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Top 11 Movies Filmed in Aberdeen That Prove It’s More than Just Plaid and Rain!
Now, no one wants to be that person who pulls out Google in the middle of a lively discussion, but let me tell you—my curiosity got the best of me. And wow, was I surprised!
Turns out, the Granite City has been a backdrop for some pretty cool flicks. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top movies filmed in Aberdeen (trust me, you’ll want to check these out!).
The Crown (Netflix series)
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The Crown Netflix series has taken the world by storm with its regal drama and eye-catching locations. Many of its scenes that are supposed to depict the royal family’s Balmoral Castle visits were filmed around Aberdeenshire.
The lush landscapes and historic architecture perfectly set the stage for these royal episodes. One highlight in Aberdeenshire is Crathes Castle, which offers that quintessential Scottish charm.
You might recognize its picturesque garden and towering structure. The filmmakers certainly knew what they were doing, choosing these spots to recreate the lavish yet secluded feel of Balmoral.
Pro tip:
If you plan on visiting Balmoral Estate itself, time your trip during the open season from April to July, when parts of it are accessible to the public.
Peaky Blinders (BBC series)
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Peaky Blinders, a BBC series, is known for its gritty storytelling and sharp suits, and some of its pivotal scenes were shot in the vicinity of Aberdeen.
Now, this might be surprising to some, as the series is set mainly in Birmingham, but the rugged landscapes of Scotland brought a unique touch to the show’s aesthetic.
While the exact spots aren’t always disclosed in production notes, keep an eye out for lush greenery that looks distinctly Scottish. These environs provided the backdrop for some of the more intense and critical scenes in the series.
Pro tip:
For those planning a Peaky pilgrimage, be ready to explore the lesser-known historical sites that capture the essence of the series.
Make sure to check out the official Peaky Blinders festival when it rolls around; it’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the world of the Peaky Blinders universe.
Granite Harbour (BBC series)
Granite Harbour might not be on everyone’s radar, but it features some captivating spots in Aberdeen. As the name gives away, Granite City itself provides the gritty, urban background necessary for this crime drama.
The show’s narrative revolves around maritime adventures and mysterious happenings, and Aberdeen’s bustling harbor fits perfectly into this storyline. The granite buildings and dynamic ports offer a dramatic flair that’s perfect for high-stakes narrative arcs.
As the series unfolds, keep a lookout for Union Street and the harbor area, which provide the raw aesthetics that drive the series.
Pro tip:
If you’re keen on exploring these locations yourself, definitely check out the local maritime museum to get more context.
The museum itself surprisingly mirrors some of the remarkable authenticity you see in the series, without the criminal underbelly, of course!
Local Hero (1983)
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Local Hero is a 1983 film that is a gem that puts Aberdeen on the cinematic map. While much of the movie was filmed in other parts of Scotland, Aberdeen played a significant role in the film’s nostalgic allure.
You’ll find that the rugged coastline scenes were portrayed beautifully, with Pennan, a small village in Aberdeenshire, starring as the fictional Ferness. Remember the famous red phone box?
Yes, that iconic scene was filmed right in Pennan, and it has become a bucket-list photo op for fans worldwide. Although the movie brings a humorous take on corporate conglomerates versus small-town charm, it also offers visual takes of Scotland’s beauty.
Pro tip:
When heading up to Pennan, besides snapping a selfie with the phone box, explore nearby cliff walks to fully appreciate the breathtaking landscapes that were expertly captured in the film.
Opt to get there during the sunset for absolutely spectacular views and perfect photo opportunities.
Brave (Disney Pixar – 2012)
Brave, the animated movie by Disney Pixar, drew tons of inspiration from Scotland’s landscapes, particularly around Aberdeenshire. Merida’s wild and beautiful world isn’t a mere figment of imagination.
The animators conducted extensive research trips throughout Scotland, with places like Dunnottar Castle, which sits dramatically on a cliff edge near Stonehaven. You’ll feel like you’re right in Merida’s shoes when you stand in this historic spot.
The ancient stone circles seen in Brave were also inspired by real sites like the ones you can find in Aberdeenshire. Draughtsmen meticulously replicated the mystical aura of places such as Clach Bhan, a lesser-known circle.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning your own adventure, be sure to visit these historical sites to get a taste of where Merida’s fiery spirit might have roamed.
Dunnottar Castle offers special events that occasionally tie into its film fame, making your visit there even more magical, especially around summertime.
Victor Frankenstein (2015)
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Victor Frankenstein is a 2015 movie starring James McAvoy and Daniel Radcliffe and puts a fresh twist on the classic tale. Now, you might not think of Aberdeen when considering gothic horror set in Victorian England, but several scenes were shot around Aberdeenshire.
One of the standout locations used is Slains Castle, also known as Dracula Castle, about 30 miles north of Aberdeen. This ruined fortress with its gothic architecture gets just the right amount of screen time to set a properly chilling atmosphere.
It’s easy to see why filmmakers chose this spot—it practically oozes mystery and dark history from every stone. These ruins are open to the public and give you a real sense of the atmosphere that movies like Victor Frankenstein thrive on.
Pro tip:
Remember to bring a flashlight if you visit close to dusk; the castle isn’t well lit, and it adds an extra layer of spookiness that’s beyond cool!
Pressure (2015)
Media credit: pressure_film
Pressure from 2015 delves into the harrowing experiences of deep-sea divers trapped underwater. Aberdeen, known as the oil capital of Europe, offers an authentic backdrop for such a storyline, considering its real-life connection to the offshore oil industry.
Given the film’s intense and claustrophobic setting, many scenes were shot in underwater tanks and specifically designed sets that replicated conditions you’d find in the North Sea.
Interestingly enough, the production team also filmed at locations like Aberdeen Harbour to lend additional realism. The port scenes capture the gritty and industrial atmosphere, ramping up the tension perfectly.
Pro tip:
Make sure you opt to visit the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, which provides an incredible look into the underwater world and the offshore oil industry. This will provide context that makes the film’s setting even more impressive.
Whisky Galore! (2016)
Media credit: ealingstudios
Whisky Galore, a 2016 remake of the original 1949 classic, celebrates all things Scottish, and parts of it were filmed right here in Aberdeenshire. The story, inspired by true events, involves villagers attempting to salvage whisky from a shipwreck.
Aberdeen’s stunning coastal areas were perfect for depicting the fictional island of Todday. The scenic beauty of places like Pennan and Portsoy helped bring this tale to life.
Much like Local Hero, Pennan with its quaint coastal charm steals the show. You might recognize the tiny village and its red phone box, again making a delightful appearance on the screen.
Pro tip:
If you’re a whiskey aficionado, plan around some of the local whisky festivals. Not only will you get to experience these locations, but you’ll also be indulging in some excellent Scottish whisky, which is always a good time.
Mary Queen of Scots (2018)
“Mary, Queen of Scots” is a pretty epic historical drama that digs into the story of Mary Stuart’s attempt to overthrow her cousin Elizabeth I. One of the standout things about this flick is the way it captures some breathtaking Scottish landscapes.
Specifically, Dunnottar Castle plays a big role. This castle stands in for various settings in the film, and it’s already bathed in all this historical significance since it’s genuinely ancient and has seen its fair share of drama in real-life history too.
The film captures the eerie, majestic backdrop so well, it almost steals the show from the actors. The scenes involving castle exteriors are breathtakingly vast and absolutely capture the grandeur and power struggles depicted in the movie.
Pro tip:
If you ever get a chance to visit Dunnottar Castle in real life, it’s totally worth it. Brush up on its real history before going; it’ll make wandering through those ruins even cooler.
Marionette (2018)
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Marionette is a psychological thriller that’ll keep you guessing till the end. The story revolves around a child therapist who starts questioning reality and her sanity after her husband dies.
They really used Aberdeen to its fullest for this one! Places like Aberdeen University and some of the city’s older, more architecturally intriguing parts are featured.
They chose these locations pretty well to complement the psychological unraveling of the protagonist. One particular scene at Marischal College—look out for it—is framed so beautifully it almost feels like a gothic painting.
Pro tip:
If you’re visiting, Aberdeen University offers public access tours that are genuinely fascinating and worth checking out. Perfect way to soak up some of that cinematic vibe!
Tetris (2023)
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Tetris dives into the intense, real-life story of how the iconic game made its way out of the Soviet Union. It’s this wild mix of corporate intrigue, friendship, and Cold War politics.
While large parts of it weren’t filmed locally, Aberdeen does sneak in a few key shots. The city’s distinct architecture stands in for parts of Moscow, thanks to its granite buildings, which can double beautifully as Soviet-era structures.
The filmmakers utilized granite-heavy areas around Marischal College and some tight alleyways, to that evoke that distinct Cold War-era tension. Even though Aberdeen isn’t the main backdrop, spotting these locales is fun for those who know the city.
Pro tip:
If you’re a fan of blending real-life history with film trivia, checking out Marischal College is a must. It’s one of Aberdeen’s crown jewels, and, besides its historic significance, you can relive a bit of that on-screen drama.
