Made in Birmingham: 10 great films that prove the city is Hollywood of the Midlands
Tuesday, July 2, 2019
The movie industry is booming in Birmingham, bringing an estimated £8.5million into the city’s economy each year.
To celebrate it's silver screen achievements, we have put together the 10 best films that were made in Birmingham.
1. Jawbone (2017) Rotten Tomatoes 96%
Fight scenes for this brilliant, bruising, boxing movie (starring Ray Winstone and Ian McShane) were shot in buildings next to BLOC Hotel in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.
2. Locke (2013) Rotten Tomatoes 90%
One man, one motor, one mobile phone call. Tom Hardy plays Birmingham-based construction boss, Ivan Locke. It’s impossible to take your eyes off him.
3. Felicia’s Journey (1999) Rotten Tomatoes 88%
This Bob Hoskins thriller, adapted from the award-winning novel, was shot on Station Street. A plaque marks the spot outside the Electric Cinema.
4. I Bought A Vampire Motorcycle (1990) Rotten Tomatoes 88%
It’s Satanists versus bikers in this low-budget, comedy horror. Neil Morrisey reunited with his Boon co-star Michael Elphick to play motorcycle courier Noddy.
5. The Girl With all The Gifts (2016) Rotten Tomatoes 86%
This Glenn Close and Gemma Arterton film brought a zombie apocalypse to the centre of Birmingham. The action centred on Church Street and Colmore Row.
6. Clockwise (1986) Rotten Tomatoes 80%
The classic John Cleese romp earned him the comedy award at the British Film Awards. It was shot at King Edward’s School, Edgbaston.
7. Brassed Off (1996) Rotten Tomatoes 79%
The plucky Yorkshire colliery band’s triumphant final performance in the Royal Albert Hall was actually filmed inside the Birmingham Town Hall.
8. Ready Player One (2018) Rotten Tomatoes 72%
The Jewellery Quarter was used for action scenes – the location used as a stand in for both London and the US. Telephone House on Newhall Street was turned into a US high school.
9. Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017) Rotten Tomatoes 65%
The crew took over Birmingham’s financial district to film a high octane car chase and stunt scenes for this Kingsman spy sequel.
10. Sex Lives of the Potato Men (2004) Rotten Tomatoes 61%
Mackenzie Crook and Johnny Vegas shot their laddish comedy on the Aston Expressway and Snow Hill Car Park. Worth a watch to see why it was named No.7 in Empire magazine's 50 Worst Movie Ever.
For more info on what’s on in and around Birmingham, visit our destinations page and plan your city break today.
Birmingham is open. So are we.
Birmingham, the birthplace of Bloc is coming back to life. After the trying times of Covid, the city is re-opening. And now so are we.
This summer, Britain’s second city is fit to burst with food, music, arts and culture. And to celebrate the return of fun to Brum, we’d like you to come and sample the city with 10% off all stays at Bloc Jewellery Quarter using discount code 'BACK10'.
Because we’re not the destination, we’re just right in the middle of it. And when you stay with us, so are you.
Free Bloc magazine.
Download the spring 2024 issue of Bloc magazine for free.
We have curated a wealth of interesting articles to enjoy on your travels.
Plus the usual features; Meeting the Bloc team, our favourite shows to stream, and much more.