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!
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.
Accident (1967)
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.
Oxford Blues (1984)
Oxford Blues is a remake of the film “A Yank in Oxford” (which was, by the way, NOT filmed in Oxford!). In it, a young Rob Lowe drives a car through the city.
Shadowlands (1993)
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 Oxford Murders (2008)
The Oxford Murders is a murder-mystery film set in Oxford (in case you haven’t guessed it by the name :)). Some of its scenes were filmed in Broad Steet, different university colleges, and The White Horse.
X-men: First Class (2011)
This X-Men prequel shows Xavier’s time at Oxford University. Some of the locations featured include the Sheldonian Theatre and the Bridge of Sighs.
Transformers: The Last Knight (2017)
The latest instalment of Michael Bay’s Transformers film franchise was filmed in Oxford too. You will easily identify Radcliffe Square when you watch it.
The Mummy (2017)
In this instalment of the film franchise The Mummy, the mummy terrorises Oxford! (and then moves on to London). Locations used include New College Lane and Radcliffe Square.
The Harry Potter Films
Of course, many scenes in the Harry Potter movies were filmed in Oxford (and others were closely inspired by its colleges). You can see the full list of Harry Potter filming locations in this article.
Doctor Strange (2016)
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)
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.
Tolkien (2019)
This film features the formative years of J. R. R. Tolkien in Oxford. It was set in several Oxford University locations, including Exeter College and the Fellow’s Garden near the Radcliffe Camera.
