London's most popular filming locations for TV and movies

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Iconic London locations including The British Museum and Tower Bridge feature on the big screen

London is no stranger to the big screen - or the stars who appear on it.

The city’s iconic skyline has become a familiar sight across the globe thanks to its many appearances on screen.

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The UK capital is a popular backdrop for many films and TV shows from rom-coms and sitcoms to spy and superhero movies.

New data has revealed the most popular filming locations in London.

1. Tower Bridge

Fuzzy Bunny

London’s iconic Tower Bridge has starred in several shows and films including hit US sitcom Friends and Spider-Man. It has also featured in Bridget Jones’ Baby, The Mummy Returns, Hellboy, and Independence Day: Resurgence.

2. The Shard

Getty Images

The city’s tallest tower has appeared on screen many times in its relatively short lifespan. Key features include Dr Who and Thor: The Dark World. A CGI version of The Shard appeared in Children of Men in 2006, before it was built.

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3. Tower of London

The Tower of London is one of the city's most iconic and historic buildingsThe Tower of London is one of the city's most iconic and historic buildings
The Tower of London is one of the city's most iconic and historic buildings | Nick Fewings via Unsplash

The Tower of London is one of the capital’s most historic landmarks, perhaps best known for its links to King Henry VIII. It has appeared in Horrible Histories, Cruella, and Digging for Britain.

4. British Museum

Tamara Menzi

Many movies and TV shows have been filmed at the British Museum, including Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, Wonder Woman, Justice League, The Crown, and Paddington.

5. Trafalgar Square

A girl climbs on one of the statues of a Lion in Trafalgar SquareA girl climbs on one of the statues of a Lion in Trafalgar Square
A girl climbs on one of the statues of a Lion in Trafalgar Square | Getty Images

As one of the world's most recognisable landmarks, it's no surprise that Trafalgar Square has starred in numerous movies and TV shows including 101 Dalmatians, Captain America, Wonder Woman, and St Trinian’s.

6. St Paul’s Cathedral

geraldmurphyx/Flickr

St Paul’s Cathedral has appeared in many films and TV shows. The stunning building has featured in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Mary Poppins Returns, Mission: Impossible - Fallout, and Wonka.

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7. Regent’s Park

Queen Mary's Gardens , Regent’s ParkQueen Mary's Gardens , Regent’s Park
Queen Mary's Gardens , Regent’s Park | Creative Commons

This stunning London park has been the backdrop to many a dramatic moment both on and off the screen. It has featured in many blockbuster hits and TV shows including Slow Horses, Rosemary & Thyme, An American Werewolf in London and Paddington 2.

Video production experts at Wonderpunch analysed data on the 100 films and TV shows with the most IMDB ratings that filmed in the UK. Each title was searched through movie location databases to reveal the spots and landmarks across the UK which serve as famous movie and TV settings.

A total of 114 locations were then rated based on the number of Instagram posts under the most relevant hashtag, along with Google review scores. The filming spots were scored out of 20 and ranked.

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