Many movies and TV series were filmed in Oxford and its surroundings. If you are looking for some ideas to explore the city because you think you’ve seen it all, or you want to enjoy a movie inspired by the beautiful city, there are several excellent options out there.
So, whether you are a film enthusiast who enjoys finding new material or someone who loves recognising places you’ve seen on TV — here you can explore the list of films made (fully or partially) in Oxford, the locations used, and how you can visit them today. So, enjoy the city in a new (spot)light!
Popular and Best Movies Filmed in Oxford
There are quite a few films made in Oxford, so I wasn’t sure how to present them in a way that can help you make a decision about what to watch next. To make things easier, I’ve just sorted these by year (ascending), and added stars to show their IMDB rating. So, without further ado, here are the best movies filmed in Oxford and what locations were used (I sorted these by year).
Accident (1967)
IMDB Rating: 6.8
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 76%
Accident (1967) presents a compelling cinematic exploration that delves into the life of an Austrian student who, with the auspicious acceptance into the venerable Oxford University, becomes entangled in a web of relationships with a couple of professors. This film, directed by Joseph Losey and scripted by Harold Pinter, navigates the intricate terrain of academia, desire, and the complexities of human connections.
Film locations used include St. Johns College, Magdalen College, the High Street, and the River Cherwell.
Shadowlands (1993)
IMDB Rating: 7.3
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 92%
This is a movie about C.S Lewis, and it’s filmed across several recognisable locations, including the Sheldonian Theatre, Magdalen College Chapel and Dining Hall, Duke Humfrey’s Library, Randolph Hotel, and Magdalen Bridge.
The Golden Compass" (2007)
IMDB Rating: 6.1
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 42%
The Golden Compass (2007) is a fantasy film based on Philip Pullman’s novel Northern Lights. Several key scenes were filmed in Oxford, including Exeter College, which stands in for Jordan College, where Lyra Belacqua, the protagonist, grows up. The Bodleian Libraries and Radcliffe Square also feature prominently, capturing the academic and mystical ambience of the story’s world.
The Oxford Murders (2008)
IMDB Rating: 6.1
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 33%
The Oxford Murders is a gripping murder-mystery film set against the backdrop of Oxford, and as you might guess, the city’s iconic locations play a significant role in its atmosphere. The film follows the investigation of a series of mathematically themed murders, and many of its scenes are filmed in some of Oxford’s most famous spots. Broad Street, with its historic buildings, serves as a key location, while several scenes take place within different university colleges, adding to the film’s intellectual ambience. The White Horse, a well-known pub, also makes an appearance, providing a cosy and authentic Oxford setting.
Brideshead Revisited (2008)
IMDB Rating: 6.6
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 63%
Brideshead Revisited (2008), based on Evelyn Waugh’s novel, was filmed extensively in Oxford, with locations like Christ Church College and the Sheldonian Theatre used to depict the early 20th-century life of the aristocracy. The film beautifully captures Oxford’s grand architecture, emphasizing the nostalgic and reflective tone of the story.
X-men: First Class (2011)
IMDB Rating: 7.7
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 86%
In the X-Men prequel X-Men: First Class, we get a fascinating glimpse into Professor Charles Xavier’s early life, including his time at Oxford University. Several iconic Oxford locations are featured in the film, lending it an authentic academic atmosphere. Some of the locations featured include the Sheldonian Theatre and the Bridge of Sighs.
Transformers: The Last Knight (2017)
IMDB Rating: 5.2
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 16%
Transformers: The Last Knight (2017) features several scenes filmed in Oxford, adding a touch of the city’s historic charm to the high-octane action. Key locations in Oxford include Radcliffe Camera, Christ Church, The Bodleian Library, and High Street, where pivotal scenes involving the film’s protagonists were shot. The film blends Oxford’s iconic architecture with its fast-paced narrative, creating a striking contrast between the city’s academic ambience and the chaotic world of Transformers.
The Mummy (2017)
IMDB Rating: 5.4
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 15%
The Mummy (2017) features several scenes filmed in Oxford, where the character Dr. Henry Jekyll, played by Russell Crowe, is introduced. Notable Oxford locations include the Radcliffe Camera and Bodleian Library, which provide a historic and atmospheric backdrop to the unfolding supernatural events. These scenes contribute to the film’s global scale, contrasting the ancient, scholarly environment of Oxford with the film’s modern-day adventure.
The Harry Potter Films
IMDB Rating: 7.4 to 8.1
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: Between 77% and 96%
The Harry Potter films feature several iconic scenes shot in Oxford, showcasing the city’s historic architecture as stand-ins for parts of Hogwarts. Notable locations include Christ Church College, where the Great Hall scenes were inspired, and the Bodleian Library, which served as the Hogwarts Library. The Divinity School within the Bodleian was used as the setting for the Hogwarts infirmary. These locations helped bring the magical world of Harry Potter to life. You can see the full list of Harry Potter filming locations in this article.
Doctor Strange (2016)
IMDB Rating: 7.5
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 89%
In Doctor Strange (2016), parts of the film were shot in Oxford, specifically at New College. The scenes depict the early moments of Stephen Strange’s journey as he explores mystical teachings. The historic architecture of Oxford provides a fitting backdrop for the mystical and academic aspects of the film’s storyline. The first Doctor Strange movie actually features an Oxford location: Exeter College Chapel. You can see it get twisted and bent and it’s quite a visual spectacle.
The Favourite (2018)
IMDB Rating: 7.5
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 93%
Did you know that Olivia Coleman won an Oscar for her role in The Favourite? She portrayed Queen Anne. Oxford locations used for this film included Balliol College and Divinity School. The Favourite, in fact, used various Oxford locations to represent the grandeur of the 18th-century English court. Key scenes were filmed at Hatfield House and Christ Church, with the latter’s grand interiors adding authenticity to the royal setting.
Tolkien (2019)
IMDB Rating: 6.8
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 51%
Tolkien (2019) explores the early life of J.R.R. Tolkien and features several scenes shot in Oxford, including Exeter College (Tolkien’s alma mater) and Radcliffe Square. These locations were crucial in depicting the formative years of the author, who would later create Middle-earth. Because this film features the formative years of J. R. R. Tolkien in Oxford, a lot of it was set in several Oxford University locations, including Exeter College and the Fellow’s Garden near the Radcliffe Camera.
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