A still from 28 Days Later… of Cillian Murphy crossing Westminster bridge

22 things we learned about London from the movies

Think you know our city well? Our favourite London films have more to teach you

Wednesday 29 July 2015

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London, as we all know, is the best city in the world – so no wonder it's been celebrated in the movies over and over again. Whether it's the Underground being used as a creepy setting for a horror, or the South Bank as the romantic backdrop for a love story, filmmakers flock to the city. But what life lessons can we learn about our hometown from the big screen?

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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1.

Get up early to beat the crowds ('28 Days Later')

2.

Pick your flatmates wisely ('Withnail & I')

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3.

Always have something to read on the Tube ('Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone')

4.

Stand on the right. Or bad things happen ('An American Werewolf in London')

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5.

But anything's better than London road rage ('Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels')

6.

Bonfire Night is our national holiday ('V for Vendetta')

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7.

Londoners are black-belt brilliant at swearing ('Shaun of the Dead')

8.

Our royal family are pros at it too ('The King’s Speech')

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9.

Twisted things happen in London's fetish clubs at night ('Hellraiser')

10.

But you might like to try that in the comfort of your own home ('Sherlock Holmes')

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11.

You never have to wait long for the tube ('Skyfall')

12.

Just mind the gap ('Sliding Doors')

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13.

It’s not easy keeping pets in London ('Attack the Block')

14.

And kids are even worse ('Mary Poppins')

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15.

We're all closet 'Bake Off' fans ('An Education')

16.

Don't try and keep us from the latest food pop-up ('Oliver!')

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17.

You never know when you’ll spot a celeb ('The Bourne Ultimatum')

18.

But paparazzi will photograph literally anything ('Notting Hill')

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19.

Rain is your enemy ('Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason')

20.

But sometimes that’s okay ('Four Weddings and a Funeral')

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21.

At least the police are exceedingly friendly ('Paddington')

22.

Above all else, we really don't care what the London haters say ('Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy')

Find more great London movies

Actors and directors share their favourite London films

Film

"Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels"

We ask six actors and directors to recommend their favourite London films

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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