11+ Enchanting Movies Set in Scotland to Watch Before Visiting

Looking for some epic, enchanting, endearing Scottish movies to prepare you for your visit to Scotland? I've rounded up my 'favourite' movies, from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands, to get you prepared for a trip!

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Looking for the best movies set in Scotland?

One of the best ways to get in the right mindset for a trip 'across the pond' is watching movies set in the place you intend to visit. 


From the medieval grandeur of Edinburgh to the grandiose natural splendor of the Scottish Highlands, there's a lot of fall in love with 'north of the border.' I don't think any country has bewitched me as quickly or as thoroughly as Scotland, and I hope you'll feel the same.


Thankfully for you, my soon-to-be Scottish travelers, there is a constant stream of content set in Scotland to keep you occupied. Films about stunningly the romantic span of Scottish history have been incredibly popular for several decades and that trend doesn't show any signs of slowing down.


I've rounded up the best films set in Scotland to get you prepared for your trip. 


So pour yourself a 'cuppa' (or a whisky) and let's discuss!

11+ Enchanting Movies Set in Scotland to Watch Before Visiting

Epic, Historic Movies Set in Scotland

The Classic: Braveheart (1995)

When people think "movies about Scotland," they think Braveheart. While it no doubt has its flaws, both in historical accuracy and in casting choices, it still tops the list, as it's one of the most famous films of the 20th century. Based on the true story of the greatest Scottish warrior William Wallace, starting in the 13th century, Mel Gibson leads the battle against King Edward's English Army in the first war of Scottish independence. Sophie Marceau and Catherine McCormack star as Wallace's love interests. Brian Cox as Wallace's uncle.

The Original: Rob Roy (1995)

Contemporaneous with Braveheart, Rob Roy (1671-1734), based on the novel of the same name by Sir Walter Scott
Staring Liam Neeson, Tim Roth, Jessica Lange, John Hurt, the film follows the story of local hero Rob Roy chaffes under the English power. Roy's father had joined the First Jacobite rising (1689) - the second, more well-known "rising" took place in 1745, culminating in the Battle of Culloden, depicted in Outlander.  
Between these two risings, Roy clashes with local officials in an attempt to carve out a place for the Scots.

Extra Credit: Outlander

The quintessential Scottish show of this decade deserves a mention on this list even thought it's...ok, it's a TV show. It's not a movie. But you just simply need to watch Outlander. Follow the impossibly romantic story of Claire, a WWII-era English nurse who's transported back-in-time during a stay in Inverness. In the 18th century Scottish Highlands, she meets Jamie Frasier, a Scottish nobleman who rescues her from her husband's unscrupulous ancestor, Black Jack Randall. Claire falls in love not only with Frasier, but with the Highlands, and, using her 20th-century knowledge of the desolation that's about to befall the Highlanders in the aftermath of the '45, works with Frasier, attempting to thwart Bonnie Prince Charlie's ambitions and save the Highlands. (A must-watch if you'll be visiting Fort William).


Outlander has run for an impressive 7 seasons and yes, both of the stars have stayed the entire time. Enjoy.

The Netflix Original: Outlaw King (2018)

Like 1995, 2018 was sort of a banner year for stories about the Scottish monarchy. Outlaw King covers much of the same era as Braveheart (14th century), as it follows Robert the Bruce during his interactions with Wallace, and in the aftermath of Wallace's death. Staring big names Chris Pine and Florence Pugh, there's also an appearance from fan-favorite James Cosmo, of Braveheart fame. Expect sweeping battles, grimy extras, and, don't worry, a bit of a love story.

The Feminine Perspective:
​Mary Queen of Scots (2018)

While Scottish kings have certainly had their time in the Hollywood limelight, it was beyond time for a feature film about Scotland's greatest queen, Mary Queen of Scots.

​The historical drama, featuring Saoirse Ronan as Mary Stuart and Margot Robbie as her Queen Elizabeth I, against the backdrop of 16th-century Scotland, explores their ill-fated, but deeply personal relationship over decades. If you need to brush up on your Scottish history, just keep in mind that Mary's son ultimately united the English and Scottish thrones within the Royal Family as James I. It's my personal 'favourite' on this list.

Non-War Movies Set in Scotland

The Hitchcock Take: The 39 Steps (1935)

Moving out of the historical sagas of early Scotland, let's move into the 20th century and a few excellent movies that take place in Scotland, though they're less...aggressively Scottish.
  The 39 Steps is an early, classic Hitchcock film, The 39 Steps follow the story of a Canadian who, on a visit to London, gets caught up with spies, culminating in a trip to Scotland and a beautiful and mysterious woman.

Musical Extravaganza in a Fictitious Town: 
​Brigadoon

One of my favorite classic, "golden age of musical" era musicals is Brigadoon, staring Gene Kelly, tells the story of two wandering Americans who discover a mythical, misty, and very musical Scottish entire village that only materializes once every 100 years. It's a little ridiculous, but well-intentioned, fluffy, and undoubtedly fun, and this musical film will have you singing the songs for days on end and hoping a small town will magically appear on the horizon during your Scottish adventure.

Oscar-Winning Best Picture: 
​Chariots of Fire (1981)

Chariots of Fire follows the partially true, partially fictionalized path of two Cambridge students to the 1924 Olympics in Paris. It's a British classic, and 'that' famous scene actually takes place on the beach in St Andrews, Fife, where they trained. If you've been watching The Crown, you also know that the film was bankrolled by Dodi al-Fayed.

The Classic Chick Flick:
Made of Honor (2008)

In the mood for something much lighter? Check out Made of Honor, a classic chick flick, staring Patrick Dempsey and Michelle Monaghan as  'best friends' who only discover their feeling for each other once the latter enters into a whirlwind romance with a Scottish aristocrat.

​The whole group travels to Scotland where Dempsey ("Tom") vows to break-up the traditional Scottish wedding. Eilean Donan Castle, near the Isle of Skye, is a main filming location (also featured in Highlander).

The One-and-Only: James Bond Set in Scotland, Skyfall (2012)

One of the best James Bond films of the Daniel Craig era, Skyfall features an unforgettable Javier Bardem as the villain, and is the last to feature the unparalleled Judi Dench as "M." The final 1/4 of the film takes place in Scotland, as James Bond returns to his childhood home, Skyfall, in the Scottish Highlands, as we learn more about his formative years and, of course, get a few good Highland fight scenes in.

Kid-Friendly Movies Set in Scotland

Harry Potter Series (2001)

No list of movies set in Scotland would be complete without one that's only fictionally set in Scotland, Harry Potter. From the minute the Hogwarts Express chugs across the Glenfinnan Viaduct, you're immersed in the beautiful scenery of Hogwarts, nestled above a loch in the Scottish Highlands. There's a lot to love about the Harry Potter series of books and their fantastic films, but the Scottish Highland scenery is near the top of my list, even when it's CGI.

Brave (2012)

It's impossible not to love Brave. Featuring voice acting from three incredible British actors, Kelly MacDonald, Billy Connolly, and Emma Thompson (who, unsurprisingly does a great Scottish accent), Brave is the story of the fiercely independent Princess Merida's attempts to free herself from the constraints and expectations of her demanding Scottish noble family which is in the process of trying to marry her off to several unappealing members of the local nobility. In her attempts, she messes with Highland magic that's 'beyond her ken,' resulting in her mother being transformed into a bear.

Brave is a charming Disney film, reminiscent of Frozen, and capturing the independent spirit of Scotland.

Thanks for stopping by!

I hope my list of the best movies set in Scotland has inspired you to pour yourself some whisky galore and cozy up with a Scottish film this evening. And while you're here, I hope you'll take some time to check out my many resources about planning a trip to Scotland, including:

• What to Wear in Scotland: 14+ Outfit Tips You Need to Know
• Top 6+ Historic Things to Do in St Andrews on a Day Trip
• The 20+ Best British Detective Series to Watch Right Now
• 6+ Best British Movies on Netflix about WWII
• Why Edinburgh, Scotland is the Best European Destination for First-Time American Travelers
• The Scottish Highlands: 5 Reasons to Fall in Love
• Top 10+ Things to Do in Edinburgh, Scotland

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