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.
Bloc Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham
The BLOC philosophy is new to the UK. The concept is called pared-down chic and is based on ideas we’ve adapted from the best designers around the world. By injecting a little British creativity, we have been pushing the boundaries of hotel design. From the build right down to the finishes in each room, we work with cutting-edge materials and innovative thinkers whose mantra really is, small is beautiful.
The idea is to build very cleverly using the very best materials whilst still making it as cost-effective as possible. And that means we can offer our guests really chic rooms in prime city centre locations at very, very good prices.
Looking for some staycation inspiration? Check out Things to do in Birmingham and start planning your next adventure with BLOC.
Bloc Magazine
Welcome to the 20th issue of Bloc magazine, with a host of intriguing features to get you through the dark winter months.
We are really excited to have acquired another new site, in the heart of Glasgow. We look forward to delivering Bloc to this extremely vibrant part of the city, directly opposite the recently redeveloped Queen Street Station.
The winter issue of our magazine visits Cape Town - dubbed The Mother City, or the Mother of South Africa. It has incredible food and wine offerings as well as mountains and beaches all within easy reach.
We also explore a destination much further afield, with the Von Braun space station and hotel moving closer to reality.
There are the usual features; Meeting the Bloc team, our favourite shows to stream and the pick of Bloc's social media.
Don't forget to sign up to Bloc's VIP Guest List, which makes you eligible for free room upgrades, free coffee and be the first to hear about our blockbuster VIP competitions.
We hope that this magazine provides you with some insight and entertainment on your journey.