American romantic movie, The Bodyguard (with Whitney Houston), then you’ll love the British London Boulevard.
These five feel-good romantic movies set in London resonate with people all around the world because they focus on a universal quest: the search for human connection and love. If you’re planning a trip to London, or just daydreaming about a visit, you’ll fall in love with the scenery as well as the storylines of these films.
Are there other romantic movies set in London that you love? Let us know in the comments below!
Great list, I loved Shaun of the dead and hot fuzz so i knew i would like run fatboy run but it was even funnier than i thought it was going to be. Overall i love the Britishness of this film, the good guy and his basic life, it’s not showy, or Hollywood it’s just a simple film with comedy stars doing silly things and making us laugh, a perfect pick me up if you ask me.
I love that down-to-earth character of British films, too!
No issues with London, I just hate romance movies, they bore me senseless. I would rather watch a horror movie, I’m sure there are a few of those set in London! 😉
There are some great horror movies. The creepiest of the new ones is 8 Days Later (in the zombie apocolapyse genre) and the funniest is Attack the Block (aliens are in for a surprise when they try to invade an inner city urban tower block).
Wow didnt even think of romantic movies based in London. I will have to check some of these out.
London is quite romantic! But it gets overshadowed by Paris of course.