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Here are some of the most popular Scotland-set movies ever made!


-Braveheart (1995)

Mel Gibson’s 1995 epic Braveheart remains one of the most popular Scotland-set movies ever made, despite being mostly filmed in Ireland. The movie was nominated for ten Academy Awards and created widespread interest in Wallace, Scotland and Scottish history. As a result of the movie’s lasting legacy, Braveheart claims a spot on our list.

The movie is loosely based on the epic poem by fifteenth-century writer Blind Harry, which was in turn loosely based upon the life of real life historical figure William Wallace. Wallace, played by Gibson, led a rebellion against English rule in the fourteenth century. The Oscar-nominated screenplay by Randall Wallace embellishes and romanticises real-life events and, whilst it has been criticised for historical inaccuracies, it has also been praised as being both action-packed and dynamic.

-Skyfall (2012)

Whilst you have probably seen Skyfall, we had to include it in the list: the movie’s Scottish location led CNN Travel to name Scotland as the Top Travel Destination of 2013. The film concentrates on Javier Bardem’s villain, Raoul Silva, who for reasons initially unknown to Daniel Craig’s Bond, wishes to seek revenge on Judi Dench’s M. The movie’s action-packed opening sequence takes place in Istanbul, whilst filming also took place in Shanghai. Both of these locations provided stunning scenery, but it was ultimately Scotland that stole the show.

The movie’s thrilling dénouement sees Bond and M take refuge from Silva by driving the iconicAston Martin to Bond’s ancestral home in the Highlands. The movie’s stunning panoramic shots of rugged Scottish mountain ranges and evocatively misty roads make it easy to see why Skyfall cinematographer Roger Deakins received an Oscar nomination.

-Brave (2012)

Disney Pixar’s hit Brave met with almost universal praise upon its release last summer and this year was crowned Best Animated Film at the Academy Awards. The movie tells the tale of young Scottish princess Merida, voiced by Kelly MacDonald, whose refusal to marry causes unprecedented havoc which only she can resolve.

The film received applause for the independent, free-spirited Merida, whose wilful personality was perceived as a much-needed reimagining of the traditional ‘Disney Princess’ stereotype. The movie was also commended for its vivid and thrilling representation of the Scottish Highlands. The Pixar animators travelled to Scotland in order to gain inspiration and, as a result, the beauty and history of the Highlands are brilliantly brought to life.