Edinburgh films: 14 incredible movies shot in Edinburgh - including Trainspotting and Outlaw King

By Gary Flockhart

Lifestyle Editor

Published 18th Jan 2023, 09:52 GMT

Updated 4th Aug 2023, 15:48 GMT

The picture-postcard beautiful city of Edinburgh has provided the backdrop to some amazing films over the years, with Danny Boyle's big-screen adaptation of Trainspotting perhaps the best known.

But Trainspotting and its sequel, T2, are far from being the only big-budget films shot in Scotland’s capital city over the years.

Take a look through our photo gallery to see 14 movies where Edinburgh has played a starring role.

The feel-good musical based on the songs of The Proclaimers showcases Edinburgh in the summer, and was a big hit with audiences and critics alike.

. Sunshine on Leith (2013)

The feel-good musical based on the songs of The Proclaimers showcases Edinburgh in the summer, and was a big hit with audiences and critics alike. Photo: Unknown

Ken Loach's film sees a young father rebuild his life after learning how whisky is distilled. A pivotal scene takes place at a tasting event at the Caledonian Hotel.

. The Angel's Share (2012)

Ken Loach's film sees a young father rebuild his life after learning how whisky is distilled. A pivotal scene takes place at a tasting event at the Caledonian Hotel. Photo: Ian Rutherford

Based on the novel by Muriel Sparks, this iconic film stars a young Maggie Smith as Miss Jean Brodie - and was shot on location at Edinburgh Academy.

. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969)

Based on the novel by Muriel Sparks, this iconic film stars a young Maggie Smith as Miss Jean Brodie - and was shot on location at Edinburgh Academy. Photo: Unknown

Shooting this two-billion dollar blockbuster transformed the Royal Mile each night for two weeks into a film set.

. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Shooting this two-billion dollar blockbuster transformed the Royal Mile each night for two weeks into a film set. Photo: Andrew Milligan

This classic comedy follows two rebellious youths from Wester Hailes who become modern day highwaymen.

. Restless Natives (1985)

This classic comedy follows two rebellious youths from Wester Hailes who become modern day highwaymen. Photo: Contributed

The feel-good musical based on the songs of The Proclaimers showcases Edinburgh in the summer, and was a big hit with audiences and critics alike.

1. Sunshine on Leith (2013)

The feel-good musical based on the songs of The Proclaimers showcases Edinburgh in the summer, and was a big hit with audiences and critics alike. Photo: Unknown

Ken Loach's film sees a young father rebuild his life after learning how whisky is distilled. A pivotal scene takes place at a tasting event at the Caledonian Hotel.

2. The Angel's Share (2012)

Ken Loach's film sees a young father rebuild his life after learning how whisky is distilled. A pivotal scene takes place at a tasting event at the Caledonian Hotel. Photo: Ian Rutherford

Based on the novel by Muriel Sparks, this iconic film stars a young Maggie Smith as Miss Jean Brodie - and was shot on location at Edinburgh Academy.

3. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969)

Based on the novel by Muriel Sparks, this iconic film stars a young Maggie Smith as Miss Jean Brodie - and was shot on location at Edinburgh Academy. Photo: Unknown

Shooting this two-billion dollar blockbuster transformed the Royal Mile each night for two weeks into a film set.

4. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Shooting this two-billion dollar blockbuster transformed the Royal Mile each night for two weeks into a film set. Photo: Andrew Milligan

Edinburgh Scotland

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