Manchester is known for its classic buildings that are unique to the city. For this reason, Manchester has attracted film crews who seek to add a classical touch to their films. Filming in crowded cities like New York and London can be costly and strenuous amid the daily city commuters. Manchester has proved to be a more convenient city for film crews due to the vintage architecture and friendly cost.
While great places to eat and Manchester Arena are just some of the top things about going to university in Manchester, film students will also love to check out some local filming locations too! From thrilling Netflix series to big Hollywood blockbusters, here are just some things that have been filmed in Manchester.
Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
Filmed in 2010 in the Northern Quarter, Captain America saw Dale Street converted into Brooklyn in the 1940s. The scene where Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) is involved in an exciting chase in Brooklyn after his transformation to a super soldier was actually in Dale Street. Although it’s a short scene, it’s a joy to see Manchester in one of the most viewed movies worldwide despite the fake shop fronts. For fans of the MCU, actor Benedict Wong, who stars in Doctor Strange (2016) and Avengers Endgame (2019) was also born in Manchester too. According to a guide on the Leading Movies Based On Merchandise Sales, Avengers: Endgame is one of the highest grossing movies in the franchise, earning almost $2.8b at the Worldwide Box Office.
Sherlock Holmes (2009)
In 2009, another renowned classic was filmed in the streets of Manchester. Sherlock Holmes was shot in the Northern Quarter as well as the Town Hall. Produced by Guy Ritchie, Sherlock Holmes also saw the modification of Lever Street to resemble Victorian London. Robert Downey Jr. took the role of Sherlock Holmes, and Jude Law as Dr. John Watson, in one of the top all-time movies filmed in Manchester.
Peaky Blinders (2013 – Present)
BBC’s Peaky Blinders is another well-loved show that’s filmed regularly in the Northern Quarter. One of their most exciting scenes where Thomas Shelby (Cillian Murphy) goes on a rampage shooting against the Italian-American mob in Birmingham was actually filmed in the Northern Quarter’s streets. The Northern Quarter gives the film a legitimate old industrial feel that can only be achieved in Manchester. For tourists looking to travel to Manchester on their next trip away, there are plenty of filming locations to explore that feature in the TV series. Some of the most common filming locations of Peaky Blinders include Dale Street, Victoria Baths, Mangle Street, Town Hall, Stockport Plaza, among others.
The Stranger (2020)
Based on a book by Harlan Coben, Netflix’s The Stranger is another binge-worthy TV show shot in Manchester that has been popular with audiences this year. Starring Richard Armitage, it’s full of thrilling mysteries and the series is filmed in several locations around Manchester and the city center. Filmed from Stockport to Bolton, the eight-part series has enough places to tour Manchester.
Morbius (2021)
In early 2019, streets of Manchester were transformed as the Northern Quarter received a New-York City makeover for Spider-Man spin-off film Morbius. Now scheduled for release in 2021, the film stars Jared Leto and Matt Smith and is about a biochemist trying to cure himself of a rare blood disease but who ends up becoming a vampire. During filming, the Northern Quarter was transformed to resemble the streets of New York. With lanes closed and full of new shop fronts and dummy subway stations, people indeed recognised a million dollar blockbuster in Manchester.
Fresh Meat (2011 – 2016)
Fresh Meat focuses on the daily routine of a group of students attending Manchester Medlock University, which is vaguely based on the University of Manchester. The comedy series has a local cast like Jack Whitehall, who is a University of Manchester alumni. A few scenes were filmed at the University of Manchester and several other familiar places like the Streets of Didsbury and Kings Arms in Salford. For tourists, or students wishing to study in Manchester themselves, there are many interesting Manchester tours and sightseeing around the city to explore the area and get a feel of the city student life.
